THE BAR IS CLOSING, AND I'M GLAD

An airport pint may be a rite of passage for the occasional traveller. But for the frequent flyer, not every journey needs to be lubricated with alcohol

- WORDS CHRIS CHAMBERLIN

I'M BARELY THROUGH security and the lounge bar is ready and waiting. I board the plane and am rewarded with more bubbles, just for taking my seat. Ah, we're airborne. What's that - an aperitif to celebrate the seatbelt sign switching off? The excuses to drink are just getting more tenuous.

Then comes the inflight dining - served with paired wines, of course. Followed by a fortified drop to join cheese or dessert. More wine with the second meal if it's long-haul. Phew.

I survive the journey. But before I even have my hotel room key, there's a welcome drink voucher waiting for me - and a bottle of wine in the room as a second treat. Plus, a club lounge with drinks on free pour... and I haven't even made it to my first meeting.

A business dinner is on this evening's itinerary, you say? Well, wine there is practically obligatory.

Meetings are done, I'm back at the airport, and the cycle starts again.