Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - F meal system deeply flawed

Not only do I think the F meal system is somewhat flawed and unfair I think its totally flawed, unfair, and in some instances downright disrespectful. The front to back system of taking orders from front to back to where 4D and 4F are stuck with whatever is left is immoral and unethical. Recently I was in 4D and another fellow in 4F. We laughed and joked how we would be stuck with whatever is leftover. It was quite funny but so true. We both ended up with the braised pork shank which happened to be what we were both hoping for. All fine and dandy....yay :D. The more I think about this the more I find this method pathetic. Why should somebody upgraded to 1A who paid $200 fare have first choice over somebody in 4D who paid $700 for a paid F seat???? :confused::confused: There should be one of 2 things done. Either paid F should be able to select 1 of 2 meals online ahead of time or there should be a hierarchy list such as

1. Paid F golds
2. Paid F mvp
3. Paid F general pax
4. UG gold
5. UG mvp
6. award pax

The current system is a total joke really. Ive had several flights where the F FA went around and gave the golds first dibs at what they wanted. For that I was very grateful but it still screws over anybody who paid full fare F for their seat. When I get a UG Im just grateful to be in F and dont care what I get to eat. On the other hand if you drop a grand on an F seat to HNL and get whatevers left it aint so cool

The front to back system of taking orders from front to back to where 4D and 4F are stuck with whatever is left is immoral and unethical.l

"Immoral and unethical" is a bit strong. And unsupported, honestly, by your argument (if you happen to check the dictionary definitions). "Unfair," perhaps -- though I've been on flights when they've started meal choices from 4 and worked forward, and on flights where MVP Golds have been served first. YMMV.

No matter what system is used, someone will almost always not get their first choice -- and then they'll complain, too. It's a no win for any flight not catered with two of everything for everyone in F.

"Immoral and unethical" is a bit strong. And unsupported, honestly, by your argument (if you happen to check the dictionary definitions). "Unfair," perhaps -- though I've been on flights when they've started meal choices from 4 and worked forward, and on flights where MVP Golds have been served first. YMMV.

No matter what system is used, someone will almost always not get their first choice -- and then they'll complain, too. It's a no win for any flight not catered with two of everything for everyone in F.So then again I must ask, why not a check in feature that allows you to choose your meal of the 2 choices that will be offered on your flight if you check in say 2 or 3 hours or more before departure? Is it really that hard? The idea also remains that somebody who pays 1000 should have choice over an upgraded person paying 200. Yes my words were a bit strong but written intentionally to get a good debate going :D

Lots of unfair practices occur in the flying industry.

Being an MVPG and seldom being upgraded to first when I do get there I expect the same first class treatment as a full fair. Why because most of my tickets exceed the cost that you have payed for you lone ticket in first.

When I am in first I have never been given prefered treatment over other first class patrons. I do think, that to prevent the concerns that you expressed about the meals, all first should be served the same meal through out.

I prefer row four and if given the chance ask for it. However many times I can only received row 2 or 3. If you are a paid fair I suggest you select row two to solve your delima. Generally row two gets a choice.

Now about other things that are unfair...may be this is for another thread?

I do think, that to prevent the concerns that you expressed about the meals, all first should be served the same meal through out.

I like that idea too ^:cool:

Immoral? I imagine some individuals with religious beliefs restricting their diets might be offended by the lack of special meal requests.

Unethical? I would think vegans, vegetarians, and diabetics might be disturbed to know that they also cannot request a special meal.

F meals may be immoral and unethical... but the order in which they are served isn't the issue.

Immoral? I imagine some individuals with religious beliefs restricting their diets might be offended by the lack of special meal requests.

Unethical? I would think vegans, vegetarians, and diabetics might be disturbed to know that they also cannot request a special meal.

F meals may be immoral and unethical... but the order in which they are served isn't the issue.
LMAO :D

"Immoral and unethical" is a bit strong. And unsupported, honestly, by your argument (if you happen to check the dictionary definitions). "Unfair," perhaps...

No matter what system is used, someone will almost always not get their first choice -- and then they'll complain, too. It's a no win for any flight not catered with two of everything for everyone in F.+1 ^

ANC - You're getting way too worked up about nothing. You are not being waterboarded on the flight. You should learn to load up in the BR before you board :p

I like the idea of online selection of meals. Seems like it would make life easier for the FA's too.

Well, AS solves this problem on most routes by not offering a choice of meal. It's "Meal or no Meal." However, on the routes where they offer a choice, I think front-to-back works as well as anything. I see no need to overcomplicate matters with some complicated rigamarole.

I truly hope you haven't been losing any sleep over this...

+1 ^

ANC - You're getting way too worked up about nothing. You are not being waterboarded on the flight. You should learn to load up in the BR before you board :p

I like the idea of online selection of meals. Seems like it would make life easier for the FA's too.

But we're only limited to 3 beverages :( (not enough :p) and no longer have the SEA PC :td:

Why should somebody upgraded to 1A who paid $200 fare have first choice over somebody in 4D who paid $700 for a paid F seat???? :confused::confused:

If meal selection is that important to you and you are buying a full-fare F seat, then you should choose a seat as far forward as possible. That way, you will get your choice of meals.

If you pay for full F and choose 4D when other F seats are available, then sure, you take your chances on meal selection. But it's not fair to say that an upgraded pax is getting priority over you, because you chose 4D as your seat even knowing that choice would put you last in line to order a meal.

The solution of only offering one meal sounds doesn't make much sense to me. Currently, sometimes you don't get your first choice -- but often you do. How would it help you to never have a choice at all? You'd be the same or worse off every time.

Honestly it's hard for me to understand being so upset about airline meals anyway. I don't expect airplane food to be very good, and I feel lucky to be up front every single time I'm in F, whether I paid for it or not. I'm more excited about the space and the service than about the food anyway, but at this point, getting any meal at all that's free and edible feels like a win to me.

If meal selection is that important to you and you are buying a full-fare F seat, then you should choose a seat as far forward as possible. That way, you will get your choice of meals.

If you pay for full F and choose 4D when other F seats are available, then sure, you take your chances on meal selection. But it's not fair to say that an upgraded pax is getting priority over you, because you chose 4D as your seat even knowing that choice would put you last in line to order a meal.

The solution of only offering one meal sounds doesn't make much sense to me. Currently, sometimes you don't get your first choice -- but often you do. How would it help you to never have a choice at all? You'd be the same or worse off every time.

Honestly it's hard for me to understand being so upset about airline meals anyway. I don't expect airplane food to be very good, and I feel lucky to be up front every single time I'm in F, whether I paid for it or not. I'm more excited about the space and the service than about the food anyway, but at this point, getting any meal at all that's free and edible feels like a win to me.

ANC is just trying to stir us up a bit :p (I think...) and promote a vivid discussion on this... as for the solution of booking row 1... well not all F/A's abide by the same pattern...

Single meal service? AS needs to be competitive... and on some routes, this makes sense...

As for OLCI and food... I think there should be an option to choose BoB, especially for pax in Y... and even for those in F if they enjoy supplemental food ;)

http://rolleye.com/trolls.jpg

I remember a few weeks ago getting a "Tweet" from AS about testing new in-flight entrees with a link to a pic of the new pork shank dish. I Tweeted back asking why AS serves so much pork since it's a protein that is forbidden by several religions not to mention vegetarians. Their reply was somewhat South of Expected.

