Strange First Class Service
#16
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,372
I am guessing that what OP has observed has nothing to do with the number of FAs in the domestic F (J) cabin. What OP described sounded like the FA just was not competent enough to do domestic F service. If FAs are not competent to do the service, then one FA or two FAs would not have made the difference. Yes, one can argue that if one FA is not competent, then second FA can fill the hole and maintain the service.
Last edited by DMPHL; Apr 21, 2022 at 11:59 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: HH Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 10,457
But two FAs did the F meal service on those 757s, didn't they?
There was also a time when the AA/APFA contract required higher than minimum staffing on certain flights; I believe at one point in time M80 dinner flights with the "deluxe dinner" (longer midcon) service contractually required an extra FA.
There was also a time when the AA/APFA contract required higher than minimum staffing on certain flights; I believe at one point in time M80 dinner flights with the "deluxe dinner" (longer midcon) service contractually required an extra FA.
#18
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Palm Beach/ New England
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, DL GM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,382
I have had a couple experiences since COVID with understaffed F domestic cabins. The most notable were mid-cons -- DFW-SEA and ORD-PBI both recently. Both flights the single FA doing First had difficulties getting the meal service done in a reasonable amount of time. Meaning, service wasn't complete until 2 hours after takeoff (and no, there weren't any turbulence "stay seated" orders -- normal flight conditions).
Strangely, prior to meal service returning, my MIA-SEA flight a few months ago had two FAs working the F cabin. And with no hot meal, they were done in a flash. I'm curious if the competition is also reducing staffing to a single FA in F. I am flying Delta FLL-MSP-LAX this weekend, so I will observe how it goes and report here.
Strangely, prior to meal service returning, my MIA-SEA flight a few months ago had two FAs working the F cabin. And with no hot meal, they were done in a flash. I'm curious if the competition is also reducing staffing to a single FA in F. I am flying Delta FLL-MSP-LAX this weekend, so I will observe how it goes and report here.
#20
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Washington,DC
Posts: 1,822
The same can be said whenever an airline cancels your honeymoon tickets to Paris.
This is a forum dedicated to first-world problems. Flyertalk's active membership is a diverse community of the lower-upper-middle class, the middle-upper-middle class, and the upper-upper-middle class (with many middle class and a few bona fide rich guys mixed in).
This is a forum dedicated to first-world problems. Flyertalk's active membership is a diverse community of the lower-upper-middle class, the middle-upper-middle class, and the upper-upper-middle class (with many middle class and a few bona fide rich guys mixed in).
It would be like someone complaining on a Cartier forum and have someone say "First world problems"
The whole flyer talk forum is read by rich people in the top 2% of global income/wealth
#21
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA 1MM EXP, DL Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador (RIP SPG), Aeroplan 75K
Posts: 1,139
Interesting. Some of my recent experiences in F have been that one FA does the entire meal service, both galley can cabin service. In J it was the same two FAs consistently. I'm not sure what the new protocol is with the reduced staffing, and what the staffing flow is throughout the aircraft.
Example, on one flight where I was the only revenue passenger (cash and miles) out of ten, the FA was totally overwhelmed and said that
to me. On other flights, we’d go out between 5/10 - 10/10 and the service was handled really well, albeit a bit slow at times (which the FAs understandably attributed to the crew levels).
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,210
True, but none of those saw 1 FA doing the galley prep and cabin service by themselves. This is new for AA in the last couple years to save $$, staffing flights at FAA minumums. Previously on these flights there was almost always one FA in the galley prepping food during meal service, and one FA supplementing them and doing the service in the cabin. I've been on CE flights in the last year that have been almost empty in CE, and there have been 2 FAs. The issue is forcing 1 FA to do the work of 2 people.
That leaves 2 FAs. If only 1 is doing F, what is the last one doing?
#23
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: Some/Most/All
Posts: 235
AA A321s have 196 seats and therefore 4 FAs. 2 are in the rear with the cart doing a soda/water service - this has been is greatly simplified as alcohol and food are not available. It's a simple drink service.
That leaves 2 FAs. If only 1 is doing F, what is the last one doing?
That leaves 2 FAs. If only 1 is doing F, what is the last one doing?
I recently had an F FA tell me that cabin assignments were divvied up by the crew themselves. If no one volunteered, F usually went junior and the 'old folks' headed for the back. I don't know whether that's universal or not, but if true would explain some of the bumbling as service levels have recently increased.
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA CONCIERGE KEY & 1MM, HILTON DIAMOND
Posts: 11,970
Before proper meal service returned, I have seen a mixture of the fourth/last FA: driving what used to be the BoB cart a few rows behind the main Y service cart providing backup drinks, coffee runs, etc., or helping the F FA hand out protein trays, or -shocker- hiding in the Y galley for some juicy Us Weekly action.
I recently had an F FA tell me that cabin assignments were divvied up by the crew themselves. If no one volunteered, F usually went junior and the 'old folks' headed for the back. I don't know whether that's universal or not, but if true would explain some of the bumbling as service levels have recently increased.
I recently had an F FA tell me that cabin assignments were divvied up by the crew themselves. If no one volunteered, F usually went junior and the 'old folks' headed for the back. I don't know whether that's universal or not, but if true would explain some of the bumbling as service levels have recently increased.