Originally Posted by
Often1
I am all for the "push-the-button" model. It is the very essence of providing service on demand rather than when the carrier thinks that it is best. Necessarily in Y, everything has to be done according to a set cadence or it doesn't get done. In F, each passenger can have what he wants when he wants it and the form he wants it.
In an ideal situation, if no F passenger wants anything, there ought not to be any crew moving in the F cabin (once soiled dishes are cleared). Conversely, there is always crew available to meet a passenger's need and that can be attended to without fanfare.
Of course, there are two sides to that, and in some cases it might viewed differently by different cultures. In a fine restaurant (an American restaurant), for example, they don't have call buttons. A good waiter or waitress is unobtrusively nearby, watching to see if your drink is getting empty, or if you need your plate cleared, or look like you are ready for dessert. In my book, that is the quintessential "great service". If I had to pound on the table every time I wanted something, it would be reflected in a poor tip.
Not all F product is "on demand". Many airlines have F service in which the FA's unobtrusively keep an eye on things. They don't stomp through the cabin. They don't interrupt you. But they just seem to always be there, ready to serve.
For some -- like me -- pushing the call button just feels obnoxious. I have flown F many times in CX, and I don't even know where the call button is located.
I'm not trying to deride anyone who likes it... just saying it's not for everyone.