Asiana stops serving hot drinks in economy class on short-distance flights

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Asiana stops serving hot drinks in economy class on short-distance flights

Published: 30 Sep. 2024, 18:23 Updated: 30 Sep. 2024, 19:31

KIM JU-YEON
kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr

Cup of espresso on table in airplane interior [GETTY IMAGES]

Asiana Airlines stopped serving hot beverages to economy class passengers on short-distance flights leaving from or coming to Korea from Monday as a preventive measure against burns, the carrier said the same day.

However, business class passengers will continue to have the option of hot drinks such as coffee and tea.

The economy class passengers will instead be offered cold beverages, including iced coffee and tea.

The policy change has made hot drinks unavailable to economy class passengers on 14 routes that take less than 2 hours and 30 minutes, including routes from China and Japan, Asiana Airlines said. It is an expansion of the airline’s existing policy for domestic flights, which was implemented in April last year.

The move aims to prevent burns for both passengers and flight attendants, Asiana Airlines said. The shorter service increases the possibility of accidents as flight attendants move in a hurry, according to the airline’s spokesperson.

The airline denied that the policy change was to save on costs.

An Asiana Airlines plane takes off from Incheon International Airport on Jan. 14. [NEWS1]

In a similar move, Korean Air halted its instant ramyeon services for economy class passengers on all flights from August. The airline had said it could continue to serve passengers in the pricier business and first-class range as their seats were further apart, making it easier for flight attendants to move around to serve them freely.

Airlines have been changing their policies over recent years, mainly to reduce or restrict catering services, citing safety issues and increased turbulence.

From July, Korean Air started ending its in-flight services 40 minutes before landing for all passengers, saying this would allow flight attendants to focus on the landing process, when 53 percent of all aviation accidents occur. Singapore Airlines stopped serving hot drinks and meals when the seatbelt sign is on.

Asiana Airlines’ cabin crew members from May have made preparations for landing and safety inspections when the plane begins descending regardless of altitude, unlike before, when they started preparations at 20,000 feet from the ground.

BY KIM JU-YEON [kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr]