Does alcohol feel different on a plane?

“Airplanes keep the cabin pressure about 4 percent lower than normal pressure at sea level, which slightly lowers oxygen intake,” he explains. “With that dip in oxygen for fuel, the brain is more susceptible to the effects of certain substances like alcohol, and so people can feel more buzzed sooner with a drink.”



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Again, you won't get drunk more quickly on a plane. But lack of food and the aforementioned dehydration can make the effects of altitude stronger, thus making a single in-flight drink feel a lot boozier.

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The combination of lower pressure and lower humidity inside an airplane cabin accentuates wine's acidity and alcohol. A refreshing wine at sea level suddenly tastes a bit “off” when sipped in the air.

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This is a very widely held urban myth. Residents of Denver, Colorado (1600m), will tell you that one drink in Denver is the same as two in Chicago (179m). However, the research is against it. Numerous studies have shown that altitude has no effect on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

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If you're an infrequent traveler, be very conservative about how much alcohol you're drinking, Nelson urged. And every time you have a drink, have at least as much water. Jay Robert (also known as A Fly Guy) told TPG that travelers should remember that one in the air is two on the ground when drinking.

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However, the TSA does not allow alcohol with alcohol content higher than 70% (140 proof) in checked baggage. An individual may carry up to five liters of alcohol of between 24% and 70% alcohol volume in their checked luggage as long as it is in sealable bottles or flasks.

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It's not expressly illegal to be drunk on an airplane, but travelers should still be aware of the issues that overindulgence can cause. Ultimately, it's up to gate agents and flight crew to decide if a passenger is drunk enough to be kicked off.

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It's a myth that alcohol is more potent at high altitudes, but there are other factors that make drinking in moderation a good idea during your flight. The main thing to worry about is the risk of dehydration, which alcohol accelerates.

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In most cases, you will be denied boarding. Two good reasons: Safety. If there's an emergency situation, a drunk person might not be able to take care of himself or herself.

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