Owais Crawford
Drinking at the airport is a topic that has puzzled many travellers. The airport bar is a place where the usual rules of society do not seem to apply. Whether it is 5 am or 9 am, there is always someone sipping on a beer or downing a Bloody Mary. The airport is a non-place, a timeless and placeless enclave where people from all over the world with different times are united in their shared limbo. This sense of camaraderie and shared identity as travellers may explain the allure of the airport bar. The unique atmosphere, deliberately designed to separate patrons from the outside world, also plays a role. While drinking at the airport can be a fun way to pass the time or mark the start of a vacation, it is important to remember that there are rules and consequences to drinking too much. Airlines can refuse to let you on the plane if you appear intoxicated, and flight attendants can refuse to serve you more alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of the day | Drinking at the airport is acceptable at any time of the day, including early morning. |
| Location | Drinking laws vary depending on the airport and country. Some airports have designated drinking areas, while others allow drinking at the gate. |
| Social norms | Drinking at airports is often seen as a way to pass time, mark time, or signal the beginning of a vacation. It can also foster a sense of camaraderie among travelers. |
| Availability | Alcohol is typically available for purchase at airport bars, kiosks, or restaurants. |
| Price | Alcohol prices at airports can vary, with some drinks costing around $9. |
| Acceptable behavior | While drinking is allowed, airports have rules against appearing drunk or causing a disturbance. |
| Drinking on the plane | Drinking rules on a plane depend on the airline and the country/state it is registered in or flying to. |
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What You'll Learn
Drinking culture at airports
Drinking at airports is a common phenomenon, with many travellers enjoying a beverage before boarding their flights. Airports have become spaces where people can drink outside of the usual social norms and constraints of everyday life. The airport drinking culture is influenced by various factors, including the unique atmosphere of airport bars, the sense of camaraderie among travellers, the extended waiting times, and the excitement or anxiety associated with air travel.
The design of airport bars plays a role in creating an environment that encourages drinking. These establishments often lack windows and clocks, disconnecting patrons from the outside world and everyday routines. The generic decor and bright fluorescent lights contribute to the sense of being in a "non-place," as described by French anthropologist Marc Augé. This atmosphere can make travellers feel anonymous and separated from their normal identities, leading to a sense of freedom and reduced inhibitions when it comes to drinking.
Sociologists suggest that travel provides an opportunity to explore alternate identities, and airport drinking is part of this experience. At an airport, travellers are in a liminal state, neither here nor there, and this sense of being in a "societal purgatory" can encourage drinking behaviours that might not be typical in one's everyday life. Fellow travellers are often focused on their own itineraries and are less likely to judge, creating a sense of camaraderie and openness among strangers.
Waiting times at airports can be long, and drinking can help pass the time. Travellers may find themselves with hours to kill before their flight, and airport bars offer a convenient way to relax, socialise, or simply stay entertained. Additionally, drinking can be a way to mark time, with some travellers seeking out specific airport bars as a final taste of local beverages before returning home.
For some, airport drinking is a way to ease pre-flight anxiety. The prospect of being in a pressurised metal tube at 36,000 feet can be daunting, and a drink or two can help calm nerves. However, it's important to note that excessive drinking can lead to travellers being refused boarding, as flight attendants have the right to deny service or boarding to those who appear intoxicated.
While airport drinking is widespread, there are variations in the rules and norms across different airports and countries. Some airports have designated drinking areas, while others allow drinking at the gate. The hours during which alcohol is served can also vary, with some airports serving alcohol as early as 5:00 am.
The drinking culture at airports is a unique aspect of travel, influenced by the transient nature of these spaces, the social dynamics among travellers, and the desire to pass the time or ease travel anxieties. While it provides a sense of freedom and excitement, it's important to drink responsibly and be mindful of the potential consequences, including the impact on one's health and well-being and ability to board a flight.
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Time and space at airports
The airport experience can be stressful and tedious, with long lines, security checks, and flight delays. Drinking can be a way to pass the time and alleviate boredom or anxiety. Additionally, the availability of unique or local beverages can be a draw, as travellers may seek to sample beers or spirits that are specific to the region they are visiting.
The design of airport bars also plays a role in encouraging drinking. These establishments often lack windows and clocks, further disconnecting patrons from the outside world and the normal passage of time. The atmosphere may be deliberately crafted to induce a sense of escapism, with bright fluorescent lights and sports highlights playing on loop.
While airport drinking can be a way to mark the transition to vacation mode or to alleviate pre-flight jitters, it is important to remember that excessive consumption can lead to intoxication. Flight attendants have the right to refuse service to passengers who appear inebriated, and airlines may deny boarding to those who appear overly drunk. Additionally, while some airports allow passengers to carry their drinks to the gate, consumption of personal alcohol on the plane is typically prohibited.
In conclusion, the airport exists in a unique temporal and spatial bubble, where the usual rules of time and place do not always apply. Drinking in airports can be influenced by a variety of factors, including stress, boredom, and a sense of camaraderie with fellow travellers. However, it is important to consume alcohol responsibly and be mindful of the rules and regulations governing drinking both in the airport and on the plane.
