Jazmin Li
Drinking alcohol at the airport is a common practice for many travellers, with some airports allowing passengers to buy and consume alcohol at their gates. However, the question of whether one can go to the airport drunk is more complex. While there are no alcohol tests conducted at airports, travellers who are visibly drunk may be denied boarding or removed from a plane. They may also be arrested at the airport for public intoxication, especially if they cause any disturbance. Therefore, while it is not explicitly illegal to go to the airport drunk, it is generally not advisable as it may lead to negative consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking at the airport | Allowed at some airports, including Nashville International, Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare, George Bush Intercontinental and William P Hobby in Houston, Fort Lauderdale International, Las Vegas McCarran International, Miami International and Tampa International. |
| Drinking on the plane | Allowed, but flight attendants can refuse to serve alcohol to passengers who appear intoxicated. |
| Boarding the plane drunk | Not allowed. Airlines can refuse boarding to drunk passengers. |
| Legal consequences | Drunk passengers can be arrested at the airport for public intoxication. They can also face federal criminal charges for interfering with a flight crew and reimbursement costs for unexpected diversions. |
| Identifying drunk passengers | Airlines train their staff to identify drunk passengers. |
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What You'll Learn
Drinking at the airport
It is important to note that drinking and flying can be a dangerous combination, especially when mixed with sleeping pills and the added effects of higher altitude. Travellers should also be mindful of the fact that they can be denied entry onto a flight if they appear intoxicated. This is not just an airline policy but a federal aviation regulation. Airlines' contracts of carriage, the legal agreement passengers accept when purchasing a ticket, state that passengers may not be allowed to fly if they appear "intoxicated or under the influence of drugs". This means they can be prevented from boarding or removed from a plane once on board.
Travellers should also be aware that they can face legal consequences for being drunk at the airport. TSA officers, who operate only at airports, can detain individuals until law enforcement arrives if they are found to be in possession of alcohol or are visibly inebriated. Airport police can then issue citations or make arrests for public intoxication. Additionally, disruptive and intoxicated passengers have been an ongoing issue on planes, with some individuals facing federal criminal charges for interfering with a flight crew.
While drinking at the airport is not prohibited, travellers should consume alcohol in moderation and be mindful of their behaviour and actions. It is important to remember that the primary concern of airport and airline staff is the safety of all passengers and staff. As such, they have the right to refuse entry or remove individuals who appear intoxicated to ensure the well-being of everyone on board. Therefore, while drinking at the airport may be a way to pass the time or calm pre-flight nerves, it is crucial to do so responsibly.
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Boarding a plane drunk
While it is not illegal to get drunk at an airport, boarding a plane drunk is prohibited. Airlines' contracts of carriage, the legal agreement a passenger accepts when buying a plane ticket, state that passengers may not be allowed to fly if they appear "intoxicated or under the influence of drugs". This is because intoxication can lead to unruly behaviour, which can endanger other passengers and staff.
Airlines reserve the right to deny boarding to passengers who appear to be excessively drunk, disruptive, or pose a risk to themselves, the crew, or other passengers. Gate agents and flight attendants are trained to recognise signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, unsteady movements, or disruptive behaviour. If a passenger is deemed to be a danger to those on board, the plane may be diverted, and the police involved. Diversion costs can range from £10,000 to £80,000, and passengers can be pursued for these costs, in addition to facing fines and imprisonment for their behaviour.
While there is no legal limit on the amount of alcohol that flyers can consume, being drunk on a plane is illegal. The Air Navigation Order 2016, set out by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), states that "a person must not enter any aircraft when drunk, or be drunk in any aircraft". Therefore, it is important to drink responsibly before a flight and be aware of how alcohol can affect you at high altitudes.
If you are denied boarding due to intoxication, you may face legal consequences, in addition to losing your ticket and potentially being placed on an airline ban list. It is best to stay calm and ask about your options, such as rescheduling your flight, rather than becoming argumentative, which will only escalate the situation.
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Drunk passengers causing disturbances
Drinking at the airport is a common occurrence for many travellers, with some even considering it a holiday tradition of sorts. However, it is important to remember that intoxication can lead to unruly behaviour, which can have serious consequences for both the intoxicated individual and those around them.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) defines a disruptive passenger as:
> "A passenger who fails to respect the rules of conduct at an airport or on board an aircraft or to follow the instructions of the airport staff or crew members and thereby disturbs the good order and discipline at an airport or on board the aircraft."
Intoxication is the single item that triggers the majority of unruly passenger events. This behaviour can range from being loud or boisterous to more violent actions such as attacking flight attendants. In recent years, there has been a disturbing increase in incidents involving unruly passengers, with some even making bomb threats or assaulting TSA agents.
