5.29.21 – Return of Alcoholic Beverages Further Delayed

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Return of Alcoholic Beverages Further Delayed

Since last year, we have been in discussions with American on safe strategies to return beverage and food services to all cabins. APFA’s focus all along has been limiting the number of customer touchpoints as we return to a more comprehensive onboard service.

It is no secret that the threats Flight Attendants face each day have dramatically increased. Every day, we are subjected to verbal and sometimes physical altercations, mainly centered around mask compliance. These altercations are often exacerbated when customers have consumed alcohol in the airport or alcohol they have brought onboard.

Today, we are pleased to report that we have successfully further delayed the return of alcohol sales in the Main Cabin. As of this writing, alcohol will not return to the Main Cabin until the federal mask mandate is lifted (currently mid-September 2021) at the earliest. Flight Attendant and passenger safety is always our number one consideration, and it is clear that now is not the time to return sales of alcohol.

We will continue to have these conversations with American to make the cabin environment as safe as possible. Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other.

In Solidarity,

Julie Hedrick
APFA National President
[email protected]