Southwest: Booze To Be Allowed On Flight As Airline Reviews Stance On Drinks As From Feb. 16

The move further heightened tension between the airline and its 16,000-member flight attendants’ union, which called the resumption of alcohol sales “unsafe and irresponsible.”

Starting Feb. 16, Southwest will sell alcohol, including beer, wine, rum, tequila and vodka on flights at least 176 miles long. It is also said it will also add tonic water, apple juice, Coke Zero, Dr. Pepper, hot tea and hot cocoa to the current lineup of non-alcoholic beverages.

All U.S. airlines slashed onboard service during the pandemic and food and other beverage services are starting to make a comeback.

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines scaled back some recent service expansions under pressure from flight attendants unions, which argued it would increase the number of times passengers would not be wearing face masks, which are federally mandated on board, though they can be lowered when drinking or eating. The mask mandate is in effect through at least March 18.

Southwest is facing similar pressure from its flight attendants’ union, TWU Local 556.

Southwest and American Airlines last May said they would hold off on plans to bring back alcohol, in American’s case to domestic and short-haul international coach, because of disruptive passenger behaviour that in some cases included physical assault against crew members.

“Customers have expressed a desire for more beverage options, so we’re delighted to restore additional onboard offerings as a part of the Southwest Hospitality that our Customers know and love,” Tony Roach, Southwest’s vice president of customer experience and customer relations said in a statement.

SOURCE: CNBC
IMAGE SOURCE: PIXABAY