10 Dry Airlines That Don't Serve Alcohol

For many travellers, having a drink before or during a flight is simply part of the travel experience. But not every airline serves alcohol, and some airlines have strict rules against passengers bringing or drinking their own alcoholic beverages onboard.

These airlines are often described as “dry airlines”. Many are based in countries where alcohol is restricted for religious, cultural or legal reasons, particularly in parts of the Middle East and Asia.

But what exactly is a dry airline? Which airlines don't serve alcohol? And what should you know if you're travelling with an airline that does serve alcoholic drinks?

Thai Flightcentre takes a closer look.

What are dry airlines?

Dry airlines are airlines that do not serve alcoholic beverages to passengers and may also restrict passengers from drinking their own alcohol onboard.

Most airlines with strict no-alcohol policies are based in countries where alcohol is restricted or prohibited by local laws or religious principles. However, being based in a Muslim-majority country does not automatically mean that an airline is dry.

For example, some airlines based in the Middle East serve wine, beer and spirits on selected flights, while others do not offer alcohol at all.

Alcohol policies can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Religious and cultural values

• Local laws and regulations

• Aviation safety requirements

• The airline's own onboard service policy

• The destination and route

• Passenger behaviour and safety

• The type of aircraft and cabin service

This means that alcohol policies can vary significantly from one airline to another.

Why choose a dry airline?

There are many reasons why a traveller may prefer an airline that does not serve alcohol.

Some passengers avoid alcohol for religious reasons, while others simply prefer a quieter and more comfortable cabin environment. Some travellers may also prefer not to have alcohol served during a flight because of personal preferences or family travel.

Whatever your reason, understanding an airline's alcohol policy before booking can help you choose a flight that matches your needs.

Which airlines are dry?

1. Saudia

Saudia is the national airline of Saudi Arabia and follows the country's strict regulations concerning alcohol.

The airline does not serve alcoholic beverages onboard. Instead, passengers can enjoy soft drinks, tea, coffee and a selection of halal meals.

Travellers should be particularly careful when travelling to Saudi Arabia, as local laws concerning the possession and importation of alcohol are significantly stricter than those in many other destinations.

If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia, always check the latest entry and customs regulations before packing alcohol.

2. Egyptair

Egyptair is the national flag carrier of Egypt and is based at Cairo International Airport.

Although alcohol is legally available in Egypt, Egyptair does not generally serve alcoholic beverages as part of its onboard service.

However, rules concerning carrying alcohol and consuming it during a flight are not necessarily the same. Passengers should follow the airline's instructions and ask cabin crew if they are unsure about what is permitted.

This is an important distinction when travelling with any airline: being allowed to transport alcohol does not automatically mean that you can drink it onboard.

3. Air Arabia

Air Arabia is a low-cost airline based in the United Arab Emirates.

The airline does not permit passengers to consume alcohol onboard. Alcohol purchased from duty-free may be subject to specific packaging and carriage requirements.

Passengers should keep any permitted duty-free alcohol sealed and follow the instructions provided by airport security and the airline.

4. Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways is the national airline of Kuwait and has its main hub at Kuwait International Airport.

The airline does not serve alcoholic beverages onboard and has strict rules concerning alcohol.

Instead, passengers can enjoy meals, soft drinks, tea and traditional Arabic coffee during their journey.

Because Kuwait has strict laws concerning alcohol, travellers should also check the country's entry requirements before travelling.

5. Royal Brunei Airlines

Royal Brunei Airlines is the national airline of Brunei.

The airline does not serve alcoholic beverages onboard its flights.

However, rules concerning passengers bringing their own alcohol can differ depending on their nationality, religion and the applicable regulations.

If you are travelling to or from Brunei, always check the latest customs and airline requirements before carrying alcohol.

6. Pakistan International Airlines

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is Pakistan's national carrier and operates both domestic and international flights.

Alcohol is not served onboard PIA flights.

The airline's policy reflects the restrictions surrounding alcohol in Pakistan. Passengers travelling to Pakistan should therefore check the latest local regulations before bringing alcohol into the country.

7. Jazeera Airways

Jazeera Airways is based at Kuwait International Airport and operates flights across the Middle East, Asia and other destinations.

The airline does not serve alcoholic beverages onboard.

Passengers should distinguish between transporting alcohol and consuming alcohol during the flight. Even when an item can legally be transported, it may not be permitted to be opened or consumed onboard.

8. Iraqi Airways

Iraqi Airways is the national carrier of Iraq and is headquartered at Baghdad International Airport.

The airline does not serve alcoholic beverages on its flights.

Passengers can instead expect non-alcoholic drinks such as soft drinks and hot beverages.

If you are travelling to Iraq, remember that local laws concerning alcohol may be significantly stricter than the rules you are familiar with at home.

9. Biman Bangladesh Airlines

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the national carrier of Bangladesh.

Alcohol is not served as part of its regular onboard service.

