Under current FAA regulations, passengers aren't allowed to drink alcohol while flying unless it's served by a flight attendant. Your flight attendant also isn't allowed to serve you if you're intoxicated.

The individuals who serve drinks and food on a plane are primarily Flight Attendants, also known as the Cabin Crew. While their role is often perceived as purely hospitality-focused, their primary responsibility is the safety and security of the passengers. Within the cabin crew hierarchy, the Purser (or "In-Flight Lead") oversees the service and manages the team of flight attendants to ensure everything runs according to the airline's standards. On some ultra-long-haul international flights in 2026, you may also encounter an In-Flight Chef in First or Business Class, who specifically manages the preparation and presentation of gourmet meals and premium beverages. In addition to serving, flight attendants are trained as first responders, capable of handling medical emergencies, fighting in-flight fires, and managing evacuations. The service of drinks is strategically timed to allow the crew to conduct "cabin walks" and monitor for any safety issues or passenger distress, making the "beverage cart" a dual-purpose tool for both comfort and situational awareness during the flight.