Buzz
When you book a flight, you're not really searching for alcohol deals. You’re primarily purchasing a ticket to take you to your destination at an acceptable price. Plus, the days of expecting complimentary food and drinks on flights are long gone, unless you're flying to a remote location or upgrading to a premium class.
But if you’re on a flight and craving a drink—do certain airlines offer better prices for in-flight beverages? I examined the offerings on U.S.-based airlines and discovered that while there’s not much variation in economy-class drink prices, using the airline's credit card can make those drink costs seem more reasonable.
Where to Score Affordable (or cheaper) Alcohol
Allegiant and Southwest offer the most affordable prices in coach, which is great news for those who scored a cheap ticket and want to make the most of their time in the sky.
However, if you own the airline’s credit card, Jetblue and Southwest offer the best drink deals thanks to their in-flight discounts.
Of course, if you're a fan of mixed drinks, you can always make your own. But if you’re unprepared for that or prefer beer or wine—items that are harder to bring on board—you’ll need to be ready to pay.
Here’s a peek at what’s on the menu.
Alaska
Wine: $7.50-$8.50 Beer: $7.50 for Fremont Lush IPA, Lagunitas, Session Premium Lager, or Alaskan White Ale Spirits: $7.50 for Tito’s vodka, Cruzan rum, and Sauza tequila, among others
Discount: Get 20% off in-flight purchases when using the Alaska Airlines Visa.
Allegiant
Wine: $6, with options like pinot grigio or merlot Beer:
American
Beer: $8 for Bud Light, Heineken, Dos Equis, Goose Island, Fat Tire, or Samuel Adams. Wine and Sparkling wine: $9 for options like merlot, grenache rose, chardonnay, or prosecco. Spirits: $9, including Bacardi Rum, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Jack Daniel’s whiskey, and Tito’s vodka, among a few others.
Discount: Use the Citi AAdvantage card for a 25% discount on food and beverages.
Delta
Beer: $8 for Miller Lite Specialty beer: $9 for Blue Moon, Heineken, or SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale Wine: $9, with choices of red, white, or sparkling Spirits: $9, including two vodka options and five whiskey/whisky selections, among others.
Discount: Pay with a Delta SkyMiles card to receive 20% off your in-flight purchases.
Frontier
Beer: $7.99 for Budweiser, Coors Light, New Belgium, Oskar Blues, and Wild Cider Wine: $7.99 for Chardonnay or a red blend Spirits: $7.99 for Bacardi rum, Breckenridge vodka, and Jack Daniel’s whiskey, among others.
Discount: Frontier offers various package deals on its menu. Purchase two adult beverages for $13.99 and save $1.99.
Jetblue
Beer: $8 for Angry Orchard, Blue Moon, Brooklyn Summer Ale, Bud Light, Lagunitas, or Stella Artois Wine: $8 for red, white blend, or rose; $9 for sparkling wine Spirits: $8 for Bacardi rum, Bombay gin, Dewar’s whisky, Jack Daniel’s whiskey, or Tito’s vodka
Discount: Jetblue Mastercard holders receive 50% off inflight food and drinks.
Southwest
Beer: $6 for Miller Lite or Dos Equis Premium Beer: $7 for Blue Moon, Leinenkugel’s, or Lagunitas Wine: $6 for cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, or sparkling wine Spirits: $7, with options like Bacardi rum, Deep Eddy vodka, and Jack Daniel’s whiskey, among others.
Discount: Southwest Rapid Rewards Visa cardholders get 20% back on inflight purchases.
Spirit
Beer: $8 for Bud Light, Heineken, Lagunitas Wine: $8 for cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, or rose Liquor: $8, featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Crown Royal Whisky, and Tanqueray Gin, among others (mixers sold separately) Premixed cocktails: $9 for a Mile High Lemonade or a Tequila 'Rita from Buzzballz
United
Beer: $7.99 for Miller Lite, Stella Artois, Goose Island, or Breckenridge Brewery Wine: $7.99 for cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay Spirits: $7.99 for Wheatley vodka, Bacardi rum, Dewar’s whisky, or Jack Daniel’s whiskey Premium spirits: $8.99 for Bailey’s Irish cream, Bombay gin, Buffalo Trace whiskey, and Glenfarclas whisky
Discount: United Explorer Visa cardholders enjoy 25% off inflight purchases.
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