Pre-Departure Drinks in F: What can they serve?
#31
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Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
Your post is a red herring -
The US airlines generally serve PDBs - mixed drinks, wines, beers - it is the same standards in the air - rum & coke, gin & tonic.
The only questions was if Cabin Crew could serve the same drinks in the air as on the ground - and in fact - turns out until recently there was more leeway.
#33
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Cumbria UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, Priority Club Gold
Posts: 417
On my recent BAH-DOH TP run flights this was the cause of some confusion.
On the first flight, BAH - DOH no alcohol served.
On the return flight DOH - BAH (same night) champagne offered and gladly accepted.
The following Night BAH - DOH bubbly offered.
Same night DOH - BAH same crew and no bubbly again.
I know these are short flights but the inconsistency is the confusing part....... not a complaint, just an observation.
On the first flight, BAH - DOH no alcohol served.
On the return flight DOH - BAH (same night) champagne offered and gladly accepted.
The following Night BAH - DOH bubbly offered.
Same night DOH - BAH same crew and no bubbly again.
I know these are short flights but the inconsistency is the confusing part....... not a complaint, just an observation.
#34
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Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
On my recent BAH-DOH TP run flights this was the cause of some confusion.
On the first flight, BAH - DOH no alcohol served.
On the return flight DOH - BAH (same night) champagne offered and gladly accepted.
The following Night BAH - DOH bubbly offered.
Same night DOH - BAH same crew and no bubbly again.
I know these are short flights but the inconsistency is the confusing part....... not a complaint, just an observation.
On the first flight, BAH - DOH no alcohol served.
On the return flight DOH - BAH (same night) champagne offered and gladly accepted.
The following Night BAH - DOH bubbly offered.
Same night DOH - BAH same crew and no bubbly again.
I know these are short flights but the inconsistency is the confusing part....... not a complaint, just an observation.
#39
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Cumbria UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, Priority Club Gold
Posts: 417
No alcohol on Oman Air serving Saudi.
No Alcohol on BA services whilst in Saudi airspace.
For those who are interested.
#40
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My instinct is to give people what they want but if customs came aboard we would be in big trouble. Champagne - even today - is considered special and so that is why it is offered. Please note that the famous US carriers all serve domestic bubbles on the ground and in the air in F domestic.
#41
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Cumbria UK
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#42
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South East, UK
Programs: BA Gold / GfL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,432
I agree that this is a stupid change. I like to receive the menu when on the ground. It kills some dead time when there's not much else to do. I then order and simply say I'd like to eat now or in x hours. I'm sure that must also help the crew in terms of knowing what different passengers will be eating and when - they can plan their service better.
#43
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: London
Programs: BAEC, AA, Emirates, Hilton, Hyatt, Taj Hotels
Posts: 2,343
I think the comment upstream about 'putting people first' is spot on. Strong, imaginative management should empower front line staff to make on the spot decisions that are outside 'strict by-the-book' limitations. Just saying 'No' hacks people off, especially in F. Obviously, if local laws dont allow it I wouldn't expect crew to break those rules, and where it is not possible to meet a request, a polite explanation should be perfectly doable - surely this sort of scenario and how to handle it, is part of a well structured training course.
All this doing it by the book bureacracy and topping it off with a rude refusal is the outcome of poor management or leadership, often symptomatic of bean counters or management consultants being involved as opposed to people who understand (the value of) service.
The Menus in F should definitely be handed out on the ground, or at a pinch, immediately after take off. What a daft idea to wait until the passenger wants to eat. Ridiculous
#45
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