American Airlines will increase its prohibition on alcohol sales. This coincides with the extension of the federal mask mandate.
Americans ban alcohol from the economy
American Airlines has announced that it will continue to ban alcohol sales in economy (including Main Cabin Extra) until January 18, 2022. This is the same date that the United States Federal Mask Mandatee has been extended. It's an extension of the September 14, 2021 expiration date.
First and business class will continue to serve alcohol as usual. Reminder: The FAA prohibits passengers from consuming alcohol they bring onboard. This means that American Airlines economy passengers are not allowed to consume alcohol.
Due to increasing inflight disturbances, American was forced to ban the sale of alcohol in the economy in June 2021. While many airlines reduced their inflight service during the pandemic. American and Southwest are America's largest airlines. However, Alaska, Delta, United and United do offer alcohol in economy.
American executives stated that the prohibition on alcohol service would be in effect as long as there is a mask mandate. It's interesting to see this actually happen.
American extends its ban on alcohol service for the economy
This policy surprised and confused me
Am I the only one who is surprised that American Airlines has not abandoned this policy?
Airlines make money by selling alcohol in economy. American Airlines management should be aware of this fact. I assume Main Cabin Extra passengers receive free alcohol so perhaps the economics aren't that favorable for American Airlines.
It is likely that the transportation mandate will continue beyond January 2022. Are Americans prepared to extend this policy further?
Can someone please explain the logic behind why it is safe to consume alcohol in first class but not in economy?
As I said when Southwest implemented a similar policy, it is clear that people are misbehaving on flights at record levels. However, it does not seem to be alcohol-related. In fact, it seems like masks and divisiveness are the main reasons. I think people would be more responsible if they had a drink (how bout selling alcohol but restricting people to one drink per person?
American is not afraid to serve alcohol in the first class
Bottom line
American Airlines will increase its prohibition on alcohol sales in the economy until January 2022. This coincides with the expiration of the federal mask mandate.
American allows people to drink alcohol in first class but not in economy. This is why I find American so odd. It's a little odd that America's two largest competitors serve alcohol.
What do you think about the American Airlines alcohol ban on economy flights?
