Drinking Beer At The Airport: Lobby Laws And Limits

Drinking at the airport is a common occurrence, with many travellers enjoying a beer or two before their flight. But can you drink your beer in the airport lobby? The answer is: it depends. While some airports allow travellers to buy a drink and enjoy it wherever they like, even at their gate, others have designated areas where alcohol can be consumed. It's important to note that if you purchase duty-free alcohol, you typically cannot open and drink it until you reach your destination. Additionally, while you can bring your own alcohol on a plane, you cannot serve yourself and must hand it over to a flight attendant to monitor your consumption. So, before you crack open that beer in the airport lobby, be sure to check the local rules and regulations to avoid any issues.

Drinking at the airport vs on the plane

It's no secret that air travel can be stressful. Long security lines, screaming children, and the hassle of removing your shoes and belt can all add to the stress of flying. So, it's no surprise that many people turn to a stiff drink to take the edge off. While drinking at the airport and on the plane is allowed in most cases, there are some important rules and regulations that you need to follow.

When it comes to drinking at the airport, the rules can vary depending on the location. In some airports, like Nashville International, Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare, George Bush Intercontinental, and Las Vegas McCarran International, you're allowed to buy a drink and enjoy it anywhere, even at your gate. However, in most airports, there are designated areas where you can consume alcoholic beverages. These areas are usually marked off and may include kiosks or bars that sell alcohol. It's important to note that you cannot drink alcohol that you've brought with you, even if it's purchased from a duty-free store. Those bottles need to stay sealed and can only be opened once you've reached your destination.

If you're drinking at the airport, it's important to pace yourself and not get too intoxicated. Airlines can refuse to let you on the plane if they believe you've had too much to drink. Additionally, you cannot bring your drink with you onto the plane, so make sure to finish it before boarding.

On the plane, the rules around alcohol can vary depending on the airline. In general, you are not allowed to drink your own alcohol and must purchase alcoholic beverages from the flight attendants. The legal drinking age on a plane also depends on the airline and can be based on the laws of the country in which the airline is registered or the destination country. It's always a good idea to check with your specific airline to understand their policies around alcohol.

Like in a bar, there is no set limit to the number of drinks you can have on a plane. However, flight attendants have the right to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated. And, while there may not be a limit, it's important to drink in moderation to avoid any potential issues or disruptions during the flight.

So, while drinking at the airport and on the plane is generally allowed, it's important to follow the rules and drink responsibly. By doing so, you can enjoy a few drinks while still complying with the regulations and ensuring a safe and pleasant journey for yourself and your fellow passengers.

Rules for drinking in airports

Airports are stressful places, and it's no surprise that many travellers like to unwind with a drink while they wait for their flight. But what are the rules around drinking in airports?

This depends on the airport. In some airports, like 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, you can buy a drink and take it with you wherever you go, even to your gate. In most airports, however, there are designated areas where you can drink alcohol, usually near the bar or kiosk where you bought it. If you're not sure, look out for signs or ask a member of staff.

No, you can't open any bottles of alcohol that you've brought with you until you reach your destination.

If you're in the US and you're ordering from a bartender or waiter, you should tip them in the same way you would in a bar or restaurant.

No, you can't take your own drink onto the plane, even if you're in an airport where drinking is allowed in unrestricted areas. You'll have to finish it before you board.

When the plane is on the ground, you must comply with the drinking laws of the country or state you're in. When the plane is in the air, the rules depend on the airline. Usually, the drinking age on a flight correlates to the laws of the country in which the airline is registered, but some flights use the laws of their destination country instead.

Yes, you can bring alcohol onto a plane as long as it's within the TSA-approved limit of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. You can also bring any bottle of wine or beer you bought in the airport as long as it's unopened.

This depends on the airline. Some airlines, like JetBlue, will allow you to bring your own alcohol for the flight attendants to open and serve to you. Many other airlines, however, won't serve you anything that you didn't buy from them.

No, you can't take any drinks off the plane with you, even if they're unopened or untouched.

There's no set limit to how many drinks you can have on a plane, but flight attendants have the right to refuse to serve you if you appear intoxicated. Similarly, the airline can refuse to let you board the plane if you've had too much to drink in the airport.

