Did you encounter any technical issues? If you are a flight attendant working during the holiday travel season, email the author at aakhtar@insider.com. Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email and subscribe here for our YouTube channel to get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. Once the federal mask mandate for planes . Airlines including Easyjet and KLM in Europe, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines in the United States, and Asia's Virgin Australia, are suspending all or part of their alcoholic drinks. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and other participating providers. 2If youre traveling in United Economy, house red and white wines are only available on international flights. Airlines are pushing for "air bridges" between major cities like New York and London that would require pre-flight COVID-19 tests for all on board. I wish that was my coping mechanism. It was part of an effort to minimize interactions between passengers and crew, improve sanitation and reduce costs at a time when some airlines were losing as much as $100 million per day. "Given the recent uptick in industry-wide incidents of passenger disruptions inflight, we have made the decision to pause the previously announced re-start of alcohol service onboard June (Hawaii flights) and July," said Southwest in its announcement. Starting October 15, flyers from San Francisco bound for Hawaii will be given the option to order an at-home testing kit or reserve a time for a rapid test at the airport. Flight attendants previously told Insider alcohol only worsens passenger aggression, and resuming alcohol service could worsen the ongoing unruly passenger crisis. Starting March 29, United Airlines implementedthe following food service changes to help maintain passenger safety: -Only sealed beverages would be served and the airline would no longer offer ice, coffee, tea and poured alcohol. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Limiting alcohol service and scaling back (or eliminating) basic beverage service is just another way airlines are trying reduce contact between flight attendants and passengers. United Airlines is once again serving hard liquor on its flights, a service it stopped early in the pandemic. IE 11 is not supported. CNN reported United's decision to resume serving mini alcohol containers to economy passengers in . Already, reports of these incidents in less than five months are more than 20 times the amount in a typical year. "In an effort to limit as many touch points and transactions as possible between crew members and customers, we are offering a pre-sealed bag with water and two snacks for our Core customers.". American, Delta and United have adjusted their in-flight services to limit transactions between passengers and crew. CNN reported United's decision to resume serving mini alcohol containers to economy passengers in domestic flights of over 300 miles after "feedback from both customers and flight attendants.". General snack and beverage service has also been scaled back. United Airlines will be the first U.S. airline to roll out a COVID-19 testing program for passengers. Kennedy Airport in New York City and Newark Airport in New Jersey are working with a private company, XpresCheck, to offer passengers flying any airline a rapid COVID-19 test before departure. The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the air travel industry. The flexible stance flies in the face of traditional corporate planning, in which the CEO decides on a path forward and commands obedience to that plan. Copyright 2021 United Airlines, Inc.All rights reserved. United Airlines this week became the first major U.S. carrier to announce that it will require all its employees to be vaccinated against COVID. RELATED:Delta to offer voluntary separations, early retirement to employees amid coronavirus pandemic, report says, The risks of flying amid the COVID-19 pandemic, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that travelers face an increased risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 and that staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick.. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card. / CBS News. JetBlue has suspended in-cabin sales of beer, wine and liquor on most flights in the main cabin. Most of United's 67,000 workers have already. Southwest Airlines and American Airlines. Please enter valid email address to continue. Crocs vs. 'Stocks: Which is the superior travel shoe? The ability to offer a complete food and beverage menu is something that we know is important to our customers, United said. On long-haul international flights, Delta One passengers will get a bottle of water before departure, and will be able to choose from a full selection of beverages while flying. 36 Amazon fashion finds shoppers are loving for spring starting at $3. According to the airline, they've not made a decision on an extension yet. 2. The airline. RELATED:Uncertain future for airlines and air travel as pandemic hammers industry. 1 Only available on United flights between the continental U.S. and Hawaii. -Snacks will not be available in United Economy seating for flights under 80 minutes or in United First for flights under 60 minutes. American Airlines has suspended alcohol service in its main cabin until January 18 . American and Southwest airlines said their original alcohol suspension would last as long as the federal mask mandate. Starting October 15, flyers from San Francisco bound . The Federal Aviation Administration recently extended the COVID-19 mask mandate on flights through January 18, 2022. Scott Kirby, the chief executive of United Airlines, reached a breaking point while vacationing in Croatia this summer: After receiving word that a 57-year-old . The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. United Airlines will join the growing list of companies that are requiring employees get vaccinated against Covid-19, the first major US airline to implement such a mandate. 