Underage Consumption in Int'l Lounge?
 

I tried to search recent threads on "underage consumption" in international lounges at the airport but couldn't find any information. So, I'm 19 and if I went to the lounge at JFK for my fight to ICN, am I allowed to drink at the lounge? I don't think so, right? But, if I'm at ICN I can drink right? Since the drinking age in Korea is 18(US).

Also since I'm on this topic. I am allowed to drink alcohol if the flight is operated by an airline whose home country is legal for me to drink in, right?

Thanks everyone. Just wanted to make sure I got things right :)

Correct! Just because it is a lounge run by a foreign company doesn't mean it doesn't need to comply with US law. It's not like an embassy, you're still on US soil when you enter an international lounge. ;)

but if its self-serve bar....:D

and yes you can certainly drink in flight if the airline is not american

Hi

I'm pretty sure your assumptions are correct. No drinking allowed under 21 in USA based airline lounges, but ok to drink in lounges in countries where the drinking age is 18+.

However - on the airline issue I guess it may depend on the airline/crew.

I know for example that Cathay Pacific has a rule that alcohol consumption is NOT allowed for under 21s on flights to the USA (and I guess maybe the reverse too). I'm trying to find the link but not having any success. If I come across it again I'll post it.

Certainly airlines flying to another country can be bound by the laws of that country. I guess it would be a condition of their operating licence. For example all airlines flying to the USA had to have the 'no congregating' rule (some enforced it better than others!).

Alright, thanks for clarifying everything for me guys!

While it has been a few years for me, IIRC the correct procedure is to try it and see if you get away with it. :D;) IIRC, so long as there wasn't a bartender, the odds were always pretty good in these types of situations.

Well, if you are dressed/look like a 19yo you probably wont get served booze on a US carrier.
When I was underage I was never carded on United when i would order a beer or coctail. SO at the very least... its worth a shot. hahaha

I signed up for the Citi Amex Platinum that came with the 3 free club entries when I was 19. I was able to use it in Frankfurt, but not Newark. The other two went to waste.

Amazing you can drive a deadly weapon or even own a gun, have children and join the army to kill people but you cant have a drink until 21

...Except in Baltimore. There are hardly any laws there--and the ones that exist are not enforced in the least. :p

Yes on all counts. Remember not only that the drinking age varies country to country, but that levels of enforcement vary as well. I remember being 17 and visiting Prague..where the legal drinking age was 19 but nobody enforced it..they would serve a 12 year old for the money!

and they still do lol

Be aware that some lounges won't even let you in if the bar is self-serve and you're under 21. Not sure if that applies to the lounge you're planning to use at JFK, but you might want to check....

No worries about that. I usually use the joint lounge with LX/OZ/etc and never was denied from entering. I was 17 the last time I went there and still got in and I'm pretty sure if I went to the self-serve bar, no one would say anything :cool: