News

#The Wall Street Journal: American Airlines to resume in-flight alcohol sales next month

Table of Contents

“The Wall Street Journal: American Airlines to resume in-flight alcohol sales next month”

After 2-year suspension, alcohol sales will return to domestic flights of over 250 miles starting April 18

American Airlines Group Inc. will resume selling alcoholic beverages on many domestic flights next month — a plan it put off last year in an effort to tamp down on unruly passenger behavior.

Airlines largely suspended food and beverage service in 2020 when travel demand plummeted and they wanted to minimize contact between customers and crew. Those amenities have started to return, but airlines have taken different approaches to alcohol sales in coach sections.

American
AAL,

+0.49%

was the last major airline to hold off on bringing alcohol back in economy, though it has offered it in premium cabins and beer and wine have been available on long-haul international flights. American said it would resume selling beer, wine and spirits on domestic flights over 250 miles on April 18 — just as a federal mandate requiring masks on flights and in airports is scheduled to expire.

Flight attendants and federal aviation officials say that mask-related disputes and alcohol have both played a role in the rise in onboard incidents since last year. In explaining why it opted not to resume sales last year, American said at the time that alcohol can contribute to “atypical behavior” and exacerbate stressful situations.

An expanded version of this report appears on WSJ.com.

Also popular on WSJ.com:

Oil market’s big winners: ‘Little guys’ who are eager to drill.

Dave Portnoy accusations prompt scrutiny of Barstool as Penn National pursues acquisition.

Alison Sider

If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on Google News too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.