I agree that at least on true trans-cons special meal requests should be honored. There should at a minimum be a vegetarian (vegan) option, Kosher, and Halal. They should really stay away from pork as well. I know it reheats well and is a neutral tasting meat (the "other white meat") but technically someone who keeps strict Kosher wouldn't be able to eat even the non-pork meal on an AS flight since the pork is heated in the same ovens.

I'm gonna side with ANC on this one.

I actually like the order he suggested in his list. (I might add "GM upgraded"--i.e. paid day-of-departure upgrades--as a #7.)

Yes, MVPGs are valuable to the company, and an F upgrade is definitely a part of respecting that loyalty, but someone flying in full paid F, even if they're not a mileage plan member, does deserve choice pick. If you want the choice pick as an MVPG, you're welcome to book in F (in which case, at least according to ANC's list, you'd get top pick above anyone else in paid F). That policy would fit in nicely with the idea that the complimentary upgrades are "space available."

I might also point out that other airlines are able to implement similar policies with no trouble. UA gives its GS members top pick of meals, if I'm not mistaken, and I think I've heard that AA EXPs get their choice first, too. I hate to sound cliche (as this phrase is beginning to become around here), but if they can do it, why can't AS?

I'm gonna side with ANC on this one.

I actually like the order he suggested in his list. (I might add "GM upgraded"--i.e. paid day-of-departure upgrades--as a #7.)

Yes, MVPGs are valuable to the company, and an F upgrade is definitely a part of respecting that loyalty, but someone flying in full paid F, even if they're not a mileage plan member, does deserve choice pick. If you want the choice pick as an MVPG, you're welcome to book in F (in which case, at least according to ANC's list, you'd get top pick above anyone else in paid F). That policy would fit in nicely with the idea that the complimentary upgrades are "space available."

I might also point out that other airlines are able to implement similar policies with no trouble. UA gives its GS members top pick of meals, if I'm not mistaken, and I think I've heard that AA EXPs get their choice first, too. I hate to sound cliche (as this phrase is beginning to become around here), but if they can do it, why can't AS?

I thought AA did FEBO???

I thought AA did FEBO???

Maybe so. Or maybe that's the policy in Y. I do know there is at least one, if not more, major airline that lets the top elites pick first.

Maybe so. Or maybe that's the policy in Y. I do know there is at least one, if not more, major airline that lets the top elites pick first.

FEBO is AA policy in F, not sure about Y. AFAIK, AA does not take status into account. UA policy, according to my understanding, is to take first and second choice orders front to back, and then sort it out by status in the galley. I have read in the UA forum that some FAs skip around taking orders by status instead, and others just ignore the whole thing.

FEBO is AA policy in F, not sure about Y. AFAIK, AA does not take status into account. UA policy, according to my understanding, is to take first and second choice orders front to back, and then sort it out by status in the galley. I have read in the UA forum that some FAs skip around taking orders by status instead, and others just ignore the whole thing.
Maybe it's US? Perhaps I'm just thinking it's an airline that starts with a U...

If it's not US, then I give up. :p

Taking out the programing of the website, what logistical challenges come from an online choice? I assume that would mean your linking the meal choice (keeping it to just F meals) with a vendor like Gate Gourmet who would then need to stock by flight number, no longer speeding up the ease of 16 meals. Now there would be reconciling by flight, confirming on the printout meal choices and what was delivered. Would the FA do this?

I am wondering who on the inside may be able to comment on this. I like the idea, but could all the systems integrate? I am also assuming that AS vends out the delivery of the food itself.

I thought AA did FEBO???
last I checked that is was the policy. Many pick their seats based on this policy. Me thinks this policy should be adopted by AS, but announced early and often.

I get a sense that Alaska's thinking on this issue may be that all things even out over time, i.e. sure, you didn't get your first choice this time when you paid $$$, but what about all the other times where you were upgraded and did?

There should at a minimum be a vegetarian (vegan) option, Kosher, and Halal.

Does any airline in the US still even offer the above options to its First Class passengers?

I have read in the UA forum that some FAs skip around taking orders by status, and others just ignore the whole thing.

This has generally been my experience on UA.

As a side note, I remember a First Class flight on United where I decided to pre-order a Kosher meal just to see what they were about. While other passengers dined on Chateaubriand carved from the cart, I was handed what was essentially a Coach meal with foil over the main entree dish. Thankfully, there was plenty of Chateaubriand to go around. My favorite alternative meal was the Asian Vegetarian.

Sounds like a good perk for MVPP's - regardless of whether they paid for an F ticket or were upgraded, the get first dibs on what F meal they'd like to have.

Not that I'll ever get there.

I was on a recent MIA-SEA flight and had a great FA who made each row draw straws to determine the meal ordering hierarchy. At least he made an attempt at fairness even thou the guys in row 4 drew the last place straw.

I think they should standardize:

Serve Front to Back when traveling North->South and West ->Eeast
Serve Back to Front when traveling South->North and East->West

Simple, Fair, Done.


-Jeremy

Does any airline in the US still even offer the above options to its First Class passengers?

Delta does, for one (I made travel arrangements for someone on a transcon where I was offered those choices).

Also: "deeply" flawed? Really?

(FWIW, on the transcons I flew recently, meal choices were offered front to back, no status recognition. Missed out on the Salmon eggs benedict. I think I'll sue for damages. :rolleyes:)

Missed out on the Salmon eggs benedict.

I'm glad on AS many people have the seafood dish as first preference so I havnt been stuck with it yet. On other airlines I always get stuck with it. Then again i have never been in row 4. I have noticed that they load more seafood than meat. The quiche is the best airplane food i've ever eaten.

Maybe it's US?

Every meal flight i've been on US during meal time its been front to back. However most of them were red-eyes so there was no meal

I'm glad on AS many people have the seafood dish as first preference so I havnt been stuck with it yet.
LOL! You and me both. I think its the tourists that always get that "alaskan salmon" Its fine by me, while I do like seafood something in me tells me that airline food thats seafood could be a bad combo :D Things arent always at the most optimum safe temperatures if you know what I mean ;)

I was on a recent MIA-SEA flight and had a great FA who made each row draw straws to determine the meal ordering hierarchy. At least he made an attempt at fairness even thou the guys in row 4 drew the last place straw.

Many moons ago I was going to Vegas and appropriately, instead of straws, the FA pulled a deck of cards out. High card got to order first.

FEBO is AA policy in F, not sure about Y. AFAIK, AA does not take status into account.

AA mainline F is Front first Even # , Back First Odd # (FEBO)
AA mainline Y I believe is Front > back, been awhile since I've been back there
Eagle is either Plt and Exp first or Front > Back. Depends on different FA.

LOL! You and me both. I think its the tourists that always get that "alaskan salmon" Its fine by me, while I do like seafood something in me tells me that airline food thats seafood could be a bad combo :D Things arent always at the most optimum safe temperatures if you know what I mean ;)

Oh, probably more likely to have e-coli on the alpo chunks than vermin in the fish that has been frozen, then overcooked. :eek:

Does any airline in the US still even offer the above options to its First Class passengers? [/end]

Continental does but only on true trans-cons which are SEA/PDX/SFP/LAX and SAN to EWR.

[QUOTE=Seat 2A;12742716]
As a side note, I remember a First Class flight on United where I decided to pre-order a Kosher meal just to see what they were about. While other passengers dined on Chateaubriand carved from the cart, I was handed what was essentially a Coach meal with foil over the main entree dish. Thankfully, there was plenty of Chateaubriand to go around. My favorite alternative meal was the Asian Vegetarian.

