If you were looking forward to a Mai Tai or other tropical adult beverage en route to Hawaii, keep reading. A glass of wine or a beer is a quintessential part of the Hawaii travel experience for many of you. Alcoholic beverages, however, are seen by the civil aviation industry and regulators as a major contributor to unacceptable airline behavior. At the same time, airlines serve alcohol because so many passengers desire it and because it is a money-maker.
While flights to Hawaii have largely resumed with business as usual, there are understandably changes, including your beverage options, and more may be ahead. Those who think of that Hawaii-inspired and umbrella-adorned beverages as the start to their vacation may want to take note and choose airlines accordingly.
Southwest Airlines has a no-alcohol policy.
After a series of issues, including having a flight attendant assaulted and teeth knocked out, the airline decided to extend its policy of no alcoholic beverages. That incident occurred when the passenger refused to remain seated. SWA’s alcohol restriction began as a Covid related rule, but now it is for different reasons.
Southwest said that they have indefinitely suspended liquor service. Passengers may also not consume their own alcoholic beverages onboard, as is the case with all airlines. However, it is legal to bring it onboard, remaining unopened, so long as it complies with the FAA liquids rule. Recently, the FAA assessed a $15,000 fine against a passenger who drank alcohol on board that was not served by the airline.
This SWA no alcohol rule came as the FAA reported more than 3,400 incidents of bad passenger behavior just this year. The government has implemented a no-tolerance policy on offenses. See Violence On Hawaii Flights. Issues Escalate. $52,000 FAA Fine. The FAA said that more than 1,000 of the recent incidents involved alcohol. Other contributing factors are said to be drugs and mental illness.
Southwest had planned to restart alcohol service last month. Instead, they added coffee to their beverage offerings.
American Airlines restricts alcohol by the cabin.
American reintroduced alcoholic beverages but only in its premium domestic cabins. They indicated in May that they planned to reintroduce alcohol in the main cabin, but we haven’t heard anything more. This month, American had an incident wherein a woman attempted to open the airplane door, then bit a flight attendant. She was subsequently restrained with duct tape.
Alaska Airlines continues to serve alcohol – so far.
Earlier this year, an Alaska Airlines passenger urinated on the floor of the aircraft. We aren’t clear if or how much alcohol he consumed during the flight vs. before boarding. When asked to cover himself, the passenger said, “I have to pee.”
United Airlines alcohol rules won’t impact Hawaii flights.
United will only offer beer and wine on flights over 800 miles, so Hawaii-bound passengers are spared for now. They are restricting alcohol on shorter flights, which has originally been pegged as flights up to 200 miles.
No restrictions at Delta Airlines.
On Delta Airlines, alcoholic beverages are available on all flights in premium classes of service and in coach on flights of 500 miles and more.
Hawaiian Airlines’ policy updated.
Their website says that they are serving alcohol, and in fact, that is now the case. We heard from Hawaiian Airlines’ Communications Manager Tara Schmooka, who said, “I just wanted to reach out re this post on onboard alcohol sales to let you know we resumed alcohol sales for our main cabin guests on transpac flights on July 15.” Multiple commentors had previously reported that no alcohol was served.
Airport bars will be busy.
Passengers are free to consume alcoholic beverages at airports. Be careful, though, as airlines can refuse boarding when a passenger appears to be intoxicated.
Congress may act on airline issues.
Congress is considering a no-fly list for those convicted of assault. At present, a passenger barred from one airline can take a flight on a different carrier.
Does the availability of adults beverages impact your choice of airlines flying to Hawaii?
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No MaiTai’s on UA direct flights from Denverbss of 7/19.
We just flew back Hawaiian from Honolulu to Austin on the new nonstop flight on July 23 and they served alcohol… But we went out there two weeks earlier they did not. Apparently the policy change was on the 15th.
I wouldnt fly without drink availability. Punish those who go wild by putting them on no fly lists for ALL
domestic airlines for 5 years. Plus hefty fines. Be sure this diclosure is made known to all travelers at purchase time.
My in flight time to Honolulu is about 11 hours. Flying should be fun and relaxing as the start of the vacation.
Don’t punish us for poor benavior of others. Sprinkle flights with air marshals.
As someone who flies a lot for work, I am just fine with no alcohol on board an aircraft. It just makes sense to keep everyone on board as safe as possible. Wait till you get off the plane and then have at it. Flying is stressful enough, nobody wants to sit next to that guy /girl who has been drinking their butt off in the airport bar pre flight. Been there and it sucks. Its five hours, you won’t die without a drink. Be considerate to your fellow passengers and crew. Mahalo!
Doesn’t impact at all. As long as water or soft drink available to stay hydrated.
I have seen way too many drunk and out of control fliers after drinking. I think a permanent ban on alcohol is perfectly acceptable.
Thank you for the information and please, do update on the status of Hawaiian airlines when possible. It does make a difference to choose a flight that offers options and most should not be held accountable for the people that couldn’t Act appropriate. Thank you for a detailed and informative article.
Hi Melanie.
We did hear from Hawaiian and just updated the post accordingly. They resumed alcohol sales in the main cabin effective July 15.
