PDBs Coming Back? (anecdotes, experiences)
#17
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Executive Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,663
I too miss the PDBs. I regard it as a nice perk to flying up front. I love me a vodka and OJ to start the flight.
BTW, this reminds me of a story from years ago. I was flying PHL-PIT and the FA asked me if I wanted a PDB. I said that I would like a screwdriver. She gave me this quizzical look. I explained that I wanted a vodka and OJ. I always found it odd that she didn't know what a screwdriver cocktail was.
BTW, this reminds me of a story from years ago. I was flying PHL-PIT and the FA asked me if I wanted a PDB. I said that I would like a screwdriver. She gave me this quizzical look. I explained that I wanted a vodka and OJ. I always found it odd that she didn't know what a screwdriver cocktail was.
#18
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PHL (kinda, no airport is really close)
Programs: AA Exp, but not sure for how long. Enterprise Platinum woo-hoo!
Posts: 4,550
On my last two red-eyes (both in F) I was able to ask for a glass of water (in one case) or OJ (in the second) to take some meds. That's the scope. However, I think that on my outbound in December (daytime) I got a drink in a real glass. Makes the club soda taste so much better
#20
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,976
They were very hit or miss (mostly miss) before Covid. So even if they officially "return" I wouldn't adjust my expectations very much.
#21
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DCA/IAD/SFO/SJC/JFK/NRT/LHR/BOS/etc
Programs: AA (EXP, 3 MM), Hyatt Globalist, Taj InnerCircle Silver, MLife Noir, former LHW-Aurelian
Posts: 365
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
I was on an AS flight last year out of LAX when a female F passenger requested a PDB and the (particularly odious) male FA said that the FAA had banned them due to Covid. She challenged him to cite the FAA rule and another passenger behind her, obviously sensing that this would end up badly, intervened to back up the FA. So yeah, not holding out much hope that AS will be taking custom PDB orders on domestic flights anytime soon. It's a real shame because their scheduled service is super convenient otherwise.
Also, I'd rather be given nothing at all pre-departure than be subjected to those "school lunchbox" boxes of water.
Also, I'd rather be given nothing at all pre-departure than be subjected to those "school lunchbox" boxes of water.
Last edited by mvoight; Jan 9, 2022 at 11:47 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 407
Yeah, that was my take at least. He said something to the effect of "I'm sure that's correct," but it seemed pretty clear from his demeanor that he just didn't want the flight to get held up due to a stupid conflict over drinks.
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
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Posts: 11,252
#25
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
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Posts: 11,252
#27
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
That said, this thread is about PDB's coming back, not about the past.
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,252
Regardless, I'd be shocked if PDBs come back consistently going forward.
#29
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
#30
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,689
AA taking billions of your taxpayer money for a bailout and you expect good service and a pre departure drink in First? haha The only reason you get good service on International flights is something called competition.