FA withholding, measuring or commenting on in air alcoholic drinks
#17
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
I remember years ago flying SJU-DFW back when they still had Kahlua minis and those ridiculously tiny wine glasses. On breakfast flights I like to order Kahlua with milk (no vodka) and I called it the adult chocolate milk.
As we all know Kahlua is relatively mild when it comes to alcohol content. It was mixed with milk and served in this little “double shot sized” wine glass that can only hold 3-4 sips.
I had my first when the meal was served and 15 minutes later I asked if the FA could kindly refill the glass. She had this look of shock and then gave this devilish smile saying ok one more implying I was already consuming a lot.
I smiled in disbelief as she walked to the galley thinking it’s Kahlua and have you seen the size of this glass.
Anyway - fortunately those overly conservative FAs are far few in between. Although against the rules to consume onboard, you can always pack a mini or two as long as you are discreet about it.
As we all know Kahlua is relatively mild when it comes to alcohol content. It was mixed with milk and served in this little “double shot sized” wine glass that can only hold 3-4 sips.
I had my first when the meal was served and 15 minutes later I asked if the FA could kindly refill the glass. She had this look of shock and then gave this devilish smile saying ok one more implying I was already consuming a lot.
I smiled in disbelief as she walked to the galley thinking it’s Kahlua and have you seen the size of this glass.
Anyway - fortunately those overly conservative FAs are far few in between. Although against the rules to consume onboard, you can always pack a mini or two as long as you are discreet about it.
#18
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 10
Odd. On my last AA flight DEN-LAX I ordered 1 Corona. Paid with the card. As she unlocked the cart to move it, FA reached into the cart and handed me another. As I reached back for the card she smiled and just shook her head....dont worry. I smiled back. Very nice gesture, and have never had an issue with AA on this topic.
#19
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: OZ Diamond, Jiffypark Manhattan Gold
Posts: 4,485
Sounds like she's following a pretty good plan.
We've got far too many instances of people being drunk on planes, I'm sure lots of times the FA just hands out the drink because someone asks, whereas they probably should limit them a bit more.
We've got far too many instances of people being drunk on planes, I'm sure lots of times the FA just hands out the drink because someone asks, whereas they probably should limit them a bit more.
#20
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: TUS
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 35
I was on a short hop from HSV to DFW earlier this year in first. I ordered a rum and coke for my PDB and I was on at least number 3 when we landed. I never asked for another and was napping on and off and they kept appearing. I think that holds the record of most drink service I've received on any domestic flight.
#22
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Philadephia, PA
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Posts: 477
One drink per hour is the FA being lazy about both not wanting to bring drinks or assess intoxication levels which is the FAR standard.
#23
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
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Odd. On my last AA flight DEN-LAX I ordered 1 Corona. Paid with the card. As she unlocked the cart to move it, FA reached into the cart and handed me another. As I reached back for the card she smiled and just shook her head....dont worry. I smiled back. Very nice gesture, and have never had an issue with AA on this topic.
#24
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 187
#25
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Original Poster
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Interesting dialog since my original post. I’ll add that the flight in question is one I take often, and my usual routine is to enjoy the first one - double vodka on the rocks plus ice, which I fully consume before asking for another. That effectively makes it a vodka and water. Then after a period of time I go back and ask the FA for a refill. Never an issue. And, it always stops there due to the flight length and my own personal limitations.
I’ve also flown F on the route a number of times and the FA kept em coming, no questions asked.
So so maybe the issue is a lack of standard serving protocol. I’ve been on far more flights than not where there were any kind of obvious serving limitations.
I’ve also flown F on the route a number of times and the FA kept em coming, no questions asked.
So so maybe the issue is a lack of standard serving protocol. I’ve been on far more flights than not where there were any kind of obvious serving limitations.
#27
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#28
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#29
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SFO/SJC/OAK/STS
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Posts: 644
Normally I'd think FA laziness but the fact that she called out "two Titos" on your first order suggests she was just being very conservative. I've never ordered a double in the air, though they're offered like crazy at most airport bars looking to make an extra buck.
#30
Join Date: Jan 2016
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Posts: 151
I'm going to have to side with the FA here. I think it's a good strategy to say it's some sort of rule. Imagine telling a flyer that in her opinion they look intoxicated and don't want to serve them another drink. It's way too easy for someone to take it the wrong way(be offended) and start a huge argument. When you say it's a rule, it is much harder for the flyer to argue that.
Everybody says they want the truth but most can't handle it......
Everybody says they want the truth but most can't handle it......