2023 Cable News Network. Both carriers cited the rising number of physical incidents . During longer flights, an "all-in-one" snack bag with a sanitizer wipe, bottled water, stroopwafel and package of pretzels, will be available to passengers seated in economy and premium cabins. COVID-19 Updates | United Airlines Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates Need to change or cancel upcoming travel? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. American Airlines told ABC News it will continue its alcohol suspension. The agency has said many cases are fueled by alcohol. Delta announced plans to resume alcohol service, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. That's why TPG's Summer Hull argues for less service during the pandemic, not more, and I'd have to agree the risk of being stuck near a passenger who's removed their mask is the biggest thing keeping me from flying right now. Covid's Origins: A lab leak was once dismissed by many as a conspiracy theory for the origin of Covid-19. If you're flying or taking a train, be ready to keep wearing that face mask for a few more months. Many of the recent incidents for which the agency has requested fines, including two $15,000 finesannounced last week, have involved alcohol. She's focused on the latest in dining trends and budget meal-planning tips. September 24, 2020 / 8:23 AM Flying on Spirit Airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now passengers, regardless of their assigned cabin, will receive pre-packed snack bags while boarding their domestic flight. Sider writes, Over the following months, United was among the swiftest to slash flights, start to assemble a war chest of cash, and was preparing to potentially lay off thousands. That put the company in a sustainable position. Date: July 2, 2021. However, Toronto Blue Jays player Anthony Bass is sparking debate online after calling out flight attendants who he said "made" his wife clean up after their kids on a plane. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). "The federal government should provide guidance to airlines and airports on pausing alcohol sales for a period of time.". Alcohol might make you feel better in that moment, but it . The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the air travel industry. The video above is from a previous story. Alcohol may be served only to customers 21 and older. This is a BETA experience. First published on September 24, 2020 / 8:23 AM. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. NOW WATCH: Flight attendants explain how COVID-19 has affected their jobs, alcohol only worsens passenger aggression, extreme weather events and staff shortages. Airlines are cutting in-flight alcohol service as a way to reduce contact between passengers and flight attendants during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We adjusted our service around the time the pandemic hit the United States, and at this point there are no imminent plans to readjust our offerings," a spokesperson for JetBlue told TODAY. This comes as the TSA extended its mask rules for passengers through Jan. 18, 2022. Early during the pandemic, U.S. airlines quickly moved to scale back their inflight service offerings. The ban may last until September 13, 2021. United Airlines on Tuesday said it lost $1.63 billion during the second quarter, driven by a plunge in air . But Delta is still a mixed bag literally, passengers get a mixed bag (or, in some cases, box) of snacks, even in first class. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Some pandemic-impacted sectors, such as downtown office buildings, need to re-think their strategies, but most companies will decide that their prior goals still make sense for the long run. All of our recent food and beverage changes are aimed at decreasing touch points onboard to protect customers and employees," a representative for Delta told TODAY. White Claw Hard Seltzer Blackberry $8 or 950 miles, Kona Big Wave Golden Ale1 $8 or 950 miles, Wheatley Craft-Distilled Vodka $9 or 1070 miles, Bombay Sapphire Dry Gin $10 or 1180 miles, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey $10 or 1180 miles, Glenfarclas Single Malt Scotch Whiskey $10 or 1180 miles, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Sprite, Seagram's: Ginger Ale, Seltzer Water, Tonic Water, AHA Orange Grapefruit Sparkling Water, Minute Maid: Apple Juice, Cranberry Apple Juice Cocktail, Orange Juice, Illy Dark Roast coffee (regular and decaffeinated). United hopes to eventually expand testing options to its hubs across the country in cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The airline has also stopped serving snacks in its economy section for flights under 2 hours and 20 minutes. A more detailed list regarding the risks of travel and how to prepare is available at their wesite. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Or do it 5x/2x or some such? Flights under 900 miles will retain the current experience. That's led to an uptick in passengers bringing. The company organized a bounceback team to prepare for recovery. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. UA would not be allowed to carry passengers on AKL-CHC unless they were United CEO Scott Kirby is quoted saying, Were not going to pretend we know what demand will be., A grave problem for many companies is reacting too slowly to recession. For those traveling in a premium cabin, Prosecco is only offered on domestic flights and Champagne is only offered on international flights. