Alaska Airlines Removes First-Class Glassware

Alaska Airlines has removed its new first-class glassware after reports of fragile glasses cracking during service.

The carrier says it will revert to the previous service items in its first-class cabins while it reviews safer options. Reports from both crew members and customers prompted the move, with safety concerns cited as the primary driver for the temporary reversal.

Why Alaska pulled the first-class glassware

Flight attendants flagged several incidents where the newly introduced first-class glassware developed hairline cracks or shattered under normal service conditions. Alaska Airlines — a U.S.-based operator known for its Boeing 737 fleet — told staff the change is precautionary while suppliers and in-house teams assess the material and handling procedures.

For travelers, the switch means the short-term return of the previous disposable or sturdier serviceware on affected flights. Alaska did not provide a public timetable for reintroducing redesigned glassware, saying it needs to confirm that any replacement meets durability and safety standards before rolling it back out across routes.

What changed: Alaska Airlines removed the fragile first class glassware and reverted to prior service items while it investigates.

Passenger safety incidents tied to in-flight service items are rare, but airlines generally act quickly when a pattern emerges. Crew feedback was instrumental in this decision: frontline employees reported multiple occurrences during routine beverage service, and the airline prioritized minimizing risk to passengers and cabin crew.

Alaska’s move follows best-practice risk management in aviation — temporarily removing a suspect component pending a technical assessment. The airline has not disclosed the manufacturer or model of the glassware, nor specified the number of incidents reported. Travelers booked in first class should monitor Alaska Airlines’ customer communications for updates on service changes.