TUI Cuts Free Alcohol on Long-Haul Flights
TUI Airways is changing its long-haul Economy service by reducing the amount of complimentary alcohol included with tickets. The airline currently allows up to three free alcoholic drinks during a flight, but that arrangement will end this autumn. Economy customers will instead receive one beer or glass of wine with their main meal, while any further alcoholic drinks must be bought onboard.
What Changes on TUI Long-Haul Flights
- Airline: TUI Airways
- Start date: 1 November 2026
- Cabin affected: Economy
- Routes: All inbound and outbound long-haul flights
- Alcohol included: One beer or wine with the main meal
- Extra alcohol: Available to purchase onboard
- Still complimentary: Water, soft drinks and juices
- Premium Economy: No change
- Existing adult bookings: £12.50 refund per flight, each way
TUI says complimentary non-alcoholic drinks will continue to be served throughout the journey, so the change only affects beer, wine and other alcoholic options. Premium Economy customers will keep their current service. Adults who booked before the new policy was announced will receive the refund automatically as a goodwill payment, provided their flight falls under the revised Economy rules.
The policy matters most on longer holiday routes where passengers may have expected several drinks to be included in the fare. Anyone travelling after 1 November should check onboard prices before deciding whether to buy more. Bringing alcohol through security or buying it at the airport does not normally mean it can be consumed onboard, as cabin crews control what may be opened during the flight.
The cut does not remove the meal service or complimentary soft drinks, but it does reduce what Economy passengers receive for the same booking. People with existing reservations gain a partial refund, while new customers will need to treat extra drinks as another onboard cost. The change makes the difference between Economy and Premium Economy slightly wider, especially on overnight or leisure-heavy routes.