New "Basic First" service today IAH - PHX
Jun 18, 2017, 4:13 am
#46
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA 1K 25 years/2MM, Honors LT Diamond, AVIS & Hertz Prez Club
Posts: 4,753
The ERJ145 flight I was on Friday had a great FA who walked up and down the aisle many many times to offer drinks. He did not use the cart. So, every time someone wanted something, he went back and got it. He probably walked up and down 40 times during the 2 hour flight. Even though I could have used another water, I did not ask him because that would make him make another trip.
Jun 18, 2017, 4:49 am
#47
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,727
I suspect those FAs who provide "basic first" service are the same ones who feel the call button should not be used except in emergencies.
Jun 18, 2017, 8:53 am
#48
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,095
If I want something and can't catch the eye of an FA, my practice is to go to the galley and politely ask. Also, because I'm a naturally chatty person and enjoy engaging in small talk, I frequently will chat a bit with the FA as they prepare what I want. I've been doing it this way for all my decades of flying, and have never felt that my approach was anything but welcome by FAs.
Jun 18, 2017, 9:13 am
#49
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
I'm constantly amazed at how social media has made people afraid of direct communication and made passive-aggressive behavior acceptable. Seems like a lot less effort and better outcome to either ring the bell or politely say "Excuse me, could you please..."
Jun 18, 2017, 10:11 am
#50
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,965
I talked to him a little. Part of it is so it does not block the aisle. Another thing he said was that they now have these new carts that don't have the flaps flipping out on top to provide more space. So, he could not lay all his stuff out and he prefers to do things in the galley.
This guy was just amazing - very thorough safety check, which I think annoyed some people (like when he told that 1K who got ice at the exit row to keep the shades down during takeoff), but followed by great service.