Aloha.
There’s no way someone on a flight I’m on will emerge unscathed if they assault a flight attendant.
By the way, the Dierks Bentley song “Drunk on a plane” is not to be imitated in real life.
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii for the ever awesome information.
Y’all rock the world!
Howzit Pam.
Thanks. We’ll go looking for that song.
Aloha.
If given a choice between POG and a Mai Tai, I’d choose POG! It’s delicious, different and uniquely Hawaiian and it won’t make people rude! Thank you BOH for all your great info. Mahalo
Hi Mary.
Thanks. We appreciate all of your comments.
Aloha.
Wouldn’t mind not having alcohol on my flight but, not having anything to drink included in the price (Frontier) is unacceptable.
Good evening! I fly back and forth between Oahu and California 2 or 3 times a year. I have always expected and enjoy the difficult services provided by the flight attendants. I’ve always enjoyed getting on the plane , getting situated, an eventual having a drink served me, after all the hassle of getting to the airport on timer, getting through security , getting all back together again, and then finally getting on the plane after, very often, not being able to clearly hear what they are announcing over the speakers. Now, after all this hassle, – – no drinks?? Well, I must tell you, that I always fly Hawaiian. On occasion I fly first class. No problem there being served any number of drinks. But not back in coach. Sounds a bit discriminatory to me
Aloha! We flew to Hawaii and back this summer on Hawaiian airlines (both ways). Alcohol was not served in coach even when requested. We were told by the flight attendant that until passengers learn to behave again, they won’t be serving alcohol (or something to that effect – my paraphrasing). As a side note, Hawaiian began weighing carry on luggage t the counter at the same time as your regular luggage now. 25 pound limit on carry on luggage with them. In 35 years of flying, we’ve never had our carry on luggage weighed before.
I don’t drink and have actually developed an allergy to all types of alcohol so doesn’t matter to me. Everything is so much cheaper when ya don’t drink.
I enjoy a drink or two on a long flight, it relaxes me. They haven’t been serving alcohol for the past year, and that’s when all these incidents occurred. I think mask wearing has people frustrated and they are either drinking too much prior to flight (because if your in the airport drinking, you can remove your mask). I say serve alcohol, monitor it, so it’s not excessive and let’s start enjoying our trips again.
Are usually always fly Hawaiian airlines that I have been extremely dissatisfied on my last couple slides and bookings. I have one of their credit cards which I am canceling and moving on to somebody else. Hawaiian Airlines has drastically dropped in customer service their flights are overpriced and their customer service is horrible.
So this logic is the opposite of what’s happening. Airlines are not serving alcohol and the masses are going crazy. Perhaps a libation is what is needed to take the edge off of cramped seats, uncivil passengers and crew, bathrooms that can be measured in inches, etc.
Thank you for your continued coverage of Hawaii flights. I’ve enjoyed the complimentary mixed drink offers by Hawaiian Airlines in previous years. That’s a fun way to travel to paradise!
However, we’re just lucky right now to be able to travel at all. Masks are fine. Alcohol isn’t necessary. Let’s all stay safe.
Hi Matt.
Thanks too for your continued comments!
Aloha.
Well someone has to say it….SWA passengers fit a demographic to Hawaii that lends itself to alcohol induced bad behavior more then say Alaska or Hawaiian. Probably a good call on their part 🙂
Wow. That was uncalled for. I own a business and so does my family. We fly SWA exclusively based on their ability to fly without charging for ridiculous incidentals and bags plus a multitude of destinations that are not well served. The demographics have absolutely nothing to do with it. Can’t even fathom how you came to that Highly insulting conclusion.
CC I thought the smiley face indicated it was somewhat tongue in cheek and as Chris said not all SWA pax’s fit the demographic we are
talking about, that said…..there is a certain amount of truth to it too. SWA has a huge domestic route structure and they have made a decision to use Hawaii as a marketing tool for their frequent fliers and corporate growth with no regard to how it effects the state. They will push and shove every passenger they can into Hawaii if it benefits them. Their demographic does in fact lean heavily towards the budget conscious traveler who shuns resorts and cooks dinner in their (possibly) illegal vacation rental. We simply don’t have the infrastructure to support a big influx of that. You mentioned you have two businesses, that’s good. However that hits the nail on the head, of what we are talking about, the balance between a healthy business environment and quality of life has to be found. The “more the merrier because it means growth” perspective will ultimately destroy Hawaii. We don’t have the space that Las Vegas or Orlando does.
Couldn’t agree more. I made those comments on an article earlier in the month and several contributors were less than polite but reinforced my beliefs. Again I will state it is not ALL swa passengers but it seems more than a coincidence.
Unfortunately Pandora’s box has been opened and I don’t see my Maui home changing for the better anytime soon.
Fingers crossed that when more destinations open and Covid checks dry up that the visitor numbers go down some.
Mahalo BOH for all you do on a daily basis
Hi Chris.
Thanks for noticing and for saying that.
Aloha.
