Unique Risks of Drinking in the Air

Having a drink on a flight to calm the nerves or kick off the start of some much-needed time off is a common occurrence. However, with a recent rise in in-cabin incidents dubbed “air rage,” could alcohol be to blame? 

As it turns out, drinking alcohol in the air can affect us differently than it does on the ground. Let’s explore the unique risks of drinking in the air to help us decide whether skipping the drink on our next flight is the best move.

The History of Drinking Alcohol on Planes

In 1914, the first commercial airline, the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line was introduced. However, it wasn’t until after the 1940s when Prohibition died down that alcohol was served in-flight. 

From the 1950s through the 1970s, known as the Golden Era of Flying, commercial flying took off. Throughout this time until the late 90s alcohol was served in-flight free of charge, much like the little packets of peanuts and pretzels we get today. It became an integral part of the luxurious flying experience.

Aside from the temporary pause in in-flight drink services during the COVID-19 pandemic due to mask mandates, alcohol continues to be a major component of in-flight services. Although alcoholic beverages are no longer free, they remain popular and have become intertwined with the in-air experience. 

Can You Take Alcohol on a Plane?

Airlines have strict policies for carry-on and checked luggage. However, as long as alcohol meets these requirements, including size restrictions and alcohol by volume (ABV), it can be brought onto the plane. Alcohol can even be purchased at duty-free stores in the airport, and drinks are offered or sold at airline terminals and lounges. 

Although we can bring our own alcohol onto the plane, we’re not allowed to drink it there. This is to prevent excessive drinking in-flight. All alcohol consumed in the cabin must be served by a flight attendant. While there’s no limit to the number of drinks that can be purchased, flight attendants are allowed to refuse to serve alcohol if a passenger appears to be intoxicated. With the recent in-flight incidents, are those of us who drink becoming more intoxicated while flying? Is that because alcohol affects us differently in the air?

Does Alcohol Affect You Differently at High Altitudes?

Anecdotal reports claim that drinking on a plane affects us differently than if we were to drink the same amount at ground level. However, research shows that altitude does not directly affect our blood alcohol concentration (BAC). So why might we feel different?

As it turns out, the conditions of a plane cabin and the high altitude can play major roles. At high elevations, there is less oxygen available, which is essential for normal bodily function. Although the plane cabin is pressurized to allow us to breathe at high altitudes, the oxygen levels available are lower than at ground level. 

Do You Get Drunk Faster on a Plane?

Many people report getting drunk faster or getting more drunk on a plane. However, although it may feel like it, alcohol doesn’t increase our BAC faster or higher on a plane. 

The specific conditions of a plane environment can impact our experience. Lower oxygen availability can cause symptoms such as increased heart rate, confusion, and disorientation — adding to the effects of alcohol intoxication. 

Alcohol also impacts our vestibular system, which controls our balance and coordination. The added movement of being in flight can further throw off our balance and motor coordination. These factors create the feeling of being more tipsy or drunk when drinking on a plane than under regular conditions.

Does Drinking Affect Health Outcomes Differently?


Ever feel more exhausted after traveling even though you’ve been sitting most of the time? Although we may not be doing much while we’re on a flight, the environment is a big adjustment for our body. Adding alcohol, a toxin, to the equation can cause even more stress.

Added stress can also impact our metabolization. The slower metabolization of alcohol means that the toxins linger in our body longer. This can increase the risk of harm that alcohol has on our cells and organs. While one drink may not make a significant difference, one drink on every flight (especially if we’re frequent fliers) can lead to an increased risk of alcohol-related health conditions. Does this mean we should completely avoid it?

Should You Drink While In the Air?

While drinking on a flight is quite prevalent, it’s associated with greater risks than drinking at ground level (although there’s already an extensive list of risks associated with drinking regularly). 

There are plenty of alternatives to help us relax if we’re nervous fliers. And there are plenty of other activities and non-alcoholic beverages that can kick off a vacation. 

How Much Is Too Much?

Since alcohol affects us all differently, there’s no set amount of alcohol that is deemed “safe” or “ok” for in-flight consumption. If we do decide to drink, it’s best to follow moderate consumption guidelines. 

Moderate drinking guidelines suggest no more than two drinks in a day for men and no more than one drink in a day for women. Since drinking in-flight can be associated with even greater risks, even moderate consumption can be associated with greater consequences than drinking regularly. Let’s get a better idea of the unique risks of drinking while in the air.

Risks of Drinking While in the Air 

Due to the specific environment of a plane cabin, drinking has additional risks in comparison to drinking on ground level:

• Increased dehydration. The low humidity of the cabin air and the diuretic properties of alcohol can cause increased dehydration. 
• Sleep disruptions. Flights can be draining, especially if we’re on a red-eye flight, and sleep is crucial. Alcohol can cause further sleep disruptions to what’s an already uncomfortable sleeping experience.
• Worse hangovers. Drinking on planes is associated with worse hangovers due to the cabin environment. Increased dehydration and slowed alcohol metabolism can lead to a more unpleasant aftermath.
• Increased motion sickness. Alcohol disrupts our vestibular system, which controls our balance. For those of us who are sensitive to motion sickness, drinking in-flight could make our symptoms worse. 
• Behavior issues. Drinking lowers our inhibitions and impedes our judgment. Alcohol can also increase negative emotions such as frustration and anger, which can be aggravated due to the stress of flying on an airplane. Drinking problems have led to increased in-flight incidents including fights and unruly behavior.
• Safety concerns. Since drinking impacts our inhibitions and judgment, we are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. This can lead to low adherence to safety regulations, such as keeping our seatbelts on or following emergency protocols.

The environment of a plane cabin can heighten the risks of alcohol. If we choose to drink, we can minimize the risks by practicing mindful drinking.

Responsible Drinking Tips for Your Next Flight

Practicing mindful consumption while flying can help us prioritize our health and well-being while avoiding an unpleasant aftermath. We can implement strategies to practice responsible drinking while flying:

• Set limits. The ease of ordering drink after drink can quickly get out of hand. Stick to one drink when choosing to consume alcohol in-flight. 
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water and replenishing hydration with electrolytes can help combat dehydration from alcohol and the low humidity of the cabin air.
• Choose alternatives. Airlines offer plenty of non-alcoholic options. Try mixing cranberry juice and soda water together to make a quick mocktail. We can also keep busy by reading a book or watching a movie. 
• Maintain nutrition. Depending on the airline and flight, sometimes only snacks are provided. Bringing a meal or eating beforehand helps us avoid drinking on an empty stomach.

Excessive drinking anywhere can be detrimental to our health. Implementing these mindful drinking strategies on and off the plane can help us develop a more positive relationship with alcohol.

Touching Down

Drinking while flying is often associated with “just taking the edge off” or “kicking off the party early,” but it does more harm than good. Although being in the air doesn’t affect the actual potency of alcohol, the unique environment of a plane cabin adds to the risks of alcohol. Put on your favorite show and mix up a fun mocktail to prevent the heightened risks of drinking in the air. Say goodbye to feeling unwell by avoiding alcohol when you fly!