British Airways has reversed a controversial policy that banned uniformed pilots and cabin crew from consuming coffee and other beverages in public areas.
The airline had introduced the new rule at the beginning of September 2025, which stipulated that uniformed staff could only drink water in public, while other beverages like tea, coffee, and soft drinks were restricted to staff-only areas. This policy led to significant disappointment among employees and strong criticism from unions.
Staff members expressed that the ban negatively impacted their morale and made it difficult for them to meet basic needs during long shifts. In response to the backlash, British Airways announced the policy’s reversal on September 13, 2025.
According to an internal communication from the airline, personnel can once again drink beverages while seated in airport cafes, though they are still advised not to do so while walking. The incident highlights the challenge for airlines in balancing brand image protection with maintaining employee satisfaction.
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This post was published on 25 September 2025 10:13 pm