Delta to bring back beer, wine service on longer US flights

Delta Air Lines Inc. will resume serving beer and wine in premium cabins on longer domestic flights starting July 2, after suspending the service in March to reduce contact points that could spread the new coronavirus.

The beverages will be offered in cans and single-serve bottles on flights of more than 500 miles, Delta said in a statement Tuesday. The carrier said it elected to bring back the complimentary service—its first food and beverage options to be reintroduced—based on passenger requests and after consulting health professionals.

The eased restrictions follow decisions by major U.S. carriers to step up measures designed to stop the virus’s spread. Airlines are requiring passengers to wear face masks during boarding and on flights under the threat of being banned from flying for refusing to comply. Customers will also be asked whether in the last 14 days they’ve experienced symptoms of the virus or been in close contact with someone who has.

Delta will serve beer and wine on trays to cut down on the number of people touching the containers. The airline is retaining sealed snack bags that include a small bottle of water, snacks and a hand-sanitizing wipe on domestic flights. Beer, wine and cocktails remain available in all cabins on long-distance international flights.

Other major carriers also have suspended wine and beer service.