Is the FC Pre-Flight service dead?
Jun 30, 2015, 6:11 pm
#31
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: delta dm
Posts: 1,677
It was an unpleasant conversation at first but after cracking a joke the fa went above and beyond.... its all about how you relate to people.....ive had many phone agents gate agents fa do stuff this isnt technically allowed but its all about how you approach the situation 😉
Jun 30, 2015, 7:57 pm
#33
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AA Plat Pro
Posts: 909
On a Delta flight last year in FC, I arrived during zone 2 boarding, I politely asked for my beverage of choice as I passed the galley. The FA acknowledged and asked which seat I was in and fought her way through zone 3 boarding to bring it to me! Guess who received a JWD cert.? Ask nicely if not offered. If time allows most will accommodate.
Jun 30, 2015, 8:26 pm
#35
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,620
On a Delta flight last year in FC, I arrived during zone 2 boarding, I politely asked for my beverage of choice as I passed the galley. The FA acknowledged and asked which seat I was in and fought her way through zone 3 boarding to bring it to me! Guess who received a JWD cert.? Ask nicely if not offered. If time allows most will accommodate.
I can see how some might feel that the they should not have to ask and I sort of understand that, but I feel that the few seconds it takes to ask almost always yields a positive result than it is worth it.
I was in Economy recently and had to take my third dose of Z-Pack and asked for a glass of water to take back to Economy with me to take my pill. The Flight Attendant at first said I should wait till in-flight, but when I showed her the pill she gave me a glass of water without issue. I asked why the hesitation and she said that many people will say they have to take a pill to just get a cup of water, even if they do not have to take a pill. I am not sure why she cared if one truly has/had a pill to take, but either way I got my cup of water and took my pill.
Jun 30, 2015, 9:05 pm
#36
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: SAN Diego (Hillcrest); formerly LEXington, KY; still like the nym
Programs: DL Platinum; Marriott Lifetime Platinum; married to Hilton Elite
Posts: 3,028
4 for 4 on our recent fligts to LAS. (Yeah, I know Southwest does it nonstop but we're Deltaholics and really like to know we'll sit together.)
Otherwise, I've occasionally been asked for an aloft choice when they're really pushing a late load.
Haven't noticed NYC crews being bad, but I try to avoid that. Also proudly a Diamond reboot with NO ATL flights at all!
Otherwise, I've occasionally been asked for an aloft choice when they're really pushing a late load.
Haven't noticed NYC crews being bad, but I try to avoid that. Also proudly a Diamond reboot with NO ATL flights at all!
Jul 1, 2015, 6:42 am
#37
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
OP - What did you ask for? Was it something complicated which could not be done in a short time?
Whether offered or not, I've never been refused any pre-departure service other than when there are special circumstances (e.g., quick taxi, boarding problems and the like).
Whether offered or not, I've never been refused any pre-departure service other than when there are special circumstances (e.g., quick taxi, boarding problems and the like).
Jul 1, 2015, 7:51 am
#38
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: SPG, DL
Posts: 307
Honestly, if you aren't getting a PDB, it's your own fault (or the flight is way late, which is an ops issue not FA issue).
Strategy 1 - ask. Never had it NOT work.
Strategy 2 - inform. This is different than asking, and usually the strategy for later boarding (getting on with zone 2 because of connection, whatever). As you walk past the FA, hand them your coat and say "i'll have a woodford, thanks!" Don't be a dick, but firm politeness.
Strategy 1 - ask. Never had it NOT work.
Strategy 2 - inform. This is different than asking, and usually the strategy for later boarding (getting on with zone 2 because of connection, whatever). As you walk past the FA, hand them your coat and say "i'll have a woodford, thanks!" Don't be a dick, but firm politeness.
Jul 1, 2015, 9:27 am
#39
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta DM/1.3MM, Marriott PP/LTP, Natl EE, Etihad Guest, FT FNG
Posts: 662
Strategy 2 - inform. This is different than asking, and usually the strategy for later boarding (getting on with zone 2 because of connection, whatever). As you walk past the FA, hand them your coat and say "i'll have a woodford, thanks!" Don't be a dick, but firm politeness.
Can that even be posted? Obviously so, since it was posted.
Jul 1, 2015, 9:52 am
#40
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,620
Honestly, if you aren't getting a PDB, it's your own fault (or the flight is way late, which is an ops issue not FA issue).
Strategy 1 - ask. Never had it NOT work.
