The rule, introduced in early September 2025, sparked immediate outrage from staff and unions, who called it impractical and demoralizing.

 Just days later, on September 13, the airline reversed the decision, highlighting the power of collective pushback and the challenges of balancing professionalism with employee well-being.

The Controversial Drink Policy

The original policy, rolled out as part of updated appearance and conduct guidelines, prohibited crew from consuming anything other than water in public areas like airport terminals or gates.

Even water had to be drunk “discreetly.” Non-water beverages, such as coffee or soda, were only allowed in designated cafeterias or restrooms, far from passengers’ eyes.

The airline framed this as a way to uphold a polished, professional image. However, the rule ignored the realities of long-haul flights and tight schedules, where crew often rely on caffeine to stay alert during 12-hour-plus shifts.

The policy also included other restrictions, such as a ban on commuting in uniform and stricter social media rules, like prohibiting selfies in hotel rooms.

But the drink restriction drew the most criticism. For crew members juggling jet lag and demanding rosters, a coffee in hand is often a necessity, not a luxury.

The lack of accessible break rooms in many airports only made the rule seem more out of touch.

Swift Union Backlash

Unions representing pilots and cabin crew wasted no time slamming the policy. They argued it was unrealistic, given the limited opportunities for breaks during layovers or turnarounds.

Staff voiced frustration over the micromanagement. They pointed out that other airlines allow crew to drink coffee or soda in public without issue.

The rule was seen as a blow to morale, especially for employees already stretched thin by long hours and operational pressures.

Social media posts from crew members, though limited due to the new guidelines, echoed the sentiment.

One anonymous post on an aviation forum called the policy “a slap in the face” for workers who keep flights running smoothly.

The backlash was more broadly about respect for the practical needs of frontline staff.

The Policy Reversal

On September 13, 2025, British Airways issued an internal memo clarifying that eating and drinking were “not banned outright.” Crew can now enjoy coffee, tea, or other beverages while seated in airport cafes or gate areas.

However, the airline still advises against drinking while walking through terminals to maintain a professional appearance.

The commuting ban was also paused for further review, while other rules, like appearance standards, remain in place.

Conclusion

This u-turn comes as British Airways prepares for a uniform redesign over the next year. The airline has promised to consult with staff and unions to avoid similar missteps.

The incident underscores a broader tension: balancing brand image with employee well-being. Flight crew can now drink their coffee in peace, but the episode may signal deeper challenges in how airlines manage their workforce.

credits: British Airway

The post British Airways Reverses Controversial Drink Policy After Staff Backlash first appeared on AircrewNews.com.

The new rule goes into effect January 27, the same day Southwest starts assigning seats.

Currently, plus-size passengers can either pay for an extra seat in advance with the option of getting that money back later, or they can request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the carrier’s new policy, a refund is still possible but no longer guaranteed.

In a statement Monday, Southwest said it is updating some of its policies as it prepares for assigned seating next year.

“To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” the statement said.
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Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 airplanes taxi before departing from San Diego International Airport. The airline confirmed it is considering adding long-haul international flights for the first time.

Southwest announced yet another way it’s becoming just a regular airline

It marks the latest change at Southwest, which had long been known for letting its passengers pick their own seats after boarding the plane, and for letting their bags fly for free, which ended in May. Those perks were key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals.

Southwest says it will still refund a second ticket under its new policy for extra seating if the flight isn’t fully booked at the time of departure, and if both of the passenger’s tickets were purchased in the same booking class. The passenger also needs to request the refund within 90 days of the flight.

If a passenger who needs an extra seat doesn’t purchase one ahead of time, they will be required to buy one at the airport, according to the new policy. If the flight is full, the passenger will be rebooked onto a new flight.

Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who posts theme park reviews and travel tips for plus-size people on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, said the change will likely impact travelers of all sizes. Southwest’s current policy helped create a more comfortable flying experience for plus-size travelers, he said, while also ensuring all passengers have adequate space in their seats.

“I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody,” he said of the new rule.

Credit: Southwest Airlines will soon require travelers who don’t fit within the armrests of their seat to pay for an extra one in advance, part of a string of recent changes the carrier is making.

The new rule goes into effect January 27, the same day Southwest starts assigning seats.

Currently, plus-size passengers can either pay for an extra seat in advance with the option of getting that money back later, or they can request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the carrier’s new policy, a refund is still possible but no longer guaranteed.

In a statement Monday, Southwest said it is updating some of its policies as it prepares for assigned seating next year.

“To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” the statement said.
Related article
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 airplanes taxi before departing from San Diego International Airport. The airline confirmed it is considering adding long-haul international flights for the first time.

Southwest announced yet another way it’s becoming just a regular airline

It marks the latest change at Southwest, which had long been known for letting its passengers pick their own seats after boarding the plane, and for letting their bags fly for free, which ended in May. Those perks were key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals.

Southwest says it will still refund a second ticket under its new policy for extra seating if the flight isn’t fully booked at the time of departure, and if both of the passenger’s tickets were purchased in the same booking class. The passenger also needs to request the refund within 90 days of the flight.

If a passenger who needs an extra seat doesn’t purchase one ahead of time, they will be required to buy one at the airport, according to the new policy. If the flight is full, the passenger will be rebooked onto a new flight.

Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who posts theme park reviews and travel tips for plus-size people on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, said the change will likely impact travelers of all sizes. Southwest’s current policy helped create a more comfortable flying experience for plus-size travelers, he said, while also ensuring all passengers have adequate space in their seats.

“I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody,” he said of the new rule.

Credit: Associated Press

The post Southwest Airlines’ new policy will affect plus-size travelers. Here’s how first appeared on AircrewNews.com.