Offers of a Pre-Departure Beverage (PDB) [2019 and Earlier]
Dec 10, 2018, 11:52 pm
#121
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,300
Just for the record, nothing creates disappointment more than inconsistency. Sure, most would probably just rather have a full bar offering for PDB - and I don't disagree that we should just do that - but if everyone was just on the same page it would probably create a better experience for everyone. If I work in FC (which I don't often do) I just do what's asked of me. That said, if I'm offering sparkling wine or OJ and you ask for something else I will generally just get it for you without thinking twice. It's far less work - but it does set the next person up for failure if they just do what they're supposed to and don't grant your request. SO, I'm probably guilty of adding to the inconsistency. I don't start out offering a full bar though - I just offer what I'm supposed to.
Dec 12, 2018, 10:00 pm
#122
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
Unicorn landed on tonight's PDX-JFO. PDB offered as OJ or “champagne” on a tray halfway through main cabin boarding.
Dec 13, 2018, 9:40 am
#124
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 200
Dec 11th, DTW - SEA. Water on armrest at boarding. No other PDB offered. Cabin service in flight was impeccable and I very rarely say that. Incredibly friendly FA in FC, status recognition offered, walked the aisle throughout the flight offering refills and making sure everyone was well taken care of. IMO this flight could have been used as a training video. Feedback posted on Alaska Listens as well.
I am beginning to believe the inconsistency is simply training failure. This FA was clearly service plus so I don't believe she forgot and she was not socializing during boarding.
I am beginning to believe the inconsistency is simply training failure. This FA was clearly service plus so I don't believe she forgot and she was not socializing during boarding.
Dec 15, 2018, 6:00 pm
#125
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AS MVPG75k
Posts: 330
Dec 15th, IAD-SFO
Water on armrest at boarding. No other PDB offered. The FA did offer gate agents and the flight crew drinks. One passenger in F who knew the FA also received a cocktail, but no one else in F was offered a drink.
Once airborne no hot towels were offered. Otherwise, in-air service was excellent.
I've heard from an FA friend that everyone is going through new training so that they can crew both Boeing and Airbus planes. Hopefully the PDB service gets more reliable as a result.
Water on armrest at boarding. No other PDB offered. The FA did offer gate agents and the flight crew drinks. One passenger in F who knew the FA also received a cocktail, but no one else in F was offered a drink.
Once airborne no hot towels were offered. Otherwise, in-air service was excellent.
I've heard from an FA friend that everyone is going through new training so that they can crew both Boeing and Airbus planes. Hopefully the PDB service gets more reliable as a result.
Dec 15, 2018, 6:48 pm
#126
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,087
Dec 15th, IAD-SFO
Water on armrest at boarding. No other PDB offered. The FA did offer gate agents and the flight crew drinks. One passenger in F who knew the FA also received a cocktail, but no one else in F was offered a drink.
Once airborne no hot towels were offered. Otherwise, in-air service was excellent.
I've heard from an FA friend that everyone is going through new training so that they can crew both Boeing and Airbus planes. Hopefully the PDB service gets more reliable as a result.
Water on armrest at boarding. No other PDB offered. The FA did offer gate agents and the flight crew drinks. One passenger in F who knew the FA also received a cocktail, but no one else in F was offered a drink.
Once airborne no hot towels were offered. Otherwise, in-air service was excellent.
I've heard from an FA friend that everyone is going through new training so that they can crew both Boeing and Airbus planes. Hopefully the PDB service gets more reliable as a result.
Dec 17, 2018, 9:11 am
#127
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: AS MVPG, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 1,445
SEA-BUR on Sat evening, no PDB except water bottles at seat. Two FAs chatting in galley throughout boarding, too busy to take coats, greet passengers or anything. Continued chatting in jump seats through takeoff, climb, etc. After about an hour beyond departure, they finally broke up the convo to take drink/meal (all cold option) orders, and finally greet passengers for the first time. Skipped hot towels, did a light clean-up of the cabin before getting settled in their seats to get back to chatting until landing. Service was fine and friendly once it started, but definitely had me a little miffed. There was some turbulence at takeoff that probably had them seated longer than normal, but certainly AS' best showing.
Dec 17, 2018, 9:22 am
#128
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,300
Dec 15th, IAD-SFO
Water on armrest at boarding. No other PDB offered. The FA did offer gate agents and the flight crew drinks. One passenger in F who knew the FA also received a cocktail, but no one else in F was offered a drink.
Once airborne no hot towels were offered. Otherwise, in-air service was excellent.
I've heard from an FA friend that everyone is going through new training so that they can crew both Boeing and Airbus planes. Hopefully the PDB service gets more reliable as a result.
Water on armrest at boarding. No other PDB offered. The FA did offer gate agents and the flight crew drinks. One passenger in F who knew the FA also received a cocktail, but no one else in F was offered a drink.
Once airborne no hot towels were offered. Otherwise, in-air service was excellent.
I've heard from an FA friend that everyone is going through new training so that they can crew both Boeing and Airbus planes. Hopefully the PDB service gets more reliable as a result.
SEA-BUR on Sat evening, no PDB except water bottles at seat. Two FAs chatting in galley throughout boarding, too busy to take coats, greet passengers or anything. Continued chatting in jump seats through takeoff, climb, etc. After about an hour beyond departure, they finally broke up the convo to take drink/meal (all cold option) orders, and finally greet passengers for the first time. Skipped hot towels, did a light clean-up of the cabin before getting settled in their seats to get back to chatting until landing. Service was fine and friendly once it started, but definitely had me a little miffed. There was some turbulence at takeoff that probably had them seated longer than normal, but certainly AS' best showing.
https://www.alaskaair.com/feedback
Dec 18, 2018, 3:12 pm
#129
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
AS1809 SFO-PDX. Water at seats. FA talking to boarding pax and First pax that while VX did full PDB, AS doesn’t want this because it slows boarding, water only.
Last edited by rustykettel; Dec 18, 2018 at 5:26 pm Reason: brain dead
Dec 18, 2018, 4:20 pm
#130
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Between SFO and STS
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, United Serf, Delta Gold
Posts: 731
Dec 18, 2018, 5:14 pm
#131
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,374
Dec 18, 2018, 5:26 pm
#132
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
Dec 19, 2018, 12:43 pm
#133
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: Lifetime AS 1MM & MVPG, AS MVPG100K, AA, DL, HH-G
Posts: 8,259
No PDB offered on AS 40 ADQ-ANC last night. Water at the seats. Snack basket offered prior to takeoff due to the short, 40 minute flight time. Service in the air was impeccable. The FA never sat down once we were up until everyone was told to sit down.^^
Also, this was my first flight on a refurbed 737-700. Very clean, modern fit and finish. I like it.!!
Also, this was my first flight on a refurbed 737-700. Very clean, modern fit and finish. I like it.!!
Dec 21, 2018, 5:30 pm
#134
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,353
No PDB on AS 1932 SFO-LAX.
FA spent the majority of boarding chatting with a non-rev in the galley.
Then some time gate checking bags.
Then she stared out the window for a good five minutes until the jet bridge was retracted, during which point another FA came to the front to chat with the non-rev.
I appreciate there was a delay, but there was also plenty of time to handle this.
FA spent the majority of boarding chatting with a non-rev in the galley.
Then some time gate checking bags.
Then she stared out the window for a good five minutes until the jet bridge was retracted, during which point another FA came to the front to chat with the non-rev.
I appreciate there was a delay, but there was also plenty of time to handle this.
Dec 27, 2018, 11:13 am
#135
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,395
12/27 AS 206 SEA-PVR Sham Payne or OJ were offered.