Passengers can instead enjoy soft drinks and traditional Bengali meals during their journey.

As with other destinations where alcohol is restricted, travellers should check the latest local regulations before bringing alcoholic products into the country.

10. Turkmenistan Airlines

Turkmenistan Airlines is the national airline of Turkmenistan.

The airline follows local regulations concerning alcohol and does not offer alcoholic beverages as part of its regular onboard service.

Passengers are instead provided with food and non-alcoholic beverages during the flight.

What about Thai airlines?

Not all airlines in Asia follow a no-alcohol policy.

If you're flying from Thailand, you may come across several different approaches depending on the airline, route and cabin.

Three airlines commonly used by travellers in Thailand are Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Thai VietJet Air.

These airlines should not generally be classified as completely “dry airlines”. However, the exact availability of alcoholic beverages can depend on the flight and onboard service.

Thai Airways (TG)

Thai Airways is Thailand's national flag carrier and is not a dry airline.

The airline's Conditions of Carriage specifically include rules concerning the consumption of alcoholic beverages onboard. Thai Airways also publishes information about the carriage of alcoholic beverages in baggage.

For alcohol carried as baggage, Thai Airways states that alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 24% but not more than 70% by volume can be carried under specific conditions, including retail packaging, containers of no more than 1 litre and a maximum total quantity of 1 litre per person, subject to local customs restrictions.

Passengers should remember that carrying alcohol and drinking alcohol onboard are two different things.

Thai Airways also reserves the right to take action if a passenger's alcohol consumption causes a safety issue, interferes with the crew or affects other passengers.

Bangkok Airways (PG)

Bangkok Airways is another Thai airline that should not be described as a completely dry airline.

Its Conditions of Carriage contain specific provisions relating to passenger conduct onboard, while the airline also provides separate rules concerning baggage and restricted items.

As with other airlines, passengers should distinguish between:

• Alcohol served by the airline

• Alcohol carried in checked baggage

• Alcohol carried in cabin baggage

• Alcohol purchased from duty-free

• Alcohol consumed onboard

These can all be subject to different rules.

If you are flying with Bangkok Airways, it is best to check the current conditions for your specific journey before travelling.

Thai VietJet Air (VZ)

Thai VietJet Air is also not a dry airline in the traditional sense.

The airline offers onboard food and beverage services, with alcoholic options available on applicable services.

For passengers considering Thai VietJet, the important point is that the availability of a particular drink can depend on the flight and service provided.

Passengers should also be aware that bringing your own alcohol onboard does not necessarily mean you can drink it during the flight.

Always follow the airline's current conditions and the instructions of cabin crew.

Dry airlines that let you bring your own alcohol

Some airlines may not serve alcohol but can have limited provisions allowing certain passengers to transport their own alcohol.

Examples that have been associated with such policies include:

• Egyptair

• Royal Brunei Airlines

• Jazeera Airways

However, these policies can be subject to conditions.

The alcohol may need to remain sealed, may have to be purchased from duty-free, or may only be permitted for certain passengers.

Never assume that carrying alcohol means you are allowed to drink it onboard.

Airlines with partial or route-specific alcohol policies

Some airlines do not have a simple “yes” or “no” answer when it comes to alcohol.

For example:

Air India

Alcohol may be available on international services, while service can be different on domestic or shorter flights.

Oman Air

Alcohol can be available on many flights, although service may vary depending on the route, local regulations or specific circumstances.

Thai Airways

Alcohol-related rules and onboard service can depend on the flight and cabin. The airline also has specific regulations concerning passenger conduct and alcohol consumption.

Bangkok Airways

The airline's conditions cover passenger conduct and alcohol-related restrictions, while baggage rules apply separately to alcohol carried as baggage.

Thai VietJet Air

Alcoholic beverages may be available as part of the airline's applicable onboard service, but passengers should check the service available on their particular flight.

Important notes about travelling with alcohol

When travelling with alcohol, you need to consider both airline rules and destination laws.

An airline may permit you to transport a bottle while your destination country may restrict its importation.

Similarly, an airline may sell alcohol onboard but prohibit passengers from drinking their own alcohol.

Before travelling, check:

• Your airline's alcohol policy

• Airport security requirements

• Transit-country regulations

• Destination customs rules

• The permitted quantity and alcohol percentage

• Whether alcohol can be legally possessed at your destination

Can you drink your own alcohol on a plane?

This is one of the most common misunderstandings among travellers.

Usually, passengers should not assume they can open and drink their own alcohol onboard simply because they were allowed to bring it onto the aircraft.

Cabin crew have the authority to enforce the airline's onboard rules.

If you are unsure, ask the crew before opening the bottle.

This is particularly important when travelling with an airline that has strict alcohol policies.

What can happen if you break the rules?

Depending on the airline and destination, violating alcohol-related rules could result in:

• Alcohol being confiscated

• Refusal to allow boarding

• Removal from the aircraft

• Fines

• Police involvement

• Legal consequences at the destination

Passengers who become intoxicated and create a safety or disturbance issue may also face further action from the airline.

