My regular check-ins at airport lounges mentioning Champagne elicited an interesting comment from a friend of mine recently. Conversation was around my upcoming travel and I was being eager about something or other and he came out with, “I think I understand now – you count the whole flying experience as part of your holiday!”
He totally got it – once I am on the bus to the airport I am in holiday mode. Usually I am lucky enough to skip through airport security nice and fast and then it is into the lounge which means…
Champagne O’Clock!
Some airline lounges offer Champagne and the British Airways First Class lounge at London Heathrow has a self-service Champagne bar. The quality of the drink is decent enough so it’s always nice to have a glass or two before flying. Nothing helps make the start of a trip more special! However, it begs the question, is there a time when it is too early to have a drink?
Anywhere, Anytime!
Personally I am a firm believer that Champagne is appropriate at any time of the day. When I happen to be flying during breakfast time in business class, I always order some bubbles to go with my breakfast. It is just a great experience to be sipping away while high above the clouds.
Naturally having a drink in the evening is more socially acceptable, so some people frown upon those drinking in the morning or the middle of the day. I think people heading on holidays should get a free pass when it comes to having a drink when flying.
Overall Thoughts
When there are no bubbles available I will usually stick to juice or water so I am not a total lush despite what it may seem. That being said, I would be interested to hear your opinion on the matter. Are you a person who is happy for others to have a drink whenever it suits them if it is available? Alternatively are you someone who believes alcohol should be confined to the evening and night? Thank you for reading and please leave your comments or questions below.
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bubbles are great 24/7
I agree! 🙂
If you have to ask you probably should check yourself.
True – it’s always worth posing a question! Thanks for the comment!
What is this about “socially acceptable”? It depends on what kind of alcohol you are talking. Beer or schnapps is something one usually doesn’t drink early in the day. This is something that is associated with … well … alcoholics. Not that this is necessarily the case but it is something that comes to one’s mind.
But with bubbly this is something totally different because it is a typical breakfast beverage. It is by far more common to have champagne or some other sparkling wine in the morning than in the evening.
Yes, I’ve really only seen beer being had in the afternoon in Europe socially outdoors in summer. You’re correct on bubbly though, it’s a big feature of brunch as well I’ve found. I appreciate the comment!
In airports and on planes the normal social rules for drinking do not apply!
Glad to hear you agree! Looks like we’ll all keep drinking on when travelling! Thanks for the comment!
From morning bubbly in the Qantas Sydney Flounge to midnight bubbles in Dubai to brekky champers in the BA First, it’s all part of the trip!
I couldn’t agree with you more really! Bubbles and travel mix very well! Thanks for the comment 🙂
For me, it depends on if I’m traveling with kids. If one of them is flying with me, it’ll be champs with croissants for breakfast… Otherwise, I usually wait til I board to avoid… them JUDGING eyes.
Champagne and croissants sounds like a great combination! Those judging eyes – there’s always a pair somewhere isn’t there? Best ignored, I think! Haha! Thanks for the comment!
Agreed!!! Always socially acceptable to imbibe in the bubbly whether it is 6am or 6pm.
Looks like everyone is in agreement! 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
What kind of question is this? I didn’t even bother reading the post. The answer is it’s never too early!
Hahaha – I’m with you! Thanks for the comment!