REX's New Owners Announce Ban On Compulsory Consumption Of Alcoholic Beverages On All Flights

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

Regional carrier REX has confirmed a major shift in its inflight service policy after its new ownership group announced it would no longer require passengers to consume alcoholic beverages during domestic flights.

The ban ends a long standing and officially sanctioned tradition on many regional routes where travellers were expected, under an interpreted requirement of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, to accept and consume a complimentary can of full strength beer or stubbie of wine shortly after takeoff. The practice had become a cultural hallmark of flying with the airline, particularly on routes between regional centres where passengers often recognised several other people on board.

A spokesperson for the new ownership group said the decision followed a review of customer experience data. The review found a small number of city-based travellers had begun declining the mandatory beverage and that enforcement created operational problems for cabin crew who were required to monitor consumption for compliance purposes.

The spokesperson said staff would now offer drinks on a voluntary basis and that passengers who wished to board sober would be permitted to do so without judgement. They confirmed the change applied across the entire fleet including the older aircraft that require a firm shove to close the door.

The airline also confirmed it would phase out the long standing practice of briefly descending to 2000 feet and cracking the cabin door to allow passengers to enjoy a cigarette. The manoeuvre has been common on select regional services for decades but is expected to be formally outlawed when Parliament resumes, with the Albanese Government signalling its intention to close what it describes as "an outdated operational exemption".

The decision on inflight smoking has received a mixed response from regular travellers. Some passengers say the removal of both the compulsory beer and the optional mid air cigarette undermines the character of the airline. A livestock buyer from Windorah said the combination of the two formed an important part of the regional flying experience and often provided the only moment of rest during long work days.

Others say the changes will likely reduce mid-afternoon headaches and allow travellers to arrive in a more alert state. A public servant who flies regularly between Dubbo and Canberra said it would be the first time in fifteen years he had the option of landing without the faint smell of warm lager, urine and cigarette smoke on his clothing.

Industry analysts believe the new policies signal an attempt to reposition REX as a modern regional carrier rather than a flying country pub. They say further reforms may be announced although none are expected to attract as much attention as the end of compulsory alcohol consumption and low altitude smoking breaks.

Cabin crew have been told to expect a transition period while regular customers adjust. The airline has reminded passengers that alcoholic drinks remain available on request. They are simply no longer mandatory. Vaping is now preferred over tobacco as well.

More to come.