Drinking your own alcohol on a plane

Firstly, it is important to note that you are not legally allowed to serve your own drinks on a flight. Many passengers have been removed from planes for trying to do so. However, some airlines may allow you to bring your own alcohol on board, as long as it is served to you by a member of the cabin crew. This is at the discretion of the airline and the crew, and they may refuse to serve you. It is also important to note that you must finish your own alcohol before landing, as open and unfinished bottles will be disposed of by the crew at the end of the flight.

If you do choose to bring your own alcohol on board, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure that you only bring mini bottles that are within the allowed liquid limits. In the US, the TSA limit is 3.4 ounces or 100ml, and in the UK, it is the same. These bottles must be able to fit comfortably into a single quart-sized or plastic bag, along with any other liquids you are carrying. It is also worth checking with your airline before bringing any alcoholic beverages on board, as some may have specific policies or restrictions.

It is important to remember that drinking on a plane can have amplified effects due to the pressurised cabin and cruising altitude. As such, flight attendants are trained to manage anyone who appears intoxicated, and they have the right to refuse to serve alcohol to anyone they believe has drunk too much. It is also a criminal offence to be drunk on an aircraft, and you may be removed from the plane if you are causing a disturbance or posing a risk to the safety of the flight.

So, while it may be tempting to bring your own alcohol on board to save money or enjoy your preferred drink, it is important to be mindful of the rules and regulations surrounding this practice. Always drink responsibly and follow the instructions of the cabin crew to ensure a safe and pleasant flight for everyone on board.

Buying alcohol at duty-free

First, duty-free doesn't always mean cheaper prices. Sometimes, the savings are only in the tax-free element, and the actual purchase price may be higher than what you'd find at a local store. It's a good idea to do a price comparison before your trip and check the websites of duty-free shops at your departure and arrival airports to see if their stores are listed online. That way, you can plan your purchase accordingly and avoid paying a premium for something you could have gotten elsewhere for less.

Second, consider the timing of your purchase. If you're embarking on a multi-stop journey, buying alcohol at the start of your trip may result in your bottle being confiscated by officials in countries with carry-on alcohol restrictions. It's also worth noting that some airports are moving towards systems that discourage passenger drinking, so you may want to hold off on purchasing alcohol until you reach your final destination.

Third, look beyond the airport and research the region's specialties. Avoid a "coals to Newcastle" situation by steering clear of generic brands and mass-produced bottles, which are often cheaper at your local liquor store. Instead, opt for locally produced items, such as regional wines, spirits made with homegrown ingredients, or microbrews. That way, you can not only enjoy a unique beverage but also support local artisans.

Fourth, be mindful of weight restrictions, especially if you're flying on a smaller regional plane. Alcoholic beverages can add significant weight to your luggage, so check the weight limits for carry-on and checked baggage on all the airlines you'll be flying with.

Finally, when it comes to hauling your spirits, not all bottles are created equal. Opt for sturdy, short-necked bottles that are easy to transport and pack. Ask the duty-free staff for bubble wrap or extra paper to protect your purchase, or use an extra blanket or hoodie for padding if needed.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your duty-free alcohol purchase and enjoy your favourite beverages or unique souvenirs from your travels.

TSA rules for travelling with alcohol

While the specific rules regarding drinking in an airport lobby vary depending on the airport, the TSA does have clear rules regarding travelling with alcohol.

The TSA allows passengers to travel with alcohol, as long as it is in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and the passenger is of legal drinking age. These containers must fit comfortably into a single, quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag. Only one bag per passenger is allowed. Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcohol under 24% alcohol is not subject to limitations in checked bags.

Passengers may bring their own alcohol on a plane, as long as it is within the TSA-approved limits. Any bottle of wine or beer bought within the terminal can also be brought on board, as long as it is unopened. It is prohibited for passengers to consume their own alcohol on the plane. Instead, the alcohol must be handed to a flight attendant for them to open and serve. Many airlines will not serve passengers alcohol that has not been purchased from them. Additionally, flight attendants are not permitted to serve passengers who are intoxicated.

Frequently asked questions