Southwest Airlines scrapped plans to resume alcohol sales in June and July due to a spike in in-flight incidents, including an altercation between a flight attendant and a passenger that sent the flight attendant to the Sunday hospital.
“In light of the recent increase in industry-wide in-flight passenger disruption incidents, we have made the decision to suspend the previously announced restart of on-board alcohol service,” the spokesperson said. from Southwest, Chris Mainz, at USA TODAY. “We realize that this decision may be disappointing for some customers, but we believe it is the right decision at this time in the interest of the safety and comfort of all customers and the crew on board. ”
The airline did not say when it planned to resume alcohol sales. Other airlines have already brought alcohol back to some extent, but not all. American Airlines still does not serve alcohol in economy class.
To the cheers of passengers, Southwest announced the return of alcohol last week. He planned to resume service on flights to Hawaii on June 24 and other flights on July 14.
The airline currently offers Coke, Diet Coke, 7 Up and water, options it only recently brought back after serving only water on demand.
Airlines have reduced or eliminated food service during the COVID pandemic to limit interactions between flight attendants and passengers.
Airline unions have spoken out against resuming in-flight catering, especially alcohol, for fear that this would cause passengers not to wear their masks and also lead to increased tensions on board .
Permanent ban: Passenger from the southwest who “seriously assaulted” a flight attendant banned from the airline
