PDBs Coming Back? (anecdotes, experiences)
Apr 6, 2022, 8:53 am
#226
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP 3MM, UA Silver, Bonvoy LT TIT, Hyatt Explorist, HH Silver, Caesars PLT
Posts: 7,259
It's not worth being outraged at something like this that's been going on for at least the 22+ years I've been an AA elite frequent flyer.
Apr 6, 2022, 9:03 am
#227
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,389
This. I save my outrage for things that really matter. What the OP is describing is a mild annoyance; less annoying than, say, getting dog poop on your shoe.
Apr 6, 2022, 9:26 am
#229
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 949
Ultimately it's part of the product. If you went to a restaurant that had a buffet and inquired why there were no desserts out would you settle on the server just not wanting to go through the "hassle" of putting them out?
Apr 6, 2022, 9:42 am
#230
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: CoUniHound 1K 1MM, AA EXP 2MM, DL Plat, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,625
AA has always had a sizable groups of FAs who absolutely refuse to serve a PDB. It's always been that way. It may not be the majority, but it's a large enough population to be self-perpetuating. Moreover, AA management doesn't seem to understand that happy employees means happy customers. It seems to me that AA management tosses a bone to the FAs by taking it off our plate, not theirs. AA says that PDBs are required, but *wink*, *wink*, we won't enforce it so here's your bone.
Apr 6, 2022, 9:56 am
#231
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 949
AA has always had a sizable groups of FAs who absolutely refuse to serve a PDB. It's always been that way. It may not be the majority, but it's a large enough population to be self-perpetuating. Moreover, AA management doesn't seem to understand that happy employees means happy customers. It seems to me that AA management tosses a bone to the FAs by taking it off our plate, not theirs. AA says that PDBs are required, but *wink*, *wink*, we won't enforce it so here's your bone.
1. True, but the number not serving PDBs has grown much larger since the restart. I think many "on the fence" just want to use "safety" as a reason knowing that management will accept that excuse. I exempt late boarding flights.
2. Management doesn't care about "happy customers." Management is concerned about running a credit card mill that generates enough cc applications to keep it's cc partners happy-the group (not the passengers) that now keeps AA in business.
Apr 6, 2022, 10:08 am
#232
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Domestic first class is about what I would expect for something that is mostly given away for free to people with status. I gladly accept my free upgrades to the more comfortable seat. I don't pay for F unless if the price difference is minimal (which it almost never is) or if there is a lie-flat because the quality of the product does not justify paying a lot.
Apr 6, 2022, 12:05 pm
#233
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,179
Apart from complaining here - do any of you tell the woman who is in charge of inflight services - excuse me if her name slips my mind ? If they get enough of these then maybe something might happen. One needs flights, dates and names and the reason given for not doing them. The only reason that they get away with this nonsense is that no one dares challenge them.
Apr 6, 2022, 5:29 pm
#234
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 407
On a positive note, I flew the Dreamliner from DFW to LAX last week in J and got not just one PBD but two! We had a mechanical delay at the gate and out came warm nuts and a second round with a great big smile. For a minute I wondered if perhaps I was being punked! In reality, it was just an awesome hard-working FA. She was warm, considerate, kind, and happy to accommodate every request. Even thanked each passenger by name on final. The fruit and cheese plate was also delicious! Felt like a Flagship service.
We all love to complain on this forum when things go wrong (I'm might be the worst offender), so it's important to call out when things go very right!
We all love to complain on this forum when things go wrong (I'm might be the worst offender), so it's important to call out when things go very right!
Apr 6, 2022, 9:21 pm
#236
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,976
There was a glimmer of hope recently but it now looks to be extinguished. A couple of weeks ago I got PDBs on all flights of a round trip to NYC. This week, on three flights over as many days, no PDB. In fact, on the last DFW-AUS leg there was no service whatsoever in first class. Basically just a Big Front Seat.
Apr 6, 2022, 9:32 pm
#237
Join Date: Jan 2022
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 1,471
In F from LHR-JFK got offered PDB. The rather surly FA even offered a second round to the lady across from me but just swanned past me. Was t particularly thirsty anyway…
In F from JFK-SFO nothing offered. Again wasn’t thirsty after 4 hours in lounge and crew was great.
In F from JFK-SFO nothing offered. Again wasn’t thirsty after 4 hours in lounge and crew was great.
Apr 6, 2022, 10:40 pm
#238
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: USA-AZ
Programs: DL Skymiles DM, Hertz President Circle, Enterprise Platinum, IHG, BW Diamond Select, AA EXP
Posts: 180
Tuesday 4/4…MKE-PHX. PDB was water, OJ or coffee on 7am flight. I asked FA for a tomato juice, was told that only could get water, OJ or coffee…he would be happy to get me a tomato juice once in the air. Said not thanks…I was good then.
Apr 7, 2022, 4:11 pm
#239
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 407
The most corrupt, lazy FAs have worked that route and MIA-EZE for literally decades. Nothing I hear about either segment surprises me at all.