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Does Etihad Serve Alcohol on Flights? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re going to splash all that cash on business class, then perhaps you’re like me and plan to drink and eat your way through the offerings to fully indulge in the luxury! Before I booked my recent Munich to Abu Dhabi flight I was very much googling “does etihad serve alcohol” before I booked. Long story story. YES, don’t worry, Etihad serves alcohol to both economy and business class passengers. Let’s have a look at how that works.

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and is known for its luxurious amenities and excellent service. But when it comes to serving alcohol, there are some questions that passengers may have. Whether you’re flying in economy or business class, it’s important to know what to expect when it comes to alcohol on board. In this article, I will be diving into Etihad’s alcohol serving policy and answering some common questions that passengers may have.

Key Takeaways

• Etihad Airways serves alcohol on all of its flights, free of charge.
• The types of alcohol available and the frequency of service may vary depending on cabin class and flight route.
• Passengers should be aware of any special considerations, such as religious or medical restrictions, when it comes to consuming alcohol on board.

Etihad Airways Overview

Etihad Airways is the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates and is the second-largest airline in the Middle East (Emirates is the first). The airline operates to over 120 destinations across the world, offering a comfortable and luxurious flying experience to its customers.

Etihad Airways is known for its exceptional service, comfortable seating, and in-flight entertainment. The airline offers three classes of service: Economy, Business, and First. In all classes, customers can enjoy a range of amenities, including complimentary meals, beverages, and in-flight entertainment.

Etihad Airways is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The airline has introduced more fuel-efficient aircraft, reduced single-use plastics on board, and implemented recycling programs.

Overall, Etihad Airways is a reputable airline that provides excellent service and a comfortable flying experience to its passengers.

Alcohol Serving Policy

As a Muslim airline, Etihad Airways has a strict alcohol serving policy. However, Etihad does serve alcohol on its flights, but there are certain restrictions.

Types of Alcohol Served

Etihad Airways offers a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, and champagne. The airline also has a range of non-alcoholic drinks available for passengers who prefer not to drink.

Serving Time Restrictions

The availability of alcohol on Etihad flights depends on the destination, duration of the flight, and time of day. Generally, alcohol is served during meal times, but it may not be available during certain times of the flight, such as takeoff and landing. Additionally, alcohol is not served on flights to and from Saudi Arabia, due to the country’s strict laws on alcohol consumption.

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Cabin Class Differences

When it comes to serving alcohol on Etihad Airways, there are some differences between the cabin classes. Here’s what you can expect:

Economy Class

Passengers in Economy Class can enjoy complimentary drinks, including beer, wine, and spirits. All meals are also complimentary, and there is no need to pay for any drinks. However, it’s worth noting that all alcohol served on Etihad flights is Halal certified.

Business Class

Business Class passengers can enjoy a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, including premium wines and spirits. In addition, they can also enjoy a pre-flight lounge experience, where they can relax and enjoy a drink before their flight. Business Class passengers can also enjoy a wider variety of meals, and they can choose to dine whenever they like.

First Class

First Class passengers can enjoy an even wider selection of premium wines and spirits, including vintage Champagne. In addition, they can also enjoy a personal chef experience, where they can choose from a range of dishes and have them prepared to their liking. First Class passengers can also enjoy a private suite with a fully flat bed, a personal wardrobe, and a private bathroom with a shower.

Overall, Etihad Airways offers a great selection of complimentary drinks across all cabin classes. Whether you’re flying in Economy, Business, or First Class, you can enjoy a range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. However, it’s worth noting that all alcohol served on Etihad flights is Halal certified.

Special Considerations

Religious Considerations

As a Muslim airline, Etihad Airways respects the religious beliefs of its passengers. Alcohol is served on Etihad flights, but it is not available on flights to and from Saudi Arabia and Iran, as it is illegal to consume alcohol in these countries due to their strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Passengers are also advised to dress modestly and appropriately, especially when traveling to and from Muslim countries. Etihad Airways provides prayer mats and a Qibla direction indicator on all flights to help passengers perform their prayers.

Health Considerations

Etihad Airways is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its passengers. Passengers who suffer from alcohol dependency or addiction are advised to seek medical advice before traveling, as alcohol is served on all flights.

Passengers who have a medical condition that requires them to avoid alcohol should inform the airline before their flight. Etihad Airways can provide special meals and beverages that cater to specific dietary requirements, including non-alcoholic drinks.

