drink service timing on transcons
Feb 25, 2015, 12:39 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SLC & NYC
Programs: Diamond Medallion, Delta Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 674
drink service timing on transcons
Is there a standard for what Delta considers drink timing after takeoff? I've been on many FC transcons and it seems like the FA's aren't doing anything for the first hour and a half and no drinks come during that time. Is this normal or am I just getting unlucky? I need a coke badly (I'm on a transcon right now and we are approaching 2 hours without any service). 
Feb 25, 2015, 3:14 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: LAXatives
Programs: Delta Cubic Zirconia, Marriott Diplomat, Hertz Chairman's Square, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 390
Press the call button and then give them a "DYKWIA?!?!" and flash your DM brag tag (Throw it at them if you're feeling extra feisty). That'll show 'em....
Feb 27, 2015, 6:18 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AA 2MM, DL D360
Posts: 125
I have had this same experience lately (been flying DL a lot more than usual). I also notice that they take ages to do a second drink run - often right towards the end of the flight. On a recent transcon drinks were served at about 1.5 hour and 4.5 hours into the flight (and I got the stinkeye from the FA for ordering a glass of wine on the second drink service). AA and AS would have done three services in that same timeframe, easily.
Feb 27, 2015, 7:34 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Orlando, FL Area
Programs: Delta SkySponge ExtraAbsorbent, SPG Gold
Posts: 29,988
That is very unusual in my experience. I've had more than two drinks on ATL-DAB. In my experience they will usually start service after reaching 10,000 ft.
Feb 27, 2015, 8:12 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA GLD (1MM), DL GLD, Marriott Plat, RCL D+, X Elite
Posts: 3,229
Interesting you mention this, because I meant to and forgot. I did a ATL-SEA roundtrip a little over a month ago. There was only one beverage service in both directions. I thought it was odd, and meant to ask here if there was a change.
Feb 28, 2015, 2:39 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AA 2MM, DL D360
Posts: 125
Everything I've flown on Delta has been coach in recent memory - I think it's been 5+ years since I got a complimentary upgrade (as an AS elite). I've had the drink delay issue on a bunch of longer flights - MSP-SEA, ATL-SEA, JFK-SEA (I like to drink on my way home 
)
)
Feb 28, 2015, 5:25 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MCO
Programs: DL DM/MM, Marriott Plat Premier, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,081
Is there a standard for what Delta considers drink timing after takeoff? I've been on many FC transcons and it seems like the FA's aren't doing anything for the first hour and a half and no drinks come during that time. Is this normal or am I just getting unlucky? I need a coke badly (I'm on a transcon right now and we are approaching 2 hours without any service).
The only times I can imagine this might happen is either extreme turbulence or it's a redeye flight where nearly all pax are sleeping. Instead of complaining on
FT, why not either go up to the galley to get your coke or if that's too much trouble, hit the call button.
Feb 28, 2015, 5:48 pm
#13
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Is there a standard for what Delta considers drink timing after takeoff? I've been on many FC transcons and it seems like the FA's aren't doing anything for the first hour and a half and no drinks come during that time. Is this normal or am I just getting unlucky? I need a coke badly (I'm on a transcon right now and we are approaching 2 hours without any service).
That would be outrageous (absent turbulence or a medical emergency). If you want something, just ask for it.
Feb 28, 2015, 7:18 pm
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Orlando, FL Area
Programs: Delta SkySponge ExtraAbsorbent, SPG Gold
Posts: 29,988
I would start reporting this lack of service. I would also report pilots who leave the seatbelt sign on the entire flight with no turbulence. It's an abuse of power and DL can easily verify this via their meteorologists.