American Airlines is to gradually reintroduce a full drinks service on its domestic flights over the coming months.
From May 1 customers in domestic premium cabins will be offered a full beverage service, including alcohol, canned drinks, juice and water.
In the carrier’s Main Cabin, drinks are currently being provided on flights of around four hours or more, and from the start of June a complimentary soft drinks service including canned drinks, juice and water will be offered on domestic flights.
AA then plans to resume a full main cabin drinks service including alcoholic options and its buy-on-board food programme “later this summer”.
The airline said that it had worked with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and medical experts from American’s Travel Health Advisory Panel “to determine to the safest way to carefully return the food and beverage programme”.
AA also noted that customers must continue to wear face coverings at all times at the airport and onboard the aircraft, with permission to remove them “briefly” while eating or drinking.
“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. We worked closely with the union that represents our flight attendants, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, and medical experts on this process.
“Through our partnership, we collectively determined that the timing is right to bring back this service, and we can do so while continuing to give customers peace of mind.”
Earlier this month fellow US carrier Delta also announced plans to reintroduce inflight drinks and snacks.
Delta to unblock middle seats, inflight snacks and drinks to return
