Beer On American Airlines: What's Allowed And What's Not

Alcohol is restricted on American Airlines flights. Beer, wine, and spirits are available for purchase on flights over 250 miles, and AAdvantage Executive Platinum and ConciergeKey members can enjoy complimentary alcoholic drinks and snacks. However, due to unruly passenger incidents, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants has requested that the airline limit alcoholic drinks to two per passenger, per flight. While it is legal to bring alcohol onto a plane, FAA regulations prohibit passengers from consuming alcohol that has not been served by the airline. This means that passengers cannot drink their own alcohol during the flight, and flight attendants will not serve alcohol that passengers have brought on board.

Beer is available for purchase on American Airlines flights over 250 miles

American Airlines offers a variety of beer options, including domestic and imported brands, and the price for a 12 fl. oz. beer is $8.

It is worth noting that American Airlines flight attendants have requested a two-drink alcohol limit for economy passengers, as a way to curb unruly and violent passenger incidents. While the airline has not explicitly mentioned this limit on their website, they do include a disclaimer stating that "the number of drinks served may be limited".

Additionally, it is important to remember that FAA regulations prohibit passengers from consuming alcohol on board an aircraft unless it is served by a flight attendant. Drinking your own alcohol on the plane is not allowed, and any alcohol brought on board must remain unopened.

Alcoholic drinks are complimentary for AAdvantage Executive Platinum members

As an AAdvantage Executive Platinum member, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your favourite alcoholic beverage during your journey. This complimentary offering is in addition to the other benefits that come with this elite status, such as priority boarding, exclusive lounge access, and enhanced baggage allowances.

It's worth noting that while alcoholic drinks are complimentary for AAdvantage Executive Platinum members, there are still regulations in place regarding the consumption of alcohol on board. American Airlines prioritises the safety and comfort of all its passengers and crew. As such, they reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who appears to be intoxicated, in accordance with FAA regulations.

Additionally, it's important to be mindful of the impact of alcohol consumption at high altitudes. The effects of alcohol can be heightened when you're in an aircraft cabin, so it's always a good idea to drink in moderation and ensure you stay hydrated with plenty of water.

So, if you're an AAdvantage Executive Platinum member, you can certainly take advantage of the complimentary alcoholic drinks on offer during your next flight with American Airlines. Just remember to drink responsibly and follow the guidelines set by the airline and the FAA.

Alcoholic drinks are limited to two per person on economy flights

American Airlines has a plan to phase in alcoholic beverages for economy class passengers, with potential new limitations. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the union representing American Airlines flight attendants, has requested the airline institute a two-alcoholic drink limit per passenger, per flight. This is part of an ongoing effort to curb unruly and violent passenger incidents, which often involve drunk fliers.

The new limit would be a first-of-its-kind policy for the airline, and it is unclear how it would affect American Airlines' highest-paying premium business and first-class passengers. During the suspension of alcohol sales in the main cabin, those seated in premium cabins still received alcoholic beverages on request. However, American Airlines' "Main Cabin Extra" product, or domestic premium economy, includes the disclaimer that "the number of drinks served may be limited."

The union's request for a two-drink limit comes as air travel is booming once again, with airlines restoring in-flight perks like three-course meals and onboard cocktails. American Airlines announced that alcohol and light snacks would be made available for purchase on flights over 250 miles starting April 18, 2022. The union's request for a drink limit is an attempt to mitigate the spike in unruly passengers, which some flight attendants attribute to the combination of the mask mandate and alcohol service.

While some American Airlines flight attendants support the idea of a two-drink limit, others disagree, arguing that it is unnecessary and that unruly passengers should not ruin the experience for those who can handle their alcohol. They believe that cabin crew members have been dealing with alcohol-related unruly passengers for a long time and can manage the situation without imposing a limit on the service they provide.

It is important to note that FAA regulations prohibit passengers from consuming alcohol on board an aircraft unless it is served by a flight attendant. Additionally, flight attendants are not permitted to serve passengers who appear to be intoxicated. These regulations apply to all U.S.-based airlines, even when the plane is not in the U.S.

Alcoholic drinks are prohibited for passengers who appear intoxicated

American Airlines flight attendants are aware of the challenges posed by intoxicated passengers and have requested a two-drink maximum for all economy passengers. This is part of an ongoing effort to curb unruly and violent passenger incidents, which often involve drunk fliers. Federal regulations state that it is against the law for a passenger who appears to be intoxicated to board an aircraft.

If a passenger appears to be drunk, flight attendants are instructed not to say that the person is "drunk" or "intoxicated." Instead, they are advised to phrase it as the passenger "appears to be" under the influence of alcohol or another substance. There are specially trained employees at each airline to handle situations involving intoxicated passengers while the plane is still on the ground at the gate. Once the plane is in the air, flight attendants are trained to work together with their fellow crew members to observe and decide whether to suspend serving alcoholic beverages to a particular passenger.

American Airlines' highest-paying premium business and first-class passengers may be exempt from the two-drink limit. During the suspension of alcohol sales in the main cabin, those seated in premium cabins still received alcoholic beverages on request. However, the airline's disclaimer states that the "number of drinks served may be limited."

Alcohol purchased at duty-free can be carried on the plane, but must be under 5 litres

If you're travelling on American Airlines and want to drink alcohol, you can purchase alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and liquor, on domestic flights over 250 miles. Alcoholic drinks are also included with some ticket types, such as Main Cabin Extra. However, American Airlines flight attendants have asked for a two-drink alcohol limit to be imposed on economy passengers, to curb unruly passenger incidents.

If you want to bring your own alcohol on the plane, you can, but there are some rules to follow. Alcohol purchased at duty-free can be carried on the plane, but it must be under 5 litres, between 24% and 70% ABV or 48 to 140 proof, and packed in a transparent and secure clear plastic bag by the retailer. You must also keep your receipt, as you may need to prove that the alcohol was purchased in the previous 48 hours.

You can also bring alcohol on the plane in your carry-on bag, but it must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and packed in a quart-sized clear plastic bag. Each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag. Any alcohol with an ABV over 70% or 140 proof is prohibited on planes in both checked or carry-on baggage.

While you can bring alcohol on a plane, you cannot drink it on the plane unless it is served by the airline. This means that you cannot ask flight attendants to serve you alcohol that you have brought on board yourself.

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