Airports And Alcohol: Can You Buy And Fly?

Drinking and flying don't always mix, and airports have been facing increasing pressure to tackle alcohol-fuelled air rage. While passengers can buy alcohol at airports, drinking onboard is a different story. Many airlines have taken measures to clamp down on alcohol, and drunk passengers can be denied boarding or even arrested. So, while you can buy alcohol at airports, drinking it responsibly is key to ensuring a safe and pleasant journey for everyone.

Airports sell alcohol at any time of day

Airports are a haven for travellers seeking an early morning drink, with alcohol often available from 5 am. While duty-free stores are geared towards selling expensive wine and spirits to international travellers, many airports also offer local beer and craft options. For example, Portland, Oregon, and Anchorage, Alaska, have been known to offer local craft beer. San Diego even has a Stone brewery in its airport.

However, it's important to note that there isn't a master database listing airports where you can legally take a drink to go. 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 are a few airports known to allow travellers to buy a drink and enjoy it anywhere, even at their gate. Typically, there are designated areas within airports where passengers can consume alcoholic beverages purchased from kiosks or bars.

If you're an anxious flyer, it's worth noting that you can bring your own alcohol on board within TSA-approved limits (3.4 ounces or less) or any unopened bottle of wine or beer bought within the terminal. However, some airlines will only serve you alcohol that you've purchased from them, so it's a good idea to check their policies in advance.

Additionally, while drinking in airports may be permitted at any time of day, it's important to be mindful of other travellers and not cause any disturbances. As always, drink responsibly and ensure you comply with the local laws and regulations of the airport and airline you're flying with.

Drinking on a plane is illegal

Drinking on a plane is not illegal per se, but being drunk on a plane is. Aviation law forbids passengers from being drunk on an aircraft, and airlines have the right to refuse to carry passengers they consider a potential risk to the safety of the aircraft.

However, drinking on a plane can quickly lead to drunkenness, which is a criminal offence. Being drunk on a plane can result in a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment according to the Civil Aviation Authority. In the US, the penalty is even higher, with a federal prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of $35,000.

Passengers are not allowed to serve themselves alcohol on a plane. Cabin crew are in charge of serving drinks, and they can refuse to serve alcohol to anyone they believe has had too much to drink. Passengers are allowed to bring their own alcohol on board, but they cannot drink it themselves—doing so could result in being denied boarding, banned from the airline, or even a $40,000 fine.

To avoid drunk passengers, some airlines have called for restrictions on alcohol sales at airports, especially for early morning flights or when flights are delayed. Some have even suggested a complete ban on drinking on flights. However, most airlines would be dismayed at the prospect of a booze ban, as they make a lot of money from inflight sales, and believe the appeal of flying would be reduced.

Alcohol limits in carry-on baggage

Alcohol less than 24% ABV or 48 proof:

For carry-on baggage, you are limited to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less that can fit comfortably in one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag. This includes most beers and wines. Only one bag per passenger is allowed.

Alcohol between 24% and 70% ABV (48–140 proof):

The same rules apply as above for carry-on baggage. For checked bags, you are limited to five litres per passenger, and the alcohol must be in unopened retail packaging.

Alcohol over 70% ABV or 140 proof:

Alcohol above 70% ABV is not permitted in carry-on or checked bags.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and specific countries or airlines may have their own regulations. For example, the Italian airline Alitalia does not allow any bottles of liquid, including alcohol, to be checked in hold baggage. Additionally, individual countries may have different duty-free and overall limits on the amount of alcohol that can be brought in. It is always best to check with the specific airline and country regulations before travelling with alcohol.

Drinking limits at airports

• Licensing Hours: Airports in certain regions, such as the UK, have no restrictions on the hours during which they can serve or sell alcohol. This has raised concerns about early morning drinking before flights, with suggestions to introduce time limits on alcohol service.
• Drinking Limits: Some airlines, like Ryanair, have proposed a two-drink limit for passengers, similar to restrictions during flights. Implementing such a limit at airports could help control alcohol consumption and reduce drunkenness before boarding.
• Pre-boarding Checks: There have been suggestions to introduce breathalyzer tests for passengers suspected of drunkenness at the departure gate. While this may not be feasible for every flight, targeting specific routes known for drunkenness issues could be effective.
• Sealed Alcoholic Beverages: To prevent passengers from consuming their own alcohol during flights, some airlines provide duty-free alcohol in sealed, "tamper-evident" bags, also known as STEBs. This helps flight attendants monitor alcohol consumption and ensures passengers do not drink excessive amounts.
• Voluntary Codes: The UK aviation industry has introduced a voluntary code, encouraging airports and airlines to work together to limit disruptive behaviour and promote responsible alcohol sales. Most major airlines have signed up for this code, aiming to create a safer and more pleasant travel experience.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, addressing drinking limits at airports is crucial to tackle drunkenness and improve flight safety. Implementing measures such as restricted licensing hours, drinking limits, and enhanced pre-boarding checks can help create a more pleasant travel experience for all passengers.

Alcohol-related air rage

Air rage refers to aggressive or violent behaviour by passengers or crew members, particularly during flight. It can range from failing to follow safety regulations to threatening flight safety or engaging in violent behaviour. The first case of air rage was recorded in 1947 when a drunk man assaulted a passenger and a flight attendant. Alcohol-related air rage has led to arrests, flight diversions, and emergency landings. For example, a flight from Florida to Washington, D.C. was diverted due to a woman's disruptive behaviour, and four Australian men were banned from flying on two Australian airlines for verbally abusing passengers and crew members while intoxicated.

The availability of alcoholic beverages at airports and on airlines enables passengers and crew to drink excessively before and during flights. While flight attendants can monitor and refuse drinks to passengers who appear intoxicated, they cannot control alcohol consumption before boarding. Airports currently have no restrictions on when they can serve or sell alcohol, and there are no drinking limits in place. However, some airlines, such as Ryanair, have called for restrictions on alcohol sales at airports, particularly for early morning flights or delayed flights.

To address the issue of alcohol-related air rage, measures such as limiting licensing hours, implementing drinking limits, and conducting pre-boarding breathalyzer tests have been proposed. The IATA has also developed a strategy focusing on regulation enforcement and prevention training to tackle the issue. While not all air rage incidents are alcohol-related, the widespread availability and consumption of alcohol in airports and on airplanes have been identified as significant contributing factors.

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