US Airways Brings Back Free Non-Alcoholic Drinks on All Flights

Free Non-Alcoholic Drinks From US Airways

February 24, 2009

After seven months of charging passengers for non-alcoholic drinks, US Airways has reversed its policy and will serve complimentary soda, juice, tea, and coffee on all of its flights. The airline began charging for drinks as a way to combat high gas prices, but the global recession has created less demand for travel and US Airways doesn't want to give thirsty passengers a reason not to buy its tickets.

In an email to customers, the Director of Marketing Programs explained that remaining competitive is the main reason for bringing back free drinks. It's a plain and simple business decision. Chief Executive Doug Parker explained the decision will not affect the commitment to follow an a la carte business model, which means the fees for checking bags, choice seats in coach, and blankets and pillows are still applicable.

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11 Comments

lindssaurussss 4 years

bring back free peanuts! i hate the prezels too dry and boring.

kiwishe 4 years

Didn't gas prices come down considerably, and US Airways still felt the need to charge ridiculous fees on food and beverage? Rip off.

cordata 4 years

whoop di doo ... it was criminal of them to charge for drinks in the first place. I'm glad they won't charge anymore, but I think instead of patting them on the back now, they should have been slapped in the face before. I'd love to try Virgin America

POPSUGAR Smart Living 4 years

I believe the reversed policy takes effect March 1.

Spectra 4 years

I've never flown US Airways. Usually I fly Northwest and they always have free NA drinks, but my husband hates that they always seem to run out of ginger ale by the time they get to him.

aimeeb 4 years

I think is something that should of been going on all along but kudos to them for doing it...

Martini Rossi 4 years

oh really US Airways? I just flew US Airways less than two weeks ago and they were charging for all drinks. $2 for a can of soda! uh no thanks. Midwest give you free fresh baked cookies and non-alcohlic drinks! oh and no fee to check your bags...US Airways..$15!

Pegona 4 years

The airlines are so frustrating, I get agitated even thinking about flying. BUT, next week I'll be flying Virgin America for the first time and I'm excited to no end. Go to their website and check them out. It's luxury for all, high-tech, and for my cross-country flight was by far the least expensive ticket available. By offering fewer flights to fewer cities, they're able to afford more pleasurable flying experiences for low prices. Honestly, places like Eugene, Oregon, or Texarkana, Arkansas, shouldn't have numerous daily flights to nearby cities. Rail should fulfill that need.

pharm_chick 4 years

i flew US airways last friday and they were charging form non alcoholic drinks, something like $2 for sodas/juices/water etc and $1 for coffee/tea. im flying back from my destination this friday, so ill see if the drinks are free again. i was outraged that they would charge for soda! but ill keep you updated

margokhal 4 years

They're going back to what they *should* have been doing! After all the money we pay for the flight, they can't even give you *water* and *soda*?? It's not like they're a huge cost to them. I don't fly US Airways much...Continental has never stopped giving free beverages, blankets and pillows [at least just for use on the flight] - this is why I try to fly them as much as I can, even if it is slightly more expensive.

ilanac13 4 years

i actually got this email in my update since i'm signed up to receive notifications from the airline, and it's nice to see that they are trying to do something more for the consumer, even if it's not quite lowering prices. we really need to see more airlines go back to giving passengers things (i.e. AA giving food rather than selling those defunct boxes of food).

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