American Airlines issued new “preventive” measures, including banning alcohol on flights to and from Washington, DC, the day after hundreds of pro-Trump protesters invaded the United States Capitol.
Andrew Trull, an American Airlines spokesman, told NBC News in an email on Thursday that they have increased the number of employees at airports in the DC area, among other measures.
“We are working closely with local authorities and airport authorities to ensure the safety of our customers and staff members on the ground and in the air,” said Trull.
No alcohol will be provided on DC flights on Thursday, but Trull said the company “will continue to monitor the situation”. Because of the pandemic, American Airlines stopped serving alcohol in the main cabin on March 24, but is still available in first class, according to the company.
The announcement came a day after a crowd of supporters of President Donald Trump invaded the United States Capitol – a chaotic and sometimes violent scene that left four people dead and forced Congress and Vice President Mike Pence to evacuate the building . Three of the four deaths reported outside the Capitol were due to “medical emergencies”. A woman was shot and died later.
Julie Hedrick, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, told union members in a letter on Wednesday that they were aware of several flight incidents in which flight attendants “were forced to confront passengers who exhibited aggression for political reasons. against other passengers and crew “.
Hedrick advised flight attendants to “maintain situational awareness and try to deal with all safety and security issues on the ground”.
“As security professionals, we are well trained to handle interruptions on board, but we should never have to deal with politically motivated verbal or physical altercations on board,” said Hedrick in a statement.
“Stay extremely vigilant on flights departing the Washington, DC area for the next few days, and involve your crewmates if you have safety concerns.”
