Free alcoholic drinks on aircraft

[Top Cat]

As regular travellers on scheduled flights we were surprised with the reduced level of service on AA (American Airlines, that is!) international and national flights this summer. Having last flown with them pre-9/11 in 1996 when the food and copious drinks were impressive we were surprised by the poor standard of catering in coach class and the need to pay $5 per alcoholic drink. We are not heavy drinkers but like a G&T before a meal and maybe a bottle of wine with it and possibly a digestif afterwards, but had we done this on AA it would have come to $15 per person. Just a way of keeping out of Chapter 11 or a campaign to cut down on air rage or both? Do any other big carriers still offer the free drinks service in coach class?

[SteveD]

Cost cutting pure and simple I think. In Europe, Iberia (the national airline of Spain) offers nothing free on board (not even water) in Economy Class on European flights.

[AllYourBase]

My only exprience is with BA and KLM, but both seem happy to give free drinks out. The problem I find is the team are too busy serving everyone else for you to get more than a couple at a time. Fair play to BA though, when returning from New York earlier this year, after proposing to my girlfriend whilst away, the cabin crew, who had found out after enquiring about Helen's shiny enagement ring, brought us a bottle of champagne and toasted us on their system. Much appreciated!

[Pinotage]

Yes - I agree about American Airlines transatlantic service; very poor. Use British Airways or Virgin to get free alcohol, decent meals and seat back video screens. Charging $5 for a tiny bottle of plonk is a rip-off.