AS F service dropping to new lows
Jun 2, 2018, 9:42 pm
#1
Moderator, Delta Skymiles and Mileage Run
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: DL Diamond/MM, Hyatt Diamond, former AS MVPG 75K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,940
AS F service dropping to new lows
I had the opportunity to fly AS in both F and premium class this past week, and to be honest, I would take the coach service over the F service anytime.
The F service had a single drink service on a 5 hour flight, followed by a second service from the drink cart, before they pushed the cart back to service the coach cabin. This second service was also served from plastic cups, no glass drinkware. Other than that, while the FAs continually walked thru the cabin, they did an excellent job at ignoring passengers.
The coach service had 3 drink services, and a water service right after takeoff. I would take AS coach or premium over F.
I'm not sure how AS plans to compete for paid F passengers with such a low bar of service.
The F service had a single drink service on a 5 hour flight, followed by a second service from the drink cart, before they pushed the cart back to service the coach cabin. This second service was also served from plastic cups, no glass drinkware. Other than that, while the FAs continually walked thru the cabin, they did an excellent job at ignoring passengers.
The coach service had 3 drink services, and a water service right after takeoff. I would take AS coach or premium over F.
I'm not sure how AS plans to compete for paid F passengers with such a low bar of service.
Jun 2, 2018, 10:06 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
What was the route and departure time?
Jun 2, 2018, 10:14 pm
#3
Moderator, Delta Skymiles and Mileage Run
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: DL Diamond/MM, Hyatt Diamond, former AS MVPG 75K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,940
ATL-SEA, departure at 6:35 am. The crew was the same crew that came off the inbound red eye I think they said there was also a medical emergency on the inbound, so I understand the crew was tired and stressed, but that is not an excuse for poor service in the forward cabin.
Jun 2, 2018, 10:30 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 339
ATL-SEA, departure at 6:35 am. The crew was the same crew that came off the inbound red eye I think they said there was also a medical emergency on the inbound, so I understand the crew was tired and stressed, but that is not an excuse for poor service in the forward cabin.
Jun 2, 2018, 10:39 pm
#5
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: 21,375
ATL-SEA, departure at 6:35 am. The crew was the same crew that came off the inbound red eye I think they said there was also a medical emergency on the inbound, so I understand the crew was tired and stressed, but that is not an excuse for poor service in the forward cabin.
Jun 2, 2018, 11:11 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Federal way Wa USA
Posts: 344
I had the opportunity to fly AS in both F and premium class this past week, and to be honest, I would take the coach service over the F service anytime.
The F service had a single drink service on a 5 hour flight, followed by a second service from the drink cart, before they pushed the cart back to service the coach cabin. This second service was also served from plastic cups, no glass drinkware. Other than that, while the FAs continually walked thru the cabin, they did an excellent job at ignoring passengers.
The coach service had 3 drink services, and a water service right after takeoff. I would take AS coach or premium over F.
I'm not sure how AS plans to compete for paid F passengers with such a low bar of service.
The F service had a single drink service on a 5 hour flight, followed by a second service from the drink cart, before they pushed the cart back to service the coach cabin. This second service was also served from plastic cups, no glass drinkware. Other than that, while the FAs continually walked thru the cabin, they did an excellent job at ignoring passengers.
The coach service had 3 drink services, and a water service right after takeoff. I would take AS coach or premium over F.
I'm not sure how AS plans to compete for paid F passengers with such a low bar of service.
Jun 2, 2018, 11:16 pm
#7
Moderator, Delta Skymiles and Mileage Run
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: DL Diamond/MM, Hyatt Diamond, former AS MVPG 75K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,940
I measured that against two flights in AS coach that were great. Their F cabin just doesn't cut it service wise. But fair point, I have a few more AS F flights coming up soon, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.
I guess I also judge it versus my previous experience flying AS weekly. Now a days, I'm on Delta weekly.
I guess I also judge it versus my previous experience flying AS weekly. Now a days, I'm on Delta weekly.
Jun 2, 2018, 11:20 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,957
ATL-SEA, departure at 6:35 am. The crew was the same crew that came off the inbound red eye I think they said there was also a medical emergency on the inbound, so I understand the crew was tired and stressed, but that is not an excuse for poor service in the forward cabin.
