Lena Savoie
Alcoholic drinks are usually available for purchase on flights, but the payment methods differ across airlines. Some airlines accept cash, while others prefer debit or credit cards. In some cases, you can even pay using airline miles. However, it's important to note that bringing your own alcohol onto a plane is subject to regulations. While you can pack alcohol in your checked luggage or carry-on bags, you are prohibited from consuming it unless it is served by the airline. These regulations are in place for safety reasons, and attempting to drink your own alcohol can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, if you want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage during your flight, it's best to purchase it onboard or take advantage of complimentary drinks offered on certain routes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | Credit card, debit card, cash, mobile payment, airline-specific coupons |
| Availability of alcoholic drinks | Usually available for purchase on domestic flights, sometimes complimentary on international flights |
| Bringing your own alcohol | Allowed in checked luggage if unopened and in original packaging, with ABV limits; allowed in carry-on bags in containers of 3.4 oz or less, but cannot be consumed |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol on planes must be purchased with a debit or credit card
Alcoholic drinks on planes must typically be purchased with a debit or credit card. While some airlines may accept cash, it is not a common practice, and most airlines prefer non-cash payments.
For instance, American Airlines accepts all forms of mobile payment, including major credit cards and debit cards. Similarly, Southwest Airlines does not accept cash onboard and asks passengers to have their credit card, mobile payment, or valid Southwest Airlines drink coupon ready when ordering alcoholic beverages.
It is worth noting that drinking your own alcohol on a flight is prohibited by federal aviation regulations. Passengers are allowed to bring duty-free alcohol into the plane cabin, but they cannot consume it unless it is served by the airline. This rule is in place for safety reasons, and attempting to drink your own alcohol can lead to criminal charges for public intoxication or interfering with the flight crew.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of alcohol consumption while flying. Flight attendants have the discretion to cut off alcohol service to intoxicated passengers, and getting drunk on a flight can result in diversion, removal from the plane, or even a flight ban from the airline.
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Cash is not accepted by most airlines
While some airlines may accept cash for in-flight purchases, many prefer non-cash transactions. For instance, Southwest Airlines does not accept cash onboard and advises passengers to have their credit card, mobile payment, or valid Southwest Airlines drink coupon ready when ordering. Similarly, American Airlines accepts mobile payments, major credit cards, and debit cards for in-flight purchases, but does not mention cash as a form of payment.
Most airlines prefer non-cash transactions for a few reasons. Firstly, cash transactions can be slower than card or mobile payments, especially when dealing with large numbers of passengers. Secondly, cash handling can be more cumbersome and insecure, requiring additional processes for storage, counting, and secure transportation. Thirdly, by encouraging cashless transactions, airlines can reduce the risk of theft or loss of cash during flights. Finally, with the increasing availability and convenience of digital payment methods, many passengers prefer the speed and ease of paying by card or mobile wallet, which can also help them keep a digital record of their expenses.
While cash may be accepted on some airlines, it is always a good idea to be prepared with alternative payment methods. Before your flight, it is worth checking the specific policies of the airline you are travelling with to understand their preferred methods of payment. This can help you avoid any inconvenience or embarrassment when it comes time to order your drinks. By familiarising yourself with their payment options, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your flight.
In addition to cash or card payments, some airlines also offer other unique payment methods. For example, American Airlines offers savings and incentives for eligible cardholders, such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® card or AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard®. With these cards, passengers can enjoy statement credits on in-flight food and beverage purchases, making it a convenient and rewarding option for frequent flyers.
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Alcoholic drinks may be complimentary on some flights
On the other hand, certain airlines may require payment for alcoholic beverages. For example, American Airlines allows passengers to purchase alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, and liquor, on domestic flights over 250 miles. Southwest Airlines also offers alcoholic drinks for purchase on select flights over 250 miles. Similarly, JetBlue sells beer and wine in their economy class.
Payment methods for in-flight purchases may vary. Some airlines, like American Airlines, accept various forms of payment, including major credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment options. They also allow passengers to use their AAdvantage® miles for in-flight purchases on select flights. Southwest Airlines, on the other hand, does not accept cash onboard but takes credit cards and mobile payments.
