Your Airport Whisky Could Soon Be Off Limits

For many travelers, the holiday spirit kicks in at the airport: a quick beer, a glass of wine before boarding, or a taste of an exclusive whisky. That, however, may soon be curtailed. Ryanair is calling for a worldwide ban on morning alcohol sales at airports.

The proposal doesn’t come out of nowhere. There are frequent reports of clearly intoxicated passengers causing problems on board. According to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, it’s happening more and more often. He says incidents are especially linked to a mix of alcohol and drugs.

That’s why Ryanair is pushing for stricter rules at airports. One suggestion: no more alcohol sales in the early morning and that’s not the only measure they want.

O’Leary first asks why anyone needs a beer at 5 a.m.? He also wants to cap alcohol purchases via the boarding pass. Under his plan, travelers could buy no more than two alcoholic drinks before the taps are shut off for good.

Other airlines acknowledge the problem O’Leary describes. Alcohol abuse is a major driver of in-flight incidents. Still, KLM notes it’s far from the only cause.

Airlines are working together on measures to reduce nuisance and aggression. That could soon range from tighter screening to stronger enforcement in terminals and at the gates. Restrictions on alcohol sales and drink limits are part of those plans, at least on paper.

For whisky enthusiasts, the debate around airport drinking may strike a nerve. International airports have long been key stages for exclusive whisky experiences. Major brands like The Macallan, Hibiki, and others have built full-on brand showcases in terminals. Those could suddenly see fewer visitors.

Duty-free shops also sell special airport editions from renowned distilleries. While these bottles aren’t opened on site, sales could still take a hit if customers can’t sample first. And in premium lounges, whisky tastings are a staple, something a boarding pass drink limit would likely put an end to.

There are already measures in place in the form of fines for intoxicated passengers. Travelers who misbehave under the influence can be ticketed. Depending on the situation, they may even be arrested upon arrival at the airport. In serious cases, airlines can also file claims for damages. Whether the proposed approach will ultimately be adopted at airports remains unclear.

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