Originally Posted by OskiBear

I'm just curious, as I drink very little and almost never when I fly.

Why is drinking such a part of the flying culture? I see that it's often discussed here on FT and there's unhappiness when it's not comped, etc.

Earlier this week, on a 9.5 hour flight from HEL-JFK, the fellow across the aisle from me had non-stop drinks from the time we boarded until we landed. Many bottles of vodka, beeer, etc.

I always thought one was supposed to stay hydrated on a flight and alcohol is a diuretic, no? Just seems a bit contradictory since FT'ers are expert flyers who do what they can to stay comfortable and in good condition on long flights.

Not a value judgment, just curious what people's take are on the drinking part. Is to calm nerves? Part of the inherent culture/experience of flying?