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Alcohol availability at airports
Drinking at the airport is a common occurrence, with many travellers choosing to consume alcohol before their flight. While the specific rules around alcohol sales and consumption may vary by airport and country, it is generally acceptable to drink alcohol at airports outside of typical drinking hours.
Many airports have bars, restaurants, or kiosks that sell alcoholic beverages, and travellers may also purchase alcohol from duty-free shops to consume on their flight. There is often no set limit to the number of drinks a passenger can have at the airport, but it is important to note that flight attendants can refuse to serve additional alcohol to passengers who appear intoxicated. Similarly, airlines can deny boarding to passengers who appear drunk.
The availability of alcohol at airports can be influenced by several factors. Some airports may have restricted areas where passengers can consume alcohol, such as designated drinking areas or specific terminals. Additionally, local laws and regulations can impact alcohol sales and consumption. For example, in the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to bring small bottles of alcohol (3.4 ounces or less) or an unlimited number of bottles of wine or beer purchased within the terminal on board, as long as they remain unopened during the flight.
The unique environment of airports also contributes to the culture of drinking. Airports can feel like a ""non-place," disconnected from everyday life, where regular social norms and time do not seem to apply. This sense of detachment, combined with the stress and boredom of travel, can encourage passengers to drink. The availability of alcohol at airports provides an opportunity for travellers to socialise, relax, and mark the transition to vacation or the end of their trip.
While drinking at airports is common, it is important for passengers to drink responsibly and be mindful of their surroundings. Excessive alcohol consumption can impact a passenger's ability to navigate the airport, increase anxiety, and lead to disruptive behaviour. Additionally, mixing alcohol with the reduced air pressure and dry air of an aircraft cabin can enhance its effects, potentially leading to dehydration, headaches, or hangovers. Therefore, passengers should be mindful of their consumption and ensure they stay within their limits.
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Drinking before boarding
Drinking at the airport is a common occurrence, with many travellers opting to consume alcohol before boarding their flights. While the idea of drinking at an airport may seem unusual to some, there are several reasons why travellers engage in this practice.
Firstly, airports are often viewed as a limbo or "non-place", disconnected from the routines of everyday life. Sociologists suggest that travel provides an opportunity to try out alternate identities, and drinking at airports can be seen as a way to mark the transition from one set of rules to another. The airport environment, with its lack of windows and clocks, further enhances the sense of being outside the normal flow of time and space.
Additionally, the stress and hassle associated with air travel can contribute to the desire to drink. The process of navigating through security, dealing with delays, and the general discomfort of flying can make alcohol a tempting way to relax and pass the time. For some, drinking at the airport is a way to celebrate the beginning of a vacation or to cope with anxiety about flying.
The availability of alcohol at airports also plays a role. With bars, restaurants, and kiosks offering a variety of alcoholic beverages, including local craft beers and cocktails, it is easy for travellers to access alcohol while waiting for their flights. In some airports, such as Nashville International, Chicago's Midway and O'Hare, and Las Vegas McCarran International, passengers are even allowed to consume alcohol at their gates.
However, it is important to drink in moderation and be mindful of the rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption. While airports may have more relaxed norms around drinking times, excessive intoxication can lead to being refused further service or even denied boarding. Additionally, while small amounts of alcohol are typically allowed onboard, open containers purchased at the airport cannot be brought onto the plane.
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Drinking during layovers
The airport bar is deliberately designed to encourage this behaviour. With no clocks, bright fluorescent lights instead of windows, and sports highlights playing on a loop, travellers can easily forget the time and indulge in a drink or two. Additionally, with the hassle of security checks, long lines, and the stress of air travel, many travellers turn to alcohol to pass the time or ease their anxiety.
While drinking during layovers is common, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with consuming alcohol, especially when combined with air travel. Alcohol can increase your heart rate and reduce blood oxygen levels, which can be further exacerbated by the lower oxygen levels in an airplane cabin. This can be particularly dangerous for individuals with cardiac or respiratory conditions. Alcohol is also dehydrating, which can increase the risk of developing blood clots during a flight.
To make the most of drinking during layovers, some travellers recommend seeking out airports known for their craft beers or unique bars. For example, Chicago's O'Hare International Airport offers a variety of local beers, while the American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 4 features a Prohibition-inspired speakeasy. However, it is always important to drink in moderation and be mindful of your surroundings and fellow travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the airport and its bars' operating hours. However, some airports serve alcohol as early as 5 a.m., and drinking in the early morning at airports is a common occurrence.
While there is no universal rule, it is generally advised against. Some people suggest being discreet about it, while others recommend finishing the bottle before boarding to avoid any issues.
Yes, some airports, such as Nashville International, Chicago's Midway and O'Hare, and Las Vegas McCarran International, allow you to buy a drink and take it with you wherever you go, even to your gate. However, you still cannot take your drink with you when boarding the plane.
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