That is because Kosher meals are prepared in a different facility, often not on site unless you're going out of a major airport, and sealed before it is sent to the aircraft. The meal is then warmed in the sealed container and served. The seal is so it is known that the meal was prepared and packaged under Rabbinical supervision and hasn't come into contact with any other food which would render it non-Kosher.

I avoid seafood on the plane too... but have heard things good about it too :cool:

I personally like the idea of FEBO to mix it up... ;)

That being said, I've had some excellent crabcakes on AS before, plus love the lox! :D

Maybe it's US? Perhaps I'm just thinking it's an airline that starts with a U...

If it's not US, then I give up. :p

Yes... give up ;)

What does BA do?

[Different league, just wondering what int'l carriers do...]

I avoid seafood on the plane too... but have heard things good about it too :cool:



Is that because of this infamous movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vosq85B_lMk&NR=1)? (2:19 into trailer)

The life of everyone on board depends upon just one thing: finding someone back there who can not only fly this plane, but who didn't have fish for dinner.

Slightly (okay, VERY) OT in searching for this clip I found this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LosSyMnCHLo). Funny!

Is that because of this infamous movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaXvFT_UyI8)? (2:19 into trailer)



Slightly (okay, VERY) OT in searching for this clip I found this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LosSyMnCHLo). Funny!

slow internet loading... :rolleyes:

What does BA do?

[Different league, just wondering what int'l carriers do...]

Uh, they just never run out of food! :p

(With usually four to six different choices in each course, I never had the experience of them running out of anything I asked for.)

Uh, they just never run out of food! :p

(With usually four to six different choices in each course, I never had the experience of them running out of anything I asked for.)

Hmm... wonder if I can give them a run for their money :p

Oh, also for those in F, remember you can always ask for a Northern Bites coach meal if there are any left over... :cool:

Oh, also for those in F, remember you can always ask for a Northern Bites coach meal if there are any left over... :cool:oh my thats a whole new discussion in itself. Kinda lame you cant get the burger for free in F if you want one ;) FWIW when they have people in F requesting the coach meals then they should really reconsider the F meal!

oh my thats a whole new discussion in itself. Kinda lame you cant get the burger for free in F if you want one ;) FWIW when they have people in F requesting the coach meals then they should really reconsider the F meal!

I'll take as many meals as I can get :p

But yes that is a whole another aspect to discuss :cool:

Happens all over the map. UA is pretty good about asking in order of status about meal choices. I've had 2 or 3 flights on a transatlantic on AF where because they go back to front, I got stuck with leftovers. When you're paying 6k for an airline ticket, I think they can load a few extra $10 meals...

On a recent morning flight from DCA to SEA, the flight attendant passed out the menus and said if she didn't have our first choice she would definitely have our second. I had a bad feeling at that point. The choices were hotcakes and eggs and chicken sausage or a stuffed pastry thing filled with onions, peppers with a side of bacon. Since I don't eat onions, peppers or bacon, I knew what I wanted. Unfortunately, i was in the first row and she started taking orders from the back. Surprise! Only onions and peppers left! Happy ending though. I didn't say anything, but she obviously sensed I wasn't thrilled with the remaining choice. She offered to see if there was leftover french toast from the coach service--and there was. So..kudos for good service. And next time if you don't like the choice, see if a coach meal is an option.

On the Hawaii flights, I've usually had good luck with the FAs asking Golds for their meal choice first. Maybe this has to do with some of them being senior, maybe not. I'm not really sure.

The thing that irritates me is when a Family of 7 (yes, I've seen it happen) get cheap upgrades at the gate, then take all of one meal choice (yes I've seen this happen before even in seat 2D). As far as I'm concerned, they should get served after Full fare paying Fs and elites. I do buy full fare F.

That system alone shows how AS doesn't fully recognize elites in the air or on the ground (the lack or priority luggage). This is where, as 1K on United, I notice the difference. I get to choose what I want to eat, get priority luggage, get a larger baggage allowance.

The choices were hotcakes and eggs and chicken sausage or a stuffed pastry thing filled with onions, peppers with a side of bacon. She offered to see if there was leftover french toast from the coach service--and there was

I've never been too thrilled with the mini pancakes or the breakfast strudel. Its always nice when the FA can sense your inability to eat the last remaining meal option and offer remaining Y meals without you asking.

My GF and I had that happen on USAir once. All that was left was Salmon and we didn't have to say anything and the FA brought us 2x Caesar Salad with chicken and the sandwich option from Y.

Always remember to ask for the Y option after everyone is served. Seems to happen a lot because I see the FA's on AS with the leftover Y meal all the time.

This is where, as 1K on United, I notice the difference. I get to choose what I want to eat, get priority luggage, get a larger baggage allowance.

Yes, but you also fly 100,000 miles with UA to get 1K (well, OK, not while UA is doing DEQM for 75% of the year, but...). AS MVPG is 50,000 miles on AS/QX+partners, 40,000 on AS/QX alone.

Compare MVPG to UA 1P status and you'll see why I'd be unhappy if AS turned into UA. The money I save on fee waivers for flight changes alone could buy me MANY meals that would quite frankly beat the pants off of airline food.

In the end, it's really hard for me to get worked up about a meal that, at best, would be OK for $15-20 in a diner or cafe. The thought of "OMG, someone who isn't as awesomely elite as I am is getting a BETTER DEAL than I am! Why is that! DYKWIA?" doesn't really stir me when it comes to airline food.

Always remember to ask for the Y option after everyone is served. Seems to happen a lot because I see the FA's on AS with the leftover Y meal all the time.

My last time in F I asked for the Y option and they wanted to charge me for the meal so I passed on the meal. Its things like this that AS could form a policy on for F passengers so that we could gain some flexibility in F.

My last time in F I asked for the Y option and they wanted to charge me for the meal so I passed on the meal. Its things like this that AS could form a policy on for F passengers so that we could gain some flexibility in F.

There is a policy in place for Northern Bites meals in Y- they are complimentary to F pax... I raised a stink @ this back in March on a SEA-MIA flight... finally got my Asian Chicken Wrap... :rolleyes:

But it is complimentary in F, once all the Y pax have been served...

As for the snack packs that are not perishable, they are not free...

If all else fails, pay for the food, then write AS...

I've never been too thrilled with the mini pancakes or the breakfast strudel. Its always nice when the FA can sense your inability to eat the last remaining meal option and offer remaining Y meals without you asking.

My GF and I had that happen on USAir once. All that was left was Salmon and we didn't have to say anything and the FA brought us 2x Caesar Salad with chicken and the sandwich option from Y.

Always remember to ask for the Y option after everyone is served. Seems to happen a lot because I see the FA's on AS with the leftover Y meal all the time.

I thought the breakfast strudel was decent... ^

In the end, it's really hard for me to get worked up about a meal that, at best, would be OK for $15-20 in a diner or cafe.

I think you're being a bit generous here. In most cases I can buy something of similar value, often even superior value to a typical Alaska meal for under $10.00 in any airport. I often do, especially when flying on mid-range routes like SEA-DEN where First Class meal service is minimal.

Also, let's take a moment to be honest with ourselves. Let's say on your next First Class breakfast flight you are offered a choice of an omelet with potatoes or a bowl of cereal with a banana. Do you have a preference? Most of us instinctively will quickly favor one over the other, if only for something as simple as prefering hot vs. cold, or filling vs. nutritious. And since a choice of entrees is available, we decide on our preference and hope to get it.

