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Drinking at airports and on planes is a hotly debated topic. While some people enjoy a drink to calm their nerves or induce sleep before a flight, others argue that airports and airlines profit from the sale of alcohol and leave airlines to deal with drunken passengers. While there are no licensing laws for airside airport pubs, some countries and airlines have imposed restrictions on alcohol sales and consumption. For instance, in Thailand, airports can serve alcohol to passengers during the country's five national Buddhist days when the sale of alcohol is otherwise prohibited. In the UK, the Home Office has considered banning morning drinking at airports to curb disruptive behaviour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of alcohol service | In some countries, airports can serve alcohol 24/7 as they are not subject to licensing laws if they are airside. However, there is no master database of all airports where drinking to go is legal. |
| Location | Alcohol is served at airport bars, kiosks, and lounges. |
| Alcohol service on planes | Airlines have varying policies on alcohol service on planes. Some airlines allow passengers to bring their own alcohol, while others only serve alcohol purchased from them. Drinking policies on flights depend on the airline and the laws of the country in which the airline is registered or the destination country. |
| Alcohol service in transit countries | In some countries, such as Thailand, airports can serve alcohol to passengers at certain times of the year, even when the sale of alcohol is prohibited in the country. Some countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, have 'dry' airlines that do not serve alcohol due to religious reasons. |
| Effects of drinking at airports | The airport is often perceived as a "non-place" where people are relieved of their usual identities and feel a sense of solidarity with fellow travelers, which may contribute to drinking. The lack of visual cues and the presence of people from different time zones can further disorient individuals and impact their perception of appropriate drinking times. |
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What You'll Learn
Airports with 24/7 alcohol service
While there is no definitive answer to which airports serve alcohol 24/7, it is known that airport bars are often busy around the clock. This is due to a variety of factors, such as passengers waiting for flights, adjusting to jet lag, or killing time before boarding. Additionally, the airport environment itself can encourage drinking, as it separates people from their everyday lives and normal routines.
Some airports, such as SeaTac Airport in Seattle, allow alcohol sales as early as 6 AM. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is also known for its early morning beer offerings, with establishments like Berghoff Cafe serving beer as early as 9 AM. At Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport, the Flying Dog Tap House offers a unique airport drinking experience with its rustic farmhouse decor and exclusive craft beers.
In some airport lounges, passengers have almost unlimited access to alcohol. For example, the Cathay Pacific lounge in Terminal 3 at London Heathrow Airport offers a self-serve draft beer tap. However, stronger drinks like wine and spirits are usually ordered from the bar, and staff can refuse service to visibly intoxicated individuals.
While drinking in airports is a common aspect of travel for many, it has also led to concerns about passenger disruption and safety. Airlines like Ryanair have called for stricter policies, proposing a two-drink limit at airports within the European Union, which would be enforced by scanning boarding passes during alcohol purchases.
Despite these concerns, the unique atmosphere and sense of timelessness in airports make them places where drinking at any time of day is widely accepted.
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Drinking in airports and on planes
Drinking in airports and on aeroplanes is a divisive topic, with some people believing it should be restricted due to safety concerns, and others arguing that it is an exciting novelty. While there is no master database outlining the drinking laws for every airport and airline, here is a guide to drinking in airports and on planes, including the varying rules and cultural norms.
Drinking in Airports
Airport terminals often feature bars or kiosks selling alcohol, and due to the timeless, placeless nature of airports, many people find themselves drinking earlier than they would usually. Airports in certain countries may have different rules about serving alcohol at specific times of the year. For example, in Thailand, airports are among the only places where alcohol can be served during the country's five national Buddhist days. In the UK, there have been calls to restrict morning drinking at airports to reduce disruptive behaviour.
In the US, airport bars are not subject to licensing laws if they are airside, meaning they can serve alcohol 24/7. For example, at Seattle's SeaTac airport, alcohol can be purchased legally from 6 am onwards. However, it is worth noting that individual restaurants and bars within the airport may not be open at that time.
Drinking on Aeroplanes
The rules around drinking on aeroplanes can vary depending on the airline and the country in which it is registered. Some airlines may allow passengers to bring their own alcohol, as long as it is handed over to flight attendants to monitor consumption. Other airlines will only serve alcohol purchased from them, and flight attendants can refuse to serve passengers who appear intoxicated.
While drinking on aeroplanes is common, it is important to be mindful of the effects of alcohol at high altitudes. The dry cabin air can increase consumption due to thirst, and some people may experience mild hypoxia, leading to light-headedness. It is recommended to drink in moderation and ensure proper hydration by having a bottle of water for each alcoholic drink. Additionally, it is important to remember that drinking alcohol before or during a flight can have different effects on each individual.
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Alcohol restrictions at some airports
While some airports have bars that serve alcohol, the rules surrounding alcohol sales and consumption at airports vary across different regions and countries.
