Hi gang!

Thank you, everyone, for your interest in implementing a new boarding procedure. I sincerely appreciate your input.

Predeparture beverages in FC is American's way of saying "Welcome" and "Thank you" to our high yield FC customers. As a Flight Attendant, I will do my best to offer this service before every flight.

The FAA requires all company (airline) supplied service items be picked up prior to departure (active taxi). The FAA does not require items brought on by the customer be taken, however, those items must be "stowed" for take-off and landing.

A flight attendant can not deliver a beverage to a customer after the door has been closed, and taxi has begun. However, if it looks as though we will be on the taxiway for a while (as in LGA) we are able to deliver a beverage as long as the beverages are collected prior to takeoff. I always advise the Captain and he (she) has the final word regarding beverages on the ground during a delay.

Flight attendant are to be in their jumpseats with seatbelts and shoulder harnesses fastened after all safety related duties are performed.

So, what all this means is the FA's can pick up the glasses, however, we can not give you something to drink, and we are not allowed to take meal preferences, pass out magazines, etc. until after takeoff. A Flight Attendant was just fined $1100.00 for being in the aisle, when she should have been in her jumpseat. The Flight Attendant pays the fine - not the airline.

I will print up this thread and take it into the LGA Base Manager on Thursday. Hopefully, we can have a very smooth boarding procedure implemented and everyone will be pleased.