Thai Airways, for example, states that it may take appropriate measures if a passenger's behaviour, including behaviour related to alcohol consumption, creates a safety risk or interferes with crew duties.

Countries with complete or partial alcohol restrictions

Some countries have strict restrictions on alcohol, although the exact laws can change and may differ between citizens, residents and visitors.

Countries with particularly strict restrictions may include:

• Saudi Arabia

• Kuwait

• Iran

• Afghanistan

• Libya

• Yemen

• Somalia

Other countries may allow alcohol in licensed locations or under specific conditions.

Examples can include:

• Brunei

• Pakistan

• Bangladesh

• Maldives

• Qatar

The important thing to remember is that airline rules and national laws are not the same thing.

Even if an airline permits you to carry alcohol, local customs laws may prohibit you from bringing it into the country.

Always check the current regulations before travelling.

Dry airports and lounges

Alcohol restrictions can also apply at airports and airport lounges.

Some airports in countries with strict alcohol laws do not sell or serve alcohol in their public areas or lounges.

Examples can include:

• King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Saudi Arabia

• King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Saudi Arabia

• Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Kuwait

• Bandar Seri Begawan Airport (BWN), Brunei

• Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Iran

• Baghdad International Airport (BGW), Iraq

However, airport rules can change, and duty-free arrangements may be different from public consumption rules.

A bottle purchased at duty-free does not automatically mean that you can open and drink it inside the airport or onboard the aircraft.

Navigating dry airports and lounges

If you're travelling through an airport where alcohol is restricted, you can expect plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives.

These may include:

• Arabic coffee

• Traditional tea

• Herbal tea

• Fresh juices

• Soft drinks

• Mocktails

Lounges may also focus more on food, hospitality and relaxation rather than traditional bar service.

If you're travelling through a country with strict alcohol laws, don't assume that your usual airport routine will apply.

Airlines that do serve alcohol

Many major airlines around the world do serve alcohol, although the selection and availability can vary by route and cabin.

American Airlines

Alcohol can be available on selected domestic and international flights, with complimentary or paid options depending on the route and cabin.

Alaska Airlines

Alcohol can be purchased in Economy, while premium passengers may receive complimentary alcoholic beverages depending on the service.

British Airways

Alcoholic drinks are available on many long-haul services, while short-haul Economy passengers may have to purchase drinks depending on the flight.

Thai Airways

Thai Airways is not a dry airline and has specific regulations concerning onboard alcohol consumption. The exact beverage service can vary according to the flight and cabin.

Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways is also not generally classified as a dry airline. Passengers should check the applicable onboard service and current airline regulations for their journey.

Thai VietJet Air

Thai VietJet Air offers onboard food and beverage services, with alcoholic drinks available on applicable services.

Quick comparison: Thai airlines and alcohol

Airline	Dry airline?	Alcohol information
Thai Airways (TG)	No	Alcohol-related onboard rules apply; service varies by flight and cabin.
Bangkok Airways (PG)	No	Check the specific flight service and current conditions concerning alcohol.
Thai VietJet Air (VZ)	No	Alcoholic beverages may be available as part of applicable onboard services.
Saudia	Yes	No regular alcoholic beverage service
Kuwait Airways	Yes	No alcoholic beverage service
Royal Brunei Airlines	Yes	No regular alcoholic beverage service
PIA	Yes	No alcoholic beverage service
Iraqi Airways	Yes	No alcoholic beverage service
Biman Bangladesh Airlines	Yes	No regular alcoholic beverage service

Before you fly: check these 5 things

If alcohol is important to your travel plans, take a few minutes to check the following before your flight.

1. Check your airline

Every airline can have its own rules.

2. Check your cabin

Business Class and Economy may have different food and beverage services.

3. Check your route

International, domestic and short-haul flights may have different onboard services.

4. Check your destination

Local customs and alcohol laws can be stricter than the airline's own policies.

5. Check the latest onboard menu

Airline menus and catering can change depending on the aircraft, route and operating conditions.

Conclusion

Not every airline serves alcohol, and not every airline that doesn't serve alcohol completely prohibits passengers from carrying it.

Some airlines have strict no-alcohol policies because of religious or legal requirements, while others may simply choose not to include alcoholic drinks in their onboard service.

For travellers flying from Thailand, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Thai VietJet Air are not generally considered dry airlines, although the availability of alcoholic beverages can vary depending on the flight, cabin and onboard service. Thai Airways also publishes specific rules covering alcohol carried as baggage and alcohol consumption onboard.

The safest approach is to check the latest airline policy before your journey and remember that being allowed to carry alcohol does not automatically mean you are allowed to drink it onboard.

Planning your next flight from Thailand?

Thai Flightcentre helps travellers compare and book flights with leading Thai airlines and international carriers. Check your flight details, review the applicable airline conditions and prepare for your journey with confidence.