I'm going to start using the FA call button. Why not?!
Apr 30, 2017, 10:03 am
#122
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FNT, but DTW if I can't help it
Programs: AAdvantage Former EXP/Current PLT / Total Rewards - Diamond / Hilton HHonors - Gold
Posts: 757
I have been really tempted to hit it in the past and have talked myself out of it each time. One day I'll be assertive enough to hit it. So far I've used it once... When the gate agent came on the plane and asked [my name] to hit the call button because I'd gotten a battlefield upgrade.
Apr 30, 2017, 1:58 pm
#124
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NY
Programs: The local deli gives me 1 free sandwich after I buy 10
Posts: 4,026
Thanks for the suggestion. I am now motivated to go ahead and push the call button and ask for "more of everything!"
(Little known fact: the call button is only to be used when the flight is oversold and your willing to give up your seat)
(Little known fact: the call button is only to be used when the flight is oversold and your willing to give up your seat)
Apr 30, 2017, 2:01 pm
#125
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,315
Until this thread, after 40 years of travel, I never thought twice and usually ring it at least once per long (over 2 hours) trip. Sometimes I was ignored but never got attitude.
when ignored, I ring it until it works. I still haven't gotten attitude.
when ignored, I ring it until it works. I still haven't gotten attitude.
Apr 30, 2017, 3:29 pm
#126
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 43
My experience using the call button last year on UA Aspen to Denver: I fractured my leg skiing and was in a hip to ankle splint and on crutches. I pre-boarded along with a couple of other passengers who needed extra time boarding. One elderly, very large, pre-boarding passenger on oxygen fell and landed on his back in the aisle. I couldn't get up having parked my crutches so i rang the call button. Zero response from the FA's. Other passengers helped the guy on oxygen up and in his seat.
The FA finally DID turn the call button off when we were approaching DEN.
The FA finally DID turn the call button off when we were approaching DEN.
Apr 30, 2017, 3:42 pm
#127
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
On many of the newer planes the light button and FA call button are too close together, especially when the cabin lights are dimmed (or off), I've the CB when I meant to hit the LB. On one plane before we took off I hit the CB accidentally and somehow ALL CBs lit for all pax in BC--they had to go the main console and do a reset.
Apr 30, 2017, 3:57 pm
#128
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 756
If there's one thing that can be concluded from these experiences is that more of you should file feedback complaints to AA citing the flight and name of FA whose service was inadequate or rude. Even on a domestic flight, the premium cabin should get a prompt and polite response when the light goes up.
May 1, 2017, 8:37 am
#129
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: BAEC (Gold), SPG (Lifetime Plat), Star Alliance, One World, Virgin (Gold)
Posts: 211
I had a little tete a tete with an American cabin crew the other day. Pressed my call button twice within 15 minutes and got a "I am busy" response after the second ping, to which I replied, I am thirsty, should I help myself ??
She turned her back without a response.
When the Captain did a short walk about, I mentioned it to him - never did see the crew member again for the entire flight...but I did get a top up, in fact several... oh... it was a longhaul and I was in F !
Thank goodness the American culture of service industry tipping has not been extended to having to tip cabin crew !!
She turned her back without a response.
When the Captain did a short walk about, I mentioned it to him - never did see the crew member again for the entire flight...but I did get a top up, in fact several... oh... it was a longhaul and I was in F !
Thank goodness the American culture of service industry tipping has not been extended to having to tip cabin crew !!
May 1, 2017, 9:37 am
#130
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,234
Same, it's pretty much a "last resort" (albeit not *quite* that dramatic) usually when I can't get up without disturbing a neighbor* and the FA hasn't been through the cabin to flag down in ages.
I think I probably last used it in J on a redeye TATL after I was done eating (quickly) and wanted my tray collected so I could go to sleep. I definitely got a little bit of attitude.
I was not going to carry it to the galley myself, and I'm sure the FA's probably would have preferred I didn't as well (lest I drop it or something).
* Disturbing a neighbor for a lavatory visit is completely acceptable
, for a drink refill, I try to avoid it.
I think I probably last used it in J on a redeye TATL after I was done eating (quickly) and wanted my tray collected so I could go to sleep. I definitely got a little bit of attitude.
I was not going to carry it to the galley myself, and I'm sure the FA's probably would have preferred I didn't as well (lest I drop it or something).* Disturbing a neighbor for a lavatory visit is completely acceptable
, for a drink refill, I try to avoid it.
May 1, 2017, 11:50 am
#131
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
I had a little tete a tete with an American cabin crew the other day. Pressed my call button twice within 15 minutes and got a "I am busy" response after the second ping, to which I replied, I am thirsty, should I help myself ??
She turned her back without a response.
When the Captain did a short walk about, I mentioned it to him - never did see the crew member again for the entire flight...but I did get a top up, in fact several... oh... it was a longhaul and I was in F !
Thank goodness the American culture of service industry tipping has not been extended to having to tip cabin crew !!
She turned her back without a response.
When the Captain did a short walk about, I mentioned it to him - never did see the crew member again for the entire flight...but I did get a top up, in fact several... oh... it was a longhaul and I was in F !
Thank goodness the American culture of service industry tipping has not been extended to having to tip cabin crew !!
When I flew on DL (a long time ago), jfk-las, a routing which attracts lots of groups going to a bachelor party, they were buying lots of rounds of drinks AND tipping the FA.
May 2, 2017, 12:45 am
#133
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: London
Programs: KLM, BA Silver, Etihad
Posts: 918
Something else I don't believe that has been mentioned is that at the start of your flight it's is recommended that you keep your seat belt fastened at all times.
That certainly doesn't smack of go wandering up to the galley when you feel like it clogging up the aisles.
That certainly doesn't smack of go wandering up to the galley when you feel like it clogging up the aisles.
May 2, 2017, 1:39 am
#134
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FNT, but DTW if I can't help it
Programs: AAdvantage Former EXP/Current PLT / Total Rewards - Diamond / Hilton HHonors - Gold
Posts: 757
Something else I don't believe that has been mentioned is that at the start of your flight it's is recommended that you keep your seat belt fastened at all times.
That certainly doesn't smack of go wandering up to the galley when you feel like it clogging up the aisles.
That certainly doesn't smack of go wandering up to the galley when you feel like it clogging up the aisles.
May 2, 2017, 6:45 am
#135
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: London
Programs: KLM, BA Silver, Etihad
Posts: 918
One however would think the reasons to be belted when seated also apply to when you are walking around.