Drinking Alcohol on an Airplane: Perk or Risky Choice

Many people start their holiday by drinking alcohol on an airplane. I’ve never been a big fan. As I prepare to fly to Fiji tomorrow, I’m already dreaming of its sun-soaked beaches and turquoise waters.

With temptations of a sinking a “cold one” (or two) on board, it’s making me think. Is drinking alcohol on a plane all it’s cracked up to be? Should I indulge in a bottle of Fiji Gold?

Flying, literally is a journey of highs and lows. With the engines’ gentle purring, and the excitement of a holiday, there’s something undeniably tempting about relaxing with a drink. After all, the clatter of bottles on the drinks cart scream “come and get me!”

But will I succumb and kick off my holiday by raising a mini bottle to my lips? How well will a couple of cold chardonnays mix with altitude?

I’ve had some memorable flights where the effects of in-flight drinking took me by surprise. Like the time I thought I’d just have “one quick drink” on a red-eye flight from Sydney back to Auckland. Spoiler alert: I landed not only bleary-eyed but also nursed an almighty headache that took most of the morning to shake off.

There’s no right or wrong here – just my thoughts on whether arriving refreshed is worth more than a temporary buzz.

The Temptation of In-Flight Beverages

Picture this: the captain turns the seatbelts sign off. Soon, flight attendants glide effortlessly through the plane serving drinks from their portable bar.

Drinking alcohol on an airplane can be incredibly seductive. Especially for nervous flyers and for many keen to kick off their holiday with a tipple or two. A glass of wine to calm the nerves, or a gin and tonic to feel fancy. What’s the harm in that?

Airlines certainly know how to set the stage. The novelty of kicking-back and toasting the start of a holiday at cruising altitude adds a sense of adventure. However, take heed. The excitement can cloud judgment.  Regulations vary, and some airlines limit the number of drinks or forbid consuming duty-free alcohol mid-flight.

The Altitude Effect: Not Your Usual Bar Experience

The science is sobering. At cruising altitude, lower cabin pressure makes that glass of bubbly feel like two. The alcohol’s effects hit harder than a boxer’s punch. Our bodies process it differently up in the clouds. Even seasoned drinkers often feel unexpectedly tipsy – or a bit wobbly on their way to the bathroom.

Alcohol and Sleep: A Rocky Rest Above the Clouds

And then there’s the sleep issue. It’s no surprise – alcohol makes us feel drowsy.  But it’s no friend to restful sleep. On a recent flight back from India, I thought a glass of wine would help me doze off. It did, at first. But then I woke up multiple times throughout the flight feeling restless and even thirstier than before. I arrived more tired than if I hadn’t touched a drop.

Dehydration Station: Welcome to the Sky Desert

Cabin humidity hovers around 20%, making the airplane feel like the arid conditions of the Sahara – parched and unforgiving. Alcohol is a notorious diuretic and accelerates dehydration. It’s like sprinkling salt on a wound while basking under a desert sun. Avoid a parched throat by alternating your favourite tipple drink with water.

Avoid Becoming “That Passenger”

We’ve all encountered one, or at least heard about one. The notorious excessively tipsy passenger. They think they can handle drinking on a plane. Alcohol often lowers inhibitions, leading to disruptive behaviour.

My son used to work for Air New Zealand. As he used to say, a flight crew’s priority is to keep passengers safe. The captain and the crew have the final say on whether a passenger has had too much alcohol.

Stay off their radar. Overdo it, and it won’t just be a hangover that causes you pain. You could potentially receive a hefty fine or a lifetime travel ban.

Tips for a Smarter Tipple

• Pace yourself. There’s no rush to finish that drink.
• Hydrate by drinking water between each alcoholic drink.
• Snack to slow absorption.
• If you feel light-headed, switch to a non-alcoholic option.

Arrive at your destination feeling refreshed, not parched and groggy.

Drinking Alcohol on an Airplane: Final Thoughts

So, I’m approaching tomorrow’s flight with a different mindset. I might indulge in a Kiwi Chardonnay drink.  Or I might stick to water and unwind with a herbal tea.

I’ve packed a few snacks and packed my noise-cancelling headphones ready to create my own little zone of calm. If the drinks cart tempts me, I’ll weigh the pros and cons and see how I’m feeling in the moment.

Here’s to smart choices about drinking alcohol on an airplane. Bon Voyage. 🍸✈️