Qantas, Virgin Australia fly alcohol-free in the coronavirus era
Domestic flights are coming back, but they'll be 'dry' for some time...
By David Flynn, June 17 2020
Lounges closed, simple boxed snacks instead of meals, no inflight movies or WiFi – flying in the pandemic era has already lost some of its appeal, even if you're at the pointy end of the plane.
Now there's one more item to add to, or perhaps that should be cross off, the list: alcohol.
While Qantas and Virgin Australia are now adding more flights as travel restrictions ease and state borders begin to reopen, the inflight drinks proposition remains at a very simplified form.
This means bottled water for everybody but no tea, coffee soft drinks, wine, beer, or spirits, even in business class.
Airlines say the move is in line with health authority advice to minimise interaction between travellers and cabin crew, and stress that it's only a short-term measure.
"Due to Government restrictions and health advice associated with COVID-19, we’ve introduced changes to our inflight service offering including the temporary suspension of alcohol being served onboard," a Virgin Australia spokesperson told Executive Traveller.
"We are continuing to review these measures in line with the latest medical advice, easing of travel restrictions and guest feedback."
A Qantas spokesperson said that while the airline has maintained "a simplified inflight food and beverage service" over the past three months, "we expect customers will be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer when they fly with us again soon."
Executive Traveller understands that drinks could be back on Qantas flights sometime in July as Qantas airport lounges reopen.
Review: Here's what it's like to fly with Qantas in the coronavirus era
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1225
In some respects the airlines would be loving this opportunity. They have managed to reduce their product offering without reducing fares and have avoided criticism in the process. You suspect some of the previous perks may not come back too quickly. As the saying goes, "Never waste a crisis."
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Aug 2017
Total posts 116
Exactly spot on. To hand someone a bottle of water is no different to handing them a unopened can of coke !wine or beer.
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
I hope the criticism comes in hot and heavy soon. This is nothing more than cost-cutting masquerading as hygiene and safety theatre.
25 Nov 2019
Total posts 13
Yes, Qantas are past masters at using emotional blackmail to justify reducing their operating costs ("penny pinching") wthout reducing the cost of the ticket. They have pioneered the concept of "the reluctant customer".
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Nov 2015
Total posts 10
Flying isn't looking terribly attractive at the moment.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
15 Nov 2017
Total posts 49
BYO?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2011
Total posts 359
Never been more disinterested in flying than I am now....I mean unless you absolutely have no choice then why would you? Reduction in product offering but no reduction in price you can bet. Add to that all the onerous conditions in order to avoid the virus well yeah no thanks.
Malaysia Airlines - Enrich
01 Jun 2015
Total posts 28
Good. Then please ready a very good mocktail or alcohol free champagne or zero alcoholic brand drinks. Please upgrade food quality too.
17 Jun 2020
Total posts 235
So how does wifi affect Coronavirus transmission. Unless it is 5G......then it makes sense why it is being shut off.
03 May 2013
Total posts 684
Penny pinching 101.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Jan 2018
Total posts 59
I had been a loyal customer since 2007 but I am seriously considering switching to Qatar or Cathay - at least they seem to have more choices of flights, even now.
Every single Qantas decision made during COVID has been most disappointing.
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