Alcohol at The Airport: How Much Is Too Much?

Travel Insurance Explained
By Ellis Brown
November 16, 2021

A group of women have gone viral on social media after being filmed handing out shots of Malibu and Vodka at airport security.

The passengers, thought to be travelling to Miami, had forgotten to check-in their bottles of alcohol in their hand luggage and were subjected to the 100ml liquid allowance. The women were captured passing the bottles of booze around the queue for security, encouraging fellow passengers to take a swig and pass it on so the alcohol did not go to waste.

It is a common restriction for airlines to only allow passengers to carry 100ml of liquid (per item) in their hand luggage and it must be packed in a clear and sealed plastic bag. Anyone caught with more than the limit is at risk of having their items confiscated and could even face a fine.

There are, however, a few exceptions where the 100ml liquid rule does not apply.

Travellers can carry essential medication that surpasses the 100ml limit if they have a letter from the doctor explaining their medical condition and need for the medication. Travellers with children under 48 months can also carry baby food or milk. Lastly, passengers can take more than 100ml of liquids if they have a specialist dietary requirement. Again, this would need support of a doctor’s letter explaining the need for the extra liquid(s). Of course, any special requirement when travelling by air should be discussed with the airline at the time of booking to allow them to accommodate any needs.

This story also highlights a common concern amongst airlines; passenger alcohol limits. While an alcoholic drink with breakfast (or lunch, or dinner) is generally an accepted part of the airport experience for many, it’s worth being aware of alcohol limits when it comes to drinking before or during a flight. It is known that the low oxygen and air pressure levels on board a flight can cause passengers to feel the effects of alcohol quicker, compared with drinking at ground level, so this is something to bear in mind when enjoying a tipple or two at the airport.

Anyone caught behaving in a drunk and disorderly manner puts themselves at risk of being refused boarding at the gate, being banned from travelling with the airline, or, even worse, forcing the plane to land mid-flight to remove them if they are too drunk. It’s no surprise that causing a flight to re-route due to drunken behaviour often comes with sanctions including large fines and/or prosecution.

And, if being removed from a flight and potentially facing criminal charges wasn’t already bad enough, the majority of travel insurance providers will not cover any claims linked to being under the influence of alcohol. So, in the event that a passenger is removed from a flight due to drunken behaviour, they would be responsible for booking and paying for a new flight to either get to their holiday destination or return home.