Delta Air Lines is currently the only US airliner to offer complimentary spirits on domestic flights. Alcohol is free in first and in economy comfort on all flights. In recent years, Delta was one of the first to reintroduce complimentary beer and wine between the US and international markets. As long as the flight was longer than 4 hours. Then Delta expanded their offering by allowing customers in economy comfort to drink free of charge. Other airlines quickly followed.
Following Delta’s lead, American Airlines and United now offers free beer or wine long haul international flights to customers in economy. Premium Economy passengers can enjoy complimentary hard alcohol. United Economy Plus does not include free Alcohol. Meanwhile, American Airlines main Cabin extra does include free hard alcohol. Delta’s free alcohol is supplemented with free Wi-Fi too!
Free Alcohol on Delta Flights
On domestic flights and within North America, Alcohol sales are back. Delta is selling alcohol in the main cabin on flights longer than 250 miles. Alcohol is also complimentary in premium economy and first or business class, also known as Delta One.
All beverage and complimentary snack offerings are available on every flight for our First Class customers
- All passengers on flights 251+ miles will be able to enjoy our snack selection (sweet/savory).
- Coffee, tea, and water will be available in all cabins.
- Customers in Main Cabin may purchase alcohol by using tap-to-pay. Not available on Express Beverage Service Flights 251-499 miles.
- Delta Comfort+ and First Class customers will receive complimentary beer, wine and liquor service. Express Beverage Service Flights 251-499 may receive beer and wine. Other liquor is pending crew availability and remaining flight time.
- Other beverages, including Coca-Cola beverages, juices, and mixers will be available in all cabins on select flights.
On long haul international flights. There is complimentary alcohol in all cabins. Alcohol is available in Premium economy free of charge. Same goes for economy.
Onboard service across all long-haul international flights includes only the following:
Delta One:
- Pre-departure beverage offering will be individual bottled water.
- Choice of entrée, bread and dessert selection.
- Full selection of beverage offerings, including beer, spirits and a limited selection of wine.
Delta Premium Select:
- Choice of an appetizer, entrée, along with dessert.
- Full selection of beverage offerings, including beer, spirits and a limited selection of wine.
Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin:
- Choice of an appetizer, entrée, along with dessert.
- Full selection of beverage options, including beer, spirits and a limited selection of wine.
Drink for Free on Delta
Delta is again upping the ante! Delta Air Lines provides free beer and wine to all patrons, and provides free spirits to all customers on most international flights! Flights which will have free spirits include all flights from the USA to Asia, Europe, intra-Asia, and most South America flights. Flights to/from Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America and select destinations in South America are excluded from this upgraded offering. To know if your flight is one of the many with free drinks, check with Delta and verify there is DeltaOne service instead of standard First Class. If there is DeltaOne service, then you will be drinking for free at 30,000 feet in all cabins.
I am happy to say, that the “D” in Delta now stands for Drinks, so DRINK UP! Will other major carriers follow? I sure hope so, because other than conservative Saudia and Eygpt Air, US based airlines are some of the world’s only major airlines (not including low cost carriers) who do not provide free booze in the economy section of the plane. And we all know economy is where it’s needed most to cope with ever shrinking seats! Otherwise, stop by the Sky club, where there’s always complimentary drink options.
Do you need help planning your trip? Consider my travel agency. Just ask for Rocky or email me directly!
