TUI Airlines will remove complimentary alcoholic drinks for economy passengers on long-haul flights starting November 1, 2026. The change, announced on July 19, 2026, means that only soft drinks, water, and juices will remain free. A TUI spokesperson confirmed that customers will still receive a complimentary beer or wine with their main meal, but additional alcoholic beverages must be purchased.
Policy Details and Refunds
Economy passengers currently receive up to three free alcoholic drinks on long-haul journeys. Under the new rule, only one complimentary beer or wine will be served with the main meal. Adults with existing bookings affected by the change will receive a £12.50 refund per flight, each way. The Premium cabin experience remains unchanged, with complimentary alcohol still included.
Public Reaction Mixed
Social media reactions are divided. On TikTok, user @chrisbr called it ‘good news,’ while @flyingjames noted, ‘It lasted longer than I thought it would, this free drinks policy.’ User @angiec009 welcomed the change, recounting a disruptive experience on a TUI flight to Mexico. However, @emma.glynn2 wrote, ‘TUI are dead to me,’ and @catfantastic5 exclaimed, ‘How RUDE.’ Others argued against a blanket ban, with @thedonnellyedit saying, ‘Sadly, some people ruin it for everyone else.’
Industry-Wide Restrictions
TUI is not alone in tightening alcohol policies. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has called for airports to ban alcohol sales on early flights. Ryanair introduced a €500 fine for disruptive passengers on June 12, 2025. Jet2 has also urged stricter regulations, including a national database to ban disruptive passengers across airlines.
Rising Incidents of Drunken Behaviour
According to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) statistics, incidents of intoxicated, violent, or unruly passengers rose from 390 in 2019 to 1,245 in 2023, remaining above 1,000 in 2024. Being drunk on a plane is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and two years’ imprisonment. A Which? investigation in 2025 found alcohol is the most common cause of misbehaviour cited by cabin crew.
Financial Pressures Behind the Change
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects the aviation industry to post a combined net profit of $23 billion (£17.19 billion) in 2026, down from $45 billion in 2025. Ben Westoby, senior business consultant at Forbes Burton, told Metro that keeping complimentary alcohol for premium seats suggests the move is not purely about behaviour. He noted that the Iran war left a £34.7 million hole in TUI’s finances. Chad Teixeira, consumer brand expert, agreed, saying the change is driven by both commercial and behavioural factors, reflecting a shift in consumer priorities toward reliability and comfort.
