First of all, the transcon service should consist of the initial service (bev, BOB, followed by coffee), another bev service before landing, and they should be coming through w/ water every 20-30 mins or so (supplies permitting). If the fa's don't do the 2nd bev service, they are lazy. It happens to me every once in a while, and it really chaps my hide.

You are doing everything right, and are using my "magic words"-when you get a chance. I will say though, that it is a huge pet peeve of fa's when pax order coffee/tea and pax don't say how they want it. What is hard about asking for tea w/ lemon/sugar or coffee w/ milk?

So, that being said I wanted to answer your questions.

1. No

2. Only if you want to stretch your legs, and on longer flights, it's not a bad idea.

3. Yes, but not over any other request.

4. Yes, but keep in mind we may have run out of your first choice by that time.

5. Yes, fa's should especially understand if you are trapped in the window.

6. Not SOP, just lazyness.

7. They should do the service that UAL expects them to do, and kudo's to them if they go above and beyond.

Now, if you wanted to be proactive, you could mention to one of the fa's that you have a sore throat and will probably be "bugging" them for tea and refills throughout the flight. Saying this in a lighthearted manner will let the fa's know what you will need, and if you said this to me, I would be checking up on you periodically.

Now I know that there will be many here that will not like my above suggestion, because you, the pax, shouldn't have to do anything, and I should just serve you. I'm just saying that's what I would do if I was in your situation.

Also, next time you hit starbucks, grab a couple of packets of honey and add it to your tea. I find this helps when i have a sore throat. Bringing on your own tea bags is another great idea. (If you like "good" tea)