American Airlines today announced plans to resume more flight service on domestic flights. Delta recently made a similar announcement, and it looks like American is largely following suit, so let’s see what changes.
First, I must mention that US facial coverage policy does not change, and that customers are allowed to briefly remove their face covering to eat or drink, and they will be reminded of it.
First class liquor services change
From May 1, 2021, American Airlines will once again introduce the first-class full liquor service on domestic flights. These include alcohol, canned beverages, juice and water.
In fact, it’s the status quo, practically speaking, so it’s not much of an announcement. American’s local first-class liquor service is currently technically “on demand”, although you can order whatever you want whenever you want, and the full beverage is available (although it is served in plastic cups).
There were always flight attendants who would offer nothing unless specifically asked, although this was the exception rather than the norm. Personally, I don’t really consider it a big change.
The significantly larger adjustment was that American recently improved domestic first-class catering on flights of more than 2,200 kilometers.
American will continue to offer first-class liquor services
Economic liquor service delivers 1 June
From 1 June 2021, American Airlines will once again introduce a simplified beverage service in economy class on domestic flights. This is the much bigger announcement, as American currently does not offer economy-class liquor service on flights of less than 2,200 miles, with the exception of the bottle of water you sometimes get on board.
From June 1, you can expect to include complimentary drinks, juice and water in cans, and there will always be complimentary snacks, such as pretzels or Biscoffs.
American resumes liquor services in economy
Buy-to-drill service will return later this summer
Later this summer, the full cabin beverage service will return. This includes items for sale (via the buy-on-board menu), such as alcoholic beverages, as well as American’s food options to buy.
Expect to resume purchasing service later this summer
What is noticeably absent from this announcement
It is interesting that in the American updates there is no mention of more of a food service being resumed in the first class. Although I did not necessarily expect an exact date for this, no mention is even made of this.
This is no coincidence, if you ask me – the American leadership has made it clear that first-class service will probably never be the same. As described, the pandemic gave the American the opportunity to “reconsider” first-class meals and “bring back something that still feels great, but is different and more modern.”
So yes, I would not expect much on that front.
Bottom line
American Airlines has unveiled plans to resume more flights. The key updates are that an economy liquor service will resume from June 1, 2021, and then later this summer a full buy-to-serve service in the economy will resume, including alcohol and food.
What do you think of American Airlines’ updates on service in the economy?