F meals not catered on 1000 mile flight
Jun 3, 2019, 7:09 pm
#1
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F meals not catered on 1000 mile flight
On a Republic flight ex-PHL that was blocked at about 3 hours, just a bit over 1000 miles, we were delayed at the gate this morning awaiting catering. Just after boarding, they had initially loaded the plane with the carts that were wheeled to the back, presumably with drinks and snacks. Then the Captain comes on the PA and tells us we'll be delayed about 15 more minutes so that catering can bring meals for the F cabin that they forgot.
I was in seat 1A. About 10 minutes pass, and the front doors close. I never saw anything get loaded, so I thought maybe they loaded the back and they will later cart those meals up front. Nope. After take off the FA came through and apologized that "catering dropped the ball" and there would only be drinks and snack basket.
So...clearly, PHL ops screwed up. I didn't eat breakfast pre-flight because I expected the meal on board. The FA was apologetic, and of course this wasn't her fault. But more odd was that the Captain acknowledged on the ground, while the doors were still open, that they were waiting for catering and then ended up leaving anyway, I guess that's because an on-time departure is more important than providing an advertised service.
So - do I complain and, if I do, what should I expect in return? The F service fell short.
I was in seat 1A. About 10 minutes pass, and the front doors close. I never saw anything get loaded, so I thought maybe they loaded the back and they will later cart those meals up front. Nope. After take off the FA came through and apologized that "catering dropped the ball" and there would only be drinks and snack basket.
So...clearly, PHL ops screwed up. I didn't eat breakfast pre-flight because I expected the meal on board. The FA was apologetic, and of course this wasn't her fault. But more odd was that the Captain acknowledged on the ground, while the doors were still open, that they were waiting for catering and then ended up leaving anyway, I guess that's because an on-time departure is more important than providing an advertised service.
So - do I complain and, if I do, what should I expect in return? The F service fell short.
Jun 3, 2019, 7:14 pm
#2
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I would definitely complain. Someone screwed up...doesn't matter if it was AA or their sub-contracted catering service. If the flight was advertised as having a meal, and you paid for an F ticket, you should definitely get some compensation. If it was me, I think asking for $50-$100 in a voucher towards a future flight would be fair if you paid for the F seat. I know some on here will balk completely at that, but to me, that is a complete service failure on something that is promised during booking.
Jun 3, 2019, 11:56 pm
#4
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Jun 4, 2019, 12:14 am
#5
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Jun 4, 2019, 12:49 am
#6
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Jun 4, 2019, 12:59 am
#7
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Jun 4, 2019, 1:24 am
#8
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Jun 4, 2019, 1:26 am
#9
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Jun 4, 2019, 3:16 am
#10
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I would definitely complain. Someone screwed up...doesn't matter if it was AA or their sub-contracted catering service. If the flight was advertised as having a meal, and you paid for an F ticket, you should definitely get some compensation. If it was me, I think asking for $50-$100 in a voucher towards a future flight would be fair if you paid for the F seat. I know some on here will balk completely at that, but to me, that is a complete service failure on something that is promised during booking.
Jun 4, 2019, 3:25 am
#11
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I have myself never counted on a meal on a plane for my hunger. I will eat at home before my flight or if in transit will pick something up at the airport.
I know alot of passengers look forward to the food on the plane.. but is it really worth it?
I know alot of passengers look forward to the food on the plane.. but is it really worth it?
Jun 4, 2019, 3:27 am
#12
Join Date: Sep 2005
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What is it with us FTers? Everything less than 100% perfect requires compensation? How about when you're at McDonald's and they run out of fries? Do you demand compensation? Gas station's out of premium today. Compensation? Steak is overcooked. Sure, the restaurant will make you a new one, but why no demand for compensation? Why only in travel-related purchases?
No premium gas--you don't get but you don't pay
First class meal--you don't get it but you paid
It is different.
Jun 4, 2019, 3:38 am
#13
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And what did you pay for in F? Is the airline contractually obligated to provide more than transportation?
Jun 4, 2019, 5:10 am
#14
Join Date: Dec 2000
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You said the restaurant would make a new steak. I don't believe AA offered to make a new breakfast. It would be akin to the restaurant running out of steak, giving you a snack basket of French fries, and charging for the steak bc you already ordered it.
Jun 4, 2019, 5:52 am
#15
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A breakfast at the airport would cost what around $10-$15. That should be the voucher amount, as if the OP had known there was no catering that is what he would have paid for breakfast in the terminal. $50-$100 is totally unreasonable and unjustified. Now many would feel as though chasing AA for $10-$15 is not worth it and would chalk it up to life in the fast lane.
