Airlines are eliminating inflight booze, food due to coronavirus Move designed to limit interaction with flight attendants

Inflight food service, such as this Cobb Salad served in economy class on Alaska Airlines, has been suspended Inflight food service, such as this Cobb Salad served in economy class on Alaska Airlines, has been suspended Photo: Chris McGinnis Photo: Chris McGinnis Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close Airlines are eliminating inflight booze, food due to coronavirus 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

Southwest Airlines will suspend all in-flight snack and beverage service starting on Wednesday, March 25.

The suspension is in effect until further notice. During this time, unopened cans of water will be available on request, according to a statement by the airline. This affects all flights, including the 5-to-6 hour flights to Hawaii, which celebrated their one-year anniversary this week.

American Airlines is also joining the ban on inflight food and booze. According to a March 24 statement, on flights less than 4.5 hours, no alcohol, food or snacks will be available in economy class (main cabin and main cabin extra). Beverages will be served on request only. Booze is still available in first class, but no meals or snacks. The same goes for longer flights, although some food will still be available. The new policy goes into effect on March 27 and will remain in place through April 30.

Alaska Airlines said that on flights longer than 250 miles, only water and a limited selection of canned soda, juice and beer (no cocktails or wine) will be served. No food will be served other than a small, pre-packaged snack. On the few very short flights of less than 250 miles, there will be no inflight service at all. It has also stopped renting inflight tablets used for entertainment.

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So far, United has not announced any broad cuts in its food and beverage service.

The idea behind the bans on food and drink is to limit interaction between passengers and flight attendants.

With most airlines reportedly flying with only 10-to-20 percent of seats filled on flights that have not already been canceled, the move is not likely to have broad impact. But if you are one of the few brave (or desperate) souls still flying around out there, be sure to stock up before you get onboard.

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Chris McGinnis is SFGATE's senior travel correspondent. You can reach him via email or follow him on Twitter or Facebook. Don't miss a shred of important travel news by signing up for his FREE biweekly email updates!

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