American Airlines Stops Charging Fliers for Soft Drinks

American Airlines´ regional unit said on Tuesday that it has given up trying to charge passengers for soft drinks, the boldest yet in the carrier´s bid to get travelers to pay for perks that used to be free.

“We didn´t sell a lot and we also got feedback from our customers saying they´d prefer that juices and sodas be complimentary,” said American Eagle spokesman Dave Jackson.

American, the No. 1 U.S. airline which has been gradually narrowing losses after a brush with bankruptcy in 2003, has already eliminated pillows on domestic flights and -- like most other airlines –no longer offers free meals in domestic coach class.

Several airlines, led by Northwest Airlines Corp., last year even axed free pretzels as they cut costs to the bone to offset soaring fuel prices.

American Airlines described the bid to charge $1 for a can of soda or juice on some of its American Eagle commuter flights in California in January as a “test.”

American Airlines officials defended the practice, noting movie theaters, for example, profit from the sale of soda and snacks. European low-cost carriers routinely charge for both non-alcoholic beverages and food.