Brits travelling abroad need to be aware of the rules regarding duty-free alcohol purchased at airports. While passengers can buy bottles of wine, spirits, and beers after security checks, they are strictly prohibited from consuming them on the plane. The alcohol must remain sealed in a Security Tamper-Evident Bag throughout the flight, as per aviation law consistent across all airlines.
Passengers must not consume their own duty-free alcohol on board; all alcohol consumed must be purchased from the cabin crew. Airlines have a zero-tolerance policy on disruptive behaviour and can refuse boarding to drunken or disorderly passengers. Even drinking in airport bars before a flight can lead to issues.
Jet2 states: 'You may not bring on board alcohol for the purposes of consumption whilst on the aircraft. For safety reasons, we restrict the consumption of alcohol on board. Only alcoholic drinks purchased on board may be consumed during the flight.' Similarly, a Ryanair spokesperson clarified: 'We are not banning or confiscating duty-free alcohol at boarding gates. As per Ryanair’s T&Cs, passengers can carry duty-free alcohol onboard but must not consume it during the flight.'
Typically, passengers are allowed one duty-free bag per person as an extra courtesy, provided it fits under the seat. However, this does not permit multiple additional bags. If you purchase other items, ensure they are placed separately to avoid being trapped in the sealed bag. Breaking the rules can result in fines or other penalties.
