Should alcohol on flights be banned in future, or do some people simply need “a little elixir” while travelling? 

A study by the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Germany found that in-flight alcohol and cabin pressure at cruising altitude may put a strain on sleeping passengers’ hearts. 

It claimed that this combination of factors appears to lower blood oxygen and increase heart rate. 

The study recommended restricting access to alcohol on long-haul flights as a way to protect passengers. 

Air and Travel Magazine Editor Eoghan Corry said it isn’t shocking to discover alcohol is bad for you while you’re thousands of miles up in the sky. 

“It’s a very interesting study here,” he told The Pat Kenny Show. “It can lead to a greater danger of heart attack. 

Passengers toasting alcohol on flight. Image: suwinai sukanant / Alamy Stock Photo

“We've always had excessive drinking associated with flying - but what I do notice in my own travels is a slight increase in incidents that maybe relate to people taking medication as well that reacts with alcohol. 

“The Irish Aviation Authority brought this up in their report, Ryanair say [the same]. 

“Ireland isn’t even the worst offender [according to Ryanair] - it tends to be Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow diverted because of disorder.” 

Drinking alcohol on flights

Mr Corry said, however, that we likely will not see alcohol banned on any flights. 

“A lot of people, they just need a little elixir when they're embarking on a long journey,” he said. 

He also pointed out airlines rely on providing alcohol and food on flights. 

“It does contribute to the ancillary revenue,” he said. “I don't think they'd be hanging on to alcohol compared with all the other ways they have with making money.” 

Ryanair recently announced the launch of its new in-flight ‘cocktail’ line, including a Dublin Lemonade (Jameson Irish Whiskey, Sprite Zero and sparkling water) and a Flying Iced Tea (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Absolut Vodka and Coca-Cola).