Apparently the booze just wants to be free and there is nothing that the airlines can do to stop that. Following a relatively recent move by US Airways to offer up some free booze in their airport lounges as well as moves by Delta and Continental to start charging for some drinks in theirs, American Airlines has become the latest US carrier to offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. Starting October 1, 2010 beer, house wine and well drinks will be complimentary.
"Updating our beverage selection to include complimentary alcoholic beverages is another example of American’s commitment to reinvest in our premium products and enhance the travel experience for our loyal members and guests," said Nancy Knipp, American’s President – Admirals Club. "Our customers have asked for free drinks and we are delighted to respond to their request by providing this service for our existing and new members at our clubs worldwide."
This is a great move for customers of AA but also for those of Continental and United Airlines as well. It leaves United as the only holdout of US-based carriers not offering free booze in their lounges. Given that Continental does and now the competitive pressure it seems rather unlikely that the new UA/CO lounges would choose to be the only holdouts on this front.
Want details on lounge locations and services available? Check out the Wandering Aramean Airport Lounge Guide. Details of over 300 lounges and photos from a whole bunch of them, with more added as I travel.
Drink up!
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This should make the bartenders VERY happy (assuming that people tip, as I do)!
I’d expect that the bartenders will see a rather dramatic increase in transaction volume. Definitely good on the tip side of the ledger but also more work. Win some, lose some, I suppose.