Inflight Alcohol Ban Debate Revived by New Health Study

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 17, 2024 10:32 AMNews
Share:
Glasses of red berry drinks on a tray
Consuming alcohol on flights can be dangerous. Source: unsplash

A recent study from German researchers at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine has reignited discussions about banning alcohol on airplanes. The study suggests that consuming alcohol during flights and then sleeping significantly increases the risk of heart attacks.

The study monitored 48 participants aged 18 to 40, comparing their sleep patterns on the ground and in the air, both with and without alcohol consumption. Those who drank alcohol in simulated flight conditions experienced heightened heart rates and reduced blood oxygen levels. The findings indicate that the combination of alcohol and hypobaric conditions can strain the cardiac system, even in healthy individuals, potentially exacerbating symptoms in those with existing heart or lung conditions.

Despite its small scale, the study has sparked renewed calls for restricting inflight alcohol consumption. Historically, inflight alcohol service has not been linked to significant harm since it began in the 1940s. However, the new research aligns with ongoing concerns about the health risks posed by drinking on planes.

Proponents of the ban argue that restricting alcohol could prevent potential health crises and reduce alcohol-related incidents on flights. During the pandemic, many airlines temporarily stopped serving alcohol in economy class, leading passengers to drink excessively before boarding or smuggle alcohol onboard. This behavior resulted in higher levels of intoxication early in flights, suggesting that controlled alcohol service might be safer than an outright ban.

However, implementing a ban presents challenges. Passengers could still legally consume alcohol if served by flight attendants, complicating enforcement. Some airlines, like Air India, have already prohibited passengers from drinking duty-free alcohol onboard, while others, like Cathay Pacific, may allow it in premium cabins.

The debate over inflight alcohol bans is not new. In the 1950s, Senator Strom Thurmond proposed legislation to prohibit alcohol on planes, citing safety concerns, the burden on flight attendants, and the exposure of non-drinkers and children to alcohol. Despite his efforts and the moral and safety arguments presented, the ban was never implemented.

As discussions continue, the balance between passenger freedom and health and safety remains a central issue. Whether the new study will lead to policy changes or remain a point of debate is yet to be seen.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Two LNER Azuma trains at King's Cross Station

Azuma Train Trial Hints at New London Arrival Option for Travellers

Mar 29, 2025 19:42 PM
Lufthansa aircraft at airport gate viewed from empty terminal seating area

Lufthansa Adds New Tools to Tackle Travel Disruptions This Summer

Mar 29, 2025 17:28 PM

New Luxury Hotel Project Enhances Estepona’s Appeal

Mar 29, 2025 15:35 PM

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM
Brussels Airlines aircraft landing on runway

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM
Empty Italian train platform with distant Trenitalia carriage

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM
Aerial view of Benidorm’s beachfront and high-rise skyline on a clear summer day

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM
Air France airplane approaching for landing with landing gear deployed

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM
Flooded railway tracks disappearing into a body of water with overhanging tree branches

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM
Jet2 aircraft taxiing on runway at airport

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM
Protester with megaphone at strike

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM