FAA Mandates No Beverages for First-Class Passengers After Pushback
After 35 years since the law was imposed, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will now mandate that first-class passengers will not be permitted to hold onto provided service items during pushback.
This change comes from the FAA's industry-wide change, which means flight attendants must begin pre-departure beverage service earlier in the boarding process and collect cups before pushback.
Making Sense of The FAA Beverage Rules
Aviation insider JonNYC confirmed that beginning September 1, flight attendants will be required to collect provided service items on flights, including both disposable and nondisposable items. This change will affect first-class passengers who have previously enjoyed pre-flight beverages.
The change applies across the industry and will require airlines to collect and stow service items before pushback. Flights that offer pre-departure disposable service ware will have brief pre-flight service, and drinks will be collected before pushback.
This Rule Has Been In Place For More Than Three Decades
Airlines may not move aircraft if onboard food, beverages, or other serviceware remain in passengers' seats. The FAA is now enforcing 14 CFR §121.577, which has been in place since 1992 but not fully enforced.
Until now, airlines have been allowed to provide service ware that could be collected until the safety demonstration and taxi. The recently enforced rule will now address the collection of paper and plastic cups before movement, meaning all galley items must now be stowed before the aircraft begins moving, as they are otherwise believed to be an evacuation hazard and could slow evacuations during an incident.
Less Time To Enjoy A Complimentary Beverage Before Takeoff
Delta Air Lines has moved quickly on the new rules, with the airline now reportedly requesting flight attendants to start their pre-flight beverage service earlier. This is expected to be enforced across all major US carriers, and while the rule was set out more than 35 years ago, it seems now is when the mandate is coming into effect.
A Reddit discussion says a Delta flight attendant received communication from the FAA that all carrier-provided service items must now be collected before aircraft pushback, including all disposable cups and pre-departure drinks.
14 CFR §121.577 prohibits airlines from moving on the surface while any airline-furnished food, beverages, or tableware is still in a passenger seat. This includes all trays, service carts, and other aisle-blocking moving screens, which must be secured before the aircraft begins taxiing. During this time, passengers are expected to follow crew safety instructions and rules. This now restricts pre-departure beverage service time and enforces requirements for personal drinks held in your hand.