Airlines have the right to refuse to board passengers who are visibly intoxicated or pose a risk to themselves, the crew, or other passengers. This is a situation that travellers want to avoid, as it can lead to legal consequences, including arrest for public intoxication, federal criminal charges for interfering with a flight crew, reimbursement costs for unexpected diversions, and fines from the FAA. Additionally, airlines may ban disruptive passengers from flying with them in the future.
To avoid being denied boarding for intoxication, travellers should be aware of their limits, stay hydrated and eat, monitor their time between flights if they have a layover, and be mindful of their behaviour.
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Airports where you can drink freely
While it is not advisable to fly drunk, having a drink or two before boarding a flight is a common way for travellers to calm their nerves. Many airports have excellent bars, some of which are listed below:
Atlanta Airport, USA
All of Atlanta Airport's terminals are connected, so you can grab a drink without having to go through security again. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport is home to a James Beard Award-nominated fine dining restaurant in Terminal E, which won the world's best award at the 2013 Tales of the Cocktail for its cocktails.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, USA
Bar Sazerac in the Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport (MSY) offers an extensive menu of classic and creative cocktails. The airport also has an outpost of the famous New Orleans cocktail bar, Cure, which has received a James Beard Award and was included on North America's 50 Best Bars list.
Auckland International Airport, New Zealand
The two-story Vantage Bar, opened in 2019, looks directly out onto the runway. It focuses on New Zealand beers and wines, which guests can order alongside their food.
Denver International Airport, USA
Root Down, located in Terminal C, serves locally sourced and often vegan food, and pours more than 20 Colorado craft beers and ciders, as well as signature drinks like the Beet Down, made with gin, beets, lemon, and mint.
Dubai International Airport, UAE
Emirates operates three first-class lounges in Dubai International Airport, with one located in each of the three concourses. The lounge in Concourse A is the largest, offering incredible food and drinks. The Emirates wine cellar houses hundreds of 20-plus-year-old bottles, with wines on offer including a 2006 Château Lafite Rothschild and a 2005 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.
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Drinking on the plane
Drinking at the airport and on the plane is a popular topic of discussion. Some travellers have a "never fly sober" rule, and airport drinking is a common occurrence. However, it is important to be aware of the rules and potential risks associated with drinking before and during a flight.
Firstly, it is illegal to fly while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Airlines can prohibit passengers from boarding if they appear intoxicated or under the influence, even if the substance is legal in the state or country. This is specified in the airlines' contracts of carriage, which passengers agree to when purchasing a ticket. Additionally, travellers who cause a disturbance while under the influence may face arrest for public intoxication, federal criminal charges for interfering with a flight crew, reimbursement costs for unexpected diversions, and fines from the FAA.
When it comes to drinking on the plane, it is prohibited to consume alcohol on board unless it is served by a flight attendant. Flight attendants are not permitted to serve passengers who appear intoxicated. Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are allowed in checked bags, but must be in unopened retail packaging and limited to 5 liters per passenger. Alcohol under 24% ABV is not subject to limitations in checked bags. For carry-on bags, alcohol under 70% ABV is allowed in containers less than 3.4 ounces (100ml), and these mini bottles must fit comfortably into a single quart-sized bag.
While some travellers choose to sneak their own alcohol on board and consume it discreetly, this is not recommended. Airlines explicitly forbid the consumption of personal alcohol on the plane, and travellers risk being denied boarding, banned from the airline, or even facing stiff fines. Additionally, drinking alcohol purchased duty-free is not allowed on the plane, as it must be packed in a tamper-evident bag and kept for 48 hours after purchase.
It is important to note that drinking before and during a flight can have negative consequences. Mixing alcohol with sleeping pills or other substances can be a dangerous combination, especially at higher altitudes. Additionally, drinking can lead to dehydration and other health issues. It is always important to drink in moderation and be mindful of personal health and safety when travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are no laws against being drunk at an airport, it is generally not advisable. If you are visibly inebriated, airport police could arrest or cite you for public intoxication. Even if you make it past the airport police, the airline can deny you entry onto the flight.
Travellers who are under the influence and cause a disturbance could face arrest at the airport for public intoxication, federal criminal charges for interfering with a flight crew, reimbursement costs if a plane has to make an unexpected diversion, and fines from the FAA.
Yes, you can drink alcohol at the airport. Some airports have specific rules about where you can consume alcohol, but many airports allow you to purchase and consume alcohol throughout the airport, including at your gate.
You can bring your own alcohol to the airport, but you cannot drink it at the airport or on the plane. You may bring alcohol within TSA-approved limits (3.4 ounces or less) on a plane, and you may also bring on any bottle of wine or beer purchased within the terminal as long as it is unopened.
