Don't forget also that this has to be ordered from a usually sour faced barman - as opposed to helping yourself with the tip saucer staring at you accusingly. The free drinks are the cheap ones - the ones that you and I might prefer would be paid for.

I'm sorry but I think that this handing over of what is no more than ration coupons when you go in their lounges. As for food - well I rest my case. Let us say that it is better than nothing.

Still you can always gamble on whether the FA will actually do a pre-flight drink service on board.