JetBlue Becomes The First US Airline To Serve Non-Alcoholic Beer

Thanks to the East Coast-based airline, JetBlue, non-alcoholic brews will soon take to the skies as the latest in-flight beverage on offer. As the first major airline to add non-alcoholic drinks to their drink service, JetBlue is tapping into a new demand for brewskis that pack classic flavor but lack the buzz. In a press release, director of product development Mariya Stoyanova said that it was a part of JetBlue's "continued effort to provide customers with an onboard experience customized to their needs and preferences."

The beer of choice? Upside Dawn Golden from Athletic Brewing Co., an award-winning non-alcoholic brewery with two coast-to-coast locations in San Diego, California, and Milford, Connecticut. Upside Dawn Golden has been brewed to remove gluten while maintaining the hoppy and earthy notes with classic flavorings like Vienna malt and American and English hops. Clocking in at 45 calories per can, it has an ABV of less than 0.5%, the perfect option for those looking for that signature taste minus the alcohol. 

An intrinsic part of this new in-flight beverage is the partnership between JetBlue and Athletic Brewing. Bill Shufelt, CEO and co-founder of Athletic Brewing stated, "We're excited to take flight with JetBlue and allow flyers to relax at 35,000 feet with a great-tasting alternative to full-strength brews."

In 2021, the Financial Times named Athletic Brewing as the fourth fastest-growing company in the country, and it made Time's 100 Most Influential Companies list in 2022. Athletic Brewing's unprecedented growth is a reflection of the expanding popularity of non-alcoholic beverages. A recent survey conducted by NC Solutions found that nearly 34% of Americans are looking to drink less alcohol in 2023 — and in-flight drinking is a great place to cut back. 

When cruising 30,000 feet, the effects of alcohol can feel exaggerated because of the decreased presence of oxygen. This understandably can lead to stressful situations for both crew members as well as fellow passengers, so the option of non-alcoholic beer should offer a win-win solution for those wanting to taste their favorite brew without suffering adverse high-altitude side effects.