Southwest will get alcohol back on board on February 16 after almost two-years
Key takeaways:
- The flight attendants’ union stated that restricting alcoholic sales is “unsound and unreliable.”
- Southwest stopped liquor sales in March 2020.
- The previous spring, the airline extended the suspension because of a wave in cranky travelers.
Alcohol sales to be back in Southwest:
Southwest Airlines will restart liquor sales on most of its flights this month after almost two years, a halt it extended the previous spring because of a wave in disruptive passengers.
The move further worsened stress between the airline and its 16,000-member flight attendants’ union, which reached the resumption of liquor sales “unsafe and irresponsible.”
At the beginning of the pandemic, the Dallas-based airline initially halted liquor and other services in March 2020. The previous week, the airline’s COO stated the carrier would probably get liquor sales back late in the first quarter or before in the second quarter.
Beginning February 16, Southwest will sell liquor, including beer, wine, rum, tequila, and vodka on flights at least 176 miles extended.
It will also count tonic water, apple juice, Coke Zero, Dr. Pepper, hot tea, and hot cocoa to the existing lineup of non-alcoholic drinks.
All U.S. airlines sliced onboard service during the pandemic, and food and other drink services are beginning to make a comeback.
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines rose back some current service increases under stress from flight attendants unions, which asserted it would raise the number of times passengers would not be wearing face masks, which are federally required on board. However, they can be lowered when drinking or consuming. The mask order is in result through at least March 18.
Southwest meets similar stress from its flight attendants’ union, TWU Local 556.
“We have adamantly and unequivocally told management that restarting sales of booze while the mask order is in position has the great possibility to grow customer non-compliance and mischief cases,” Lyn Montgomery, president of Southwest flight attendants’ union.