We are flying Delta over the "pond" in sept
and I was wondering, are drinks free, about how much do they cost if not free, will there be a duty free store onboard so I can buy a bottle of johnny walker black.

Regrettably, in my experience, there is no U.S. carrier that matches foreign carriers in offering free wine/drinks. Usual charge is US$5 for either beer or wine. Usually there is a duty free shop on board but not open until after meal times so no pre-prandial libation from your own bottle -- which is technically not allowed anyway. Moreover, selection is limited so "black" may not be available.

Delta does charge, but the poster just above is incorrdct. UA and NW do not charge for alcoholic drinks on international flights.

FAA rules stipulate that you can't drink any booze not served by the FAs. Up to few years ago, the airlines allowed the FAs to open and serve your own supply, especially wine, but it just wasn't a great idea. Imagine 15 or 20 or whatever number of people wanting to bring their own special bottle of wine and geting served at will. Storage and also the trouble of keeping tabs on which wine belongs where? just wasn't practical.
AA just anounced a program for their first class cabin, where once again, you are allowed to bring your own and be served by FAs, but it's only first class. It's a smart way for AA to save their own booze supply as first class, domestic or international get all their booze free.

oh, I almost forgot. What if anything may happen if you bring your own and pour into the cup?
Probably nothing if you are discreet and don't get totally smashed, but you always have to remember that these days if you step on toes of a FA that's not in a good mood s/he has the opportunity of getting security involved at the end of the flight, meaning TSA, local police or even federal marshalls. I don't think that saving $5 per drink is worth all of that.

Again, couple of discreet pours will be fine, but anything after that is pushing it, especially if you can't hold your liquor.

AAFrequentFlyer, are you back from the UK? Did everything you booked on site59 turn out as you expected?

I few Delta internationally in 2002 and there was no charge for drinks. Perhaps it has changed since then.

are drinks free on klm?

I believe drinks are still complimentary on KLM.

I believe AA was the leader in this chintzhy garbage of charging for drinks on international flights once again showing their disregard for their passengers. Other American carriers simply followed suit.

Hi ....

I've flown both BA & Virgin recently to the States from the UK, got wine with meal both times .... never paid !!!

Mark