With summer in full swing, thousands are getting ready to jet abroad. But while many look forward to a relaxing time away, flying is often something many dread.
The process of packing and getting through security can be stressful - especially if you're not up to date with all the rules and regulations of the airline. Passengers are urged to carefully check the latest updates on what they can and can't bring onto a flight.
For those who are anxious fliers, a drink may help calm the nerves before take-off. Or you may even fancy one or two to help relax on a long flight.
However there are a number of rules in place, reports ChronicleLive. We have had a look at the updated rules and polices as they can vary with different airlines.
Tui
Tui's guidance says alcohol is allowed in carry-on baggage or checked-in hold baggage if it does not contain more than 70 per cent alcohol by volume and when in retail packaging with a maximum total quantity per person of five litres.
But drinking it on board Tui flights is not allowed. Any liquids you buy from duty-free must be in a sealed security bag, which you will be given at the checkout. You need to keep the item and the receipt sealed in the bag throughout the journey.
It was in 2019 that the drinking of duty-free alcohol on all flights was banned in an attempt to stamp out anti-social behaviour on planes. World Duty Free, which operates all the shops at airports, voluntarily took the steps of putting booze in sealed bags that say 'Do not open alcohol purchases until your final destination.'
If you are connecting with another flight at your first stop, security officers might open the duty-free bag to screen the item. If you let them know you are catching another flight, they will reseal it in a new bag.
easyJet
EasyJet says you can bring it on the plane but cannot drink it during the flight. The airline's guidance states: "You can bring alcohol bought in the airside departure lounge into the cabin as long as it's unopened. Alcohol must be lower than 70 per cent alcohol by volume, and packed either in an airport shopping bag or in your cabin bag.
"It's strictly forbidden to drink any alcohol that has not been purchased on board the aircraft and those found consuming their own alcohol may face prosecution."
Ryanair
Ryanair says passengers can carry duty-free alcohol onboard to many destinations but must not consume it during the flight. The airline released a fresh update on June 15 this year and told customers it had implemented a new ban on bringing any booze on board for anyone flying from the UK to Ibiza, Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma, and Tenerife South.
"In order to prioritize the comfort and safety of all passengers, Ryanair will implement the following restrictions on your upcoming flight to Spain," the airline told customers in the email. "Customers will not be allowed to carry alcohol on board and all cabin baggage will be searched at the boarding gates.
"Any alcohol purchased in airport shops or elsewhere must be packed carefully in a suitable item of cabin baggage, which will be tagged at the gate and then placed in the aircraft hold free of charge if you have purchased priority boarding or have a small piece of hand luggage.
"If the bag is unsuitable for placing in the hold (e.g. plastic bag) then customers will be required to dispose of the alcohol in the bins provided. Boarding gates will be carefully monitored and customers showing any signs of anti-social behaviour or attempting to conceal alcohol will be denied travel without refund or compensation."
Anyone found concealing alcohol and bringing it on board risks being removed from the flight, without refund or compensation. The decision is designed to cut down on incidents of anti-social behaviour among Brits onboard flights to popular hotspots.
Jet2
Jet2 says passengers cannot bring on board any alcohol for the purpose of drinking while on the aircraft. Only alcoholic drinks purchased on board are allowed to be consumed during the flight.
Alcoholic beverages, containing more than 24 per cent but not more than 70 per cent alcohol by volume, must be kept in their sealed duty-free bags and be no more than five litres per person.
In 2016, Jet2 stopped serving any alcohol on morning flights to prevent drunken behaviour. It said at the time: "We believe that stopping sales of alcohol before 08:00 BST on our morning flights is an effective way to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and comfortable journey. We understand that we're the first of the European airlines to take this bold step and call upon industry partners in airports to also trade responsibly."
British Airways
British Airways says there's no limit on the number of alcoholic beverages you can travel with if their alcohol volume is below 24 per cent. You can bring up to five litres of alcohol with an alcohol volume between 24 per cent and 70 per cent and this can travel in your cabin bag if you purchased it in the airport duty-free shop, or you can pack it in your checked-in baggage. You can't drink it on board but can only enjoy alcohol purchased from the in-flight cabin services.
Drinks above 70 per cent alcohol volume are not permitted on board BA aircraft in either checked baggage or hand baggage.
Emirates
Similarly to other airlines, Emirates says you can bring alcohol on board. Alcoholic beverages need to be in retail packaging, containing more than 24 per cent but not more than 70 per cent alcohol, with a total net quantity per person of five litres. Duty-free booze must stay in the bag as it can't be consumed on the plane.
In 2018, Emirates clarified its rules, saying people WERE allowed to drink alcohol on its flights (though only from the in-flight service). It said: "Alcohol consumption is not prohibited on our flights. Furthermore, alcohol is also served in the lounges in Dubai airport and available for purchase in the duty-free."
But passengers are warned of the alcohol rules once landing in Dubai. As a tourist, you are allowed to drink in approved venues such as hotels, bars, nightclubs and restaurants but you cannot drink in public.
You can also be arrested for being intoxicated in public so it's best to drink in moderation if you plan to walk back to your hotel or visit another venue. Visitors also aren't allowed to buy booze in the off-licences, these are only for locals who have a permit to do so.
