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Originally Posted by metallo
(Post 34085429)
The last couple of times I flew the A321T in F (within the past 3-4 months), I heard multiple complaints about them losing an FA compared to before (I guess one fewer FA compared to pre-pandemic on the A321T).
When I didn't receive a PDB on JFK-LAX relatively recently, that was the excuse. They actually apologized and got me one from the galley, after I told them that I could see that J behind had at least gotten the water/OJ/sparkling wine tray. There was still plenty of time, and then the purser came over and personally explained the situation to me, again offering profuse apologies and citing the loss of an FA. On another A321T flight, I'm not sure what service issue may have prompted it, but I heard an FA giving the same speech to a passenger across the aisle about being short an FA. |
I remember the days when one LUS FA at the front of an A321 could manage to hang jackets, provide made-to-order PDBs to a full 16-passenger F cabin, while pausing boarding passengers to run back and forth, and still manage to shut the door 10 minutes early! Everything seemed like a well-oiled machine back then (not that long ago!). Maybe those days will return, but I'm not holding my breath...
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Originally Posted by msr0013
(Post 34087227)
I remember the days when one LUS FA at the front of an A321 could manage to hang jackets, provide made-to-order PDBs to a full 16-passenger F cabin, while pausing boarding passengers to run back and forth, and still manage to shut the door 10 minutes early! Everything seemed like a well-oiled machine back then (not that long ago!). Maybe those days will return, but I'm not holding my breath...
I'm old enough to remember custom PDBs on domestic AA flights in F with extremely rare exception. Granted it was mostly Super 80s and 727s at the time, but pre-pushback beverage service was nearly always completed with a single FA swimming upstream and downstream while passengers were boarding. There was actually somewhat decent competition in domestic commercial aviation back then, as well as old-fashioned American work ethic. Both seem to have eroded significantly since. Sad. |
Originally Posted by metallo
(Post 34085429)
The last couple of times I flew the A321T in F (within the past 3-4 months), I heard multiple complaints about them losing an FA compared to before (I guess one fewer FA compared to pre-pandemic on the A321T).
When I didn't receive a PDB on JFK-LAX relatively recently, that was the excuse. They actually apologized and got me one from the galley, after I told them that I could see that J behind had at least gotten the water/OJ/sparkling wine tray. There was still plenty of time, and then the purser came over and personally explained the situation to me, again offering profuse apologies and citing the loss of an FA. On another A321T flight, I'm not sure what service issue may have prompted it, but I heard an FA giving the same speech to a passenger across the aisle about being short an FA. I left Thursday (SFO-JFK) 10PM. I noticed J getting tray service of water/OJ/Bubbles. I got distracted with getting settled and either missed the service or fell asleep during my distractions. I woke up when the plane started thrusting down the rwy for take off. The FA approached me and offered to take my drink order and offer apologies for not having drinks available on the ground. I was like… “ok! I must have dosed off or ignored the offer. But the lady behind me I overheard her saying to the FA… “It’s not fair and the service expected for being in First!” Good grief!! Will pay attention on the return as I’m on the 8 pm departure. Hopefully I’m not stuffed from FFD and fall asleep once seated upon boarding. lol |
3/19 AA2286 MIA-LAX 77W F; Water/OJ/Champagne (with refills!)
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I was on a recent A321T where an announcement was made they were down a FA and for F/J to bear with them for the slow service. I had assumed they were at 4 but reading this now, maybe they were actually at 5.
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3/18 1080 SJO-DFW Full PDB
3/19 2198 DFW-AUS No PDB despite 10 minutes between end of boarding and closing of door. Received inflight service including snack basket |
Just a comparison and antidotal.
Did UA 1st for 1st time ever. Skywest I think. PDB offered. Take off delayed due to traffic control 30 minutes. FA came and offered another drink while waiting. Nice. |
Originally Posted by shaddie
(Post 34090963)
Just a comparison and antidotal.
Did UA 1st for 1st time ever. Skywest I think. PDB offered. Take off delayed due to traffic control 30 minutes. FA came and offered another drink while waiting. Nice. UA clearly led the way back to normal with respect to PDBs... I'm just glad AA has started doing them again, and I think if enough premium passengers are providing feedback that this is an important service, it may help move the needle a bit. Remember, PDBs did get more consistent on AA pre-pandemic after being dismally inconsistent for years. They were still inconsistent, at times, but we know that FAs can be trained to do this properly. Whether they can be properly motivated is a different story. |
Yesterday RSW to DCA, full open bar for PDB.. Was truly great….
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Is it actually Champagne being offered in F on the premium transcons? Or Prosecco/cava?
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Originally Posted by CappuccinoAddict
(Post 34094671)
Is it actually Champagne being offered in F on the premium transcons? Or Prosecco/cava?
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ORD-DCA last night, was offered PDB of water with or without ice only. I didn't want anything more so didn't try to request. Good service once in the air with proactive doubles being offered, considering it's a pretty short flight.
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Mar 20 - BOS-MIA, A321S, Water or OJ offered on a tray (other requests were fulfilled if asked).
Mar 21 - MIA-BOS, A321S, FA asked each pax for choice, anything on offer. I find it interesting that AA's 20-seat F A321 is served by a single FA (at least on these two flights). On UA, the 20-seat F planes (739, 7M9) utilize two FAs for the PDBs, also for the meal service (the second goes back to Y after everyone is served). |
Flew JFK-SNA in F last week. No PDB, but plenty of top ups inflight. FA was still offering top ups 30 mins out from landing.
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