While it's easy to denigrate the quality and value of airline food, for many of us an inflight meal remains a potentially pleasant distraction to the tedium of flight. And when a choice of meals is offered, I agree with the OP that it would be nice if those paying full fare were offered first choice. And of course since I never pay full fare, not getting my first choice only leaves me disappointed but never annoyed.

Unfortunately for those that do pay full fare, the culture and training at Alaska do not yet place great emphasis on this aspect of service.

Unfortunately for those that do pay full fare, the culture and training at Alaska do not yet place great emphasis on this aspect of service.

This should be "do not yet again place" not "do not yet place" because the culture and training at AS once upon a time was probably the best in the domestic skies in the meal department. Many FAs still remember that, and two schools seem to have arisen - the ones that do the best with what paltry crap they have left, and try and make your flight as pleasant as possible, and the ones that have gotten lazy and bitter. Fortunately, most of the second group work for other airlines and not so much for AS.

And when a choice of meals is offered, I agree with the OP that it would be nice if those paying full fare were offered first choice.

Well, the OP said something like prioritizing full fare/status, and it's "deeply flawed". As flaws go, I find it pretty minimal at best (and arguably nonexistent- FEBO or whatever works perfectly fine for me), compared to the degeneration of F food from Ye Good Olde Days (which I never experienced, being a poor college student in the 1980s-1990s- though I heard tales, since my uncle handled Pan Am's SFO catering up through the 1980's), which just aren't coming back in an era where people largely expect F for free as a loyalty incentive.

Inflight meal service notwithstanding, I think that overall the culture and training at AS is still amongst the very best in the industry. Unfortunately, as I said, it doesn't (yet) include the simple practice of honoring full fare paying passengers with their choice of meals, something commonly practiced amongst other, larger airlines.

As to the term "deeply flawed", I think we all agree that it's a bit over the top (for this argument at least) and I'm reasonably certain that the OP would have chosen somewhat less severe terminology had he to do it all over again.

I agree that at least on true trans-cons special meal requests should be honored. There should at a minimum be a vegetarian (vegan) option, Kosher, and Halal.+1
It is as if AS assumes that all MVPs are hearty meat eaters. I appreciate the FA's efforts to do something, but it's lame to offer just cobbled together crackers and such when the hot entree is all meat (usually at dinner). In my limited experience riding up front, I have not been the only one in F not able to eat the single meal option.

As to the term "deeply flawed", I think we all agree that it's a bit over the top (for this argument at least) and I'm reasonably certain that the OP would have chosen somewhat less severe terminology had he to do it all over again.It was used as a headline buzz word just like a newspaper headline @:-)

+1
It is as if AS assumes that all MVPs are hearty meat eaters. I appreciate the FA's efforts to do something, but it's lame to offer just cobbled together crackers and such when the hot entree is all meat (usually at dinner). In my limited experience riding up front, I have not been the only one in F not able to eat the single meal option.

As someone that is in First Class VERY regularly (though, admittedly, not enjoying it the same way you may be :D) I very rarely hear complaints about the lack of a special meal offering. When I do it's almost always because we don't offer a vegetarian offering. I can't remember the last time I've had someone ask about a Halal, kosher or other special meal that meets a cultural, dietary or religious need. It's also rare that somebody on a transcon or Hawaii flight (the only flights we actually serve a "real meal") turns down the meal. I'm not implying you've never been on a flight where someody didn't ask for a special meal, I'm only saying that in my VERY extensive experience in First Class, it rarely happens.

As someone that is in First Class VERY regularly (though, admittedly, not enjoying it the same way you may be :D) I very rarely hear complaints about the lack of a special meal offering. When I do it's almost always because we don't offer a vegetarian offering. I can't remember the last time I've had someone ask about a Halal, kosher or other special meal that meets a cultural, dietary or religious need. It's also rare that somebody on a transcon or Hawaii flight (the only flights we actually serve a "real meal") turns down the meal. I'm not implying you've never been on a flight where someody didn't ask for a special meal, I'm only saying that in my VERY extensive experience in First Class, it rarely happens.I'm sure this is true...but since AS's policy clearly states that no special meals are available, it's quite likely that people aren't complaining because they know going into it that there won't be anything available. A vegetarian option is all I ask for, either catered normally or as a special request ahead of time.

+1
It is as if AS assumes that all MVPs are hearty meat eaters. I appreciate the FA's efforts to do something, but it's lame to offer just cobbled together crackers and such when the hot entree is all meat (usually at dinner). In my limited experience riding up front, I have not been the only one in F not able to eat the single meal option.

I consider the meals served by AS rather vegetarian :p with their small portions of food... and they do have non-meat options occasionally (such as asparagus quiche mmm...)

However for such a small subset of pax, it doesn't make much fiscal sense for AS to have those options on hand... especially on shorter flights...

Service can make up for a lot. You would forget about poor meal choices if everything else was great. On a recent flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage with no meal service and about as short of a flight as you get, the flight attendant made all the first class passengers feel special. I had more attention and service on that flight than I've had on some transcons. Should have gotten her name--very tall, long black hair.

I would choose a vegetarian option 90% of the time if it were available. I'd like to see that offered consistently.

I, too, would appreciate a vegetarian option on every flight. Doesn't have to be vegan, but something without meat, please!

Doesn't have to be vegan, but something without meat, please!hmm perhaps something like a ravioli or something would be nice ^

I had 4 cheese ravioli with marinara on AA before and it was quite delicious.

Or pehaps some type of hearty soup like white bean or black bean soup

I had 4 cheese ravioli with marinara on AA before and it was quite delicious.


Was this "4 cheese ravioli" or 4 "cheese ravioli?"

Was this "4 cheese ravioli" or 4 "cheese ravioli?"
lol good question. Believe it or not it was a nice big full bowl. Way more than 4

I've had the AA ravioli as well, and i liked it too. Pasta is very forgiving and reheats well so it makes a solid airplane meal. (In the old days when you got hot meals in coach, the pasta was always the safest.). The other thing about pasta is it seems like it would be pretty easy to offer it as a vegetarian choice OR toss some chicken on top and serve it that way.

While I tend to side with the airlines on the issue of not offering special meals, I have suggested offering pasta dishes without meat as the second meal choice in First Class. I guess the thought is that there will always be some that don't have a choice and will be stuck with a pasta meal without a protein component that may not be happy. I would think pasta would be cheaper...

I agree that a pasta dish would be a good option. I've had some pretty good examples on airlines both here and abroad. Even carnivores might not be that put out if the dish included a decent amount of vegetables. I recall Alaska used to offer a Pasta Putanesca entree that was quite good.

Maybe AS could keep some TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) or freeze dried beef chunks on hand that they could quickly boil up to add to any meatless pasta dish. ;) Seriously, I used to add these things to my backpacking meals for a little more protein and texture. I thought they were a tasty addition, but then again, lots of stuff tastes alot better out on the trail.

Yes, but you also fly 100,000 miles with UA to get 1K (well, OK, not while UA is doing DEQM for 75% of the year, but...). AS MVPG is 50,000 miles on AS/QX+partners, 40,000 on AS/QX alone.

Compare MVPG to UA 1P status and you'll see why I'd be unhappy if AS turned into UA. The money I save on fee waivers for flight changes alone could buy me MANY meals that would quite frankly beat the pants off of airline food.

In the end, it's really hard for me to get worked up about a meal that, at best, would be OK for $15-20 in a diner or cafe. The thought of "OMG, someone who isn't as awesomely elite as I am is getting a BETTER DEAL than I am! Why is that! DYKWIA?" doesn't really stir me when it comes to airline food.

