Originally Posted by hydro001

The crew are meant to suspend the seat ordering function when setting up the machines.

Then they deliver the pre orders

Then the complimentary service

Then the trolley buy on board

​​​​​​Once that's complete, then they should unsuspend the seat order function for further at seat order sales.

Except that I've experienced the suspend function times itself out and unsuspends itself...so probably whilst the complimentary service is delivered, the machine unsuspendes the seat order suspension allowing you to order at seat without the crew being aware.