Busting out the bubbly at 35,000 feet? It really is a thing.
Delta Air Lines has expanded its offerings of complimentary alcoholic drinks from its usual range of beer, wine, and spirits on international flights. The carrier is now offering free mini-bottles of Avissi Prosecco, too—even to the proles in the main cabin.
“Sparkling wine is often the first choice for a celebration, and we know how special it is for people to jet off on a trip, so we wanted to bring the celebration to them,” Delta Vice President of Onboard Services Lisa Bauer said in a press release.
Although the people in the main cabin will be able to get free Prosecco and other drinks, for the high rollers in the Delta One cabin (a.k.a. First Class) “the flavors of autumn are being paired with a selection of wines curated by Delta’s Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson.”
That sure is a step up from the peanuts and soda you get on domestic flights.
But Delta isn’t the only American airline to offer upgraded drink and meal service on their long-haul international flights.
United offers a three-course meal, mid-flight snack, and complimentary beer and house wines. American Airlines also offers free meals, wine, and beer on international flights, but spirits are only free on flights to and from Japan, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Auckland. Hawaiian Airlines offers “exquisite, complimentary Island-inspired meals and a wide array of drinks,” according to its website, although the website doesn’t say whether or not these exquisite offerings are only for first-class passengers.
On the other hand, Alaska Airlines makes economy class passengers pay for meals and drinks, no matter how long the flight is—something you’d expect from a discount carrier but not so much from a “mainline” airline.
Would your choice of airline for international flights be influenced by complimentary food and drinks? Would the types of drinks offered be a factor? Is free Prosecco on international flights going to get you to fly Delta on your next long-haul overseas flight? Give us your opinions on airline food, drinks, or anything airline-related in the comments!