American Airlines Announces Change to Controversial Policy
American Airlines announced a recent change to its policy regarding drink service on long domestic flights.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, American Airlines ended its second drink runs on longer flights; if a traveler wanted a second beverage, they had to either press the call button and summon crew members, or wait until landing.
However, last Tuesday, the airline shared it was reversing course, bringing back second drink service for domestic flights of 1,500 miles or more.
"American remains committed to further enhancing the customer experience throughout the travel journey," the company said in a statement. Starting May 14, American will reinstate a second beverage service on domestic long-haul flights (1,500+ miles) and including a pre-meal beverage service for select international flights departing before 9:01 p.m. local departure time."
While customers may benefit from this 180-degree turn, flight attendants are reportedly unhappy.
X/Twitter user @xJonNYC obtained a copy of a memo issued by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) to its members.
In it, the APFA says the second drink service is untenable because flights are understaffed and aren't sufficiently supplied with drinks.
"This thinly veiled lie is a slap in the face to not just to every Flight Attendant but our passengers as well," the note reads. "With no changes to the catering currently supplied on the aircraft and no additional Flight Attendants to accomplish this service, American Airlines has set us all up for frustration and failure. Management’s reversal on service makes it abundantly clear: their arbitration argument was never about what was operationally sustainable — it was about cutting corners at the expenses of both the passengers and the Flight Attendants.
"American Airlines management continues to demand more work from fewer Flight Attendants, all under the misleading tagline of 'enhancing the customer experience.' Sadly, American’s onboard product has fallen behind our competitors in every cabin, and passengers have taken notice. So has Wall Street. The dismal first quarter 2025 financial results made it clear: the lack of meaningful investment in the inflight experience is hurting the brand — and American’s bottom line."
Recently, we've seen multiple airlines announce changes to benefit their customers. American Airlines' return to its old drink policy appears to fit that category, even if it is unpopular with in-flight workers.