Originally Posted by Eastbay1K

Many premium carriers serve "substandard" bubbles for the reason mentioned above. Duty costs can be substantial. Glassware? Carrier specific. I don't know if the FAA requires that actual glassware is removed prior to gate departure (for US carriers), but I wouldn't be surprised if this is the case.

As for the general proposition, sheesh, it is maybe 4 ounces of a cool beverage prior to departure, and esnobismo exhibited on the topic over the course of Flyertalk history is well, speshul. I'll suffer with a plastic cup of the pre-departure swill so long as my Lorren Parry Aye Granne Saw Selle is chilling to perfection during boarding, taxi, and takeoff.