Why do people drink alcohol on planes?

Drinking in the air is its own animal. There are many reasons why drinking on a plane seems 10 times more fun than it does at sea level. There's the fact that you're on the move—going on holiday, traveling, exploring, reconnecting with family—that naturally makes you feel excited.



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The FAA alcohol rule states that a pilot and any crew member may not consume alcohol within 8 hours of flying and may never have a BAC exceeding . 04 percent when reporting for duty and while operating a plane.

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While that may seem like an easy option drinking on a plane has many negative side effects. And drinking on a plane not only affects you during the flight but possibly for days after as well. The next time you have to fly, avoid the booze. You will be more alert and readier to take care of business when you get there.

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No drinking within 8 hours of flight Pilots may not use alcohol “while on-duty or within 8 hours of performing flight crew member duties.” The regulations also require that crew members submit to blood alcohol tests when requested by law enforcement officials authorized to ask for those tests.

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“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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“It can be helpful in relaxing you or easing anxiety in the beginning, and since many people are anxious flyers, this can help,” Shapiro said, while also pointing out that drinking too much can lead to increased anxiety and have a boomerang effect, so it is important to know your limit.

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Specifically, the Federal Aviation Administration rulebook states that a pilot may not use alcohol within 8 hours of a flight and cannot have a blood alcohol content above 0.04%.

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To be extra safe, the CUNY researchers advised people never to drink water onboard a plane that does not come from a sealed bottle. They also said passengers should not drink coffee or tea brewed on their flight, and that they should even use hand sanitizer instead of washing their hands with onboard water.

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Unfortunately, alcohol isn't the answer for airplane sleep. While it can initially lull you into slumber, studies show that alcohol can lead to more awakenings, worse sleep quality, and less deep sleep. Plus, you will wake up feeling dehydrated and groggy, amplifying the dreaded jet lag.

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Psychological problems can onset at any time during a pilot's career making it important procedures are in place to identify pilots with mental health conditions or impaired brain function.

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(b) Except in an emergency, no pilot of a civil aircraft may allow a person who appears to be intoxicated or who demonstrates by manner or physical indications that the individual is under the influence of drugs (except a medical patient under proper care) to be carried in that aircraft.

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Aviation Medical Examiners are trained to determine the pilot's mental health and fitness to fly. Before this medical exam, pilots are required to report any health professional visits during the previous three years, all medications being taken, and other medical history on their medical application form.

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Liquids of less than 100 ml/3.4oz are allowed through the airport security checkpoint, including alcohol, and must be placed in a single resealable quart-sized bag. However, regulations generally prohibit the consumption of personal alcohol on planes unless it's provided by the airline.

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