Planning your next flight involves more than just booking your seat and packing your bags. If you like to enjoy a beverage while cruising at thirty thousand feet, knowing what to expect from Alaska Airlines drink prices helps you budget accurately. Whether you need a morning coffee to shake off an early wakeup call or a craft beer to unwind, pricing details vary depending on what you order.
Alaska Airlines provides a diverse selection of hot beverages, craft beers, wines, and spirits on its flights. Standard non-alcoholic choices like coffee, tea, and juice are typically complimentary for most passengers, while alcoholic options carry explicit per-item fees. Card-only payment systems are standard on all flights, so you'll want to have a credit or debit card saved to your digital wallet or ready in your hand.
Coffee, Tea, and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
If you are wondering about the non-alcoholic beverage selection, Alaska Airlines keeps things straightforward. Freshly brewed coffee served onboard comes from Starbucks, making it a comforting staple for morning departures.
- Coffee and Tea: Hot coffee and hot tea are usually complimentary for passengers in all cabins, though availability can depend on flight length.
- Sodas and Juices: Canned sodas, sparkling water, and juices like apple or orange are standard options provided free of charge during regular beverage service.
- Bottled Water: Flight attendants are always happy to provide a cup of water or fill your reusable bottle, though larger bottled waters may have specific service guidelines depending on route lengths.
Beer, Wine, and Spirit Prices Onboard
When you transition from caffeine to cocktails, prices shift to flat per-drink rates. Alaska Airlines features local Pacific Northwest craft breweries and regional wineries, giving the drink menu a distinct local flair.
- Craft Beers and Ciders: Standard and craft beer selections—including rotating local IPAs and ciders—typically cost between $8 and $9 per can.
- Wines: Individual mini-bottles of red, white, and sparkling wine generally range from $9 to $12 depending on the vintage and winery partnership.
- Spirits and Cocktails: Premixed cocktails, miniature liquor bottles (such as bourbon, vodka, or tequila), and mixers cost around $9 to $11.
Premium selections or specialty holiday drink collaborations may feature higher price points. Flight attendants accept major contactless payment methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, alongside standard credit cards. Cash is not accepted onboard.
Free Drinks for Elite Status and First Class
Frequent flyers and premium cabin ticket holders enjoy different policies regarding beverage charges. Knowing these perks saves you from unnecessary charges during your flight.
- First Class Passengers: All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including premium wines, spirits, and craft beers, are complimentary for guests seated in First Class.
- MVP Gold 75K and 100K Members: Elite tier members flying in the Main Cabin frequently receive complimentary recognition or drink vouchers loaded into their accounts, or flight attendants may comp a snack or drink upon verifying status.
- Military Personnel: Active-duty military members traveling in uniform or presenting official orders often receive complimentary alcoholic beverages as a courtesy from the airline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying In-Flight Drinks
Passengers often run into minor hurdles when trying to purchase refreshments mid-flight. Avoiding these common missteps ensures a smooth experience.
- Expecting cash to work: Flight crews cannot accept cash bills or coins. Always bring a valid credit card or set up contactless payment on your phone before boarding.
- Forgetting payment methods on saved profiles: If you use the Alaska Airlines mobile app, make sure your preferred credit card is updated before takeoff to speed up transactions.
- Bringing your own alcohol: Federal regulations strictly prohibit passengers from consuming personal alcohol brought onboard. Flight attendants must serve all alcoholic beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own coffee or tea onboard?
Yes, you can bring an empty travel mug through airport security and fill it at a terminal cafe before boarding, or bring a closed thermos. However, flight attendants cannot refill personal containers with airline coffee due to sanitation guidelines, though they can provide hot water in a paper cup.
Are snacks included with drink purchases?
Standard Biscoff cookies or pretzels are complimentary during beverage service on most flights longer than 350 miles. Heartier snack boxes and fresh food picnics must be purchased separately or pre-ordered through the app prior to departure.
Do drink prices change on partner flights?
If your itinerary involves a codeshare flight operated by a partner airline like American Airlines or a Oneworld alliance member, their respective menu pricing and complimentary beverage policies apply instead of Alaska's standard menu.
How can I check the exact menu before my flight?
You can view the current seasonal inflight menu, including specific beer and wine partnerships, by checking the food and drink section of the Alaska Airlines Official Website about a week prior to your scheduled departure date.
