How do airlines decide whether to serve alcohol
Jul 14, 2003 | 9:53 am
#1
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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?
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?
Jul 14, 2003 | 11:06 am
#2
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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.
Jul 14, 2003 | 11:31 am
#3
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I don't know specific rules, but UA won't serve my 14-year-old son wine or champagne, but LH will.
Jul 14, 2003 | 12:45 pm
#5
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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.
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.
Jul 14, 2003 | 1:37 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2003
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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.
Jul 14, 2003 | 2:23 pm
#8
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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.
Jul 14, 2003 | 3:16 pm
#9
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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.
I believe national carriers of Muslim (dry countries)i.e. Saudi Arabia, dont serve alcohol at all, even if flying to foreign destinations.
Jul 14, 2003 | 4:21 pm
#10
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">When flying Alitalia I've had FAs ask me if my 20 year old daughter can have the wine she requested.</font>
Jul 14, 2003 | 4:39 pm
#11
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When I was younger and sweet-looking 
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
[This message has been edited by asnovici (edited 07-14-2003).]
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
[This message has been edited by asnovici (edited 07-14-2003).]