Strategy 2 - inform. This is different than asking, and usually the strategy for later boarding (getting on with zone 2 because of connection, whatever). As you walk past the FA, hand them your coat and say "i'll have a woodford, thanks!" Don't be a dick, but firm politeness.
Strategy 1 - ask. Never had it NOT work.
Strategy 2 - inform. This is different than asking, and usually the strategy for later boarding (getting on with zone 2 because of connection, whatever). As you walk past the FA, hand them your coat and say "i'll have a woodford, thanks!" Don't be a dick, but firm politeness.
With regards to Strategy 2, I am less comfortable with that one as I personally lack the finesse sometimes in my speech and would not want to run the risk of causing issues between me and the Flight Attendants possibly resulting in unwanted negative attention. My Wife has warned me that even though I am not meaning to sound "dickish", I have the potential, so I find that being as friendly and cordial as possible is the best outcome for me.
Jul 1, 2015, 10:30 am
#41
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta DM/1.3MM, Marriott PP/LTP, Natl EE, Etihad Guest, FT FNG
Posts: 662
With regards to Strategy 2, I am less comfortable with that one as I personally lack the finesse sometimes in my speech and would not want to run the risk of causing issues between me and the Flight Attendants possibly resulting in unwanted negative attention. My Wife has warned me that even though I am not meaning to sound "dickish", I have the potential, so I find that being as friendly and cordial as possible is the best outcome for me.
Jul 1, 2015, 12:18 pm
#42
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,752
No PDB this morning OKC-ATL and no we did not board late.
As I board, I noticed that there were plastic cups with ice ready to go. Putting up my rollaboard, I mention I need a cool drink (not alcohol) as I am dressed warm for the Australian winter.
An FA eventually comes from the last row forward to take orders. However, the lead FA becomes obsessed with putting late comer's luggage in the FB bins that were empty due to a leisure family that put all their fear at their feet. Our departure is delayed due ot luggage being loaded below but the FA closed the door declaring we were ready to row then got all 3 FAs together for a loud conversation.
This was a D1 ticket and with no lounge in OKC the tomato juice with ice would have been appreciated.
As I board, I noticed that there were plastic cups with ice ready to go. Putting up my rollaboard, I mention I need a cool drink (not alcohol) as I am dressed warm for the Australian winter.
An FA eventually comes from the last row forward to take orders. However, the lead FA becomes obsessed with putting late comer's luggage in the FB bins that were empty due to a leisure family that put all their fear at their feet. Our departure is delayed due ot luggage being loaded below but the FA closed the door declaring we were ready to row then got all 3 FAs together for a loud conversation.
This was a D1 ticket and with no lounge in OKC the tomato juice with ice would have been appreciated.
Jul 1, 2015, 12:32 pm
#43
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: DL, Hilton, National
Posts: 841
Interestingly, I was ex-MCI this week. We were delayed and the GA announced at least 3 times that there would be no ground service for premium passengers due to the fast turn around. I was not even in my seat before the FA was taking my order for a PFB. He then did a round of refills while we were taxiing.
Sent DL a note thanking them for his great service.
Sent DL a note thanking them for his great service.
Jul 1, 2015, 4:24 pm
#44
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: Delta skymiles DM + 1MM
Posts: 8,144
I'm afraid to ask since one of them might go to the captain, call me disruptive (to their social cackling) and have me removed from the flight--for having dare questioned their actions. You can't say ANYTHING to a FA anymore without them diverting the plane and calling in the Gestapo to take you away in handcuffs (out of an "abundance of caution" of course---GAG!!!)
Jul 1, 2015, 5:21 pm
#45
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: West Hollywood, CA, USA
Programs: AA, SPG GLD, DL FO, VX, UA, US, ICH, Hyatt, Avis Pref.
Posts: 478
I've seen PDBs on most flights unless catering is late.
Traveler tip: handing your jacket to the FA on a 737-900 is useless as the closet is in the back of first class and the jacket may end up folded over something in the galley until the aisle is clear.
Also, any FA that lets a passenger possess a PDB during taxi is risking their job if the FAA is on board. (FAR 121.577)
Traveler tip: handing your jacket to the FA on a 737-900 is useless as the closet is in the back of first class and the jacket may end up folded over something in the galley until the aisle is clear.
Also, any FA that lets a passenger possess a PDB during taxi is risking their job if the FAA is on board. (FAR 121.577)