It is important to note that FAA regulations prohibit passengers from consuming their own alcohol on board and that flight attendants are not permitted to serve alcohol to passengers who are already intoxicated. When bringing alcohol on board, passengers should ensure that it complies with the allowed quantity and packaging regulations.
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Alcohol purchased on the plane must be consumed on the plane
Techniques like discreetly disguising liquor in soda cans or water bottles or “palming” shooters to avoid detection have become popular. However, attempting to flout the rules by drinking your own alcohol can lead to serious consequences. In one incident in 2021, a passenger was duct-taped to his seat by fellow flyers after repeatedly breaking out his own liquor bottles mid-flight and acting aggressively. While it may be tempting to bring your own alcohol on the plane, the rules are in place for safety reasons. Attempting to drink your own alcohol can leave you susceptible to criminal charges for public intoxication or interfering with the flight crew.
Most airlines serve complimentary beer, wine, and spirits on long-haul international flights. However, on domestic routes, any alcohol usually must be purchased. Drinking ages also vary by airline registration country. For example, an Icelandic airline will likely have a minimum drinking age of 20, while a U.S. airline would be 21. Some carriers allow exceptions for minors with guardian consent on international flights. Always check your airline’s policy. While securing free drinks may be a perk of overseas travel, overindulgence can still get you in trouble, even on international routes.
There are a variety of ways to pay for alcohol on a plane. Most airlines prefer you to pay with a debit or credit card. Some may also take cash, usually in the currency used by the airline, and any other significant currency like Euros or US dollars. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, accept all forms of mobile payment, including major credit cards and debit cards. You can also use your AAvantage® miles on select flights. It is important to note that you can’t use more than one form of payment for inflight purchases. Other airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, do not accept cash onboard and require you to have a credit card or mobile payment ready when ordering.
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Alcohol can be brought on the plane but not consumed unless served by the airline
Alcohol can be brought on a plane in carry-on bags, but there are strict rules around consumption. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to bring unopened bottles of alcohol onto a plane in carry-on bags, but these must adhere to the standard 3.4 oz (100 ml) rule for liquids. This means that mini liquor bottles, typically 1.7 oz, are permitted. However, it is important to note that specific airlines may impose stricter rules than the TSA.
While alcohol can be brought on board, federal aviation regulations, including those of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), prohibit passengers from drinking it unless it is served by the airline. Drinking your own alcohol on a flight can lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges for public intoxication or interfering with the flight crew. Therefore, passengers who wish to consume alcohol during their flight should do so responsibly and only drink alcohol that has been served by the airline.
Some airlines offer complimentary alcoholic beverages, particularly on long-haul international flights. However, on domestic routes, alcohol usually needs to be purchased. Alcoholic drinks can often be bought using credit or debit cards, and sometimes with cash or drink coupons. It is always a good idea to check the specific policies of the airline before bringing alcohol on board or attempting to purchase it during a flight.
It is worth noting that drinking ages vary by airline registration country. For example, an Icelandic airline may have a minimum drinking age of 20, while a U.S. airline would be 21. Some carriers allow exceptions for minors with guardian consent on international flights. Additionally, flight attendants have the discretion to cut off alcohol service to intoxicated passengers and are not permitted to serve passengers who appear drunk.
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Frequently asked questions
You can pay for alcohol on a plane using cash or card. Some airlines also accept mobile payments.
It depends on the airline and the route. Most airlines serve complimentary beer, wine, and spirits on long-haul international flights. However, on domestic routes, alcohol usually must be purchased.
Yes, you can bring alcohol on a plane in your carry-on or checked luggage. However, you are not allowed to consume your own alcohol on the plane. Any alcohol consumed on an airplane must be served by the airline.
Yes, there are restrictions on the amount and type of alcohol you can bring on a plane. Alcohol with an ABV of over 70% is prohibited on airplanes. Alcohol with an ABV of 24% to 70% is limited to 5 liters per passenger. Alcohol with an ABV of less than 24% is not subject to quantity restrictions. All liquids, including alcohol, must follow the 3.4 oz (100 ml) rule and be packed in a quart-sized clear plastic bag.
No, drinking your duty-free alcohol on the plane is not allowed. Duty-free alcohol must be screened at the boarding gate and can be transported in your carry-on bag, but it cannot be consumed during the flight.
