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

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.

This is ridiculous. Not you, per se, but this discussion.

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.

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).

if you ask an FA, they'll probably tell you that it's not an image of a beverage on the button, it's a Cabin Safety Professional holding a megaphone throughout the flight just in case they need to evac the plane on short notice. (or maybe it's a rolled up People Magazine...)

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 ? ;)

It may make a sound in the galley.


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.

It should also probably be red in that case. @:-)

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On the LAA A321s the FAs have the ability to "mute" the chime on the call lights.

Put me in that small, silent, cowardly minority of people that doesn't feel comfortable ringing the call button for routine drink/service requests.

With deepest shame, -jon

I hope you love company because I'm in that same camp.

Has a bit of the "summon the servants" feel to it, no?

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.

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.

^