The short answer: it depends. However, there is certainly less alcohol available in the skies. You may feel like enjoying a drink after getting on a plane this summer. Nevertheless, my recent experiences suggest that the alterations to passengers’ experiences have made the occasionally bumpy moments of transiting through an airport much smoother.
This is especially true with back-to-front boarding rather than the common boarding-by-status that we’ve all become accustomed to. Moreover, it makes for a more relaxing journey being in an airport with fewer people. Neither of these current perks of traveling is likely to last, so enjoy them while you can.
All that said, while premium cabin passengers may not be able to board first and sit there trying to ignore the stream of less-fortunate souls drifting past them to the rear of the plane, they have retained some perks. They can still enjoy a drink in airline lounges and, in some cases, it will be served at their seat. Once onboard, many US-based carriers retain or have reintroduced the alcoholic drinks service for business class, in contrast to the bottled water only on offer in the main cabin. Southwest, which has no premium cabin, is serving water and snack mix on flights over 250 miles, and JetBlue implements a similar, simplified arrangement on all flights.
In Europe, you’re likely to receive a plastic bag with a snack and a bottle of water at best in economy on many airlines including British Airways. In upmarket cabins, alcohol is more likely to be available and generally served in individual miniature sizes. Low-cost carriers are generally more lenient with in-flight drink service. If you’re willing to pay (contactless card only), easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz will serve you a drink from a limited menu. After reviewing their menus online, you may conclude that it is easier to get a beer than a coffee, as hot drink service is generally suspended.
On long-haul international flights, things are a little different. Generally, if you’re going to be offered alcohol, it will be with your meal, and the selection of beer, wine, and spirits may be more limited than usual. There is no tray of drinks coming around on most airlines regardless of the class you’re in, which may lead some premium cabin dwellers to ponder the value of going anywhere at all. Moreover, you can expect in-flight meals and drinks to resemble packed lunches rather than gourmet experiences.
Of course, those high-stooled seafood and champagne bars and in-airport Irish pubs will continue to operate normally should you fancy a pre-flight drink. You could even argue that these establishments need your support during these challenging times for the travel industry.
Why has alcohol service been limited? Firstly, to reduce physical touchpoints between passengers and staff. Moreover, the less food and drink available means passengers will spend less time with their masks off. Fewer drinks also translate into passengers needing to use the bathroom less often, consequently reducing movement around the cabin.
