10 Dry Airlines That Don't Serve Alcohol

Why are there dry airlines?

Most airlines that prohibit alcohol are based in the Middle East, with some extending further into Asia. Given the significant Muslim populations in these regions and the forbidding of alcohol in many of these countries, it's unsurprising that these airlines don't allow it. However, not all airlines based in predominantly Muslim countries are dry airlines. Emirates, based in Dubai, has invested around 1 billion dollars in wine since 2006.

Why choose a dry airline?

There are many reasons why someone might prefer to fly on an airline that doesn't offer alcohol. If someone prefers not to drink or be around alcohol for religious reasons, past addictions, or if they're underage, this could cause them to select a dry airline. It may just be personal preference and a desire to limit the likelihood of rowdy passengers on board. Whatever the reason, it's completely understandable, and we hope this list can assist you when booking your next flight.

1. Saudia

Saudi Arabia's national airline, Saudia, follows the Islamic law of not drinking alcohol. Instead, they offer plenty of soft, hot and diet drinks. They also provide halal food options. Due to their no-alcohol policy onboard, trying to sneak any alcohol onto your flight could lead to prosecution.

2. Egyptair

Egyptair is Egypt's national flag carrier, and its airline is based in Cairo International Airport (CAI). Even though drinking is legal in Egypt and available at Cairo Airport, Egyptair doesn't have alcoholic beverages onboard. However, you can bring your own liquor in your hand luggage. Always check the flight's policies beforehand to ensure there won't be any repercussions for drinking duty-free alcohol on your flight.

3. Air Arabia

Air Arabia is a low-cost airline based in the United Arab Emirates. They don't permit drinking alcohol onboard. However, if you want to purchase an alcoholic beverage while at duty-free, you can do so as long as it's kept sealed in your hand luggage.

4. Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways' head office and main hub are based at Kuwait International Airport. Kuwait Airways don't allow any alcohol on board, including checked and hand luggage. However, they do offer hot meals and a welcome cup of freshly brewed Arabic coffee.

5. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines, often called Turkish Air, is Turkey's national airline. They don't serve alcohol on domestic flights; however, they do on international flights. On international flights, you can be given a complimentary drink with wine, beer, and spirit options.

6. Royal Brunei Airlines

Royal Brunei Airlines is the government-owned national airline of Brunei. They don't serve alcoholic beverages on board their flights. However, non-Muslim passengers can bring their own alcohol to be drunk while on the plane, which can go nicely with their award-winning food menu.

7. Pakistan International Airways

Pakistan International Airlines is Pakistan's national airline and operates both international and domestic flights. Until the 1970s, alcoholic beverages were allowed on its flights; however, as Pakistan's laws began to align more with Islamic principles, the airline banned alcohol onboard.

If you're not Muslim, you may be permitted to bring a bottle in your hold luggage, but that bottle cannot be drank onboard. Instead, they offer a selection of food and non-alcohol-based drinks.

8. Iran Air

Iran Air is the national carrier of Iran and is owned by the Iranian Government. It follows Islamic law and does not serve alcoholic beverages on any of its flights. Meals are included with an economy-class ticket, and the menus are focused on Iranian cuisine.

9. Jazeera Airways

Jazeera Airways is an airline based at Kuwait International Airport. They made history for being the first non-government-owned airline in the Middle East.

The airline allows passengers to take alcohol on board, but they will not serve it due to religious reasons. Business class includes complimentary food, which changes every month. However, economy tickets only include free meals on flights to Cairo.

10. Iraqi Airways

Iraqi Airways is the flag carrier of Iraq and is headquartered at Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad. Due to religious reasons, no alcoholic beverages are served onboard Iraqi Airways flights. However, complimentary non-alcoholic soft and hot drinks will be available.

While this airline refrains from serving alcohol, Baghdad Airport has recently launched a duty-free shop where passengers can buy alcohol. Passengers are allowed to take their purchases onboard as long as they don't open the bottles.

Other notable dry airlines include:

• Pegasus
• Syrian Air
• Yemenia
• Libyan Airlines
• Sudan Airways
• Turkmenistan

Dry airlines that let you bring your own alcohol

• Egyptair
• Royal Brunei Airlines
  

Airlines that do serve alcohol

These are some popular airlines that offer alcohol. Check their menus and your ticket information to see if your flight includes a complimentary beverage.

American Airlines:

• Free drinks are included on domestic flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and Hawaiian cities.
• Free drinks are available on international flights between the U.S. and Europe, Asia, and certain countries in South America.
• Alcohol is purchasable in economy class and complimentary for the upper classes.
  

Alaska Airlines:

• Alcohol is only available for purchase in economy but complimentary for premium ticket passengers.
  

British Airways:

• They offer free drinks on long-haul flights as well as breakfast/lunch/dinner, depending on the time of flight. This includes a starter, main and dessert.
• On short-haul flights, if you're in economy class, you have to pay for your drinks.
  

Conclusion:

There are various reasons why an airline might choose not to serve/allow alcohol. For those who would prefer flights without alcohol, there are many available options. Knowing whether an airline does or doesn't serve alcohol may have helped you decide which airline would be best for your next trip. With Alternative Airlines, you have over 600 airlines to choose from. Book now and have the freedom to pick your perfect flight.