Legal Considerations

Etihad Airways complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol on its flights. However, passengers should be aware that the laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol vary from country to country.

Passengers are responsible for complying with the laws of the countries they are traveling to and from. It is also important to note that Etihad Airways has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug offenses and offensive behavior.

Comparisons with Other Airlines

When it comes to serving alcohol on board, Etihad Airways is not alone. Many airlines offer alcoholic beverages as part of their in-flight service. In this section, I will compare Etihad Airways with two other major airlines in the Middle East: Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Emirates

Emirates is a major airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Like Etihad Airways, Emirates serves alcoholic beverages on its flights. The airline offers a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. Emirates also has a bar on its A380 aircraft, where passengers can enjoy drinks and socialize with other travelers.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is another major airline based in Doha, Qatar. The airline also serves alcoholic beverages on its flights. Qatar Airways offers a selection of wines, beers, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. The airline also has a bar on its A380 aircraft, where passengers can relax and enjoy drinks.

Related Posts:

• Does Qatar Airways serve alcohol?
• Does Emirates Serve Alcohol?

Changes Due to Covid-19

As a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Etihad Airways has implemented several changes to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew. One of the most significant changes is the suspension of alcohol service on all flights.

This decision was made to limit contact between passengers and crew, as well as to minimize the number of times that passengers need to remove their masks during the flight. The suspension of alcohol service applies to all cabin classes and all flights, regardless of the duration.

In addition to the suspension of alcohol service, Etihad Airways has also implemented several other measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. These measures include:

• Requiring all passengers to wear masks throughout the flight, except when eating or drinking.
• Providing complimentary face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers to all passengers.
• Implementing enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures on all aircraft, including using hospital-grade cleaning products and electrostatic spraying.
• Requiring all passengers to present a negative PCR test result before boarding the flight.
• Providing complimentary Covid-19 insurance cover to all passengers traveling on Etihad Airways.

Overall, Etihad Airways has taken a proactive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew during the Covid-19 pandemic. While the suspension of alcohol service may be disappointing to some passengers, it is a necessary measure to limit contact and ensure the safety of all onboard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Etihad Airways does serve alcohol on its flights. Passengers in economy class do not need to pay for drinks, while those in business and first class can enjoy a wider selection of alcoholic beverages.

It is important to note that Etihad Airways is a UAE-based airline, and the UAE has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption. While passengers are allowed to consume alcohol on board the aircraft, they are not permitted to enter the country with alcohol in their possession. Additionally, passengers who appear publicly drunk may be breaking the law and could face consequences upon arrival in the UAE.

Overall, Etihad Airways provides a range of food and beverage options for its passengers, including alcoholic beverages for those who wish to indulge. As with any airline, it is important to familiarize oneself with the airline’s policies and procedures regarding alcohol consumption before boarding the flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in Etihad’s economy drinks menu?

Etihad Airways offers a wide range of complimentary beverages on all its flights, including economy class. Passengers can enjoy a selection of soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, and water. Additionally, alcoholic beverages are available on select flights. Passengers can choose from a range of wines, beers, and spirits. For more information about the drinks menu, please refer to Etihad’s website.

Can alcohol be served during Ramadan on Etihad flights?

During the holy month of Ramadan, alcohol is not served on Etihad Airways flights. This applies to all classes of travel, including first, business, and economy. Passengers are advised to check with the airline before their flight to ensure they are aware of any changes to the in-flight service during Ramadan.

What is included in Etihad’s economy class food menu?

Etihad Airways offers a range of meals on its economy class flights. Passengers can choose from a variety of options, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal meals. The airline also offers a range of snacks and light bites throughout the flight.

What types of child meals are available on Etihad Airways?

Etihad Airways offers a range of child meals to cater to the needs of young passengers. The airline offers meals for infants, toddlers, and children up to the age of 12 years old. Passengers can choose from a range of options, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal meals.

What is included in Etihad’s business class menu for 2023?

Etihad Airways offers a range of gourmet meals on its business class flights. The airline works with a team of expert chefs to create a menu that is both delicious and innovative. Passengers can choose from a range of options, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal meals. The airline also offers a selection of fine wines and champagnes.

Are passengers allowed to carry alcohol in checked baggage on Etihad flights?

Passengers are allowed to carry alcohol in their checked baggage on Etihad Airways flights. However, there are restrictions on the amount of alcohol that can be carried. Passengers are advised to check with the airline before their flight to ensure they are aware of any restrictions on carrying alcohol in their checked baggage.