How do airlines decide whether to serve alcohol
 

Different countries have different laws regarding minimum drinking age, so I was wondering how do airlines decide who should be allowed to drink alcohol.

For example, let's say an 18 year old flies CO EWR- AMS . Would he be served since he is allowed to drink under Netherland's laws? Or would he be declined since CO is an american airline?
How about if the same 18 year old flies the same route on SQ? Would he be served then, since both Singapore and Netherlands allow an 18 year old to drink?

I don't know the airlines you mention, but I know that SWISS would serve wine to any person over 16 years (spirits over 18 years), and if accompanied by an (agreeing) parent even younger people might be served wine. It doesn't matter if the SWISS flight starts in Zurich or the United States.

I don't know specific rules, but UA won't serve my 14-year-old son wine or champagne, but LH will.

Not sure. But, when flying Virgin on my first trip abroad (JFK-LHR) I was served alcohol. I was only 20 at the time.

I don't think they care as long as it's not unreasonable (ie. a 8 year old ordering vodka on the rocks)

Liquor licenses are issued by states and the law varies. Only recently (late 90s) did 21 become the minimum age throughout the US.

I don't think airlines need a license to serve in the air and I don't think the laws apply. FAA requirement for alcohol to be served by a crewmember and for no pax to be intoxicated apply, of course.

I've never seen anyone carded or refused due to age.

When flying Alitalia I've had FAs ask me if my 20 year old daughter can have the wine she requested.

I was told that on United I cant drink because the plane is registered in the United States. If you fly from hk. Everythign is randy. Dont drink too much. You will get dehydrated. drink enought to put you to sleep.

On my trip to CDG with United I was asked if I was 21. I offered my ID to her but she didn't want it. After about 2 mins talking to her coworker in French, she asked to see my ID. I was not the only one. I found it funny that she said I wouldn't have a problem in Paris but she made a big deal about it on the plane.

I am not sure, but I believe an aircraft is considered the territory of the country its registered too. Hence, United can legally make a fuss (as their drinking age is higher), if they wish, while the European carriers would rarely bother.

I believe national carriers of Muslim (dry countries)i.e. Saudi Arabia, dont serve alcohol at all, even if flying to foreign destinations.

Now this is surprising since my son's been served wine throughout Italy since he was 12.

When I was younger and sweet-looking http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif I was being asked on UA if I was "of age." Being a smart-a*s I always replied with "Im certainly of age" (who knows what age they were talking about...), although I was somewhere between 17 and 20. All of these were European-bound flights.

When flying on European carriers I have never witnessed any questioning. Now Im "older and wiser", and they dont ask anymore at all http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/frown.gif

[This message has been edited by asnovici (edited 07-14-2003).]