The Trump administration is reportedly considering a move to lift the prohibition on commercial flights carrying alcohol. American Airlines will consider rolling out booze service if and when the Federal Aviation Administration lifts its ban, but President Trump has been vocal in his support of the policy change.
American Airlines recently announced that they will be lifting their alcohol policy. This is a big step for the airline and it’s great to see them making moves like this. Read more in detail here: american airlines alcohol policy.
Will the Federal Mask Ban Be Lifted This Month (And Will American Airlines Reintroduce Alcohol)?
on March 3, 2022 by Gary Leff
Starting March 15, JetBlue will restore fresh meals to its premium cabin and reintroduce booze to its flights. Domestic first-class passengers have already had dinner, but the coach compartment remains empty. The airline has said that it would not bring alcohol back until the federal mask requirement is repealed.
In the Northeast, American and JetBlue have a tight relationship and a strong desire to synchronize their goods. However, I’m not certain that JetBlue’s approach encourages American to bring back alcohol. The disparities in product across airlines are more than whether or not they serve alcohol in the main cabin. In addition, JetBlue served beer and wine, whereas American provided a dry coach cabin.
Last month, when Southwest Airlines resumed offering beverages, it seemed that it might put more pressure on American than JetBlue’s decision. After all, both airlines are located in Dallas, and Southwest is the country’s conventional biggest carrier.
While I suppose American could reverse its long-held policy of “no alcohol until the mask need is abolished” (which would be necessary if masking on flights became permanent), it seems like they can wait this one out. If it isn’t repealed by March 19th, the transportation mask requirement will be repealed by summer.
- The existing regulation is in effect until March 18th. If it is going to be enlarged, it seems like it should be done quickly! However, it has previously been extended with as little as 11 days’ notice.
- It’s difficult to argue for continuous mandated masking on flights that benefit from HEPA air filtering and downward circulation, given CDC guidelines that no longer advises masking inside for over 70% of the United States. At the State of the Union, no masks were necessary (though Covid testing was).
- With control of both the House and Senate on the line in the November elections, the administration has to claim triumph over the virus. They can’t be the party that clings to limits and requires citizens to vote against them in order to remove them.
I’ve been wagering that the mask requirement would be extended for another two months, but I’ve never been convinced. It’s also possible that the requirement will expire. This is something that the Biden administration is exploring.
The government has been wary of seeming to claim success too soon and being proved incorrect, whereas the best policy approach would be to demand masks only when they are necessary, and not when they are not.
The introduction of mask restrictions (by airlines, not the government) made sense. Even if you didn’t enjoy wearing a mask, the fact that everyone else did helped. It was critical to postpone infections as much as possible in 2020, and the advantage wasn’t simply saving hospital capacity; it was about waiting till vaccinations and medicines were ready.
We are no longer overburdening hospitals, and medical improvements have been made. And, particularly against Omicron, cotton masks that match the criterion don’t accomplish anything. Now go get your booster, if you want, put on a N95, and manage your risk accordingly. At this point, a federal transportation mask requirement – enforced because the government could claim jurisdiction rather than because it represented the largest danger area – is just unworkable.
More From the Wing’s Perspective
The “american airlines mask policy age limit” is a question that has been asked many times. The answer to the question is that American Airlines will not be lifting their policy on masks until October 1st, 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Airlines serving alcohol again?
Is American Airlines serving alcohol in Main Cabin Extra?
Will airlines drop the mask mandate?
A: Airlines are being more lenient and taking into consideration the important aspects of air travel. However, they still feel that it is necessary to keep some sort of mask on when traveling in a public area like an airport or bus station.
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