Flying used to be a lot cooler. In fact, you used to get all sorts of drinks that you might’ve even bragged about after landing. But airlines have completely changed things over the years. We checked out some airline rules, and here are ten drinks you can’t order on planes anymore. Which one of these would you have loved to try at 35,000 feet?
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Dom Pérignon on Singapore Airlines
Flying on Suites or First on Singapore Airlines meant you could toast with Dom Pérignon. But this changed on November 1, 2022, as the airline stopped stocking it. You can still get fancy champagne options like Krug or Taittinger. But you can no longer get Dom Pérignon on Singapore Airlines, no matter how much you ask.
Continental’s signature Bloody Mary mix
Continental Airlines had its own branded Bloody Mary mix. They served it with vodka or just on its own for passengers who wanted a spiced tomato drink. In 2010, Continental merged with United, and this mix didn’t survive. United stuck with its own supplier. This means that the distinctive Continental version disappeared completely from the cabins.
Delta’s Tip Top cocktails
You might remember those tiny orange cans of Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini on Delta. These came from Tip Top Proper Cocktails. However, in summer 2024, those cans disappeared from the carts, and it’s something frequent fliers noticed first. Delta later confirmed the change. It’s not clear why they did so, but it sure is disappointing.
Alaska’s Starbucks coffee
For years, ordering a cup of Starbucks at cruising altitude was a perk of flying with Alaska Airlines. It all changed in October 2023. The airline decided to team up with Stumptown Coffee Roasters instead, and the swap was complete by December. You can’t get Pike Place now. You’ll get Stumptown’s “at-altitude” blend instead.
Jones Soda from Alaska and Horizon
Jones Soda is the one with the interesting labels & flavors. You could get it on board Alaska & Horizon flights up until 2010, when the airline gave it the boot. It’s now become one of those “remember when” items. That’s not to say you can’t order any soda, it’s just that Coke products have replaced Jones Soda now.
Pepsi on Air France
There was a time in the mid-1990s when Air France served Pepsi only, rather than Coke. This was part of a special three-year deal that started in 1995. However, when that contract ended, Coke returned. Pepsi has never made its way back. That’s great news for anyone who prefers Coke, but not so great for the Pepsi fans. Oh well.
Honest Tea
A little airline called Independence Air once stocked Honest Tea. This was long before the brand went big, but then Coca-Cola bought out the brand. They pulled the plug completely on it in 2022. Since the drink has been officially discontinued, no airline carries it anymore. Anyone who tried it will tell you what a shame that is.
TWA’s Royal Ambassador
TWA used to have a fancy-sounding cocktail called the Royal Ambassador. It was a mix of champagne, orange juice & amaretto, and it was served in first class, of course. But then TWA went under in 2001. The drink went with it. The only place you’ll see this drink now is in retro recipe write-ups or at the TWA Hotel bar.
Pan Am’s Clipper cocktail
Pan Am loved to brand everything, and that included its signature drink. This was called the Clipper. It was made with apple brandy & lemon, with a splash of absinthe. It was just as strong as it sounded. Sadly, Pan Am folded in 1991, and this meant the Clipper vanished, too. You’ll only see this drink in vintage airline cocktail books. And that’s only if you’re lucky.
Bombay Sapphire minis on Virgin Atlantic
Once upon a time, Virgin Atlantic stocked little bottles of Bombay Sapphire gin in its economy service. This made it easy to order a simple gin & tonic on a long haul flight. But around 2019, those minis disappeared from standard service and were replaced by Beefeater. Bombay Sapphire is still around on the ground. But it’s not something you’ll get in coach anymore.
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