That is true. I guess it depends on your travel patterns. I am top tier on both AS and United because I travel quite a bit to Europe. One of the reasons why I do stick with AS is because I can fly ns to smaller cities that United doesn't serve. Otherwise, I'd have no reason to say MVPG. I do have to say though--that compared to United, the AS FAs are great. I'm pretty happy the majority of the time, and have mostly had good flights.

In terms of 1P, it depends on what you're looking for as well. Yes, you have chance fees. But if you buy a fully refundable ticket, take that out of the equation, and there's still no comparison between AS and UA. You get priority baggage, 3 bags for free, and most importantly E+, which can be nice for those long transcons or flights over across the pond. In addition, you get lounge access when traveling internationally. Just my $.02.

While I don't agree that the system is "deeply flawed" it could certainly be improved and provide a level of predictability or consistency to the passengers which is currently lacking.

On 6 AS flights with meal service in the last week orders were taken from the front on 5 of those flights and from the back on one. The order taking from the back was on a HNL-SEA after I had changed my seat assignment to move to the front after having been stuck with no choice on SEA-HNL (by being in the back). I discussed with the flight attendant on that flight the best way of getting a choice and she said you need to sit in the front half of the cabin as they always start in the front (I know that this isn't always true as I have been on flights where the FA bounces around or starts in the back but it seems that 9 times out of 10 they take orders from the front). Of course, the FA started in the back after my switch and I again had no choice.

With AA's FEBO system I always know what my chances are of getting my first choice of meal when I select my first class seat. When I am unable to select a seat that will predictably give me my first choice of meal, I know this possibility exists before I board and I may purchase something in the terminal and bring it on board.

In terms of 1P, it depends on what you're looking for as well. Yes, you have chance fees. But if you buy a fully refundable ticket, take that out of the equation, and there's still no comparison between AS and UA. You get priority baggage, 3 bags for free, and most importantly E+, which can be nice for those long transcons or flights over across the pond. In addition, you get lounge access when traveling internationally. Just my $.02.

My experience is I won't suffer worse service for a little extra leg room, and the only times where I'm not in AS exit row/bulkhead with tons of leg room are when it's standby, and even then it's 50/50 they'll squeeze me in somewhere decent... where as a 1P I'd be below a LOT of 1K/GS in the pecking order, instead of top-of-the-heap as MVPG. I do buy advanced tickets (almost never Y close to day-of-departure), but I tweak them a fair amount. I also almost never check luggage (usually that only happens on return trips from exotic locales with exotic booze). Also, AS status works for quasi-elite on DL, which is enough for someone with a fairly limited international travel pattern (if it was larger, I'd likely go with AA or DL, simply because it's easier to mix and match miles with AS/AA/DL than with a *A airline.)

All told, bigger fish in a smaller pond works well for me (stats are apparently that less than 30K AS pax have MVPG status). YMMV.

It was used as a headline buzz word just like a newspaper headline @:-)

Perhaps if all one reads is the National Enquirer or Weekly World News.

Any traditional headline writer worth his/her salt doesn't sensationalize. They summarize. And I speak from experience. So don't say it's like a newspaper headline to mislead or overstate. It's more like tabloid TV, I'm afraid, in the current state of the news media.

Perhaps if all one reads is the National Enquirer or Weekly World News.

Any traditional headline writer worth his/her salt doesn't sensationalize. They summarize. And I speak from experience. So don't say it's like a newspaper headline to mislead or overstate. It's more like tabloid TV, I'm afraid, in the current state of the news media.in the current state of the news media they are all tabloids and op eds

in the current state of the news media they are all tabloids and op eds

As with the original topic of this thread, I'm afraid you over-generalize. Not "all." But at least "many," and certainly those that shout the loudest.

Back OT and more to others' comments, I'm also one who would appreciate a vegetarian option in First. But as someone who eats fish and veggies, I'm one who enjoys the salmon, too. If any is left by the time I'm reached.

Some airlines do West to East (and North to South) will serve front to back. East to West (south to north) serve from back to front. Some airlines serve full fare F first then go down the pecking order of the elite program. Someone will always complain about how the service goes...



Not only do I think the F meal system is somewhat flawed and unfair I think its totally flawed, unfair, and in some instances downright disrespectful. The front to back system of taking orders from front to back to where 4D and 4F are stuck with whatever is left is immoral and unethical. Recently I was in 4D and another fellow in 4F. We laughed and joked how we would be stuck with whatever is leftover. It was quite funny but so true. We both ended up with the braised pork shank which happened to be what we were both hoping for. All fine and dandy....yay :D. The more I think about this the more I find this method pathetic. Why should somebody upgraded to 1A who paid $200 fare have first choice over somebody in 4D who paid $700 for a paid F seat???? :confused::confused: There should be one of 2 things done. Either paid F should be able to select 1 of 2 meals online ahead of time or there should be a hierarchy list such as

1. Paid F golds
2. Paid F mvp
3. Paid F general pax
4. UG gold
5. UG mvp
6. award pax

The current system is a total joke really. Ive had several flights where the F FA went around and gave the golds first dibs at what they wanted. For that I was very grateful but it still screws over anybody who paid full fare F for their seat. When I get a UG Im just grateful to be in F and dont care what I get to eat. On the other hand if you drop a grand on an F seat to HNL and get whatevers left it aint so cool

I've flown on airlines that do it by status/purchased fare or just front to back. The former is a little anal and wastes time as the FA has to hop around and correctly identify everyone. I think Air Canada does things this way. I get the point, but front to back just seems easier.

I've had issues with the actual system of service in the front. The choice didn't really seem to be a problem.

Does anyone know how to tell what the F meal is for that flight? I was on a ONT/SEA last friday. We left at 10:30 AM, landed at 12:50 and a salad was served. By the time the "meal" is served its 11:30 so I wonder what the logic is.

Not only do I think the F meal system is somewhat flawed and unfair I think its totally flawed, unfair, and in some instances downright disrespectful. The front to back system of taking orders from front to back to where 4D and 4F are stuck with whatever is left is immoral and unethical. Recently I was in 4D and another fellow in 4F. We laughed and joked how we would be stuck with whatever is leftover. It was quite funny but so true. We both ended up with the braised pork shank which happened to be what we were both hoping for. All fine and dandy....yay :D. The more I think about this the more I find this method pathetic. Why should somebody upgraded to 1A who paid $200 fare have first choice over somebody in 4D who paid $700 for a paid F seat???? :confused::confused: There should be one of 2 things done. Either paid F should be able to select 1 of 2 meals online ahead of time or there should be a hierarchy list such as

1. Paid F golds
2. Paid F mvp
3. Paid F general pax
4. UG gold
5. UG mvp
6. award pax

The current system is a total joke really. Ive had several flights where the F FA went around and gave the golds first dibs at what they wanted. For that I was very grateful but it still screws over anybody who paid full fare F for their seat. When I get a UG Im just grateful to be in F and dont care what I get to eat. On the other hand if you drop a grand on an F seat to HNL and get whatevers left it aint so cool

You really need to seriously find something to occupy your time. If you have such a problem with the way airline serve F food, buy a F seat EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU FLY and be sure to book 1A, or stop your overly dramatic and very sad whining.

