United Airlines resumes serving hard liquor on flights ahead of the holiday travel season

• United Airlines has resumed serving hard liquor to economy passengers, CNN reported.
• The airline had been serving beer, wine, and hard seltzer to passengers since June.

United Airlines has resumed serving hard liquor after halting the service early in the pandemic.

CNN reported United's decision to resume serving mini alcohol containers to economy passengers in domestic flights of over 300 miles after "feedback from both customers and flight attendants."

The airline had been serving beer, wine, and hard seltzer to passengers since June, according to CNN. Hard liquor service began again on November 15.

Flight attendants previously told Insider alcohol only worsens passenger aggression, and resuming alcohol service could worsen the ongoing unruly passenger crisis. The Federal Aviation Administration has received more than 5,000 reports of passengers accused of kicking, groping, hitting, and verbally harassing flight attendants in 2021.

Flight attendant and union leader Sara Nelson has recommended airlines take steps to limit alcohol consumption on board.

"The incidents of violence on planes is out of control and alcohol is often a contributor," a spokesperson for the Association of Flight Attendants told Insider. "The federal government should provide guidance to airlines and airports on pausing alcohol sales for a period of time."

United's decision to resume hard liquor service comes ahead of the holiday travel season, typically a busy time for airlines and crew members.

If you are a flight attendant working during the holiday travel season, email the author at aakhtar@insider.com.

This year, some airlines are facing the possibility of cancelling flights during the holidays due to the risk of extreme weather events and staff shortages, Insider's Thomas Pallini reported.

Southwest Airlines recently experienced a meltdown after air control issues led to thousands of cancelled flights and stranded passengers. Southwest exec Mike Van de Ven said the company needs to build a "staffing cushion" to prevent further disruptions.

Airlines are already rolling out measures to prevent staff shortages this winter. American Airlines is offering $1,000 in bonus pay to workers with perfect attendance during the holiday season, and Southwest Airlines is offering up to 120,000 rewards points to employees who work between November 15 and January 14.

United Airlines was not immediately available for comment.