Originally Posted by
MatthewLAX
Indeed, this is a major problem and the solution is not to fire them - that's an empty threat.
But UA should continue to insist that when wearing UA uniforms, SkyWest FAs follow UA protocol. It's not about whether anyone needs a drink on a one hour flight. Rather, it is that this is part of the bargained for exchange, even if secondary to safe and on-time transport. By failing to offer service, SkyWest reflects horribly on UA because most passengers don't know the difference. They only see the United Airlines livery on the aircraft exterior.
There is an actual contract, a literal bargained for exchange, and it says NOTHING about a drink being included.
Some passengers might have an expectation, others might not care, but it is definitely not part of the bargained for exchange. If anyone doubts this, call United and say you will buy a ticket but only if they write drink service into the contract, and see what happens.