(Lebanon, NH – November 17, 2025) – Concern about excessive alcohol consumption during travel remains strong, with a majority of travelers (57%) saying airlines and airport bars should exercise more control over alcohol service, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Women were slightly more supportive of tighter controls than men (59% vs. 56%). Nearly six in ten US respondents (58%) also favored greater regulation — slightly higher than the 55% of non-US travelers — underscoring sustained public support for a more proactive industry role in managing passenger behavior.

The survey revealed a growing trust by travelers in trained staff to manage consumption on a case-by-case basis. The survey found that 61% of travelers believe alcohol consumption should be left to the discretion of bartenders, flight attendants or the individual traveler—up from 53% in December 2024. While support for stricter enforcement has risen, support for strict drink limits has softened. In December 2024, nearly a fifth (19%) said alcohol service should be capped at no more than one drink every 30 minutes, and 17% favored a one-drink-per-hour limit. By 2025, fewer respondents advocate for fixed drink limits.

The vast majority of travelers (84%) agreed that flight attendants and bartenders should have firm authority to refuse service when necessary, underscoring broad trust in frontline personnel to balance hospitality with safety. Travel industry leaders and frontline crews continue to call for practical safeguards, including proposals to restrict alcohol availability both in airports and in-flight.

Currently, no major US airline enforces a set numerical limit on in-flight alcohol consumption. Federal regulations require that all alcohol be served by the airline—passengers may not drink their own—and authorize crew members to deny service to anyone who appears intoxicated.

Policies vary by carrier and class of service, and flight attendants are empowered to halt service at their discretion. Airlines including American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue and Alaska all prohibit self-provided alcohol but do not publish drink limits. Some stricter proposals have emerged, with flight attendant unions and advocacy groups calling for a two-drink limit in economy cabins due to rising incidents of unruly behavior linked to excessive drinking.

“Travelers clearly want airlines to take a stronger hand in managing alcohol service,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “Giving crews the discretion and support to make responsible decisions benefits everyone onboard—passengers and staff alike.”

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Media Contact: Bill McIntyre | Email: bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | Phone: +1 202.560.1195

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,500 current and former members between October 7–13, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.