Thirsty flyers rejoice: American Airlines brings back second drink service
American Airlines is resuming back providing a second in-flight beverage option on May 22, on a few long-haul domestic flights (more than 1,500 miles). Just in time for the hectic summer travel season, the change intends to enhance the customer experience
Recently reinstating American Airlines is an additional inflight beverage service on select flights. The carrier announced on Tuesday that long-haul domestic flights were subject to the update. This will be implemented beginning Wednesday.
Meanwhile, it’s the latest measure the airline took to overhaul the passenger experience value of the journey. The upgrades- the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline recently changed its policy, allowing uninterrupted inflight entertainment for Flagship First & Business travelers on flights to and within the USA.
Returning for journeys longer than 1,500 miles
The spokesperson confirmed the secondary beverage service news statement last Tuesday. The airline explained that the change came from feedback and insights from passengers, aiming to add more value to their experience. In fact, the second beverage service was initially halted in early 2020.
“We look forward to continuing serving our customers and providing a premium experience in the skies,” the spokesperson explained.
American Airlines recently reported that it has been planning to bring back services since at least the beginning of the year. A report from JonNYC in January stated that “a new onboard service update” was within work. When the additional beverage service was eliminated, it was only offered “on request.”
A look at onboard service options
Apart from that, the carrier serves a variety of complimentary drinks and snacks on flights over 250 miles. Alcoholic drinks are even available for passengers if purchased for main cabin travellers on selective flights over 1,300 miles. However, flights under 250 miles so far have not been subjected to any beverage and snack service, but non-alcoholic drinks are available by request.
The carrier accepts major credit and debit cards, but passengers can’t use more than one form of payment for inflight purchases. Travelers are likely to purchase any food or a drink with contactless payment using co-branded Citi AAdvantage or Barclays Aviator Mastercard, and they will receive 25% savings that appear on the credit on their statement.
Catering complications in the past
Particular flight with Philadelphia to Jackonville-on orange juice, apple juice, water, coffee & tea-available. Which includes soft drinks & alcoholic beverages. Notably, ice was only offered to first-class passengers. It is unclear just how many flights were affected. Still, American indicated in a memo to flight attendants that it was preparing for “supplemental catering” in the most severe cases, which called for “minimal provisioning to include crew meals (when scheduled), water and ice.”
The complications have since been resolved. American uses various avenues for its inflight catering, including contracted kitchens, its own commissary station, and agreements with third-party companies such as Gate Gourmet.
The return of the secondary beverage service comes as Americans gear up for a busy summer. It all between May 22nd and 27th over Memorial Day weekend-one world Alliance members expect to operate nearly 38,000 flights.