4.19.21 – Return of Onboard Service

Monday, April 19, 2021

Return of Onboard Service

Since October of 2020, American has approached APFA to discuss a return of onboard service in the domestic premium and economy cabins. Since October, your APFA Leadership has consistently stated to American that we should not add additional customer touchpoints as worldwide cases of COVID-19 continue to fluctuate.

As vaccines become more widely available, more service in both cabins will return, starting with our domestic premium cabins. Beginning May 1, 2021, a traditional beverage service will return to domestic first class cabins. Domestic pre-departure services and hot first class meals are not yet slated to return.

Effective June 1, 2021, a beverage offering focusing on fewer touchpoints will be available in domestic main cabins, along with an accompaniment. Served from the beverage cart, Flight Attendants will hand the customer a can stacked with a napkin and a cup. Alcohol will not yet be available in either Main Cabin Extra or Main Cabin.

In order for all Flight Attendants to provide a consistent service, we have asked American to ensure that the new service procedure information is easy to find.

While we recognize the need for American to offer an onboard service that is comparable to our competitors, APFA continues to focus on limiting customer touchpoints as much as possible.

Maintaining a safe cabin environment for both Flight Attendants and customers will remain our number one priority.

In Solidarity,

Julie Hedrick
APFA National President
[email protected]