Should airlines and airport bars restrict the amount of alcohol served during your travels? Michael O’Leary, the CEO of Ryanair, a European low-cost airline, seems to lean towards yes, and I find his perspective compelling.

In a recent podcast interview with the Independent, O’Leary highlighted that intoxicated passengers have consistently posed issues for airlines.

“One major factor is that flight delays have hit record levels this summer, leading people to drink more at airports before boarding,” O’Leary remarked, as reported by the Independent. “We should implement a restriction in airports—not banning alcohol sales, but capping the number of drinks each passenger can buy to two.”

This concept might have merit, although some flight attendants have indicated that executing such a policy could upset many travelers. Nevertheless, acknowledging the problem of air rage, it’s clear that alcohol consumption onboard plays a role.

Though a strict limit may be unrealistic, it’s well-known that alcohol affects individuals differently at high altitudes. Therefore, if you plan to partake, it’s wise to monitor your drinking and pace yourself.

The Interaction of Air Travel and Alcohol

It’s widely recognized that alcohol tends to impact individuals more significantly when in flight.

“The confined space and altitude change how your metabolism reacts to alcohol,” said Peggy Swarbrick, a professor and Associate Director at Rutgers University’s Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies. “Alcohol can alter cognition, slow reaction times, and impair judgment—people become less inhibited.”

Swarbrick also noted that drinking before or during a flight could leave you feeling more lethargic and dizzy than you would on the ground.

Personally, I’ve observed that alcohol often tastes different when flying. The airplane’s low humidity and pressure can dull your senses of smell and taste, making whatever you drink less flavorful than it would be in a typical bar.

Airlines are aware of this and sometimes conduct taste tests for their beverage menus to improve offerings.

Is It Necessary to Impose Limits on Alcohol in Airplanes and Airports?

Swarbrick agrees with O’Leary’s viewpoint.

“Less alcohol is better for everyone involved. I understand that airlines want to profit, but the issues surrounding alcohol are vast,” she stated. “Ultimately, there are broader social and financial repercussions.”

Rich Henderson, a flight attendant from a major U.S. airline and a co-writer of the blog Two Guys on a Plane, affirmed that alcohol is frequently linked to disruptive behavior and believes that setting limits is essential.

“Drunk passengers definitely create more problems than sober ones,” he remarked. “If even a hint of agitation appears, it’s a serious concern. We can’t have someone disrupting a flight in a confined space—it’s better to resolve such situations on the ground.”

However, Henderson acknowledged that enforcing a drink limit presents challenges.

“A large individual having two beers might not notice any effect, while a smaller person could be significantly impaired after two vodka drinks,” he explained. Additionally, he questioned how airlines would effectively monitor consumption across different terminals or flights.

Cruising Altitude: Accessibility advocates praise DOT, say improvements ‘never happened this fast’

Henderson expressed concern that having a standardized rule might annoy passengers more than help.

“I prefer the discretion of crew members to decide when to cut someone off,” he shared. “Flight attendants often manage to slow down service strategically—sometimes we forget drink requests, appear busy, or make excuses for a delay to help mitigate excessive drinking.”

According to Henderson, a technique to manage drinking is to simply slow down the process without enforcing an outright ban.

Over the past five years, Henderson estimates that he’s had to completely deny alcohol to only one or two travelers.

“People often overlook the clear-cut nature of this. It is prohibited to be intoxicated on an aircraft, as per FAA regulations,” he stated. “This isn’t about ruining your holiday fun; it’s ultimately about ensuring safety for everyone.”

Swarbrick highlighted that alcohol can impair cognitive functions, making it harder for passengers to react in emergencies and increasing the likelihood of disruptive behavior.

Is it permissible to consume your own alcohol on airplanes?

No, it is against the law to bring your own alcohol onboard for consumption, regardless of various internet “hacks” suggesting otherwise.

Instead, Swarbrick recommended that if you feel the need for a drink to relax, consider alternative methods for coping or unwinding during travel. If you’re seeking a drink for another reason, opt for a non-alcoholic beverage instead.

“Staying hydrated with a different drink or ensuring you eat adequately can be very beneficial,” she advised.

Ultimately, if you are capable of obtaining alcohol on a flight, you should also be responsible enough to recognize and respect your own limits.

“This isn’t a bar; it’s an airplane, and we can’t allow passengers to treat it like one,” Henderson emphasized.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York.