Predeparture Drinks in First Class?
Aug 9, 2018, 10:31 am
#16
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 2,030
What PDB? I have rarely been offered anything but water, the only exception being coffee/juice on early flights. Not once ever have a been offered an alcoholic PDB, so I don’t really think anything changed.
Aug 9, 2018, 10:45 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS MVPG, 1MM
Posts: 377
Well, I fly to Hawaii twice each each year since they started service to OGG and always received a choice (or both sometimes) of a mimosa or POG as a PDB; last trip was in February and another coming up soon. Maybe this is the "policy" being changed.
Aug 9, 2018, 10:46 am
#18
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Programs: DL-Platinum / AS-PlatPro / Hyatt - Glob / Hilton-Diamond
Posts: 1,573
I am not sure if this is a "new" policy regarding PDB in general or regarding flights to Hawaii which is the only flight I can recall that had mimosa or POG available. Outside of that I can probably count on one hand how many times I received an alcoholic PDB on AS for some time. Indeed there are numerous posts on different topics on this forum that constantly "gripe" about no PDB on AS other than water. Sure, I have had coffee offered to me several times but again, not sure about a "new" policy of no PDB when there was none before, again unless you are referring to the Hawaii trips.
If Alaska has changed policy to align the PDB policy on Airbus flights to be the same as on the 737, then it is a change for us who are more typically on the Airbus.
Aug 9, 2018, 10:46 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,654
AS really needs to stop this nonsense. I think what you saw was existing policy being taught to a VX FA, as they're cycling through training to get cleared for the Boeings.
As much as AS tries to imitate the Big 3, this is one of the most glaring discrepancies towards that goal.
As much as AS tries to imitate the Big 3, this is one of the most glaring discrepancies towards that goal.
Aug 9, 2018, 11:15 am
#20
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Occasionally it has been possible to obtain a pdb... it's very much a ymmv thing, and helps when the rest of the cabin is being served coffee. I request mine Irish 
Aug 9, 2018, 11:37 am
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,654
Aug 9, 2018, 11:40 am
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 5
This was indeed a former VX plane and crew. Every former VX flight I’ve had in the last few months I’ve been offered a PDB - which is why I was surprised (including on my flight to Hawaii last Tuesday)
Aug 9, 2018, 11:45 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 5
Doesn't a lot of this have to do with airframe config? On Alaska FC is always crowded with a line of passengers heading to coach which makes it tough to serve anything. Not impossible if the FA gets to it before the crush but still not easy. I would enjoy a PDB on many occasions but generally speaking I just make sure my lounge experience sets me right for an hour or so.
Aug 9, 2018, 11:50 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,654
Aug 9, 2018, 12:02 pm
#25
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AS MVPG75k
Posts: 330
I can confirm that ex-VX FAs have been told no more PDBs after Aug 1. Until now, post-merger, they were told to offer PDBs at their discretion. Pre-merger, offering PDBs was stated VX policy.
The problem I have is that AS is placing the burden on the FAs to explain the change and absorb the resulting frustration from frequent fliers. FAs shouldn’t have to be the ones sharing the bad news.,
Alaska should step up and make clear what the policies are. While taking away more and more AS perks royally blows, I’d rather know in advance of flying.
The problem I have is that AS is placing the burden on the FAs to explain the change and absorb the resulting frustration from frequent fliers. FAs shouldn’t have to be the ones sharing the bad news.,
Alaska should step up and make clear what the policies are. While taking away more and more AS perks royally blows, I’d rather know in advance of flying.
Aug 9, 2018, 12:40 pm
#26
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
For any VX Elites, pre-merger, how many times did you get a complimentary upgrade to First? As stated prior, my 7/30 flight SEA-OGG served an alcoholic PDB. I can't recall getting one any other time.
James
Aug 9, 2018, 12:55 pm
#27
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AS MVPG75k
Posts: 330
Many revenue Fs used to specifically choose VX over legacy carriers due to better F service. For those who only fly 2-4x a year, they are surprised by the downgrades in service. They board the airbus plane with full VX interiors, which feels the same. Then when service is noticeably worse than previously experienced, they are unhappy. Some take it out on the FAs.
Imagine walking into an In-N-Out, paying for a Double-Double, then being served a McDonalds burger. You’d not be very happy.
Aug 9, 2018, 1:00 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,654
The only PDBs in years on AS that I've received have been the POG Fizzies on Hawaii services.
This is a chickenpoopoodoodookaka policy. Further, it doesn't really save AS money, because those water bottles cost them more than your splash of wine or mini of whatever. DL seems to have a mini at the seat plus a full PDB service. AA is variable. B6- not much experience, but I'm batting 1.000. UA, don't really fly them anymore, but somehow, and over half my MM was in narrowbody domestic services, they served PDBs most of the time. battling the torrents of oncoming passengers who were causing winds so forceful they could cause large ships to capsize, yet somehow, still got the PDB to my seat without spilling.
Aug 9, 2018, 1:34 pm
#29
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
James, I’m talking about revenue customers. Those are the ones who are often annoyed and frustrated, and I would say rightly so.
Many revenue Fs used to specifically choose VX over legacy carriers due to better F service. For those who only fly 2-4x a year, they are surprised by the downgrades in service. They board the airbus plane with full VX interiors, which feels the same. Then when service is noticeably worse than previously experienced, they are unhappy. Some take it out on the FAs.
Imagine walking into an In-N-Out, paying for a Double-Double, then being served a McDonalds burger. You’d not be very happy.
As far as your In-N-Out & McDonalds analogy, I would add that if McDonalds purchased In-N-Out, threw up some Golden Arches outside, the staff were wearing McDonalds uniforms and the yet to be updated interior screams In-N-Out, I wouldn't be expecting a Double-Double.
James
Aug 9, 2018, 1:50 pm
#30
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,849
As far as your In-N-Out & McDonalds analogy, I would add that if McDonalds purchased In-N-Out, threw up some Golden Arches outside, the staff were wearing McDonalds uniforms and the yet to be updated interior screams In-N-Out, I wouldn't be expecting a Double-Double.
James