A travel expert weighs in.
Every young traveler knows that stepping outside of the United States and heading , for instance , toEuropemeans that alcohol restrictions can be a slight more lax . While the US does n’t allow anyone under 21 to take alcoholic beverages , most European countries allow you to drink as early as 18 and , in some case , even 16 , with some restrictions .
One might wonder , then , what the rules are when it comes toflyingbecause , technically , you ’re in the line . Can Americans wassail on US - base attack aircraft carrier ? What about extraneous carriers ? To help young traveler navigate this aspect of outside and domesticated travel , we asked travel experts about the formula .
Can you drink before 21 on US-based carriers?
In shortsighted , not really .
" In general , when wing on a US - based carrier ( think the big three , Delta , United , and American ) , you are still open to the US drinking age of 21 , " Katy Nastro , travel expert at passing , said .
That mean that , even if you ’re flying and are not technically on US soil , US - based carriers tend to respect the dominion of their country . So , generally speaking , no mimosa for you if you ’re underage — regretful !
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What about international carriers? Can you drink before 21 on foreign airlines?
accord to Nastro , you might have more luck if you fly on a non - US - based carrier , with some limitation to keep in mind .
" When you are move on a foreign carrier and have left US air space , thing become a bit different , " Nastro explains . " extraneous carrier likely abide by their home plate countries ' laws around alcohol consumption — For example , an 18 - year - old can have a beer on a British Airways flight bound for Spain . "
However , it ’s deserving notice that it ’s not always such a straightforward prescript . As Nastro point out , some airlines do n’t serve alcohol at all , so it is best to check with the carrier before even get on the flight . Additionally , the historic period requirement for alcohol consumption may vary depending on the airline business .
Always retrieve to bring a valid form of designation with you . Your pass will obviously do the trick . " All airway reserve the right to request personal designation to check your historic period , " Nastro said , " regardless of their insurance policy . "
