Predeparture Drinks in First Class?
Aug 22, 2018, 9:56 pm
#91
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
James
Aug 23, 2018, 8:45 am
#94
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AS MVPG75k
Posts: 330
No PDB coffee/OJ this morning (SFO-PDX 737). When airborne, I politely asked the FA. She apologized and said as of Aug 1, Alaska’s policy changed to no PDBs.
Aug 23, 2018, 9:05 am
#95
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: AS MVPG, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 1,445
Certainly one case where I'm actually pleased to see crew bend the rules a little bit. Although a service for 8 is a bit easier than a service for 12 or 16 in the 20-30 mins before takeoff.
Aug 23, 2018, 9:18 am
#96
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,352
Interestingly I was on an evening San Diego to Portland flight on a Boeing 737 (AS operated) a few days ago, and the friendly F/A served everyone a pre-takeoff beverage and yes alcohol was served.
It was always a nice gesture and Alaska should reinforce a full pre-takeoff beverage service, rather than cutting it.
Carfield
It was always a nice gesture and Alaska should reinforce a full pre-takeoff beverage service, rather than cutting it.
Carfield
Aug 23, 2018, 9:25 am
#97
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,957
Aug 23, 2018, 7:41 pm
#98
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,654
But back to the new upcoming policy. I'm fine with it. Shattow le Swill espumante in a disposable Oruffers Krystel or water/oj if I don't want the "strong stuff
In fact, while other airlines provide a full bar service in regular mainline services, on int'l or "int'l style" premium cabins, most just offer bubbles, juice or water.
Aug 24, 2018, 10:17 am
#99
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
Once upon a time, I was on a flight where a guy across the aisle and the FA knew each other fairly well enough to joke and chat (he was not a non-rev). She brought him a drink, but did not seem to be offering one to anyone else. When I asked her whether that meant I could have a drink as well, she quickly brought me one.
Aug 24, 2018, 1:31 pm
#100
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
Personally - I very much prefer and appreciate full PDB service even though sometimes I just order water.
UA/DL/AA offers full PDB service as part of the standard for domestic narrow body flights. The international long hauls are a little different as there is much more work involved for the FAs on the ground and not to mention there are typically 40-50 people in the business class cabin. Although the bar typically opens up if there is a delay on the tarmac or at the gate.
I get it everyone has different preferences on this topic. However, there is only one way to meet 99% (saving 1% for the irrational) of the customer’s expectations is by having a full open bar PDB. This will satisfy those who don’t care, those who don’t want anything, those that just want water, those who want soft drinks and those that want alcoholic beverages.
UA/DL/AA offers full PDB service as part of the standard for domestic narrow body flights. The international long hauls are a little different as there is much more work involved for the FAs on the ground and not to mention there are typically 40-50 people in the business class cabin. Although the bar typically opens up if there is a delay on the tarmac or at the gate.
I get it everyone has different preferences on this topic. However, there is only one way to meet 99% (saving 1% for the irrational) of the customer’s expectations is by having a full open bar PDB. This will satisfy those who don’t care, those who don’t want anything, those that just want water, those who want soft drinks and those that want alcoholic beverages.
Last edited by golfingboy; Aug 24, 2018 at 2:03 pm Reason: Grammar
Aug 24, 2018, 4:40 pm
#101
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,957
Personally - I very much prefer and appreciate full PDB service even though sometimes I just order water.
UA/DL/AA offers full PDB service as part of the standard for domestic narrow body flights. The international long hauls are a little different as there is much more work involved for the FAs on the ground and not to mention there are typically 40-50 people in the business class cabin. Although the bar typically opens up if there is a delay on the tarmac or at the gate.
I get it everyone has different preferences on this topic. However, there is only one way to meet 99% (saving 1% for the irrational) of the customer’s expectations is by having a full open bar PDB. This will satisfy those who don’t care, those who don’t want anything, those that just want water, those who want soft drinks and those that want alcoholic beverages.
UA/DL/AA offers full PDB service as part of the standard for domestic narrow body flights. The international long hauls are a little different as there is much more work involved for the FAs on the ground and not to mention there are typically 40-50 people in the business class cabin. Although the bar typically opens up if there is a delay on the tarmac or at the gate.
I get it everyone has different preferences on this topic. However, there is only one way to meet 99% (saving 1% for the irrational) of the customer’s expectations is by having a full open bar PDB. This will satisfy those who don’t care, those who don’t want anything, those that just want water, those who want soft drinks and those that want alcoholic beverages.
Aug 24, 2018, 6:07 pm
#102
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,654
^ Exactly. While beggars can't be choosers, those who are paying for their F seats certainly can be.
Aug 25, 2018, 9:28 am
#104
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 5
The thread title is not accurate. It is misleading. OP declared "No more Pre Departure Drinks in F" when he did not receive an "alcoholic" beverage before departure on an Airbus flight. I don't know what the OP's objective was in leaving out the qualifier in his title but it did spark a furry in a few pmVX Loyalists. VX is GONE but PDB in F is not.
Airbus & Boeing are now aligned on PDB policy.
James
Airbus & Boeing are now aligned on PDB policy.
James
She explicitly stated water only - which I believe makes the title accurate.
Aug 25, 2018, 9:41 pm
#105
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,320
Alaska Airlines cuts off pre-takeoff cocktails for first-class passengers
Starting Nov. 1, first-class passengers flying before 10 a.m. on all Alaska Airlines flights will be offered nonalcoholic pre-takeoff drinks, including bottled water and coffee.
On all flights departing after 10 a.m., Alaska Airlines fliers will be offered pre-takeoff drinks that include sparkling wine (but no cocktails).
On all flights departing after 10 a.m., Alaska Airlines fliers will be offered pre-takeoff drinks that include sparkling wine (but no cocktails).