Concern about excessive alcohol consumption during travel remains strong, with a majority of travellers (57%) saying airlines and airport bars should exercise more control over alcohol service, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.
Women were slightly more supportive of tighter controls than men (59% vs. 56%). Nearly six in respondents (55%) also favoured greater regulation underscoring sustained public support for a more proactive industry role in managing passenger behaviour.
The survey revealed a growing trust by travellers in trained staff to manage consumption on a case-by-case basis. The survey found that 61% of travellers believe alcohol consumption should be left to the discretion of bartenders, flight attendants or the individual traveller—up from 53% in December 2024.
While support for stricter enforcement has risen, support for strict drink limits has softened. In December 2024, nearly a fifth (19%) said alcohol service should be capped at no more than one drink every 30 minutes, and 17% favoured a one-drink-per-hour limit. By 2025, fewer respondents advocate for fixed drink limits.
The vast majority of travellers (84%) agreed that flight attendants and bartenders should have firm authority to refuse service when necessary, underscoring broad trust in frontline personnel to balance hospitality with safety.
Travel industry leaders and frontline crews continue to call for practical safeguards, including proposals to restrict alcohol availability both in airports and in-flight.
Typically, federal regulations require that all alcohol be served by the airline – passengers may not drink their own – and authorize crew members to deny service to anyone who appears intoxicated.
Most airlines further prohibit self-provided alcohol but do not publish drink limits. Some stricter proposals have emerged, with flight attendant unions and advocacy groups calling for a two-drink limit in economy cabins due to rising incidents of unruly behavior linked to excessive drinking.
“Travellers clearly want airlines to take a stronger hand in managing alcohol service,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies. “Giving crews the discretion and support to make responsible decisions benefits everyone onboard – passengers and staff alike.”
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