Question for SD
 

If a SE travels in biz on an award, are they the last to be asked about meal preference or do they still get priority

I was told once that because I was an upgrade on a T+ fare in M that I did not get priority on a flt from FRA-YYZ so....I wondered if flying on an award puts me even lower

I'm sure an SD will wage in here, but in the meantime...

There have been a few posts on this previously I think. I've had my choice taken first on award tickets (and then sometimes not) - not sure this has anything to do with fare class, but rather the practice of the crew.

Sometimes, where there are last minute upgrades (at the gate), you get the ML*1 / ML*2 denotation on your BP, and this will be an indication to the flight crew that you aren't to get priority on meals. Otherwise, I think you're supposed to.

As an SE, my order has been taken first (or close to it depending on the other SEs on the flight) for the vast majority of the flights I've been on -- whether paid J, upgrades (of all types) or award flights. Maybe I've just been lucky!

If you do OCLI would you get a choice, or might you end up paying 799.00 on a TAPC and not be able to eat. If all thats left on an ML*1 or ML*2 is a species you dont eat like pork, but you can eat fish can the crew put something aside for you.
Also if you ordered a special meal, and do OLCI would they bring it up from
Y. Lastly if there is no chance of being able to eat, and you want to forgo OCLI at the gate-what happens, would you get your Y seay back and a refund.

IF you are an SE on AWARD Travel using your AE account for redemption you will show up on the PIL as an SE. If you have used someone elses AE account (let's say your wifes and/or Partner and he or she is not an SE) have the Concierge manually change your status when you check-in so that your boarding card shows SE and you appear on the PIL (Passenger Information List) on the flight.

Thank you

I will check my BP and contact the Concierge if I need assistance

Really wish there was consistency around this -on my FRA-YYZ flight, the in charge said the rules had changed ....sigh

I personally feel that it something that should change. I've flown with co-workers who haven't flown as much as I and have no status... but we are on full-fare J fares (~$10 000) but they didn't get their first choice. Needless to say, these people who fly 2 or 3 times a year generate more revenue than the odd E or SE who does it on the cheap doing mileage runs. I can recall AC bashing because of it from them and them wanting to fly with others the next time.

Agreed - I pay Latitude/reduced J most of the time. Did T+ twice in 2010.

I do like getting a choice being SE esp. on the long haul to and from SYD when pasta just doesn't cut it.

Used to be that if the flight was odd numbered, they would start asking in the rear and reverse for even numbered flights but that was also implemented inconsistently.

Wouldn't it be great if they had a cut-off point for timing and your choice could be ordered online with OLCI? This could allow for better planning.

That's the beauty in Life there are options... like how it works as in the pecking order of getting your $10K meal then vote with your feet and fly another *A airline....hello it's called LOYALTY for a reason because we are loyal and continue to fly weekly with AC. If I was spending a full J Class ticket on UA would they serve me first over there Global Services, 1K Million Flyer and IK?...I think NOT!

+1^

I really do not care the type of meal I get.I am fortunate,I can tolerate all types of food,including airline.:p
I let SD know I will take whatever :D

Agreed.

If I am running a business, I would reward my long term frequent customers rather than those who buy an expensive item once in a blue moon.

Having said that, I don't really care what meal choice I have. 90% of the time, I just don't eat. But I like to see that the SD asks me for my meal choice first.^

I agree... to a point... but there has to be a priority for these guys to or at least make full fares equal to SE... it isn't really a good way to attract news customers.

I know you guys are against it because you (we) want to remain at the top of the pecking order... but thinking of this from a business standpoint these guys fly a bunch but not always on AC. They are high revenue potential customers who paid premium and will continue to do so if they are happy with the airline. Someone who spends $20000 to $30000 a year on a couple of flights sure is someone I'd want to attract towards my airline than a SE who did a couple of $2000 milage runs to SYD or the only time flies J is when upgraded.

Many SE I know spend this in one month of travel

But in general, how many SEs would do a mileage run to keep the status, so that they would be offered the meal choices first? We, as leisure travelers, would spend that much per person in a year on AC. And I consider ourselves bottom feeders.

... and many don't.