US and AA new meal selection order 1 Sep 2014 (consolidated)
Aug 31, 2014, 1:46 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
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US transcon meal selection order
I have a few upcoming early morning transcons (specifically CLT-LAX, CLT-SFO, and PHL-SAN) and I'm wondering about the current wisdom on whether breakfast orders are taken front-to-back or back-to-front of the F cabin. These flights are mostly A321s and my understanding is that breakfast choices tend to be omelet and yogurt/oatmeal/something, with the former always running out. Is that still the case?
Anyway, I'd like to choose my seat with this in mind. I read some past threads that seemed to indicate westbound flights are back-to-front and eastbound flights are front-to-back, with a healthy dose of YMMV based on individual FA. However, those threads were all over 6 months old. Anyone with a more recent experience?
Anyway, I'd like to choose my seat with this in mind. I read some past threads that seemed to indicate westbound flights are back-to-front and eastbound flights are front-to-back, with a healthy dose of YMMV based on individual FA. However, those threads were all over 6 months old. Anyone with a more recent experience?
Last edited by JDiver; Aug 30, 2015 at 8:41 am Reason: Restore original post title
Aug 31, 2014, 2:38 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2013
Location: LHR
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A few data points, possibly not indicative of whatever the actual rule is: All of my recent meal flights* (3x SFO - CLT, PHX - PHL, PHX - BWI, BWI - PHX, PHL - SFO, 3x CLT - SFO) have been front to back. Two have been breakfast flights, both eastbound, although I'm not sure the breakfast vs. non-breakfast distinction matters. All have been in the past 4 months. Of course, this is only N = 5 for each direction, and with all the other changes to meal service upcoming maybe this is irrelevant post-9/1, but take it for what you will...
*To avoid debate on whether or not BWI/PHL <-> PHX counts as a transcon.
*To avoid debate on whether or not BWI/PHL <-> PHX counts as a transcon.
Aug 31, 2014, 3:16 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: PHL
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Only recent experiences here are on PHL-PHX/SFO dinner flights and afternoon flights going east. Generally, back to front westbound, front to back east, but probably 2/3 of the total time it's been front to back regardless of direction, If you're in row 2 or 3, running out isn't too common. Rows 1 or 4 would obviously be riskier.
Aug 31, 2014, 9:08 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
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I definitely hope US will move to the AA preordering system soon!
Sep 2, 2014, 12:23 pm
#5
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OK, thanks for the tips and experiences! I'm in 4A tomorrow westbound (nothing available in 2 or 3 to change to), so here's hoping they go by "the rule"...
Sep 4, 2014, 10:44 am
#6
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If it means so much (and I understand...I hate missing out on the eggs), I would just ask before takeoff or when you board. They will usually oblige.
Sep 4, 2014, 10:59 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Stuck Between the Moon and CLD or SAN, Your local Taco Bell
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A few data points, possibly not indicative of whatever the actual rule is: All of my recent meal flights* (3x SFO - CLT, PHX - PHL, PHX - BWI, BWI - PHX, PHL - SFO, 3x CLT - SFO) have been front to back. Two have been breakfast flights, both eastbound, although I'm not sure the breakfast vs. non-breakfast distinction matters. All have been in the past 4 months. Of course, this is only N = 5 for each direction, and with all the other changes to meal service upcoming maybe this is irrelevant post-9/1, but take it for what you will...
Oct 15, 2014, 8:36 am
#8
Join Date: May 2000
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Posts: 2,679
Any updates post 9/1 changes? Also, what would I expect for a CLT-PHX lunch flight? What are they serving these days and what type of desert is served and is there the arrival snack basket?
This flight is right on the cusp of the extended transcon service.
This flight is right on the cusp of the extended transcon service.
Oct 17, 2014, 10:57 am
#9
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AFAIK, PHX-CLT is not considered a transcon. But I could be wrong.
Dec 12, 2014, 4:49 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: PHL / SFO
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Was told by an FA on a transcon today that the "new rule" is South or East: front to back; North or West: back to front.
I had two flights today. PDX-PHX-PHL. First one, orders were taken back-to-front (despite traveling both south and east), Second was taken front-to-back.
So, consistently inconsistent as usual.
I asked the FA about FEBO - she'd never heard of it.
I had two flights today. PDX-PHX-PHL. First one, orders were taken back-to-front (despite traveling both south and east), Second was taken front-to-back.
So, consistently inconsistent as usual.
I asked the FA about FEBO - she'd never heard of it.
Last edited by JDiver; Aug 30, 2015 at 8:42 am Reason: Restore post to original
Dec 19, 2014, 10:39 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Sacramento, CA
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hyatt,Marriott,BA,AS
Posts: 4,425
Meal Ordering/FEBO
Did a search but can find no current postings. Does US allow F passengers to pre-order like AA does? If not, does US follow AA's new policy for taking orders (westbound back to front, eastbound back to front, etc)?
Dec 19, 2014, 10:50 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP / HH Diamond
Posts: 592
No general online pre-order (can request special dietary needs meals through reservations). Choice (order-direction) is supposed to mirror the policy you stated.
Dec 19, 2014, 12:08 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Sun Prairie, WI
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I believe FEBO is Front (even flight numbers) Back (odd flight numbers)
Dec 19, 2014, 12:42 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Phoenix/Columbus
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FEBO
Rarely followed in my experience.
Dec 19, 2014, 2:27 pm
#15
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I was on US709 (PHL-SFO) last Sunday and they started at the front, contrary to the policy of starting at the back for Westbound.
At least it helped me avoid the horrible Miso Chicken dish they were serving.
At least it helped me avoid the horrible Miso Chicken dish they were serving.