Alaska Airlines Doesn't Want Your Cash ...
#1
Alaska Airlines Doesn't Want Your Cash ...
just your credit card. Unless you're from the bush areas.
From Seattle Times:
Pack your plastic if you plan on buying a cocktail or a meal or watching a digital movie the next time you fly on Alaska Airlines.
Starting Aug. 5, the Seattle-based airline will no longer accept cash — only credit and debit cards — for in-flight purchases.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards will be accepted. Flight attendants will use a hand-held device to process the transactions, one that it's been testing on transcontinental routes for more than a year.
Alaska joins some other airlines including JetBlue and Virgin America in going cashless, a move the airlines say saves flight attendants from having to spend time making change and is more convenient for customers.
An Alaska spokeswoman acknowledged, however, that the policy could pose problems for those who don't have credit or debit cards.
"In Alaska, especially in some of the bush areas, people don't have credit cards," said Marianne Lindsey, manager of corporate communications. At least through the fall, the airline will sell $5 vouchers at ticket counters in Alaska for those who want to make onboard purchases.
"We'll see how it goes," she said. But anyone without a credit or debit card flying from anywhere else, including children, will have to come up with another solution, such as a Visa or MasterCard "money" card pre-loaded with cash, a card that usually requires an initial $3.50 to $5 fee to purchase.
Soft drinks, peanuts and pretzels are still free on Alaska flights, but the airline charges for beer, wine, cocktails, digital movies and packaged meals.
"If I were a parent," said Lindsey, "I'd pack my child a lunch."
Pack your plastic if you plan on buying a cocktail or a meal or watching a digital movie the next time you fly on Alaska Airlines.
Starting Aug. 5, the Seattle-based airline will no longer accept cash — only credit and debit cards — for in-flight purchases.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards will be accepted. Flight attendants will use a hand-held device to process the transactions, one that it's been testing on transcontinental routes for more than a year.
Alaska joins some other airlines including JetBlue and Virgin America in going cashless, a move the airlines say saves flight attendants from having to spend time making change and is more convenient for customers.
An Alaska spokeswoman acknowledged, however, that the policy could pose problems for those who don't have credit or debit cards.
"In Alaska, especially in some of the bush areas, people don't have credit cards," said Marianne Lindsey, manager of corporate communications. At least through the fall, the airline will sell $5 vouchers at ticket counters in Alaska for those who want to make onboard purchases.
"We'll see how it goes," she said. But anyone without a credit or debit card flying from anywhere else, including children, will have to come up with another solution, such as a Visa or MasterCard "money" card pre-loaded with cash, a card that usually requires an initial $3.50 to $5 fee to purchase.
Soft drinks, peanuts and pretzels are still free on Alaska flights, but the airline charges for beer, wine, cocktails, digital movies and packaged meals.
"If I were a parent," said Lindsey, "I'd pack my child a lunch."
#4
AirTran has been cashless for awhile. It saves the company money 2 ways: 1- FA's don't steal cash and 2- Joe Blow will spend more $ using a credit or debit card as opposed to whipping out cash.
#6
How are they stealing the cash when they have to account for the liqour/beer before and after the flight like a cash register? At least they did when I flew pax. Can't believe in today's environment they relaxed that requirement. Joe Blow will still be limited by liabilty laws requiring airlines to quit serving a customer liquor who can/appears inebriated. In the air, am sure that most crews will stop early top prevent an problems with an inebriated customer.
#7
How are they stealing the cash when they have to account for the liqour/beer before and after the flight like a cash register? At least they did when I flew pax. Can't believe in today's environment they relaxed that requirement. Joe Blow will still be limited by liabilty laws requiring airlines to quit serving a customer liquor who can/appears inebriated. In the air, am sure that most crews will stop early top prevent an problems with an inebriated customer.
Back in the day ... A few would offer an adult beverage to the flight crew. It came from the first class carts, its all free.
Airline doesn't have first class ? There were other ways ... Complimentary beverages for delays, spills, etc ... I've heard of every trick in the book.
I'm sure these new policies will be KEY in many airlines return to profits !
#8
Southwest is not far behind. The FA's I've talked to said this should be a big increase in liquor sales to the company.
I've seen the little CC machine being tested in the airplane. It should be online very soon.
I've seen the little CC machine being tested in the airplane. It should be online very soon.
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Posts: 441
#10
OK, I stand corrected. Back in my day, the comps had to be signed off by the Capt. Delays had to be excessive, not just your normal EWR/PHL/ORD delay <g>. One could comp a few or steal a few from the first class cart, but the take would be small compared to the risks. Oh well, am sure with the new CC machines, tracking each beer/liquor bottle is soon to follow since this is big biz.
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