US Airways...no more free drinkies

[Sue F UK]

A friend just emailed me to say that US Airways and a number of other carriers have stopped their free drinks service on transatlantic flights as from 1st January. They will be charging a whopping £3 per drink for beers, wines and spirits from now on.

Given the airlines financial position it is not exactly a surprise but it is a shame as perks like this set US Airways apart from the charter airlines and seemed to make the flight a more 'classy' experience.

Or maybe I just don't want to have to fork out 3 quid for a can of Heineken

 

[vernon]

This was the situation on my recent flight on American Airways. To be honest it's not a loss to me, as I would rarely drink on a flight anyway. At least I'm not funding someone's drunken frenzy now LOL. It would be nice to think the saving will be passed on to the passenges , but given the dire straights the airlines are in I doubt it. Apart from the cost issue I do think the link with DVT and the rise in "air rage" incidents fueled by a little too much of the "turps" are also contributary factors. PS, on AA they were charging either £3 or $4 per drink. Seeing with the current exchange rate at 1.61 (ie £3 = $4.83 you can save a little by paying in dollars ) It all helps

 

[Rain]

Does this also apply to soft drinks, bottled water etc.

 

[neilybealy]

bump

 

[Scottish_Maleficent]

I just wondered if United Airlines will be doing the same. We're flying with them this June.
Anyone flown with them in the past few weeks who could shed some light?

Happy New Year everyone - not been on the boards for a couple of weeks, but now that planning has moved up a gear I'll have loads more questions soon!!

Ta

 

[steve_rob]

Having flown with United recently, I did not notice that they'd started charging for any drinks. However, in the past they have charged for alcoholic drinks on internal (i.e. between two US cities) flights while soft drinks and tea, coffee remained free. So if they do start charging, I guess they'll still be giving out Cokes free etc.

 

[vernon]

Soft drinks remain free, it's only for alcholic drinks they are charging.