Around the year 2000 I had missed a flight out of HKG and CX put me on the next flight, which was a UA flight in J with a connection that ended up being a better routing for me. I sat next to a small, Scott-Adams-looking guy from Chicago, and after we exchanged introductions, we both tuned into Ch9 and I looked out the window.

We took off, and dinner was served, and I never saw this guy drink anything other than Coke, and he certainly wasn't acting lit either. However, the folks in front of us, who were apparently some sort of UN personnel by their conversation, were enjoying themselves fairly well as they were talking loudly and putting the liquor supply to the sword, although hardly swinging from the bin lids.

Just as the final dishes were being cleared, Madame Senior FA, who I had not seen previously, strode purposefully to us and, fixing my seat mate with a clear and steely eye, told him he was entirely cut off. I goggled at her, and then looked at the guy next to me, whose face was a picture of confusion. "From what?" he said weakly, and her reply was something along the lines of, "Don't play games with me."

Right on cue, however, the folks in front of us burst out laughing, having heard every word. Madam Senior FA turned puce as she looked at them, and then us, but she just turned on her heel and marched off, never to be seen or heard from again. I always figured someone had complained to the flight enforcer, and she somehow had confused Mr. Meek beside me with the UN Party People, maybe by getting the wrong seats or something.

Sorry, long story, but the OP brought back the memory of this extraordinary performance with his experience. Neither the UN or UA came off looking very good, but it was mainly the actions of a very few people that tarnished their reputations.