Jun 2, 2018, 11:26 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
I measured that against two flights in AS coach that were great. Their F cabin just doesn't cut it service wise. But fair point, I have a few more AS F flights coming up soon, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.
I guess I also judge it versus my previous experience flying AS weekly. Now a days, I'm on Delta weekly.
I guess I also judge it versus my previous experience flying AS weekly. Now a days, I'm on Delta weekly.
James
EDIT: As anticipated my BOS-SRA F flight was fantastic. As soon as the 10,000 FT "ding" was heard everyone was up and in service. Extremely attentive FA. Addressed the cabin before take-off explainging the breakfast options and thanked those who had pre-ordered. We had drink service 4 times before breakfast was completed.
I have never heard of a beverage cart going through the F Cabin.
Last edited by Flying for Fun; Jun 3, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Jun 3, 2018, 2:29 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
Obviously this flight was an outlier for extenuating circumstances. But I’m just curious here, what exactly constitutes a bad AS F flight?
It’s not as though AS is going to be coming out with cutting edge flat bed enclosed suites anytime soon. So I never expect that I’m going to be getting turn down service in F on AS, even on red-eye transcons. Their F is fairly basic, except they do (sometimes) have the menus, and the meals up front are fairly decent. The service is always excellent, and the staff have always been the nicest of flight crews I’ve ever had when I fly any carrier in F, or Y for that matter!
So I don’t really understand what do people expect out of AS first class to make it a “bad flight” or dropping to “new lows”?
It’s not as though AS is going to be coming out with cutting edge flat bed enclosed suites anytime soon. So I never expect that I’m going to be getting turn down service in F on AS, even on red-eye transcons. Their F is fairly basic, except they do (sometimes) have the menus, and the meals up front are fairly decent. The service is always excellent, and the staff have always been the nicest of flight crews I’ve ever had when I fly any carrier in F, or Y for that matter!
So I don’t really understand what do people expect out of AS first class to make it a “bad flight” or dropping to “new lows”?
Jun 3, 2018, 2:38 am
#12
Join Date: May 2013
Location: west coast best coast
Programs: TINDER GOLD, STARBUCKS GOLD, COSTCO EXECUTIVE!!
Posts: 3,989
Obviously this flight was an outlier for extenuating circumstances. But I’m just curious here, what exactly constitutes a bad AS F flight?
It’s not as though AS is going to be coming out with cutting edge flat bed enclosed suites anytime soon. So I never expect that I’m going to be getting turn down service in F on AS, even on red-eye transcons. Their F is fairly basic, except they do (sometimes) have the menus, and the meals up front are fairly decent. The service is always excellent, and the staff have always been the nicest of flight crews I’ve ever had when I fly any carrier in F, or Y for that matter!
So I don’t really understand what do people expect out of AS first class to make it a “bad flight” or dropping to “new lows”?
It’s not as though AS is going to be coming out with cutting edge flat bed enclosed suites anytime soon. So I never expect that I’m going to be getting turn down service in F on AS, even on red-eye transcons. Their F is fairly basic, except they do (sometimes) have the menus, and the meals up front are fairly decent. The service is always excellent, and the staff have always been the nicest of flight crews I’ve ever had when I fly any carrier in F, or Y for that matter!
So I don’t really understand what do people expect out of AS first class to make it a “bad flight” or dropping to “new lows”?
A bad AS F flight is when AS Y is better.
Jun 3, 2018, 3:00 am
#13
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
But my point is, their F in general is not exactly competitive to begin with, so just how high of a bar are people setting for AS’s first class? Because believe me, they’ve never been known for their 180 degree sleeper suites in first class or their Flagship first/Polaris lounges.
Jun 3, 2018, 7:00 am
#14
Moderator, Delta Skymiles and Mileage Run
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: DL Diamond/MM, Hyatt Diamond, former AS MVPG 75K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,940
Jun 3, 2018, 8:39 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,644
I measured that against two flights in AS coach that were great. Their F cabin just doesn't cut it service wise. But fair point, I have a few more AS F flights coming up soon, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.
I guess I also judge it versus my previous experience flying AS weekly. Now a days, I'm on Delta weekly.
I guess I also judge it versus my previous experience flying AS weekly. Now a days, I'm on Delta weekly.