Howdy,

Ok, so riddle me this one folks.

I'm actually sitting in F (most of my flights don't have one). We're 20 minutes away from touchdown.

The until-now friendly FA says to me, "Sir, I need you to finish your drink now as I have to clear the glass.".

I reply, "Ma'am may I hold on it for a bit, my ears are bothering me with the pressure change on the descent".

She firmly states, "Sir, you must allow me to take the glass now, that is a direct order from a member of the flight crew".

Ok fine - I know they are supposed to do this. And I also know that 99% of the time when I have made this request they have allowed me to hold onto my diet coke (generally I'm down to less than an inch of liquid in the glass by the time this happens).

Now, I'm not looking to hassel anyone - and I have never claimed my ears were bothering me when they weren't (by the way - they rarely bother me - I've done this maybe 20 flights total? if that many).

But my question is why? If it's true that I am supposed to be allowed to keep a drink I bring with me - why is it verboten to keep a drink the FA gives me?

I'm not complaining - I've complied and will comply in the future - I'm just wondering why? (although I'll certainly ask in the future when my ears are popping again...).

Keep the faith,

Pakse