Some Major Airlines Are Suspending Alcohol Service on Flights

As airlines around the world prepare to welcome travelers for the summer, several major airlines have announced they will be suspending inflight alcohol service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airlines including American, Delta, EasyJet, and KLM have suspending their alcohol service as a part of their strategy to minimize interactions between passengers and crew members, according to CNN.

American Airlines is halting alcohol sales on most of its domestic flights for economy class passengers, but will continue to serve adult beverages in first class and on long-haul international flights. Likewise, Delta will cease to serve alcohol on domestic flights, but will continue to serve beer, wine and hard liquor on international flights.

For KLM airlines and EasyJet, travelers will only have access to bottled water or soft drinks upon request on-board flights.

The alcohol policy change is part of a larger move to reduce food and drink options, as well as curbing anti-social behavior on flights.

Currently most airlines require passengers wear face masks for the duration of the flight, and with this alcohol ban airlines are hoping to minimize the amount of passengers spend with their masks off while eating and drinking. It will also serve to minimize the amount of time passengers spend in the bathrooms.