I'm going to start using the FA call button. Why not?!
#106
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: AA Exec Plat
Posts: 192
I was recently in J on an AA codeshare on BA LHR-LAX and noticed that maybe it was the super old 380 equipment but the call button when pressed does not make any noise or light in the galley, only a light above your seat. I pressed it a few times and the only FA who noticed did because he was passing by my seat up from coach. I guess that's one way to do it
#107
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: BNA
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 766
Funny. So I started this thread looking ahead to by flight AA73.
I'm on the 77W in J. So, I decide I'm pushing the button. Then I can't find it! Turns out it's on the remote. Then, it does nothing. I mean, it might call an FA. But it gives zero feedback to the passenger. FUNNY.
I'm on the 77W in J. So, I decide I'm pushing the button. Then I can't find it! Turns out it's on the remote. Then, it does nothing. I mean, it might call an FA. But it gives zero feedback to the passenger. FUNNY.
#108
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TPA/DFW/K15
Programs: AA EXP, Mar AMB, HH LT DIA
Posts: 1,652
I would not use the call button for a drink or other service element. It is rude because it signals to the FAs that I need something urgently, and it interrupts whatever duties they might be carrying out at the time. Instead, I would just stand up (if the seat belt sign and conditions permit) and walk up to the galley to make my request politely.
I would never use the call button except in an urgent/emergency situation. For example: I once used it when a kid sitting next to me vomited explosively and we needed a bunch of paper towels to clean up. I was not able to stand up to get the towels myself because we were on final approach. The FA was happy to help.
My $0.02.
I would never use the call button except in an urgent/emergency situation. For example: I once used it when a kid sitting next to me vomited explosively and we needed a bunch of paper towels to clean up. I was not able to stand up to get the towels myself because we were on final approach. The FA was happy to help.
My $0.02.
If the call button is truly for emergencies only, it should be renamed so, and perhaps some verbiage included in the pre-take off announcement that pax should only use that button in the case of an actual emergency.
It's a FA call button. I agree if the FA's are performing duties and being attentive throughout the cabin, it's probably rude to hit the call button. But when the FAs are chatting and not paying attention to the cabin (a frequent phenomena), I hit the button.
Very extreme story here - I was in 5E on a 737 a month or so ago. One of the FA's must have known the couple in 6E & 6F. I am not exaggerating when I say that after the food service, the FA knelt down and carried on a 45 minute conversation with the couple. My noise canceling headphones made it barely tolerable. But with chatty FA in the aisle, secondary drink service stopped. Needless to say, I pressed the "rude" button. FA didn't blink. A different FA took my drink order and apologized later to me as she understood the situation and clearly was embarrassed by it.
#109
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, B6 Mosaic, UA Platinum, others
Posts: 1,270
I fly AA F/J class and use "the button" when I want something like a snack or drink. I usually know what I want (a glass of the pinot noir... a banana... more nuts...) and am polite and businesslike. I don't think I've ever had any reaction that was less than the same back. Worst case, it can take some time if they're busy with something (blocking the flight deck so the pilot can pee, etc).
#110
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Laguna Niguel, CA
Programs: AA PLT, 1.8mm
Posts: 6,988
I think it's hard to make the argument that the call button is for "emergencies only" when many of them look like this:
https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/67....319144410.jpg
https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/67....319144410.jpg
Seriously, Boeing and Airbus both put an image of a person holding a beverage on the call button. Who are we to question their aeronautical engineering credentials ?
#111
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
I believe that it's the same chime that the pilot rings to alert the cabin crew that it's OK to start the cabin service. So, yes, you can hear it; but it's far from loud.
#113
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 3,850
I think it's hard to make the argument that the call button is for "emergencies only" when many of them look like this:
https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/67....319144410.jpg
https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/67....319144410.jpg
#116
#117
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
#118
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: LAS/DXB
Programs: LH HON
Posts: 1,193
The only time I use it is sitting on a window seat in coach on during a night flight and I simply don't want to wake up the people sitting next to me. Usually the FA are pretty understandable about this. Of course being polite shouldn't be worth mentioning, that's how we should all treat each other.
#119
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,013
Not at all. When most flight attendants these days do a service then crawl back to their jump seat to read or zone out I have no problem pushing the button. This situation for me at least is only when I get upgraded to the F cabin.
#120
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: NYC,MIA,XFL
Programs: AA EXP, B6 Mosaic, DL PM
Posts: 863
The only time I use it is sitting on a window seat in coach on during a night flight and I simply don't want to wake up the people sitting next to me. Usually the FA are pretty understandable about this. Of course being polite shouldn't be worth mentioning, that's how we should all treat each other.