As Europe spirals back into lockdown while it battles the dreaded ‘second wave’ of COVID-19, some citizens are taking a rather unique approach to get satisfy their longing for a lager.
Currently, different countries are facing varying degrees of restrictions and lockdowns, though for many, bars, restaurants and other social venues have closed.
Failure to socially distance and maintain hygiene protocols, especially when alcohol is involved, is believed to be a big contributor to the spread of the virus.
However, some cheeky residents have found a loophole: as airports are considered an essential service, many of the airport businesses remain open, including – you guessed it – bars.
In Dublin, some locals have scoured the internet for the cheapest fares possible, finding some for as low as €9 with budget carriers. Then, proceeding to the airport and going through security, only to grab a bite and a pint instead.
According to a Dublin airport spokesperson, anyone who wishes to buy a beer at the airport is required to also spend at least €9 on a meal, and going to the airport with no intention to travel could be punishable as “a breach of airport bye-laws which state that ‘a person may not engage in any activity which jeopardises or interferes with the … orderly operation of an airport’.”
This isn’t the only time people have taken advantage of cheap flights to gain airport access. Earlier this year, several New York college students all chipped in for a ticket to Florida, simply because they had a craving for Chik-fil-A and the nearest store was at the airport.
Now that’s dedication to a craving!
Prior to 9/11, when airport security ramped up, most people didn’t need a ticket to get through to the domestic airport lounges and stores, airport lounges were a common hangout for frequent flyers after work, even when they weren’t flying – have to take advantage of those free-drink perks!
Qantas Clubs for a long time were informally known as ‘Qantas Pubs’.