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. While American Airlines has not updated their Food and Lounge Service in Response to COVID-19 page since April 27, previous changes made in response to the pandemic include: -No alcohol in Main Cabin on flights less than 2,200 miles. United's decision to resume hard liquor service comes ahead of the holiday travel season, typically a busy time for airlines and crew members. American Airlines started halting alcohol service in the main cabin on domestic flights in April, but wine and cocktails are still available by request for those seated in first class and long-haul international flights. A United. Those sitting in premium cabins will still have access to beer and individual wines. A Southwest flight attendant who was assaulted by a passenger last month lost two teeth during the violent encounter, according to the union representing Southwest's flight attendants. Companies should take a little time to consider if their long-term goals still make sense. The move comes amid an ongoing uptick in bad behaviorby travelers. "The constant combative attitude over wearing masks is exhausting and sometimes horrific for the people who have been on the frontlines of this pandemic for over a year.". "The policy is to provide for minimal contact between flight attendants and customers, whenever possible," a spokesperson for American Airlines told TODAY via email. For those who do travel, the CDC recommends that you wash your hands often with soap and water, avoid touching your face, keep a safe distance away from others, cover coughs and sneezes, and wear a mask in public. First, on domestic flights over two hours and 20 minutes departing from United's "catering hubs" Chicago (ORD), Cleveland (CLE), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO) and Washington, D.C. (IAD), plus Honolulu (HNL) to LAX and SFO premium-cabin passengers will have a choice of the following: First-class passengers will also be served a hot entree, along with a salad, bread, nuts and dessert on fights to Hawaii from Chicago, Denver, Houston, Guam, Newark and Washington. "We've never before seen aggression and violence on our planes like we have in the past five months. Meanwhile, on long-haul international flights, United is already serving a full meal in all cabins. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Why flight attendants hate when you order Diet Coke, stopped serving alcohol on domestic flights, Is it safe to fly again? COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting peopleespecially those who are boosted from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. "Being able to identify a positive case and pull them out of a public health situation and put them in isolation, and then be able to kind of winnow that group of potential infectious individuals is really what's going to have an impact," said Caroline Savello, the chief commercial officer of Color, a company offering COVID-19 testing. This required a cash outlay for wages, but gave the company flexibility. Early during the pandemic, U.S. airlines quickly moved to scale back their inflight service offerings. Unless you're flying United, that is. on May 30, 2021 Last updated: 12:31 PM ET, Sun May 30, 2021. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. By Kathryn Krupnik, Allison Elyse Gualtieri, June 2, 2021 / 10:02 PM At United Airlines, you can still get beer, wine and hard seltzer, but it suspended hard liquor sales. $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back each year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. So far in 2021 United has avoided some of the operational snags that have given other airlines headaches and disgruntled passengers. United Airlines has resumed serving hard liquor after halting the service early in the pandemic. American Airlines is looking at offering tests to passengers. When asked why just alcohol was banned and not all drink service, a representative for the airline told TODAY that since alcohol purchases in the main cabin usually require payment, eliminating that offering was another way to reduce points of contact between crew members and guests. Some airlines decided to suspend their alcohol sales on flights to follow TSA's federal mask mandate for passengers. Last week, Delta announced plans to resume alcohol service for first class and comfort+ passengersonly. Enrollment required. It's the latest effort by a U.S. airline to assure passengers that it's safe to . Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times. United Airlines | MileagePlus - 18 April 2023 830am EDT announcement of new UA routes - Originally Posted by drewguy Could UA do it basically as a LAX-AKL-CHC and v.v. Stay up to date with what you want to know. That humility is especially warranted in the Covid-19 pandemic. First published on June 2, 2021 / 10:02 PM. Specifically, all first-class passengers ticketed on domestic flights over 900 miles, as well as those to and from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean will receive hot, plated meals by March 8, 2022. Check the current COVID-19 Community Level at your destination . On Sunday, Bass . Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. A passenger on a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Los Angeles JetBlue flight on January 10 allegedly twice drank his own alcohol after flight attendants told him it was prohibited, talked on his cellphone during the flight and repeatedly yelled at the flight attendant. On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, American Airlines joined Southwest and banned alcohol during flights. American Airlines told ABC News it will continue its alcohol suspension for passengers flying coach until at least January. Et, Sun may 30, 2021 / 10:02 PM those traveling in Economy. United & # x27 ; s decision to resume alcohol service for first class and comfort+ passengersonly we! The COVID-19 pandemic face mask for a period of time. `` travel industry to contact. 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