toadman

Spot on.

channa

I don't think anyone is advocating violating the CFR. That said, I don't think that most customers even know what the CFR is.

I think that there is a case to be made that this announcement, which is unique to AS among U.S. carriers, may be more necessary on AS than on other U.S. carriers due to the deficiencies in the AS product. In other words, the announcement may be more necessary on AS than elsewhere, since the problem may be bigger on AS than on other carriers.

If First Class customers flying AS know they have to bring a pillow, blanket, and a tablet on board to bring the product closer to DL's standards, what's stopping them from bringing a beverage?

Personally, I typically bring a coffee with me on board AS flights because of the lack of PDB. My travel companion also brings a bright red Delta blanket. It's just part of our ritual when flying AS to close some of the gaps in the product.

AS Flyer

For whatever it's worth, the overwhelming majority of people found to be drinking their own liquor on a flight are in the Coach cabin. The announcement was made because incidents of people drinking their own liquor is on the rise. I have a large group of friends at other airlines (including Delta) that are experiencing the same. Alaska's answer is to offer a reminder in the announcement because it is believed that most of the people drinking their own really don't understand that it's not allowed. Many bloggers and travel writers advocate bringing your own and offer hints on how to do this in order to save money by having to purchase it on board. I think this is why we're seeing this more often. Honestly, if someone in First Class brought their own and asked if they could drink it, I would probably offer to serve it up for them so that we're not violating a CFR and they are able to enjoy the beverage of their choice. The logistics of doing this in the Coach cabin with so many more people are impossible. First Class is more manageable - but arguably, it's still not what they company would prefer as the policy is a blanket policy so that there is no confusion. In any case, I don't think anyone in First Class is sneaking a little hooch on so they can have their own PDB. It's just so unnecessary.

You keep mentioning people bringing a tablet on board. Alaska provides tablets on any flight over 3 hours (with the exception of OMA for some reason). On flights shorter then that, yes, you should bring your own tablet or iPhone type of device to access entertainment. I know some people don't have smart phones but the vast majority do.

Please continue to write to Alaska about your disappointment in the First Class product. I can scream it from the roof tops but when it comes from someone that's actually paying for a ticket it gets a lot more attention.

Travero

I don't see anything in this FAA regulation about whether the pre-flight announcement on Alaska flights is new, which was the original intent of the question. I think we established early on in the thread that it is a new announcement.

toadman

My memories a bit fuzzy, but I seem to recall about 12-14 years ago on a flight from SFO to SJD filled with a young group of 8 PAX in F going to a wedding, in which the best man asked if they could open a bottle of champagne on the flight. The FA said sure, just give me the bottle and I'll take care of it.

We thought that was quite nice, and we were also offered a glass. But since it was still before noon, declined.

pcoll

AS Flyer mentioned tablets offered on all flights over 3 hours , OMA exception.
Actually, not true. We have been in F on flights to and from Mexico over 3 hours long and tablets are never on board. We just know not to expect them.
Crew say they don't know why , but Gogo access may have something to do with it.

AS Flyer

Maybe I should have said 3.5 hours, yet still there are exceptions. All Skywest and Horizon operated flights, OMA-SEA and ZIH-LAX. Beyond that, all other flights offer free tablets in F.

BW Flyer

Can you blame the non-status pax sitting in Y cabin for sneaking in minis, after they have to pay for all baggage fees, change fees, etc, before they can print their BPs, and then still have to pay for $6+ for a drink enroute?

AS Flyer

Yes. Yes I can. It's not like having a drink is a requirement when you fly.

VibeGuy

Nor is cabin pressurization strictly *required*; it just makes the experience bearable for all involved.

Calculon

At the altitudes flown, yes it is necessary.

PV_Premier

wow this thread is all over the place

AS Flyer

if you want to breathe, cabin pressurization is required. Alcohol is not.

PDXPremier

+1....I've never thought flying at high altitudes and alcohol were a good combination anyway.

bostonbali

Does anybody have any recent experience bringing wine onboard, and having a FA serve it to you (in F)?
I'll soon be flying through PDX, and would like to buy a bottle at Caper's. Caper's will still sell you a bottle of wine using PP as long as you open it there. I'd like to take the rest of the bottle onboard, and have the F FA serve that to me (instead of the standard F wine).
Not sure if it will fly with the FA (no pun intended?)