Flying from Riyadh to London on BA I was across the aisle from a woman and her two kids, ages about 10 and 12. We struck up a conversation. I was returning to the States via London and she was heading back to Northern Ireland after visiting her husband. About an hour into the flight she "offered to buy ne a drink". I agreed even though I rarely drink on flights. She rings for the FA and then proceeds to dig out her purse and money.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Getting money for the drinks", she said.
"I said I was buying."
I explained the concept of free drinks on international flights. She didn't believe me until the FA came and confirmed that all drinks were free. This was the most glorious thing she had ever heard and five hours later, after many, many drinks and a lot of good conversation we poured ourselves off the plane. Thank goodness her children were old enough to gather our luggage and get us through customs. My friends picking me up were amazed to see me come through the door arm in arm with this woman- singing- followed by her kids with all of our luggage in tow.