Yesterday, American Airlines announced that starting February 1, they will begin offering complimentary beer and wine on most of their international flights to customers in the main cabin.
The question is, "What's so special about that?"
Many airlines offer this service today and have for years. Having flown to Europe and Africa on carriers such as KLM, British Airways and Northwest Airlines, there was never a question if coach passengers would receive complimentary beer and wine.
So, why is American Airlines, who recently filed bankruptcy, giving away free booze to coach customers? Has their conscience got the best of them?
The quote from their own website provides the answer.
"Offering complimentary beer and wine to our loyal customers in all classes of service allows American to better align our product offering with fellow oneworld® alliance members" said Rob Friedman, American's Vice President – Marketing.
In other words, they were coerced by other oneworld airlines to meet the same standard they have in place. An airline alliance needs to present a seamless experience to customers in order to be successful. If one airline doesn't meet those standards, it hurts the other airlines. How? Customers will choose another airline alliance that offers consistent service.
American Airlines used to be that "something special in the air". It's forgotten its heritage. Free beer and wine in the main cabin doesn't differentiate them as something special.
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