Alcohol off the menu as airlines tighten belt

Qantas is trialling a reduced number of cabin crew on some flights to reflect the more streamlined service.

In-flight meals and drinks services have been cut back on most airlines

Changes to in-flight service on Qantas domestic flights have seen the carrier trial a reduced number of cabin crew on Boeing 737s as a cost-saving measure during the COVID-19 crisis.

A Qantas spokesman confirmed the trial and said crew numbers had been reduced by one on some routes such as Sydney-Melbourne and Brisbane-Sydney, from five to four.

It follows the paring back of the in-flight meal service and the temporary suspension of the service of drinks, to save money and reduce interactions between passengers and crew.

Flight Attendants Association of Australia secretary Teri O’Toole said with no hot meals and drinks to serve, there was less work for crew members.

“We’re certainly not comfortable with a reduction of crew,” Ms O’Toole said. “But it’s something the company is doing while the service is reduced, it’s all part of the cost-saving structure.”

It remains unclear when in-flight service might be restored to pre-COVID levels with other airlines joining Qantas in changes to the passenger experience.

Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Delta and American Airlines have also taken alcohol off the menu, along with tea, coffee and soft drinks, providing only bottled water to guests.

The move was intended to reduce contact between passengers and cabin crew and Ms O’Toole said it also saved money not having alcohol on board.

“It’s a huge administration cost,” she said. “Until we know more about COVID I think cabin crew will be happy not to serve it.”

The Qantas spokesman said the hiatus between drinks would not be permanent. “We expect customers will be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer when they fly with us again soon.”

An Air NZ spokeswoman said they were working to bring back “koru hour” (happy hour) to domestic services in coming weeks.

Virgin Australia stressed the suspension of alcohol on board was temporary and in line with government health advice associated with COVID-19.

“We are continuing to review these measures in line with the latest medical advice, easing of travel restrictions and guest feedback,” a spokesman said.

Virgin Atlantic has also removed alcohol from its aircraft, and British Airways has made liquor unavailable to short-haul economy passengers.

American Airlines has restricted booze to First Class international travellers and Delta has made its domestic flights alcohol-free but not overseas services.

Singapore Airlines said it had “adjusted alcohol offerings” across all cabin classes.

Another “nicety” now absent from some airlines is in-flight entertainment following the suspension of licensing agreements.

A spokesman confirmed those agreements were on hold and was unable to say when they might resume. In-flight magazines and seat selection have also gone by the wayside but were expected to make a comeback when the COVID crisis eased.