You really need to seriously find something to occupy your time. If you have such a problem with the way airline serve F food, buy a F seat EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU FLY and be sure to book 1A, or stop your overly dramatic and very sad whining.

and, ladies and gentleman, welcome to Continental Airlines... :-)

While I think the OP's title is a bit over the top, I do feel bad when I'm not able to offer a choice to every guest in First Class - I feel worse when I know those that didn't get their choices were a full fare paying guest or a loyal traveler.

You really need to seriously find something to occupy your time. If you have such a problem with the way airline serve F food, buy a F seat EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU FLY and be sure to book 1A, or stop your overly dramatic and very sad whining.

My thoughts exactly over this 6 page thread. Which is why i have not bothered to participate.

Maybe i am a little more humble than the next elite...happy to get my upgrade..and happy to be offered any sort of food to begin with.

A six tiered food delivery system for 12-16 people (if the first class cabin is even full to begin with), seems incredibly excessive....even for an airline.

My thoughts exactly over this 6 page thread. Which is why i have not bothered to participate.

Maybe i am a little more humble than the next elite...happy to get my upgrade..and happy to be offered any sort of food to begin with.

A six tiered food delivery system for 12-16 people (if the first class cabin is even full to begin with), seems incredibly excessive....even for an airline.

+1

Far more concerning is the lack of some sort of instrument to cut the steaks. I mean, even when the steak is cooked well (kudos to the TUS-SEA FA a few weeks back, btw!) you can't cut it.

And the floppy trays on the -800s don't help either....

+1

+2

The discussion was fun though ^

Far more concerning is the lack of some sort of instrument to cut the steaks. I mean, even when the steak is cooked well (kudos to the TUS-SEA FA a few weeks back, btw!) you can't cut it.

What steak? You mean that skinny little piece of meat with the gravy on the side? :D


http://images47.fotki.com/v1473/photos/2/211932/7485104/024ASPDXLAXDINNERAPR2009-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-spring-travels/024aspdxlaxdinnerapr2009.html)

Exactly why I call it the turd of beef...that picture does my statement justice. Heck, I think I called it that when I was on the upgrd podcast. Hah :p

I donno man, the steak does look funny, but there's some shrink wrapped crackers in coach if you want them :p

Yuck! That steak looks awful! I'll never complain about the F snack basket on US Airways again. I'd rather have pre-packaged snacks.

What steak? You mean that skinny little piece of meat with the gravy on the side? :D


http://images47.fotki.com/v1473/photos/2/211932/7485104/024ASPDXLAXDINNERAPR2009-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-spring-travels/024aspdxlaxdinnerapr2009.html)

Wow... :(

I'd rather have the petit' bacon wrapped fillet-

But meat is meat :D [Yes, I am a carnivore ;)]

Gravy... could that at least be presented in a warmed nut ramekin... ? The foil does not look so good...

I donno man, the steak does look funny, but there's some shrink wrapped crackers in coach if you want them :p

Good point ^

Yuck! That steak looks awful! I'll never complain about the F snack basket on US Airways again. I'd rather have pre-packaged snacks.

I'd rather have hydrated protein then dehydrated... @:-)

My thoughts exactly over this 6 page thread. Which is why i have not bothered to participate.

Maybe i am a little more humble than the next elite...happy to get my upgrade..and happy to be offered any sort of food to begin with.

A six tiered food delivery system for 12-16 people (if the first class cabin is even full to begin with), seems incredibly excessive....even for an airline.

Disagree. For one, the OP was clearly exhibiting hyperbole for the sake of discussion (and a little bit of fun). Two, he has a point: to give first choice to people who fly once a year and have tossed an extra $50 at AS while leaving those who have paid $500+ for the flight and those who have diverted thousands of dollars of revenue to AS with second choice seems wrong. It isn't that hard to implement and wouldn't be excessive at all if done right.

Besides, AS is supposed to be the NOE one...they should go above and beyond! :p

What steak? You mean that skinny little piece of meat with the gravy on the side? :D


:eek: Good lord, that looks like a piece of tire tread. Or a dog's chew toy.

The steak I had actually looked like a steak. Only smaller. Much, much smaller. About 1.5" in diameter. *

*I am not complaining about this meal in F. In fact, when I got the steak, I was thrilled to have something other than the "chicken cordon bleu wrap." :D

I'd be careful of knocking that steak. It could simply be a hanger steak which actually looks that way. They used to call it a butcher's cut as the butcher would save it for themselves. Of course, y'all knew that right?

I'm not partial to the hanger steak, but many people love it. Picture the consistency of filet with a mild taste of kidney due to its location.

:eek: Good lord, that looks like a piece of tire tread. Or a dog's chew toy.

The steak I had actually looked like a steak. Only smaller. Much, much smaller. About 1.5" in diameter. *

*I am not complaining about this meal in F. In fact, when I got the steak, I was thrilled to have something other than the "chicken cordon bleu wrap." :D

Maybe it was that awful bacon wrapped "filet" covered in fried onions?

Getting back on topic, if Alaska's meal choices or presentation are that "deeply flawed", does it really matter whether you have first choice or not? :D

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs095.snc3/16267_345822170483_532240483_9919791_5514625_n.jpg

SEA-SNA this morning (i was one flight away from getting the wifi plane too) I liked it. The only choice.

Disagree. For one, the OP was clearly exhibiting hyperbole for the sake of discussion (and a little bit of fun). Two, he has a point: to give first choice to people who fly once a year and have tossed an extra $50 at AS while leaving those who have paid $500+ for the flight and those who have diverted thousands of dollars of revenue to AS with second choice seems wrong. It isn't that hard to implement and wouldn't be excessive at all if done right.

It is very difficult to measure the value of a passenger with so many factors at stake. Some MVP's drive more revenue than a lot of golds, some paid F travelers my only fly once a year, etc. The only thing that people can even grasp in the first place is miles flown = status tier.

I think if a first choice system was implemented, it would have to be discrete. Creating a cast system in first class with a bunch of mostly high value customers is going to be more harm than good.

I also really don't think its much of an issue.... i have not heard anyone flip out over choices....yet. but i dont fly ANC's routes :p

On the vast majority of Alaska's routes, the choice of entrees is a non-issue. So far as I know, the only routes that offer a choice of meals are the transcons and maybe ORD-ANC and CUN-LAX.


http://images19.fotki.com/v19/photos/2/211932/8046102/059ASSEALAXBREAKFASTSEP09-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/059-as-sea-lax-brea.html)

Hey maokh, I'll trade you my bacon for your sausage!

Amusing thread, all. Keep up the good work. :D

My .02 - not that big a deal. I do like the idea of alternating front to back one direction and back-front on the return direction.

After all - it's airline food!

HIJACK!
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv134/MVPGOLD/IMG_5510.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/ual757/DCATR/IMG_4192.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/ual757/ordtr/IMG_2919.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/ual757/ordtr/IMG_2524.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/ual757/DCATR/IMG_4194.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/ual757/DCATR/IMG_4347.jpg
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv134/MVPGOLD/IMG_5728.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/ual757/DCATR/IMG_4307.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/ual757/DCATR/IMG_4193.jpg
http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu154/alaskmd80/IMG_2034.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/ual757/IMG_2174.jpg

You really need to seriously find something to occupy your time. If you have such a problem with the way airline serve F food, buy a F seat EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU FLY and be sure to book 1A, or stop your overly dramatic and very sad whining.suggestions noted....and this is the face disposing of your suggestion and me not caring :D next idea please

Getting back on topic, if Alaska's meal choices or presentation are that "deeply flawed", does it really matter whether you have first choice or not? :D

I don't think the OP ever said (correct me if I'm wrong) that the choices or presentation are flawed--only that the procedure for distributing them is.

