Does Air India Serve Alcohol to Economy Class Passengers on International Flights?

When it comes to in-flight services, Air India is known for offering a wide range of amenities, including alcoholic beverages in both economy and premium cabin classes. Here are the details on what you can expect when traveling with Air India.

Availability Across Different Cabin Classes

Passengers in the economy class can choose from a variety of alcoholic beverages on international flights. Choices typically include wine, beer, and spirits such as whiskey, gin, and rum. The specific selection may vary depending on the flight's duration and route, but generally, you should be able to find something that suits your taste.

Common Drink Options

Despite the wide selection, some passengers have reported that the choice of liquor in Air India’s economy class can be somewhat limited. For example, if you request Scotch, you might get Red Label or equivalent brands like Chivas Regal. Similar patterns have been observed with gin, which is usually Bombay Gin, and rum, often Bacardi. While these brands are well-regarded, they are considered everyday choices rather than a premium selection.

Special Situations and Exceptions

There are some scenarios where the in-flight alcohol service might be restricted:

Domestic Segment: On flights that involve a domestic leg (e.g., Ahmedabad to Mumbai to London), no alcoholic beverages will be served during the domestic section of the journey.

Saudi Arabia Flights: Flights to and from Saudi Arabia do not carry alcoholic beverages, as per local regulations.

Short Flights: For very short flights such as between Patna and Kathmandu, or Kolkata to Dhaka, the specifics can vary, and it is recommended to check with Air India directly for confirmation.

What to Expect on Air India Flights

During a standard international flight, you can expect to find beer, whiskey, gin and tonic, and red wine available in your economy class cabin. The quantity and type of alcoholic beverages may be limited due to restrictions and the presence of cabin crew who need to manage the service.

Enjoyment and Management

The availability of alcohol in economy class is limited, but it is generally complimentary. However, it's important for passengers to be mindful of the service and help cabin crew manage the situation. The number of miniatures served is often restricted compared to the larger serving portions in premium cabins like business or first class.

Conclusion

In summary, Air India does serve alcohol to economy class passengers on international flights, offering a selection of choice including wine, beer, whiskey, gin, and red wine. While the variety and quantity might be limited, it still provides a nice touch to your journey. Always check with the airline for the most up-to-date and specific information on your particular flight.