The FAA beverage rule takes effect across US airlines on September 1, requiring crews to collect airline-provided cups before pushback to reduce cabin hazards. First-class passengers will have less time to finish pre-departure drinks served by the airline.
The requirement covers disposable and reusable service items. Although it applies throughout the cabin, travellers in premium seats are more likely to notice it because those cabins commonly receive drinks during boarding.
What the FAA beverage rule covers
Airlines must remove or secure their food, drinks, cups and other service equipment before an aircraft begins moving on the ground.
The requirement includes paper and plastic cups as well as reusable glasses and other tableware. Trays, service carts and equipment that could obstruct an aisle must also be secured.
For crews, pushback now becomes the deadline for clearing those items rather than a later point during the safety demonstration or taxi. Airlines offering drinks during boarding will therefore need to begin service earlier and retrieve cups sooner.
The underlying regulation dates from 1992
The FAA is enforcing a provision that has been in place since 1992 but was not previously applied this strictly to disposable cups before pushback.
Under 14 CFR Ā§121.577, an aircraft may not move on the surface while airline-furnished food, beverages or tableware remain at passenger seats. The rule aims to keep loose items and equipment from hindering an evacuation.
Previous practice allowed crews more time to collect cups as the aircraft prepared to taxi. The tighter interpretation requires the cabin and galleys to be ready before the plane leaves the gate.
Airlines are adjusting their boarding service
Delta Air Lines has reportedly asked flight attendants to start pre-departure beverage service earlier so crews can retrieve cups on time.
United Airlines is also believed to have informed its cabin crews about the change. As of August 22, JetBlue Airways had not yet notified its flight attendants, aviation insider JonNYC said.
It remains unclear how every carrier will adjust its service. An unnamed industry source suggested that some airlines could reduce or omit pre-departure drinks on narrow-body aircraft, where boarding time and cabin space are limited.
Personal drinks fall into a different category
A drink purchased in the terminal or otherwise brought aboard by a passenger is not an airline-provided service item, so the collection requirement does not apply to it.
However, a personal cup or bottle counts as part of the passenger’s belongings and should be stowed when required. Travellers must still follow crew instructions, particularly while the cabin is being secured for departure.
The distinction does not give passengers permission to hold a hot drink during every stage of ground movement. It only means that cabin crew do not collect it as airline tableware.
What changes for passengers from September 1
Passengers should expect airline-served cups to be removed before the aircraft pushes back, even when a drink is unfinished.
Travellers do not need to change their flight plans, but they should not count on having an extended period to enjoy a pre-takeoff drink. Those carrying their own beverage should be ready to place it securely with their other belongings when instructed.
Airline procedures may continue to vary as carriers implement the requirement. Passengers who consider pre-departure service important should check their airline’s latest onboard service information close to travel.
