Back in the golden era of flying in the 60s and 70s, cocktail bars were a familiar sight in the air, but mile-high lounges have dwindled over the years in the race to squeeze more seats on planes.
Sixty years ago, cocktail bars weren’t restricted to First and Business Class either. Continental installed “Polynesian Pubs” in the economy class section of their DC-10s and 747s.
Some of Qantas’ first 747s (delivered in the 1970s and long since retired) had a very groovy upper deck featuring the Captain Cook lounge.
Located behind the cockpit in the distinctive bump of the Jumbo, the lounge had seating for 15 passengers and a stand-up bar serving Champagne and cocktails.
American Airlines even featured piano bars on some of its services!
But a few airlines are still mixing things up in the air. Some of the best cocktail bars in the sky are widely regarded as being aboard Emirates’ Airbus A380s, its Onboard Lougnes are available for the use of its First Class and Business Class passengers.
Passengers can choose from a curated selection of fine wines, spirits and specialty cocktails prepared by the onboard mixologist, while enjoying fresh fruit, canapes and pastries.
Qatar and Etihad also have bars on their A380s. Qatar’s bar (above) is located on the upper deck, between business class and economy class.
It features curved, sofa-style seating area for up to 10 passengers and serves top-shelf spirits, Champagne, cocktails, specialty coffees (cappuccino, latte), and small finger food, nibbles
Etihad A380s feature The Lobby bars, a social space with a design inspired by the Arabian concept of the Majlis – a room where guests to a home are met and entertained. While the bars don’t have a dedicated mixologist, the cabin crew serve beverages or nibbles to the lounge area.