Yep, Alaska and Hawaiian don’t have any of them low-life redneck types.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm :0( Not sure I like being lumped into ‘a demographic’ that causes problems just because I appreciate a reasonably priced flight and a free checked bag. I also don’t drink – but that is beside the point.
Sure, I can sometimes get a reasonably priced fare on Hawaiian with points and free bag with our CC. But, the comment just does not sound very ‘nice.’
No one likes to have someone ‘look down their nose at you’ – even figuratively.
Why not impose a drink ‘limit’ instead of none whatsoever. Seems kinder. Or a breathalyzer before we board. If you have already had too many, then don’t expect any more. :0)
I do think that people drink to avoid THE MASK! Absolutely! It’s enough to almost drive me to drink! :0)
I would prefer no alcohol on the flights. And also no drunks on the planes.
Thank you. If you can’t forego alcohol for a flight, perhaps you should question whether you have an issue with alcohol dependency. It’s a lovely gesture, but there are plenty of MaiTais when you land. I would rather not have to deal with privileged drunks on my flight.
In response to your question, no, the availability of adult/alcoholic beverages during flight does not impact my choice of airline at all. Honestly, knowing that I’m going to be getting in a car, when I get off the plane, really dissuades me from imbibing. (Plus, usually the flight is relatively early in the day, soooo…) Once I’m settled in at my destination, it’s usually mai-tai time!
Yes, being retired after a career flying 50 weeks a year for 30 years, expectations are the norm, as is responsibly drinking. The Airline can control their distribution in air, 6 Hours basically becomes 4, with an Hour to depart and an Hour to prepare for landing. I would maintain that it is the Alchohol consumed before Boarding that is the issue, as seen in Philadelphia, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and San Juan incidents, and if the Airline allows Boarding of those that are inebriated, just as if Carry-on’s are over the 22″x14″x8″, it’s on them. Ground Supervisors should be present and length of flight is a consideration. As to on-board, it is very easy to control, “No Double’s”, keep a count, ditto Wine. Remind all before Boarding no Alchohol is to be brought on Board, and if Scans or Checks need be done, so be it.
The availability of adults beverages on any flight doesn’t effect my choice of at all. IMHO, serving alcohol of an airplane is a bad idea.
Safety is more important than having to have alcohol.
Wake up people you are out of control.
Well some of us are total white knuckles fliers and it helps! I’ve never made a scene, flew 1o yrs for business and 35+ trips to Hawaii.
What are you self-righteous going to say drive there if you’re afraid to fly?
Well no, can’t sorry. Did sail there and back as crew on 52 footer tho.
And we got to drink while “driving” and I got her to 6 knots w no wind.
I enjoy an adult beverage but am ok with this airline policy. I was once on a flight from London to Los Angeles, about halfway over the Atlantic, a very drunk guy got into an inebriated argument with his wife/girlfriend/whatever. He became very distraught and emotional, he tried to open a door and jump out at 34k feet. Passengers wrestled him to the ground. They ended up strapping him to the jump seat in the rear of the plane with baby/kid lap belts. He spent the rest of the trip (about 5 hours) crying and sleeping. When we landed in L.A. the police came on and dragged him off the plane first.
On our (very full) Hawaiian Airlines flights between OAK and LIH on June 26 and July 11, no alcohol was available. We missed the Hawaii-bound traditional mai tai, but it was no big deal. To be on a flight where strangers are misbehaving in such close quarters would be frightening, and actual assault is never tolerable.
Unless I have coupons for free drinks with southwest. I’m ok with no alcoholic beverage onboard. They r expensive anyways. Also, I never drink alcohol when I fly anyways even in pre pandemic days.
Just flew Hawaiian Air, they do have a no alcohol being served policy… just FYI
Aloha
Alcohol is a zero factor for me flying to and from Hawaii. I’ve flown to HNL, KOA and OGG this year on SW. I’ll enjoy a cocktail on my lanai again next month in West Maui.
Mahalo.
Just another form of discrimination that benefits only the wealthy. I will never fly American Airlines. So if you’re rich, you can get serve alcohol but if you are traveling on a budget, forget it.
So I guess paying triple what you pay for a fight shouldn’t entitle someone to a few extra benefits?
I think we throw around the word discrimination too frequently these days. Discrimination is an incredibly ugly human trait but nobody said you weren’t allowed to purchase first class tickets so you haven’t been discriminated against…you have simply made a choice.
Hawaiian was not serving alcohol on our recent June flight to Honolulu, which was fine with me–although I do enjoy the Koloa punch they used to serve just before landing. Possibly they were serving drinks in first class, however we were in extra comfort, and we were not offered alcohol. They actually made very few passes through the cabin to offer any kind of drink once the food service ended. I had to go to the back of the plane to get a fruit drink for my grandson. Perhaps that will change when things get back to normal–whenever that might be.
Hi Lee.
Thanks. You and others had the same comment – no alcohol on Hawaiian. Their website, however, reflects that it is being served.
Aloha.
Hi guys
My family came to visit me in May and on HA in first class they were indeed offered alcohol. Not sure if it changed since.
Mahalo
Hi Chris.
Thanks. That one will remain a mystery until we hear from HA.
Aloha.