Little-known Aussie airline rule that could catch you out in the terminal
After making your way to the airport and waiting in security lines, it's so nice to reward yourself with a warm cup of coffee or tea while waiting to board your plane.
Yes, airport drinks might cost you a little more than you'd ideally want to pay, but hey, you're on holiday, so it's fine.
But you might want to rethink this pre-flight ritual, especially if you don't have long before your flight is called.
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Many of us like to pick up a coffee while waiting at the airport. Getty
Not all airlines are happy for you to bring your half-drunk coffee on board. In fact, most have strict rules about hot liquids on planes.
And there's nothing worse than being asked to throw out a $7 coffee after you've only had one glorious sip.
Here's where each Aussie airline stands on bringing hot drinks on board.
Jetstar
Australia's low-cost carrier allows passengers to bring their own food and drink on board. However, according to the airline's website, this does not include hot drinks, citing "safety reasons".
The airline also stipulates that passengers must not bring their own alcohol for consumption during the flight.
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You're better off waiting for the drinks service. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Qantas
Qantas does not allow passengers to board with hot drinks purchased in the terminal.
Ground staff are instructed to ensure passengers "consume or discard" hot liquids before stepping onto the aerobridge or tarmac.
Some Qantas travellers have reported they've been allowed to take hot drinks on board, while others say they've been allowed to throw it away - so it's a gamble.
However, the airline provides complimentary tea, coffee, and water on all flights, so you won't have to go without your caffeine hit for long.
Virgin Australia does not have a specific policy. Getty
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia does not have a specific policy regarding hot drinks on their website.
However, according to their in-flight menu, once on board, "hot drinks will be offered based on operational considerations and will not be served in the event of turbulence".
There's a chance that ground staff and cabin crew could enforce a "no hot drinks from the terminal" rule during boarding to keep passengers safe.
One passenger reports being asked to throw away his freshly-bought terminal coffee before boarding a Virgin flight from Melbourne to Sydney.
Meanwhile, others say they routinely take coffee on board without any issues.
In-flight coffee is served at a cooler temperature. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Why can't you take hot coffee on a plane?
It all comes down to safety. It might seem silly that you're able to order hot drinks on board, but you can't bring your own.
However, the tea and coffee served on board flights is often brewed at a cooler temperature than what you'd get at a café in the terminal - so if there is a sudden jolt of turbulence, there's less of a chance of injury.
Exceptions to the hot liquids rule
All three airlines make exceptions for warm baby milk or formula.
