Alcohol service hours policy: Admirals Club, Flagship Lounge
 

Hi all.

I've been wondering... is there a club-wide policy on what time is alcohol served from in the Admirals Clubs? (beyond state licensing laws)

Just over a month ago, I was flying from BOS and I had reason to celebrate so I asked to Admirals Club bar for one of the tiny small champagne bottles (I had two complimentary drinks chits so was going to use them). Admittedly, it was 830am but I was told by the lady behind the bar that they don't serve alcohol that early. I celebrated instead with some pretzels, a mug of herbal tea, and two bottles of water complimentary of my drinks chits.

Nonetheless, is that a standard Admirals Club policy? I imagine that there are specific licensing laws in states that prohibit alcohol being sold before a certain time. However, I was flying on weekday and I believe that alcohol can be sold from 8am in MA on weekdays (from a quick search just now).

Extending this further though, how about serving alcohol on board flights (e.g. in First)? Does wine flow at 5/6am on American flights? I've never even thought to ask on domestic flights although I have had a glass at about 10am on the transatlantics when their lunchtime meal services come out.

Please do not think that I'm being facetious or an alcohol junkie, nor that I am condoning excessive alcohol drinking. This is meant as genuine question and one that would hope does not invite abuse, negativity or ridicule. I would have thought that the space of many Admirals Clubs are generally big enough for somebody to have a quiet drink without disturbing others (on the assumption that some people just don't physically like being around people drinking alcohol). Nonetheless, I am not asking or complaining out of being hurt or disappointed by my experience in the BOS lounge. I am just asking out of pure interest!

Simon.

P.S. I've been thinking about my experience with bar service lounges, which si few and far between as most of the lounges I visit are self-service. The bar service at the (excellent) United Lounge in Heathrow serves from opening time, and come to think of it so do a number of the Arrival Lounges (VS; one of the T2 ones, etc). It is the same for the Cathay Pacific lounges in HKG too.

Service in AC's is governed by local law.

Thanks Often1. Apologies, as I thought I had mentioned in my post that I was wondering about the provision beyond what is restricyed/permitted by local law.

At least two issues will affect the Clubs:

1) local or state ordinances;

2) whether Admirals Club has a uniform policy or allows variations in service hours (other than as may be mandated by local ordinances);

In the air, there should be an overall AA policy. PDB / pre-departure beverage services may be affected by local ordinances.

(And yes, this means I'm clueless as to actual service policies. I'm thinking one of our Club members might inquire on their next visit and share the replies here.)

I thought that was pretty clear, especially since you cited the local restriction on serving alcohol in your post.

I have not run into this and it is not network wide AC policy to not serve before a certain time. Now, the 'champagne' is a for-purchase item which falls under local serving laws. The complimentary options I believe are exempt and can be served at any time regardless of local laws. This was at least the case in ATL where it was explained to me in the SkyClub on a Sunday that they could only offer complimentary options before noon.

It's virtually impossible to get anything (even a tomato juice) at LGA's AC before 8am (which is when the bartender starts to appear) but I have had and witnessed many people having Bloody Marys and screwdrivers by about 9am. I've never seen anyone have an issue getting something alcoholic to drink in the air for a 5am or 6am flight.

I know I've had a Schafly at STL before 8AM in the past and I know for a fact the bar at LAX opens at 6AM(because of state law, the bartender explained, otherwise it would open when the club does). PHX also opens the bar well before 8AM.

I'd presume it's solely dependent on the state laws.

AC's in Charlotte can't serve alcohol until 12 noon on Sundays. Another reason to avoid that hub.

One small out-station, and I can't remember where, had some sort of rule where even once on the plane, alcohol could not be served before a certain time.....had to wait until the plane was airborne. Utah maybe? Can't remember where I was, but it shocked me.

Even the comp stuff? Yikes! Yeah, no thanks. I've never understood southern liquor laws...

DFW doesn't serve before noon on Sunday either. I know they can't sell before noon, and I'm pretty sure they also don't serve the free stuff.

I think MA has that licensing restriction for weekends too, albeit I have not ever tested as I usually fly in the evenings on weekends.

Thank you all for a productive and insightful discussion of your experiences. I might try a cheeky glass when I visit the States again next week, for research purposes of course.

It's not just southern laws, the DTW Sky Clubs are also prohibited from offering alcohol before noon on Sundays due to Michigan liquor laws (DTW is self serve so it is all comp).

Anyone know whether the Centurion lounge serves alcohol before noon on a Sunday?