a glass of champagne on a table

Now, now – simmer down everyone. This article is not intended to turn the skies into a never ending Ibiza party. It’s just a little tip which can add a bit of fun, and potentially save you money on your next flight. Sit back, relax, and pop your tray table out. We’re going to show you step by step, how it’s possible to BYOB on your next flight.

a row of beer taps on a plane
Delta serves some of the best beer in the sky.

100ML

You’re probably aware that liquid containers may not exceed 100ML. Same goes for perfume, cosmetics, etc. Fortunately, mini alcohol bottles fit into the sizing requirements, and you can bring multiple mini bottles through security. It’s absolutely fine. Just put them in a clear plastic bag, just as you would any other liquid items.

Duty Free

Your second option is duty free. If you’re traveling internationally, you could absolutely buy a bottle of wine or champagne (anything you’ll consume entirely on the plane) on your next flight. We’re going to explain more about how to consume it properly in just a second – but if you are not excited about mini bottles, this is your second best bet. Don’t buy from duty free if you have a connection where you’ll need to re clear security before consuming. You’ll lose it!

a glass of champagne on a tableNo Can Do

Please, for the love of all things good – read this carefully. You CANNOT serve yourself on the plane. Any plane. No. You can’t. You CAN however politely ask a member of the cabin crew if they would not mind serving you the liquor you brought on board. JetBlue famously made light of this policy last year – and we know many have successfully done this on other airlines around the world. There are no guarantees a crew will say YES – but this is real – and this happens.

All Gone

Don’t ask the crew to open anything which will not be finished on board. And please, be discrete. The crew must dispose of anything open and unconsumed at the end of the flight. For that reason, it’s best to keep things simple. But hey, if you’re a nervous flyer – a free jack and coke may be just what you need. And if you can make it free – why not?

Within Reason

The crew have final say on your ability to consume alcohol. If they decide you look far too ready for midnight karaoke – they have full right to cut you off. In each and every circumstance – arguing with them is going to go poorly for you, so just don’t. Just sit back relax, enjoy the flight and politely persuade someone to pour you a lovely drink. You’ll be on the ground before you know it.

Have you managed this air travel hack?!

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly...

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11 Comments

  1. We have purchased duty free alcohol and “Recleared” security with it. Done it twice in Boston after purchasing in Dublin and done it once in St Louis. I think you have 24 hours.

  2. Also, note the FAA has a maximum ABV limit of 140proof, so nothing like Bacardi 151 is permitted in your carry-on or checked bag regardless of volume. We produce what we call Airline Overproof rum sold at both limits of 140proof in 100ml bottles at Maggie’s Farm Rum.

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