The serving of alcohol during flights is common among most of the world’s airlines. However, several carriers do not serve alcohol on their flights.
This is primarily due to religious reasons or customs, or having to operate in accordance with local laws.
Banning alcohol on flights
Airlines that do not permit alcohol to be served on their flights are often called dry airlines.
The airlines known not to serve alcohol on their scheduled flights include :
- Saudia
- Royal Brunei Airlines
- Kuwait Airlines
- Egyptair
- Iran Air
- Mahan Air
- Pakistan International Airways (PIA)
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines
- Afriqiyah International Airways
- Air Arabia
- Jazeera Airways
- Ariana Afghan Airlines
- Iraqi Airlines
- Iran Aseman Airways
Why choose a dry airline?
There are various reasons why passengers might opt for flights where alcohol services are prohibited.
Aside from cultural beliefs that disallow the consumption of alcohol, there is the price factor.
The cost of flights with companies that do not serve alcohol is often cheaper than those that do serve it.
Sam Chui states that a business class seat from London to Kuwait with British Airways (which serves alcohol) can be up to 30% more expensive than Kuwait Airways, which does not serve alcohol.
Then, there is the health aspect.
The consumption of alcohol is harmful to one’s hydration and since flying in an airconditioned cabin already contributes to dehydration, inflight alcohol consumption is not beneficial for passengers’ well-being.
Part dry part wet airlines
Some carriers may not serve alcoholic beverages on certain flights but might still serve them on other flights.
Air Mauritius, Turkish, Air India, Thai Airways and Oman Air do not serve alcohol on domestic services but will do so on international flights.
Time, cost and religious factors may drive the banning of alcohol on some flights.
Most airlines allow alcohol on flights
Alcohol service is allowed on many major African and Gulf-based carriers. This includes Ethiopian, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.
SamChui reports that passengers may bring their own alcohol onto flights operated by Royal Brunei and Egyptair.
