Earlier I wrote about how Southwest Airlines is suspending all inflight service. Now American Airlines has revealed some significant cutbacks to inflight service.
American Airlines inflight service cutbacks
@xJonNYC has the scoop on how American Airlines will be significantly cutting back service on all flights, eliminating service altogether on many flights.
I actually don't know if this was emailed out or internal, etc., but, FWIW: pic.twitter.com/LXr8j6WPrO
— JonNYC (@xJonNYC) March 24, 2020
These new policies kick in for flights as of Friday, March 27, 2020, and for now are expected to last through April 30, 2020. That can change, of course, because full service is expected to resume once the COVID-19 situation has stabilized.
What’s changing to American’s inflight service?
Service changes on flights under 2,200 miles
For American Airlines flights under 2,200 miles (typically under 4.5 hours), the following will be changing:
- Beverages served on request only
- No alcohol in Main Cabin and Main Cabin Extra
- No Main Cabin snacks or food for purchase (to eliminate need for credit card exchanges with customers)
- No snacks or meals in first class
As you can see, expect soft drinks on request only in economy, while in first class expect the usual drink selection on request only, but nothing to eat (including snacks and meals).
Service changes on flights over 2,200 miles
For American Airlines flights over 2,200 miles (typically over 4.5 hours), the following will be changing:
- No alcohol in Main Cabin and Main Cabin Extra except on IPD
- No snacks or food for purchase; Main Cabin meals on IPD only
- Premium cabin meals served all at once, with appetizer, entree, dessert, and roll on a single tray
- Serve all tray elements covered or wrapped and allow the customer to unwrap
IPD stands for “International Premium Destination,” so that would include American’s very limited number of long haul international routes.
As you can see, on these flights you can expect food in premium cabins, but it will be wrapped and served on one tray. In economy you can expect soft drinks but no food, except on international premium flights, where there will be alcohol and food, though presumably it will be covered as well.
Bottom line
I’m fully supportive of this move on American’s part. As I said in a previous post, flight attendants are at high risk of getting COVID-19, and this is a pretty basic precaution that should be taken, which is mutually beneficial.
No one should be flying for fun right now, and surely those who are traveling for “essential” reasons can appreciate this move.
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