Flying doesn’t mean you’re immune to getting cut off. Just like at a bar, flight attendants can refuse to serve alcohol if they think you’ve had enough.
Knowing your limits (and keeping track of what you’ve already had) can save you from an awkward conversation mid-flight and keep your trip from taking a tipsy turn for the worse.
Here’s What Happens When You Get Drunk On A Plane
In a viral video with more than 1.6 million views, content creator and personal trainer Kyle Belk (@kyle.belk) shared what happened after a Spirit flight attendant noticed he’d had maybe one too many mini liquor bottles.
“So you guys can’t come up one by one and purchase the alcohol. And you said that you don’t remember. We just told you that you have a limit. We’re not selling any more alcohol right now,” the flight attendant tells Belk. The flight attendant remains nice, professional, and firm.
How Much Alcohol Can You Order On A Plane?
Per the Telegraph, “there is no official limit” when it comes to drinks on a plane. However, it’s well within a flight attendant’s right to cut a passenger off if they think that passenger has had one too many.
Belk looks like a caught little kid at first. But he quickly turns into a mischievous adult once the flight attendant walks away. He opens one more bottle.
Belk, clearly still in good spirits, looks at the camera and says, “Oops.”
Then you see why his mood is still up.
The camera pans to show about seven miniature alcohol bottles, two Sprite cans, and a can of Pringles sitting on Belk’s tray table.
“Y’all I was so turnt on that plane they even let me in the cockpit,” Belk shared in a comment.
How Much Alcohol In A Mini Bottle?
If you’ve ever seen someone pull out a lineup of tiny alcohol bottles on a plane, chances are those were “nips.” Nips are miniature liquor bottles, usually 50 milliliters—or about 1.7 ounces—just enough for a single serving, The Bottle Blog reported.
They’re super convenient for trying a new spirit without committing to a full-sized bottle, for cocktail recipes that call for precise amounts, or yes, even for airplane travel (though airlines have rules about drinking your own alcohol onboard).
You’ll often see them in sampler packs, gift sets, or as a way for bars and stores to let people test out new flavors.
Why You Might Feel More Drunk On A Plane
Alcohol can feel stronger at 30,000 feet due to the combination of altitude and lower oxygen level, Condé Nast Traveler reported.
Research shows your blood-alcohol content doesn’t actually rise faster in the air. However, reduced oxygen can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or more tipsy than you would on the ground.
Drinking on a plane also compounds the dehydrating effects of air travel, which can worsen hangovers, affect your immune system, and impact coordination and mood.
Beyond physical effects, being drunk on a plane can have serious consequences: disruptive passengers may face fines, jail time, or even be responsible for costly flight diversions.
Experts recommend drinking slowly, pairing alcohol with water and food, and knowing your personal limits to avoid both health and legal issues while flying.
Commenters React
“They said ‘This is Spirit not spirits,’” a top comment read.
“Exit row too ?? … yall shouldve BEEN stopped lmao,” a person said.
“Yall flying or going to the club?” another asked.
“Honestly, she was so nice and professional,” a commenter pointed out.
“I never been cut off in an airplane. Challenge accepted,” another said.
BroBible reached out to Belk for comment via Instagram and TikTok direct message and to Spirit via email.