DRUNK ON A PLANE?

Free booze is a bonus on a long-haul flight — but how much is too much? By Annabel Fenwick-Elliott

Long-haul flights are one of those rare situations when it’s socially acceptable to day-drink. It’s been part of the culture since the golden days of flying. But how many refills is it okay to ask for before the cabin crew start judging you — or simply say no? Technically, few airlines have official limits on the number of drinks passengers are allowed. Except for those few that don’t serve alcohol at all, such as Saudi Arabian Airlines and EgyptAir, most have an open bar for (almost) the duration of the flight.

An Air France spokesman said “Alcohol is included and can be requested at any time when the drinks service is open … as long as the customer is not disturbing other passengers or engaging in anti-social behaviour.”

That sentiment was echoed by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa.

As for how many drinks is “reasonable”, a survey of the Telegraph Travel department aroused varying responses: “Four or five: a few beers, a couple of glasses of wine and a whisky,” said one. Three staffers don’t drink at all on flights. One makes sure he pockets a mini wine bottle or two, to use in cooking back home.

When it comes to the opinions of the cabin crew, Bloody Marys at breakfast are allowed but a pet peeve. Ex BA flight attendant Andy Sparrow said: “That was the order we dreaded. It takes an age to sort out all the trimmings, and it’s infectious. As soon as one person asks for one, half the cabin fancy their own.”

And don’t forget about the effects of altitude. Dr Nick Knight, a GP, says “At cruising altitude, less oxygen will be taken up into your bloodstream.”

The knock-on effect is that your brain may experience a reduction in the amount of oxygen it is used to, and alcohol “is more likely to give you that sensation of being more drunk”. —