Flight Attendants Reveal Their Best Kept Flight Secrets

2. Getting Drunk on a Flight

While many passengers look forward to the mini bottles of alcohol on their flight, it’s important to recognize that overindulging is not a good idea—especially at 30,000 feet. If a flight attendant notices that you’ve had too much to drink, they have the authority and responsibility to cut you off. This isn’t just airline policy; it’s actually illegal to become intoxicated on a plane. Flight attendants are bound by the same legal restrictions and are prohibited from serving more alcohol to visibly intoxicated passengers.
Becoming drunk on an airplane can have serious consequences. If you cause a significant disturbance—which is more likely when you’ve had too much to drink—you could face legal repercussions, including a potential two-year prison sentence in some cases. This is no minor issue, as disruptive behavior can jeopardize both passenger comfort and aircraft safety.

There’s also a physiological reason to drink in moderation while flying. At high altitudes, the changing cabin pressure amplifies the effects of alcohol compared to what you would experience on the ground. This means you might feel the effects of alcohol more quickly and intensely than usual. To ensure a safe and pleasant flight for yourself and those around you, limit your alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether during air travel.