American Airlines' CEO talks bringing back buy-on-board service, including alcohol
Editor's Note
As air travel continues to rebound, airlines are slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels of service. But there's one aspect that hasn't returned yet on all airlines and that's onboard alcohol sales.
Although initially suspended due to COVID concerns, several airlines delayed the return of alcohol due to an uptick in disorderly passenger behavior. However, as reported by View from the Wing, at least one of those airlines has a new target date for when it plans to relaunch alcohol sales in the main cabin.
In a meeting with flight attendants, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker, shared that the airline will not bring back alcohol sales while the federal mask mandate is in place. The federal mask mandate is currently set to expire on Sept. 13.
Parker explained, "We’ve chosen not to reinstate alcohol in the main cabin until September 13th. There’s no coincidence there that’s the same date as the mask requirement ending. That’s why we did it. Because we don’t think putting alcohol on the airplane at the same time you’re having to enforce masks is a good idea."
The Fort Worth-based carrier was originally supposed to resume alcohol sales on June 1, but followed Southwest's lead in holding off following an assault on one of its flight attendants. It's said that the dispute started over the mask policy.
"Only we and Southwest have done that. Every other airline has to my knowledge either serving alcohol or plans to serve alcohol which is their prerogative, we don’t think that’s a good idea," Parker added.
Related: Southwest delays return of alcohol, will resume coffee service as planned
In addition to alcoholic beverages, the buy-on-board menu will feature light fare like sandwiches, wraps and breakfast platters.
“American’s reintroduction of beverage service is a careful and informed process to ensure everyone on board feels safe and comfortable,” said Brady Byrnes, vice president of flight service. “When customers fly with American, they are trusting us with their safety. This is why our ongoing partnerships with the APFA and medical experts are critical in ensuring the timing is right and customers have peace of mind.”
On May 1, American resumed full complimentary beverage service in domestic premium cabins on all flights. This includes alcohol, canned drinks, juice and water, as well as hot beverages, like tea and coffee. Throughout the pandemic, AA has been serving drinks on request for all first-class flyers on routes shorter than 2,200 miles. Additionally, earlier in the spring, American expanded its “Fresh Bites” offering for first-class passengers on domestic flights over 2,200 miles — mostly cross-country routes. These options include fresh fruit, yogurt and breakfast sandwiches in the morning and sandwiches, salads and fresh appetizers for lunch and dinner.
Although alcohol was put on hold, as of June 1, all domestic coach passengers on flights longer than 250 miles can once again enjoy a complimentary drink, including canned sodas, juices, bottled water, tea and coffee. Previously, drink service in economy was only provided on flights longer than 2,200 miles.
Resuming a more substantial inflight offering comes as American's Big 3 competitors, Delta and United, recently announced similar moves.
Related: Here’s what food and drinks you can expect on your next flight
Delta began offering a new snack and beverage service on domestic and select short-haul international flights on April 14, including canned cocktails provided by Tip Top Proper Cocktails. The Atlanta-based carrier also began expanding its premium-cabin meal service in mid-June.
United is improving its coach offerings as well. The carrier recently unveiled redesigned snack boxes along with a revamped buy-on-board service. Alcohol sales are available on flights two hours and 20 minutes or longer and snacks are available on flights over four hours.
Of course, the one downside to expanded inflight service means less time that passengers are wearing masks. Nevertheless, with all adults in the U.S. now eligible for a vaccine, hopefully, the virus will be well under control by the end of the summer.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.