It is very difficult to measure the value of a passenger with so many factors at stake. Some MVP's drive more revenue than a lot of golds, some paid F travelers my only fly once a year, etc. The only thing that people can even grasp in the first place is miles flown = status tier.

I think if a first choice system was implemented, it would have to be discrete. Creating a cast system in first class with a bunch of mostly high value customers is going to be more harm than good.

As an elite on a complimentary upgrade, even though I may have more overall value to the company than someone who flies once a year on an F ticket, I understand that on that particular flight, I'm the lucky one, and I'd have no problem giving up my meal to someone who paid 2-5x what I did. But I do have more value to the company than someone on a Hot Deals ticket who plopped $50 down to upgrade when the GA made a "First Class seats available!" call, and I don't think I'm unjustified in wanting to be satisfied before they do. That's why I mostly agreed with the OP's proposed order: paid F first (broken down by status, if need be), followed by elites on complimentary upgrades and with no-status passengers on paid upgrades last. I don't think that's an unreasonable expectation, nor is it all that difficult to implement.

I also really don't think its much of an issue.... i have not heard anyone flip out over choices....yet. but i dont fly ANC's routes :p

It may not be a major issue, but the OP admitted he picked the thread title in order to stir up some discussion, not because he was honestly, truly mad about this:

As to the term "deeply flawed", I think we all agree that it's a bit over the top (for this argument at least) and I'm reasonably certain that the OP would have chosen somewhat less severe terminology had he to do it all over again.It was used as a headline buzz word just like a newspaper headline @:-)

(Even if that's a fallacious comparison--unless you're thinking of supermarket tabloids--the OP's intent is pretty clear. This isn't the DL forum, you know... ;))

HIJACK!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/ual757/DCATR/IMG_4347.jpg

This one is pretty funny .. nice thrown together cheese platter complete wrapped crackers...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/ual757/DCATR/IMG_4193.jpg

What is the grey thingy? It looks like cooked maktak .. and even know its ALASKA AIRLINES with an ESKIMO on the tail, i really don't think its cooked whale blubber. Although, if the catering was out of BRW, id understand.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu154/alaskmd80/IMG_2034.jpg

hmmmm...

Some meals over the last couple of months that i bothered taking a picture of ...

http://photos-snc1.fbcdn.net/v2064/86/24/532240483/n532240483_5589274_2282.jpg

http://photos-sf2p.fbcdn.net/v647/86/24/532240483/n532240483_5941653_7307.jpg

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs155.snc1/5770_264712875483_532240483_8572299_2366679_n.jpg

http://photos-sf2p.fbcdn.net/v5203/86/24/532240483/n532240483_8241732_1328064.jpg
Top Pot SEA-PDX

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs107.snc1/4789_223671030483_532240483_7533935_4029738_n.jpg
A lot of soda catering for a 35 minute flight!

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs078.snc3/14535_324683330483_532240483_9584592_6347883_n.jpg
PHX-SEA

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs030.snc1/3195_186651560483_532240483_6651461_1576734_n.jpg
NWA E175 commuter first

On the vast majority of Alaska's routes, the choice of entrees is a non-issue. So far as I know, the only routes that offer a choice of meals are the transcons and maybe ORD-ANC and CUN-LAX.

Hey maokh, I'll trade you my bacon for your sausage!

Transcons, ANC-ORD and ex-Hawaii (Been on most of these routes :cool:)

I don't think the OP ever said (correct me if I'm wrong) that the choices or presentation are flawed--only that the procedure for distributing them is.

I know he didn't. I just thought I'd borrow the terminology after seeing some of those scary food photos :eek:

And again, off topic, but it occurred to me that we could possibly put some of those photos of Alaska meals to good use.

With so many posts asking what kind of meal/service to expect in First on any given route, why not create a separate thread, kind of like a "sticky" or maybe just a floating post where those who want to can post pictures of the meals with a brief description. The format I envision would be something like this:


http://images52.fotki.com/v640/photos/2/211932/8046102/001ASFAISEASNACKSEP09-vi.jpg ( http://public.fotki.com/Seat2A/2009-autumn-travels-/001-as-fai-sea-snac.html)

Date: September 2009
Route: Fairbanks to Seattle
Meal: Dinner (Chicken Marsala)
Notes: No choice of meal offered.

A collection of photos like this could be a good tool for those wondering what to expect should they fly First Class on any given Alaska route. Then again, it might also be a gigantic waste of time since many people have way too much pride to ever stoop to taking pictures of their airline meals. :rolleyes: Anyway, just a thought.

I am deeply offended by all these pictures of prayer cards. Please remove them immediately from this thread. :mad:

:p:p:p

Anyways, back (kinda) on topic, the EXPs on AA seem fine with FEBO. If that was how AS worked, I would be fine myself (since paid F can likely pick their seats over the Golds/MVPs in U, as well as over the gate upgrades).

Two other comments- you only get meal choices on transcons (LAX-CUN is a "light snack" like a midcon, from my experience- my daughter asked nicely for the Y cheeseburger once Y put in their orders and got it), and transcons= minimum $150 gate upgrade, not $50.

Then again, it might also be a gigantic waste of time since many people have way too much pride to ever stoop to taking pictures of their airline meals. :rolleyes: Anyway, just a thought.

Well, I do it, but I try to be discreet.

Given I'm usually only in F on ANC-SEA or on short-haul segments, I'm rarely in a position to take photos of AS meals, though.

I do have some fantastic BA meal photos I do need to get sorted and uploaded, though! :D

Well, I do it, but I try to be discreet.

Given I'm usually only in F on ANC-SEA or on short-haul segments, I'm rarely in a position to take photos of AS meals, though.

I do have some fantastic BA meal photos I do need to get sorted and uploaded, though! :D

I take photos religiously... just lack a place to upload them to...

Someday in the BR I might get around to it I guess :p (or if on N644AS :p)

But we do need a food thread ^

Well, I do it, but I try to be discreet.

Indeed. There's NEVER a need to use a flash. I've managed decent to excellent pictures using just the overhead reading light at night. The photo of Chicken Marsala that I used above was taken with only the light from the overhead reading lamp. As to people wondering what I'm doing (And this is where most people get all weird and uptight about explaining themselves...) I just say I have a friend who's a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines and she was curious about what other airlines serve so I thought I'd help her out.

Another line I've used is that I have a new camera and I'm trying to get a better sense of how best to use the settings. A plate of food has a lot of different textures and colors, so using it to better understand your camera settings makes sense to most people.

And finally, for all those folks who are still just too uptight about the possibility that someone they don't even know might think they're some kind of a weirdo or a geek for taking a picture of an airline meal, well, there's not much we can do for you in this forum. I would recommend that you not take pictures, but DO have a couple more drinks! :D

Indeed. There's NEVER a need to use a flash. I've managed decent to excellent pictures using just the overhead reading light at night. As to people wondering what the hell I'm doing (And this is where most people get all weird and uptight about explaining themselves...) I just say I have a friend who's a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines and she was curious about what other airlines serve so I thought I'd help her out.

Another line I've used is that I have a new camera and I'm trying to get a better sense of how best to use the settings. Food photos have a lot of different textures and colors, so using a plate of food to better understand your camera settings makes sense to most people.

