Originally Posted by
Bar Operator
Sounds like you were unfortunate !
I guess everyone on FT already knows the score but...
Crew should already know where the status customers in a cabin are seated. The SCCM should liaise with the crew working in the J cabin to ensure that when the meal order paperwork is prepared, names and status should be inserted into the relevant diagram used for the meal order.
Meal orders should then be taken in row order (front to back). Once all the orders are taken, if there are any shortages of a particular meal option (which there usually are!) status customers should get prioritised. This means typically, staff and upgrades (Op-ups) will be approached and asked for their second option to ensure Golds etc. get their first option....if the crew are on the ball they might ask any staff or Upgrades for what their second meal option might be whilst taking orders....
Problem arises when there are already many Golds in the cabin ; someone with status is going to be disappointed as it then goes down to CIV number to distinguish between Golds. Even then, if a Gold is likely to be declined their first option for both meals, I would expect the crew to look at possible solutions ...
Last time I flew CW (747, Upper Deck, Row 62, Silver) I told the crew that although the beef was my first choice, I'd be OK with the fish. I was assured they had plenty of beef for everyone. A short while later they were back asking me if I didn't mind having the fish after all, as they'd raided First and were still one beef short. I felt I was helping the crew, knowing how hard it must be to meet passenger expectations under the current BA management regime. But perhaps I'm getting BA Stockholm Syndrome and shouldn't be so helpful?