APH Research: Airline Alcohol Rules Compared (September 2025)

Airline alcohol regulations vary widely depending on the carrier and whether you’re flying short-haul or long-haul. Most airlines allow sealed duty-free purchases in Security Tamper-Evident Bags (STEBs), but personal alcohol consumption onboard is almost always prohibited. Complimentary drinks are far more common on long-haul and premium-class flights, while short-haul low-cost carriers typically require you to purchase alcohol from the inflight menu.

Airline Alcohol Rules: What You Can (and Can’t) Do in 2025

• Bringing duty-free on board: Generally allowed if sealed in a STEB (tamper-evident bag) with the receipt; never over 70% ABV.
• Drinking your own alcohol on the plane: Not allowed across all airlines covered.
• Buying drinks on board: Varies by airline and route; many European short-haul carriers sell drinks, while several long-haul carriers don’t sell because drinks are complimentary.
• Complimentary alcohol: Common on long-haul; rare on short-haul economy (exceptions exist).
• Checked-bag limits (typical): Up to 5L per passenger for alcohol 24%-70% ABV in unopened retail packaging; under 24% ABV often no specific volume limit.
• Age rules: Follow airline policy and local law; crew discretion applies.

Airline Policies At a Glance

Here’s a quick summary of what to expect. Remember: You cannot drink your own alcohol on any of these airlines.

Short-Haul & European Flights

Airline	Can I Buy Alcohol Onboard?	Are Complimentary Drinks Offered?	Key Exception / Note
Aer Lingus	Yes	No (Yes on transatlantic)	No duty-free sales on US pre-clearance flights.
Air France	No	No (Complimentary on long-haul)	–
easyJet	Yes	No	Standard budget airline policy.
Jet2	Yes	No	You can pre-order champagne. No alcohol in checked bags.
KLM	No	Yes (on most flights)	Duty-free allowed only if containers are <100ml.
Lufthansa	Yes (on flights >45 min)	On select flights	Lower age limit (16+) for beer/wine.
Ryanair	Yes	No	Duty-free sales only on specific EU-bound routes.
Swiss	Yes (on flights >50 min)	In European Business Class	Free drinks on intercontinental flights.
Vueling	Yes	No	Standard budget airline policy.
Wizz Air	Yes	No	Standard budget airline policy.

Long-Haul & International Flights

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Detailed Breakdown by Airline Type

If you’re flying a European Budget Airline (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz, Vueling, Jet2):

• Expect to pay for all drinks. There are no free alcoholic beverages.
• You can buy alcohol from their onboard menu.
• You cannot drink the duty-free alcohol you just bought from the airport shop. It must stay sealed until you leave your destination airport.

If you’re flying a International / Full-Service Airline (Emirates, Singapore, BA, etc.):

• You will get free drinks on long-haul flights. This is standard across all cabin classes.
• You usually cannot buy duty-free alcohol on the plane itself; it’s something you buy at the airport.
• The wine, beer, and spirits served with your meal are included in your ticket price.

Bottom Line for Travelers

1. Want a drink? Buy it from the airline’s onboard menu or enjoy the complimentary service on long-haul flights.
2. Bought a nice bottle at duty-free? It must stay sealed in its STEB bag until you reach your final destination. It is not for consumption during the flight.
3. Always check your airline’s website right before you travel, as policies can and do change.

FAQs

Disclaimer: This information is compiled from airline policies as of September 2025 and is intended as a guide only. Regulations can change frequently. Always verify the specific rules with your airline before your journey.