What’s your most preferred thing to do on a flight? Is it staying engaged to in-flight entertainment till the end of time? Looking out at the endless sky? Finishing work or that impending read? For some people, it could be as simple as enjoying some music and a good drink to unwind. Unfortunately, it’s not all that simple anymore, and for good reason. Not too long ago the Southwest Airlines announced that they are pausing alcohol sales after a flight attendant was physically assaulted in-flight by an inebriated passenger. There has been a succession of news stories lately about unruly passengers causing trouble in the air during this recent travel surge.
Owing to this, American Airlines is the latest airline to ban alcohol sales in its economy cabin this summer. American Airlines economy passengers will have to wait until at least Sept. 13 before they can order a mid-flight drink. Vice President of Flight Service Brady Byrnes said, “Over the past week we’ve seen some of these stressors create deeply disturbing situations onboard aircraft. Let me be clear: American Airlines will not tolerate assault or mistreatment of our crews. While we appreciate that customers and crewmembers are eager to return to ‘normal,’ we will move cautiously and deliberately when restoring pre-COVID practices.”
What can travelers expect to be served in the main cabin? You can toast to only nonalcoholic beverages like canned drinks, juice, coffee, and water which will be available upon request for flights under 250 miles and will be included on longer flights. Other than that, snack baskets will return in the premium cabin and will be offered on flights between 500 and 899 miles.
[Via: USA Today]