Come on, who here hasnt been pissed flying?
I myself, was on a BENDER not so long ago, hotel room at 2am, up again at 4.30am, holding breath going through security in a London airport (as you do ) along with the other pilot. And that was after an 11 pint stella session!
That may still be the norm in some places overseas with a strong drinking culture, and, I have no reason to doubt your word, but those days are long gone in the U.S...