The missing pre-departure beverages is about a work-to-contract labor action. United FAs haven't had a new contract since 2021 and are being offered ~5% raises while pilots got 40%+, creating massive resentment. PDBs aren't contractually required, so they're withholding this "above and beyond" service as one of their few visible pressure points while in negotiations. Combined with minimum staffing levels and the post-COVID discovery that passengers still fly without amenities, airlines have little incentive to push for restored service. Flight attendants are essentially in a soft strike, doing exactly what's required and nothing more until they get a fair contract.