Originally published 24 October 2024 · Updated 13 November 2026
Plenty of us start a holiday by drinking alcohol on an airplane. I’ve never been a big fan. In October 2024, I boarded a flight to Fiji with one question on my mind.
Should I crack open a cold Fiji Gold, or two? Or is a drink at cruising altitude more trouble than it’s worth?
There’s something tempting about a drink in the air. The holiday has started, the engines hum, and the trolley rattles down the aisle.
I’ve learnt this the hard way. On a red eye flight from Sydney to Auckland, I had “one quick drink”. I landed bleary-eyed, with an almighty headache that took most of the morning to shift.
There’s no right or wrong here. It comes down to whether arriving fresh beats a short-lived buzz.
Why Drinking on a Plane Is So Tempting
The seatbelt sign goes off, and the drinks trolley appears. For nervous flyers, a wine settles the nerves. For the rest of us, a gin and tonic just feels like the holiday has begun. What’s the harm?
Just remember, the crew sets the rules. Some airlines limit how many drinks they serve. Some also forbid drinking your own duty-free alcohol on board.
Alcohol and Altitude: Does It Hit Harder?
Here’s the surprise. Your blood alcohol level isn’t higher in the air. FAA research found no significant extra effect from altitude. What changes is oxygen. Cabin air holds less of it, which can leave you light-headed anyway. Add a wine or two, and that wobble down the aisle feels real enough.
Alcohol and Sleep: A Rocky Rest Above the Clouds
On a flight back from India, I thought a glass of wine would help me doze off. It did, at first. Then I woke again and again, restless and thirsty. I arrived more tired than if I’d stuck to water. The science backs this up. A 2024 German study found alcohol plus cabin conditions cut deep sleep and lowered blood oxygen. The researchers said older travellers could be affected more.
Dehydration Station
Cabin air is famously dry, often drier than a desert. Alcohol makes it worse, because it sends you to the loo more often. A glass of water between drinks helps.
Avoid Becoming “That Passenger”
We’ve all seen one. The passenger who thinks they can handle it, and can’t.
My son, Rhys, used to work for Air New Zealand. His view was simple. The crew’s job is keeping everyone safe, and the captain decides who’s had enough.
Overdo it, and a hangover is the least of your worries. Disruptive passengers can face fines, and some airlines ban them for life.
My Verdict on Drinking Alcohol on an Airplane
So, what did I do? Honestly, I don’t think I had a drink at all. I rarely do on planes. I stepped off into that warm Fiji air, and it was good to be back.
We’d landed late, so we stayed the night and caught the bus from the airport car park next morning. Nobody wants a hangover on a Fiji bus.
My verdict? A drink on a plane is fine if it’s your thing. For me, the holiday can start when I land.
So, are you a trolley toaster or a water-only flyer? Tell me in the comments. 🍸✈️
