A new guide reveals how much alcohol flyers are allowed to consume. While cabin crew always have the final say on how much you can drink, check ahead when it comes to the age restrictions for drinking alcohol during a flight, as it varies.
According to airport parking provider APH.com, you must be 18 and over to order an alcoholic drink on airlines such as easyJet, British Airways and Vueling. However, if flying with US carriers such as American Airlines or Dubai-based Emirates, the legal age is 21.
If flying with Lufthansa, 16-year-old passengers can enjoy a beer or wine, but must wait until they are 18 or over to choose a spirit from the on-board menu.
For flyers looking to enjoy a tipple during the flight, most short-haul airlines allow passengers to purchase an alcoholic drink from the on-board menu. However, KLM, Lufthansa and Swiss were found to go that little bit extra and offer a complimentary alcoholic drink to customers on selected flights.
What about duty-free items bought at the airport?
Travellers looking to buy a pre-holiday bottle (or two) in duty-free before boarding should be aware that all airlines strictly ban personal consumption of alcohol in the cabin. It must also be unopened for the duration of the flight and packaged in a clear, sealed security bag with the receipt visible, and have an ABV of no more than 70%.
The guide also reveals that while most airlines allow you to purchase duty-free alcohol from the in-flight menu, some do not. American Airlines, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, for example, do not offer on-board duty-free purchases on long-haul flights.
Travellers should also check the rules for their holiday destination, as each has its own laws on what can be brought into the country.
Nick Caunter, Managing Director of Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) said,
“The rules for alcohol on a flight can be a bit confusing and our APH guide aims to make it easier to understand. By following these guidelines, we hope travellers can enjoy a hassle-free experience whether they’re planning to bring some duty-free with them or just enjoy a glass on board.”
Download the free guide from APH.com here.