For many travelers, a glass of wine or beer in the air is part of the experience. But some airlines don’t serve alcohol at all, while others allow passengers to bring their own. This guide breaks down which airlines are “dry” and what the rules are, so you can fly prepared.
Which Airlines Don’t Serve Alcohol?
A number of airlines abstain from serving alcohol onboard, often due to cultural or religious reasons. Here’s a current list of major carriers that do not offer alcoholic beverages:
- Air Arabia: A low-cost carrier based in the UAE.
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines: The national airline of Bangladesh.
- EgyptAir: Egypt’s flagship carrier.
- Iran Air: Iran’s national airline.
- Iraqi Airways: The state airline of Iraq.
- Jazeera Airways: A Kuwaiti low-cost airline.
- Kuwait Airways: The national airline of Kuwait.
- Mahan Air: An Iranian airline.
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA): Pakistan’s national carrier.
- Royal Brunei Airlines: The flag carrier of Brunei.
- Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines): Saudi Arabia’s national airline.
- Turkmenistan Airlines: The national airline of Turkmenistan.
This list isn’t exhaustive, as smaller regional airlines may also abstain from serving alcohol. The reason for this varies, but it is often tied to religious or cultural norms in the airline’s home country.
BYOB: Which Airlines Allow You to Bring Your Own?
Some dry airlines permit passengers to bring their own alcohol onboard, though consumption rules apply. These include:
- EgyptAir: Allows passengers to consume alcohol brought onboard.
- Kuwait Airways: Previously known to allow passengers to consume alcohol purchased or brought onboard.
- Royal Brunei Airlines: Permits alcohol consumption only on flights to Brunei, as alcohol is banned in the country. Any remaining alcohol must be disposed of before landing.
Important Note: Crew discretion is key. Always ask for permission before consuming alcohol on any flight to avoid issues.
Route-Specific Restrictions
Some airlines enforce alcohol bans only on specific routes.
- Flights to/from Saudi Arabia: Airlines flying to or from Saudi Arabia cannot serve alcohol in Saudi airspace. Many carriers ban alcohol entirely on these routes for simplicity.
- Domestic Flights: Air India, Oman Air, Thai Airways, and Turkish Airlines typically do not serve alcohol on domestic routes.
- Regional vs. International: Aerolineas Argentinas restricts alcohol to international routes only, while Malaysia Airlines quietly offers wine upon request on some flights but doesn’t advertise it.
Does This Matter?
Whether or not an airline serves alcohol is a personal preference. Some travelers avoid dry airlines entirely, while others don’t mind. The lack of alcohol doesn’t always indicate poor service; some dry airlines compensate with excellent non-alcoholic beverage selections.
However, keep in mind that alcohol dehydrates you during flights and may worsen jet lag.
Bottom Line
Airlines reflect local cultures and regulations regarding alcohol. If you prefer to drink during your flight, avoid carriers like Saudia or those with strict route-specific bans. If you’re flexible, some dry airlines allow BYOB with limitations. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities as a traveler.
