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Airlines Hike Prices for In-Flight BoozeNext time you say, "Set 'em up, Flo," at 40,000 feet, ask the flight attendant the price of your libation. Depending on the airlines, chances are in economy class those teeny-weeny, 1.5-ounce, plastic bottles of your favorite libation are now $7. That's a sobering 30 percent hike over the $5 we used to pay for a mix-it-yourself cocktail in a plastic cup. Flight attendants, who don't get tipped for being mile-high bartenders, aren't happy about it either. On a recent flight to Minneapolis, the Northwest Airlines veteran pushing the drink cart grimaced when asked the price for a little pleasure by a loyal passenger. "When Delta bought us, drinks went up," she said. "Since many of our business travelers order two bottles, it's now $14 for a double." In this tough economy, the thought of paying $7 for a jigger of Jack Daniels or Crown Royal, while squeezed into a tight seat with a plastic dropdown table doubling as a "bar" and no barkeep to chat up, fails to quench my thirst. Wine and beer is also $7 on Northwest — aka the "new" Delta. If airlines really want to take the sting out of yet another price gouge, they should have a 4-7 p.m. happy hour at the old tariffs. It would be great PR for an industry that doesn't seem to care anymore — unless you fly business or first class, where drinks are still free. Airline mergers seem to bring out the worst in management decision-making, while the line staff and passengers suffer. The single clumsiest combination of carriers, US Airways and America West, created intense rivalries between the two workforces and some of the dumbest decisions to squeeze more revenue out of passengers. Ironically, America West was launched three decades ago with the promise of two free drinks in economy. Today on US Airways, the price for liquor, wine and beer is $7 in economy but free in first-class. The so-called legacy airlines have bumped up their drink prices by $1. United and American both charge $6 for a miniature — or "mini," of liquor. They charge the same for wine and beer in economy, but still give it away in business and first class. However, you can pay with a credit card so flight attendants need not scramble for change anymore. Low-cost airlines are holding firm on drink prices or offering a more creative selection. JetBlue still charges $5 for liquor, wine and beer and will take cash. On Virgin America, drink prices in economy start at $5 and go to $10 for champagne. There's no charge for drinks in first class, which pours premium wines. Southwest's in-flight bar menu, so to speak, is $5 regardless of what you order. The airline gives you a libation when you buy a four-drink coupon book for $15. What options are there if you want a cocktail or straight shot but don't want to fork over $7 or more per drink? Forget your flask: You'll never get past the security checkpoint with it on your person or hidden in your carry-on. Plus, if you get caught, chances are you'll get a black mark in the Transportation Security Administration's database. TSA will not confirm it, but I wouldn't be surprised. Nor would I try to smuggle on a couple of minis either. If you play by the rules, however, some airlines will let you bring aboard 3 ounces of alcohol in a little bottle if it is sealed in a plastic bag. That's Alaska Airlines' policy. But check with the airline first to see if they honor the TSA regulations for carry-on liquids. Otherwise, either pay up onboard or have your cocktail at an airport bar where you can usually get a double shot of premium spirits for around $9 and more room to enjoy it. Chris Barnett writes on business travel strategies that save time, money and stress. Reach him at cbarn@aol.com. To find out more about Chris Barnett and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.
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