In the United States, for example, airport bars are often not subject to licensing laws if they are airside, meaning they can serve alcohol 24/7. However, individual states and municipalities may have their own regulations regarding alcohol sales during specific hours, such as early morning or late-night restrictions.
In the United Kingdom, there have been discussions about implementing alcohol restrictions at airports to reduce disruptive behaviour, including proposals to ban morning drinking.
Some countries with religious prohibitions on alcohol consumption, such as Saudi Arabia, do not allow alcohol to be served at their airports or on board their airlines. Similarly, airlines based in countries like Egypt, Iran, and Thailand may prohibit alcohol consumption onboard, although passengers may still be allowed to purchase and consume alcohol in the airport before their flight.
Additionally, individual airlines may have their own policies regarding alcohol consumption. For instance, Ryanair has proposed a two-drink limit at airports within the European Union, while other airlines may allow passengers to bring their own alcohol, provided it is served by a flight attendant.
It is important for travellers to be mindful of the varying rules and restrictions on alcohol sales and consumption at different airports and airlines, as well as the potential impact of alcohol consumption on their travel experience and well-being.
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Drinking alcohol before a flight
At airports, the sale and consumption of alcohol are typically allowed, and most terminals have bars or kiosks selling alcoholic beverages. However, there are no standard rules for drinking in airports, and regulations vary depending on the country, state, or individual airport policies. For instance, at Seattle's SeaTac Airport, alcoholic beverages can be legally sold as early as 6 AM.
To ensure a comfortable drinking and flying experience, it is recommended to drink in moderation and stay hydrated by consuming water. Eating snacks or meals before and during the flight can also help. It is worth noting that bringing your own alcohol onboard might be restricted, and it is generally advised to comply with the rules of the airline and the country or state you are in.
While drinking alcohol before a flight may be a personal choice, it is important to be mindful of potential health and safety implications and follow the regulations set by the airport, airline, and local authorities.
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Airlines with no alcohol served onboard
While most airlines do serve alcohol, there are some that don't. This is often due to religious and cultural reasons, especially in countries with significant Muslim populations where alcohol is restricted or banned. Airlines that don't serve alcohol include:
Royal Brunei Airlines
The government-owned national airline of Brunei does not serve alcoholic beverages on its flights. However, non-Muslim passengers can bring their own alcohol to drink on the plane, although it's recommended to consult the cabin crew first.
Pakistan International Airlines
Pakistan's national airline banned alcohol onboard in the 1970s in line with national Islamic values. Non-Muslim passengers may be permitted to bring a bottle in their checked luggage, but it cannot be consumed onboard.
Iran Air
As the national carrier of Iran, Iran Air follows Islamic law and does not serve alcoholic beverages on any of its flights.
Air Arabia
This low-cost airline based in the United Arab Emirates prohibits alcohol onboard. However, passengers can purchase alcoholic beverages at duty-free and keep them sealed in their hand luggage.
Kuwait Airways
Kuwait Airways does not allow any alcohol on board, including in checked or hand luggage. However, passengers can enjoy complimentary hot meals and Arabic coffee.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines, Turkey's national carrier, does not serve alcohol on domestic flights but does offer it on international flights and in airport lounges.
Other Airlines
Other airlines that don't serve alcohol on certain routes or have implemented temporary bans include Air India, Oman Air, Thai Airways, EgyptAir, Drukair, and Malaysian carrier AirAsia. Additionally, some airlines don't serve alcohol before a certain time on domestic flights, such as Finnair, which serves alcohol on board domestic services until 17:00.
It's worth noting that while some airlines don't serve alcohol, they may allow passengers to bring their own, subject to certain limitations and the crew's discretion.
Regarding the serving of alcohol at airports, there don't appear to be standardized hours, as airport bars are not subject to licensing laws if they are airside. For example, at SeaTac Airport in Seattle, alcohol can be served legally starting at 6 AM. However, the availability of alcohol at airports and on aircraft remains a topic of debate, with some calling for stricter policies due to the safety concerns associated with drunken passenger behaviour.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no universal rule for this. It depends on the country and the airport. For example, SeaTac Airport in Seattle starts serving alcohol at 6 am.
There is a sense of solidarity among travellers, and drinking alcohol signals the transition from one set of rules to another. Airports are often seen as ["non-places"], where people are freed from their usual identities and social norms.
Yes, some countries with religious prohibitions on alcohol, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt, have dry airlines and airports. Ryanair has also proposed a two-drink limit at airports within the European Union.
Generally, you cannot serve yourself alcohol on a plane, even if it's your own. Some airlines, like JetBlue, allow you to bring your own alcohol, but it must be opened and served by a flight attendant.
Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, especially in the dry air of an aircraft cabin. It is recommended to drink water and eat snacks to combat dehydration and mild hypoxia (lower oxygen levels in the blood). While alcohol may not have a greater effect at flying altitude, it is important to drink in moderation.