And finally, for all those folks who still are just too uptight about the possibility of people they don't know thinking they're some kind of a weirdo or a geek for taking a picture of their airline meal, well, there's not much we can do for you in this forum. I would recommend that you not take pictures, but DO have a couple more drinks! :D

I just take them... not worried about being discrete... ;)

There is a special 'cuisine' mode on mine that makes it easy :cool:

So not exactly uptight :o

You know, it's sad when SEA-SoCal used to be this just a few years ago:

Salad (w/roll and butter -- I haven't seen one roll all year):
http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/alaskaairlines025.jpg

Choice of Entree:
http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/alaskaairlines027.jpg

OR!

http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/alaskaairlines023.jpg

Dessert (the current chocolate thing they have going on is like the dream of an afterthought...):
http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/alaskaairlines028.jpg

I mean...I guess it is only airplane food. :p But the presentation just used to be so much nicer (along with the seats, anyone remember the 739-style F seat on the 73G?). :(

There is a special 'cuisine' mode on mine that makes it easy :cool:

Well, there's YOUR excuse: "I'm just testing out this 'cuisine' mode on my camera!" :D

HIJACK!

Some meals over the last couple of months that i bothered taking a picture of ...


Do people ever look at you like you're from Mars when you take these photos?

;)

(ps. I'm all for the meal thread. My meals are either that pita thing or that chicken cordon bleu thing. Ugh.)

I've been seeing people ask nicely for breakfast cereal, coach food, etc. and being served. They even offered to get one of my daughters something because they didn't think she'd want the food served...so she went and got a snack pack

Do people ever look at you like you're from Mars when you take these photos?


Yeah, its sometimes a "first time in first class/airplane?" look. I guess United757 has actually had someone ask that. But many don't really think much of it. I usually wrap it up with a self portrait. However, compared to those lav pic people, i am considerably normal.

frankly, I take pictures of restaurant food when presentation is involved. First class airplane food included.

I think its funny that a Flight Attendant, required by FAA regulations for safety reasons, has somehow assumed the role of gourmet chef, bartender, coat checker, etc.

Yeah, its sometimes a "first time in first class/airplane?" look. I guess United757 has actually had someone ask that.

I too have been asked that question, once by a flight attendant and once by my seatmate. In seatmate's case, we got to chatting and ultimately had a fine time checking out some of my photos from First Class on BA and CX. Ain't laptops great?! He'd never flown anything better than World Business Class on Northwest across the Pacific. He was also stunned that I had logged over 1.5 million miles in First Class.

I think its funny that a Flight Attendant, required by FAA regulations for safety reasons, has somehow assumed the role of gourmet chef, bartender, coat checker, etc.

Historically, Flight Attendants were all that and much more. Early flight attendants (1930s) were also required to be registered nurses. I've chatted with alot of flight attendants and amongst those who've been in the industry for awhile (twenty years or more), every one of them preferred the old days.

Funny, Mrs. PDXOutbound (a sommelier and wine blogger) takes photos everywhere, all the time. On a plance, with UG, without UG, food and wine photos. She takes notes at restaurants, the beach, etc. She's even thinking of video....can you imagine me sitting next to her in F when she's videoing her wine/food experience? That would be too funny. I would amost have to announce it to the cabin.

I get so used to it I never even thought to think about what the others in the cabin might think. I mean really......she takes photos when grilling......

But maybe I can convince her to sign up on FT and document the food (or lack of) on the flights and make her write about it. I still think advance food choices online would rock assuming it's easy to manage.

Yeah, its sometimes a "first time in first class/airplane?" look. I guess United757 has actually had someone ask that.

Oh yes. It's my age. I politely tell them no. I love when they go on saying how they are MVP or MVPG and it's just a normal thing for them before I can answer and I say, oh yeah, I love being gold too. The looks are priceless. Then they question me. It's quite funny.

I love when they go on saying how they are MVP or MVPG and it's just a normal thing for them before I can answer and I say, oh yeah, I love being gold too. The looks are priceless. Then they question me. It's quite funny.

I love it!

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I recently used MVPG Complimentary Upgrade Certificates to upgrade two co-workers in their 50s who had never flown First Class before. Thankfully it was a long flight, from Anchorage to Chicago.

Oh yes. It's my age. I politely tell them no. I love when they go on saying how they are MVP or MVPG and it's just a normal thing for them before I can answer and I say, oh yeah, I love being gold too. The looks are priceless. Then they question me. It's quite funny.

My family gets the same treatment by first class passengers and staff who think we are family preboarders...they get mad when we are on the carpet.

Oh yes. It's my age. No, it is the UA logo on your tail :D

No, it is the UA logo on your tail :D

I didn't know my tail hangs out. Uhoh. Need to get that removed...
MODS CHANGE MY USERNAME ;)

You know, it's sad when SEA-SoCal used to be this just a few years ago:


I mean...I guess it is only airplane food. :p But the presentation just used to be so much nicer (along with the seats, anyone remember the 739-style F seat on the 73G?). :(

I remember getting actual salt and pepper shakers. Now we get paper ones with our muffins...

I remember getting actual salt and pepper shakers. Now we get paper ones with our muffins...

The folks at VX still take salt & pepper seriously, albeit in a more whimsical way.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3761296027_a5b98f11f9.jpg?v=1248701460

My thoughts exactly over this 6 page thread. Which is why i have not bothered to participate.

Maybe i am a little more humble than the next elite...happy to get my upgrade..and happy to be offered any sort of food to begin with.

A six tiered food delivery system for 12-16 people (if the first class cabin is even full to begin with), seems incredibly excessive....even for an airline.

Here here, I totally agree.

6 tiers would be ridikilus, I tell you. And whatever you do, someone will feel slighted. "I've been a faithful AS flyer for 20 years" (but finally redeemed an F award, and never had any status). "I paid full F" (but don't have any status).

If there has to be a simplified pecking order,
(1) Paid F, regardless of status, then
(2) Consistently Front to Back, or consistent FEBO-type system.

I cannot say that it is really fair that a last minute MVPG upgrade should trump someone who has been booked in the F cabin for quite some time, either by redeeming a lot of miles, or an MVP who bought a full Y (upgradeable) fare. Therefore, simple is best. Those with status/regular flyers would know consistent Front to Back or FEBO system, and those who paid for F would get first choice. Isn't that good customer service? Isn't that how you might get an infrequent AS flyer paying for F to possibly switch carriers?

6 tiers would be ridikilus, I tell you. And whatever you do, someone will feel slighted. "I've been a faithful AS flyer for 20 years" (but finally redeemed an F award, and never had any status). "I paid full F" (but don't have any status)....and those who paid for F would get first choice. Isn't that good customer service? Isn't that how you might get an infrequent AS flyer paying for F to possibly switch carriers?

Under the system ANC and I proposed, they'd get first pick anyway, so I don't know why the two hypothetical characters you used would feel slighted.

Maybe i am a little more humble than the next elite...happy to get my upgrade..and happy to be offered any sort of food to begin with.

And under our system, you'd be treated in accordance to your feelings of humility: behind those who have paid [more than a token amount for] the upgrade.

It may be overkill, but it's fair. Straight front-to-back is actually less fair: an MVPG booking months in advance who is buying full F may want an aisle but not like bulkheads, so they don't want row 1. They don't want to be bumped for a FAM, so they don't want row 2. So, they pick row 3, since it's the best mix of comfort and security for them. Is it fair to then serve them a meal they may not like (or may not even be able to eat) because of that [not uncommon] preference? Is it not fairer to implement a system that recognizes their value to the company?