Lois Larson
There are many options for grabbing a drink at the airport. Most terminals have at least one bar or kiosk serving alcohol, and some airports have tablet ordering stations where you can drink from wherever you place your order. Airport lounges also offer complimentary food and drinks, and some have amenities such as spas, a la carte dining, and showers. However, there are complex rules surrounding drinking in airports, and each airport has its own policies. For example, some airports allow you to buy a drink and enjoy it anywhere, even at your gate, while others have marked-off areas for drinking. It's also important to note that while you can bring your own small bottles of alcohol through security, you cannot consume them in the airport or on the plane, and you must follow the drinking laws of the country or state you are in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Airport bars, airport kiosks, airport lounges, tablet ordering stations, duty-free shops, and departure lounges |
| Amenities | Complimentary food and drinks, quiet and comfortable seating, device charging, free Wi-Fi, TV shows, spa, a la carte dining, and showers |
| Rules | No drinking of personal alcohol, no drinking and roaming, no drinking on the plane unless served by airline staff, no drinking if intoxicated, and drinking may be restricted to marked-off areas |
| Drinks | Beer, wine, cocktails, gin martini, gimlet, boulevardier, cabernet, tequila with soda, lime, and olive, paloma, champagne, and prosecco |
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Airport lounges
The key to enjoying an airport lounge is planning your time effectively. Allow enough time to experience everything the lounge has to offer. Rushing in at the last minute will not provide the relaxing experience you desire. Check-in usually opens a few hours before departure, so plan accordingly to maximise your time in the lounge.
While airport lounges offer complimentary drinks, it is important to drink in moderation. Overindulging may result in you being refused boarding. Additionally, remember that the rules regarding alcohol consumption vary across airports and countries, so always check the regulations of your departure airport. Some airports allow you to purchase alcohol and consume it anywhere, including at your gate, while others have designated drinking areas.
If you're looking for drink recommendations, travel writers have shared their go-to choices for airport lounges. A classic Gin Martini or a Gimlet are popular choices, evoking the golden age of air travel. A tequila with soda water and lime is another favourite, especially for those who want to avoid a hangover while travelling. For wine enthusiasts, a glass of Cabernet is a perfect way to unwind, especially during a long layover.
So, the next time you're at the airport, remember to check if you have access to an airport lounge. It might be the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink before embarking on your journey.
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Duty-free shops
When purchasing alcohol from duty-free shops, it's important to note that there may be restrictions on consuming it within the airport or bringing it aboard your flight. Regulations vary depending on the airport and country, but generally, it is not permitted to consume duty-free alcohol in the airport or bring it onto the plane. Some airports may provide designated drinking areas, or you may be able to enjoy your purchase at the gate, but it's always best to check the local rules.
If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy a drink before your flight, airport lounges can offer a quiet and comfortable space. Access to airport lounges may be included with certain credit cards or premium-class tickets, or you may be able to purchase a lounge pass. Lounges typically offer complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, and amenities like Wi-Fi, device charging, and even spas or showers.
It's worth noting that overindulging in duty-free drinks before your flight may lead to issues. Drinking too much can result in refusal of boarding, and it's important to be considerate of other passengers and airport staff. Additionally, if you have a connecting flight or are travelling domestically within the same country, there may be restrictions on purchasing duty-free alcohol.
Overall, duty-free shops provide a convenient option for purchasing drinks and other items at the airport, but it's essential to be mindful of local regulations and consume alcohol responsibly.
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Airport bars
If you're looking for a more exclusive experience, airport lounges provide a quiet and comfortable space with complimentary food and drinks. Access to these lounges may depend on your airline status, fare type, or credit card perks. For example, the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport offers a rooftop terrace, dining room, and complimentary drinks.
It's important to note that drinking your own alcohol purchased from duty-free shops or brought from home may not be allowed in some airports or planes. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations prohibit the consumption of personally brought alcohol on flights, and some airports have designated drinking areas.
So, whether you're sipping a gin martini in a lounge or enjoying a beer at a kiosk, always stay informed about the specific rules of your airport and airline to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.
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Kiosks
One of the most common uses of kiosks in airports is for check-in and printing boarding passes. Travellers can use the touchscreen kiosks to check-in for their flight, make trip updates, print their boarding passes, and even print luggage tags. This self-service process reduces the time spent in long lines and is more convenient for travellers. Some airlines, such as Malaysia Airlines, have even made self-check-in mandatory for all economy flights, with staff counters only available for business and first-class passengers.
Additionally, kiosks can be used to purchase duty-free items, including cigarettes and alcohol. While policies vary across airports, some allow passengers to consume their duty-free alcohol purchases before their flight, either in designated areas or at their gate. However, it is important to note that consuming duty-free alcohol on the aircraft is prohibited unless served by the airline.
Overall, kiosks offer a range of benefits to travellers, providing a simplified, streamlined, and efficient airport experience.
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Country/state-specific regulations
United States
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits passengers from consuming their own alcohol on board. According to FAA regulations, "no person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to them". This means that passengers cannot bring and consume their own alcohol on flights following FAA regulations.
However, when it comes to drinking in airports, regulations vary. Some airports, like Nashville International, Chicago's Midway and O'Hare, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby, Fort Lauderdale International, Las Vegas McCarran International, Miami International, and Tampa International, allow passengers to purchase alcohol and consume it anywhere within the airport, even at their gates. These airports often have designated areas for drinking, and tablet ordering stations from which passengers can place orders and consume their drinks.
United Kingdom
At London's Heathrow Airport (LHR), passengers can access various airport lounges, including the Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge, Qantas International Lounge, and the British Airways Business Class Galleries Lounges. These lounges may offer complimentary food and drinks, as well as other amenities like quiet areas, showers, and dining options.
European Union
Within the European Union, duty-free alcohol prices vary depending on your destination. At some airports, duty-free drinks may be provided in normal or tamper-proof bags, while others may deliver them directly to the gate. It is important to note that drinking your own alcohol before boarding may be restricted, and you may be refused boarding if you still have alcohol in an open bottle.
It is always advisable to check the specific regulations and policies of the airport and country you are travelling through or to, as these can vary and change over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Most terminals have at least one bar or kiosk serving alcoholic drinks.
It depends on the airport. Some airports allow you to buy a drink and enjoy it wherever you like, even at your gate. However, some airports have marked-off areas where you can drink. It's best to check the regulations of the specific airport you're in.
While you may be able to bring your own alcohol through security, drinking it is another issue. It is illegal to drink your own alcohol on the plane, and you may be refused boarding if you still have alcohol in the bottle. It is best to drink in the designated areas at the airport.
Yes, airport lounges offer complimentary food and drinks in a quiet and comfortable space. However, you may need a specific credit card or a premium ticket to access them.
Travel writers recommend a variety of drinks, including a gin martini, gimlet, tequila with soda water and lime, and a glass of cabernet.
