Had a short connection in AMS yesterday and was expecting to snag some Duty Free on DL 223 yesterday. Got onboard, the purser broadcasts they'll be rolling the cart out after the meal.

We were getting midway into the flight, everyone's eaten, the lights had dimmed, passengers are napping, flagged a passing steward and ask if I'd missed the Duty Free. "The vendor didn't load the card reader, again", he tells me.

Had a chat with the purser later, asking why not advise and correct his earlier announcement. He tells me he didn't want to bother the passengers., adding "That's the second time this month this has happened, we lose revenue too".

"Bugger that", I think to myself. What with what they gouge with those extra fees and 'perks' such as Economy Plus.

So no ciggies and vodka this trip. Damn it.