Back to Basics: When Alcohol & Flying Don’t Mix

For many people traveling is a once a year type of thing.  It’s the big vacation, saved up for and planned for and dreamed about for a long, long time.  Many travelers relieve the stress and celebrate their vacation with an alcoholic beverage or two.

And that’s fun!  But there are times that flying and alcohol just don’t mix, and being aware of some rules regarding alcohol use will help ensure that your vacation is truly a time to celebrate.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to order another round:

• It is against the FAR’s (Federal Air Regulations) for a carrier to board a passenger who appears to be intoxicated.  That means if your a red-eyed, slurring your words, loud, obnoxious, and having a tough time navigating your way through the jetway that you probably are not going to get on the flight.  I’m not saying you’re drunk, but if you look like it – you’re not going!
• Once onboard, you cannot open your liquor that you purchased inside of security or at duty free.  I’ve heard that there are some international carriers that allow this, but none of the U.S. carriers do, and I haven’t been able to confirm this with any of the international carriers.  Keep your booze in your bag, and all is good.  Start serving from your own stash and your headed for trouble.
• Flight Attendants want you to have a great time on your flight, and we’re happy to serve you an alcoholic beverage or two.  But when you demand a double before take off, can’t wait your turn to be served, or start getting loud and obnoxious, warning lights start to go off.  We cannot continue to serve a passenger who appears to be intoxicated.  Again – we’re not saying you’re drunk, we’re making an observation of your behavior.
• If you’ll be driving when you get to your destination, keep in mind that a couple of drinks at 40,000 feet will have a different effect upon you than those same drinks on the ground.  Think about whether or not you’ll be getting behind the wheel of a car before ordering another round.

Please have a happy and celebratory flight.  But keep in mind, flying does not mean a free for all when it comes to alcohol.

Photo credit:  SXC

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