How to Drink on Domestic Flights During a Pandemic
Even as we adjust to new travel norms in the midst of a global pandemic, airlines are changing their policies to make it easier for crews to physically distance themselves from passengers. One way to do this is to limit in-flight snacks and drinks. Unfortunately for drunken travelers, alcohol will no longer be served in the main salon. Which is obviously awful, because flying during a pandemic means your anxiety levels will also be sky-high and you won’t be able to order a cocktail to calm your nerves.
But don’t worry: there are ways to get around these restrictions.
How has the in-flight service policy changed?
If you’re flying overseas, you’ll be glad to know that for the most part, there are no new restrictions or restrictions when it comes to alcoholic beverages. However, domestic flights will be operated under new rules that differ slightly from carrier to carrier.
To learn more about drinking during a pandemic, watch the video below:
american airlines
On flights to the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, services will only include :
- Biscoff cookies or pretzels
- Soft drinks
Flights between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) and John F. Kennedy and San Francisco (SFO) will continue to serve in-flight meals, but no alcohol.
Delta
In-flight services for U.S. domestic and international flights to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Central America will only include:
- Snacks
- 8.5 ounce bottled water
Food and alcohol are not served.
JetBlue
JetBlue flights will not be able to purchase in-flight food or beverages. According to their website:
To minimize physical transactions and service touchpoints, we have temporarily replaced our snack and beverage baskets with pre-sealed snack and beverage bags. We will not have any items to buy on board such as beer, wine or spirits, EatUp food boxes, EatUp cafes, pillows, blankets and headphones.
Southwest
On flights over 250 miles, Southwest will only serve canned water with straws and “if available” snacks. On all other flights, services on board are completely suspended.
Bring your drink
As we already reported , you can bring a drink with you on any flight. and this is still the case. TSA allows passengers to carry liquids as long as they meet safety requirements of 3.4 ounces or less and fit in a clear plastic bag (1 quart). Allowed liquids are not limited to hand sanitizers and toiletries – you can also bring alcohol.
If you want BYOB, make sure your drink contains 24% to 70% ABV or 48-140 ABV. Beer and wine tend to meet this standard easily, but be careful with hard liquor. TSA cautions all passengers traveling with alcohol to “leave bath water at home” : alcohol over 70% ABV or 140 ABV will not be allowed in your carry-on or checked baggage.