TC

Just about the time a lot of good wines started using screw top caps for easy opening, the TSA banned liquids on flights. Now a wonderful wine shop in Minneapolis, Surdyk's, has opened a wine market and bar in the "mall" section of the Minneapolis (MSP) airport. That is <u>after</u> the security check points, so you can buy a bottle of good wine to take on-board! No more $10 glasses of cheap wine on flights. There's also a grab-n-go section for food or a full-service restaurant and bar if you have time during a connection.

www.surdyksflights.com

Jeff_Costa_Rica

The problem with your suggestion is that the FAA and airlines prohibit passangers from consuming alcohol on board that their people don't serve. You'll be asked to put it away.

wally34949

But you can bring an empty Gateraid bottle through security, go to the bathroom, and pour the bottle of wine into that empty bottle. Finally, if you drink the wine too fast, just nod and smile to the flight attendant.

TC

I'm not sure I agree, Jeff, although you may be right. However, just prior to the TSA ban on liquids, Travel & Leisure magazine did a big article on celebrity chefs and what they eat on board flights. All talked about bringing their own wine with the discussion of how many good wines were then becoming available with screw top caps. While the editors may have been remiss in checking the facts, it seems one should be able to count on this as example. I certainly would suggest that fliers be discrete with their own bottle. Lets see if we can find out for sure.

TC

Well it didn't take long, so never let it be said that I don't check my facts. Here is the wording from FAA regulations. You are correct, Jeff. However, may I ask why crew would come down heavy on item A and completely ignore item B and C most of the time? Just saying.....

<i>§ 135.121 Alcoholic beverages.

(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage.

(b) No certificate holder may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person aboard its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.

(c) No certificate holder may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.</i>

Jeff_Costa_Rica

I was just looking for the official word myself. Thanks, TC.

The issue isn't the TSA ban on liquids. It's making sure that passengers are not intoxicated and not passing alcohol onto minors. And I'm sure it's a revenue thing too. If pax bring their own booze on board the plane, that's less that the airline sells.

Whoever edited that Travel & Leisure story was remiss in not checking their facts.

clevelandbrown

While some airlines may have a policy against it, you can comply with the regulation by having the flight attendant fill your glass from your bottle.

I think if a celebrity asked the flight attendant to serve his own wine with his meal, they would be happy to comply.