Alcohol on the plane??

[kristenrice]

Can you buy alcohol at the airport (post-security) and bring it on the plane for your own consumption? I prefer a bit of alcohol to ease my flying anxiety because it wears off a lot faster than a xanax. In the past, we've flown business class on AirTran and the FA's served us a drink or two before we took off. When we flew coach, I had to endure the take off and a good 30 minutes in the air before I could get a beverage...and I was only allowed 1. We're flying coach again (going with a large group and the others are going to try and upgrade since we've had our turns) so I'm wondering if I can buy a small bottle at the airport and bring it on the plane with me?

Let me make it clear, I am not talking about getting bombed...I outgrew that a long time ago. I'm talking about buying a pint (at most) and splitting it between 3-4 people. Also, we're taking DME when we arrive in Orlando so no need to worry about driving.

 

[chartle]

1. Can you buy alcohol at the airport (post-security) and bring it on the plane for your own consumption? I prefer a bit of alcohol to ease my flying anxiety because it wears off a lot faster than a xanax. In the past, we've flown business class on AirTran and the FA's served us a drink or two before we took off. When we flew coach, I had to endure the take off and a good 30 minutes in the air before I could get a beverage...and I was only allowed 1. We're flying coach again (going with a large group and the others are going to try and upgrade since we've had our turns) so I'm wondering if I can buy a small bottle at the airport and bring it on the plane with me?

2. Let me make it clear, I am not talking about getting bombed...I outgrew that a long time ago. I'm talking about buying a pint (at most) and splitting it between 3-4 people. Also, we're taking DME when we arrive in Orlando so no need to worry about driving.

1. I think the issue may be carrying out a drink from a bar. Some states have laws about taking drinks off the premises. Like in WDW you can't carry a drink from Epcot to the Boardwalk. You can buy one at any outside cart and walk around in WS and do the same at the boardwalk but you can't carry one from one area to another because they have to separate licences.

Then there is the issue of carrying a drink on the plane.

Now you didn't hear it from me but why don't you carry some under 3 oz bottles in your zip lock bag and mix it with whatever you want from whatever store you want.

2. You do realize that a pint for 3-4 people is 4 oz per person. Which would equate to around 3 drinks per person. Which in the hour or so between security and getting on the plane would get this 250 lb person pretty toasted, so be careful. Airlines will not let a visibly intoxicated on the plane.

 

[kristenrice]

I was wondering if there is a store that sells packaged liquor. DBiL, DH and I all like Captain and Cokes. We were hoping to buy a small bottle of liquor and then some 20oz bottles of Coke to consume on the plane.

I see that there is a duty-free shop in the airport. Would they sell smaller bottles or only the 750mL ones?

I'd also thought about using 3oz bottles, but since we probably won't be checking any bags, our 3-1-1 bags will need to be used for necessities. I will think about this though...

Thanks for the info.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

No. The only 'to go" bottles are sold to international travelers via duty free

Also FAA regulations require all alcohol consumed on the plane to be provided by the Flight Attendants

 

[chartle]

Also FAA regulations require all alcohol consumed on the plane to be provided by the Flight Attendants

Thats what I figured.

 

[chartle]

I'd also thought about using 3oz bottles, but since we probably won't be checking any bags, our 3-1-1 bags will need to be used for necessities. I will think about this though...

Thanks for the info.

Yes maybe you have to rethink the word necessity.

 

[kristenrice]

No. The only 'to go" bottles are sold to international travelers via duty free

Also FAA regulations require all alcohol consumed on the plane to be provided by the Flight Attendants

That's what I thought too...but then I found this on the TSA website...

Liquids, including alcohol purchased after clearing the security checkpoint are permitted aboard aircraft.

Since it explicitly states "including alcohol purchased after clearing the security checkpoint", I would assume that means alcohol is permitted in your carry-ons. Is the FAA rule then that, although the alcohol may be brought on the plane, it cannot be consumed on the plane?


EDITED: Ok, I found the answers to my questions...from the FAA Website...

§ 135.121 Alcoholic beverages.
(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage.

(b) No certificate holder may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person aboard its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.

(c) No certificate holder may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.


I certainly don't want to get myself in trouble. If I can't have a drink or two on the plane, I can always knock back a few while we wait at the airport.

 

[alaska8]

Cannot consume your own on the plane. Sorry. (Its a federal regualtion which means you get a welcoming comittee at the airport if you get caught!) Forgot to add you can also be fined by the FAA as well.

 

[jsilvers]

EDITED: Ok, I found the answers to my questions...from the FAA Website...

§ 135.121 Alcoholic beverages.

Actually, most scheduled passenger flights in the U.S. operate under Part 121 of FAA's regulations, not Part 135, so the applicable regulation is 14 C.F.R. § 121.575. But the requirements are essentially the same.

 

[Brian Noble]

They will happily sell you a drink or two, of course. And, nothing says you can't have a pre-flight beverage before you board. Yes, it's a little more expensive that way, but it's vacation. Live a little!

 

[Gigi22]

To add to the discussion, at a bar (past security and close to our boarding gate) at the MCO airport DH and I were both recently offered a 'go cup' for our alcoholic beverages. So, at least in theory at MCO, you could get a shot of Jack Daniels in a 'go cup' and take a can of cold mix with you to your boarding gate. Then, if you time it well, you could enjoy your relaxing beverage immediately prior to boarding. You would be paying bar prices for the alcohol, but you could split the cost of the mix.

 

[jwgm2012]

On a flight to Vegas (using Southwest) we purchased the small bottles at a liquor store, put them in ziplocs and used them to mix into our sodas once we were on the flight. First, let me say - I did not know that alcohol consumed on the airplane had to be provided by the attendants so please, I wasn't trying to get away with anything or being sneaky. I only ensured that what we took was able to pass through security which it did - all 11 small bottles.

We traveled with a large group and I'm not sure if it was the fact we were headed to Vegas that helped the "vibe" but not once were we told we couldn't consume what we'd purchased. And let me tell you, we didn't hide it - with a group of 6 we were definitely not unnoticeable.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

On a flight to Vegas (using Southwest) we purchased the small bottles at a liquor store, put them in ziplocs and used them to mix into our sodas once we were on the flight.

We traveled with a large group and I'm not sure if it was the fact we were headed to Vegas that helped the "vibe" but not once were we told we couldn't consume what we'd purchased. And let me tell you, we didn't hide it - with a group of 6 we were definitely not unnoticeable.

You got away with it, but as already stated, you are not allowed to consume alcohol you bring yourself on the plane.