Luxury flights could offer beer by the barrel

AIR passengers could be getting high on beer from the barrel when a new plane goes into service soon, it was revealed yesterday.

Barrels of beer on the drinks cart to enable travellers to enjoy freshly poured pints is one of the ideas being considered by British airlines Thomsonfly and First Choice Airlines when they fit out their arder of Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes.

The two carriers, which have recently merged their businesses, will be receiving the first of 23 Dreamliners in 2009. As well as the beer idea, the airlines are also considering offering onboard children’s play areas, language lessons and downloadable newspapers. Other plans being discussed include having ice cream makers and internet access. Passengers may also be able to use their seatback entertainment systems to order drinks or meals or to leave messages for the cabin crew such as “wake me up for meals” or “let me sleep”.