No more champagne - we’d have to open another bottle
Dec 9, 2018, 10:28 am
#46
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 6,349
A proper champagne/sparkling wine stopper is about £10 we have one and it works very well. Equivalent to less than one glass of LPGS. No reason why F or CW can't be equipped with one of these, saving the contents of half opened bottles from being thrown away. Penny wise pound foolish behaviour by BA.
As to whether the bottle could be stored I suspect it's a bit more complex than 'here's one we use at home'. If it was as simple as a £10 stopper I imagine we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Dec 9, 2018, 10:30 am
#47
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,399
@ snaxmuppet - there could (perhaps ?) be something in what you say. Would be interesting to hear from any FT-ers with specialist knowledge & expertise in such matters.
But I’m going to hazard a guess and say that in this scenario - as related by OP - the pressure comes not so much from altitude but from Waterside bean counters
But I’m going to hazard a guess and say that in this scenario - as related by OP - the pressure comes not so much from altitude but from Waterside bean counters
Dec 9, 2018, 10:49 am
#48
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,271
I enjoy having a drink sometimes but in an environment that is conducive to relaxing and enjoying it. I never think of flying as being such an environment. I mean, does anyone really want to try and compare having a nice glass of wine with a nice dinner in a nice restaurant, with having wine with an airline meal in whatever flight class? I have flown in all classes and it is never a relaxing and enjoyable experience where I would think of it as being like sitting in a fine restaurant.
Is the drink just a way to numb the senses enough perhaps to make the flight bearable? What is the fascination with getting a drink on a plane? I really don't understand it.
Dec 9, 2018, 11:20 am
#49
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Paynesville, Vic
Programs: BA Gold AVIS Presidents Club
Posts: 356
Conversely on a Syd Sin in F a few weeks back the crew member was so proactive that despite my reservations he managed to get me through what I would guess would have been about 2 bottles of LPS over about 5 hrs. And even offered to open a third bottle when I finally declined the offer of yet another refil on account of sobriety and 13 hrs to come from Sin Lhr. That said the onwards from Sin was delayed nearly 5 hrs so I slept all the way back to london and only took a cup of T throughout the whole F service so didnt feel too guilty about raiding the BA pension fund on the previous leg! Fortunate enough to be doing the same trip next week so we shall see if the sameexcellent level of proactive service will be offered. I must admit that I have fairly simple tastes and I was indifferent to LPS until that trip - but found it quite moorish after about the 4th glass. Now a fan.
OF
OF
Dec 9, 2018, 11:30 am
#50
Join Date: Nov 2015
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 132
I enjoy drinking a bottle of champagne in the lounge beforehand, getting on the flight and having two glasses of champagne before takeoff, a third once in the air, two glasses of wine with the meal, and then passing out for most of the rest of the flight. Judge me all you like, but what’s the fun of flying if you can’t get quietly rat-arsed?!
Dec 9, 2018, 11:38 am
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP/LTP, BA GGL/CCR/GfL, HH D/LTD, SPG/MR Plat/LTP
Posts: 10,076
Conversely on a Syd Sin in F a few weeks back the crew member was so proactive that despite my reservations he managed to get me through what I would guess would have been about 2 bottles of LPS over about 5 hrs. And even offered to open a third bottle when I finally declined the offer of yet another refil on account of sobriety and 13 hrs to come from Sin Lhr. That said the onwards from Sin was delayed nearly 5 hrs so I slept all the way back to london and only took a cup of T throughout the whole F service so didnt feel too guilty about raiding the BA pension fund on the previous leg! Fortunate enough to be doing the same trip next week so we shall see if the sameexcellent level of proactive service will be offered. I must admit that I have fairly simple tastes and I was indifferent to LPS until that trip - but found it quite moorish after about the 4th glass. Now a fan.
OF
OF
Dec 9, 2018, 11:48 am
#52
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 2,447
The last two times I've been in WTP from PEK to LHR they've served no fizz at all prior to take-off.
I've asked them why and apparently it's to do with being on the ground.
Then saw them serving Club passengers fizz (different variety, I'm sure, whatever).
Asked the question again, citing that passengers in front were being served.
Didn't really have an answer for me.
I pondered complaining but never got around to it...
I've asked them why and apparently it's to do with being on the ground.
Then saw them serving Club passengers fizz (different variety, I'm sure, whatever).
Asked the question again, citing that passengers in front were being served.
Didn't really have an answer for me.
I pondered complaining but never got around to it...
Dec 9, 2018, 12:16 pm
#53
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, *A Gold, Hertz President's Circle, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 529
To be fair to the CC, they were straight over with a full glass as soon as they were allowed out of their jump seats after take off. And they were very attentive during the flight to offer top ups.
Dec 9, 2018, 4:38 pm
#54
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 614
I don't know about long haul, but on short haul, we had stoppers loaded when the full size bottles were loaded in Club. However, a memo came out shortly after telling us not to use them for Champagne, as several crew had received rather nasty injuries as they were hit by the stopper when releasing the it from the bottle. The rather large difference in pressure caused a rather explosive expulsion! If you wanted another glass, and I had to open a bottle just for you, believe me, I'd be 'encouraging' you to get the whole bottle down you, it goes against my beliefs to pour the remainder down the loo.
Dec 9, 2018, 7:37 pm
#55
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Stockholm, Sweden.
Programs: BA, JAL
Posts: 689
Been refused alcohol several times before take off over the past year. Not a prob once in air.
Assumed it was something new BA came up with as they say they "can't".
Just another reason to go to VS.
Assumed it was something new BA came up with as they say they "can't".
Just another reason to go to VS.
Dec 10, 2018, 2:13 am
#56
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: City of Kingston Upon Hull
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 4,940
This sort of reinforces my view that customer facing staff are often put into these awkward situations by staff behind the scenes who were are hidden from the customer.
Dec 10, 2018, 2:35 am
#57
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
... I find all these posts about drinks something of a wonder. I mean, it sounds a BIT like a bunch of alcoholics who can't go without a drink. Whether it is a pre-departure glass of champagne or someone complaining that they couldn't get their third G&T because the FA says they are busy serving the meal, etc. It is just all something that makes me shake my head and wonder.
Dec 10, 2018, 6:31 am
#58
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, AA EXP
Posts: 1,140
At the risk of annoying folks with the old QR/BA comparison, the pre-departure experience between the two is a world apart, and it's important to remember this is the first part of the on-board experience for passengers and first impressions count for a lot.
I do chuckle quietly to myself in Club World when the pre-departure tray comes round with a mouthful of champagne at the bottom of the glass. I also immediately compare this in my mind to QR in J where the crew introduce themselves, offer a selection of drinks, and ask if you want a hot or cold towel (and passengers are served individually rather that taking a drink from a tray full of drinks). The QR champagne (noting there's a choice too) is served as a decent measure in a nice glass. They are also consistently proactive with top-ups if there is any delay in getting going.
I do chuckle quietly to myself in Club World when the pre-departure tray comes round with a mouthful of champagne at the bottom of the glass. I also immediately compare this in my mind to QR in J where the crew introduce themselves, offer a selection of drinks, and ask if you want a hot or cold towel (and passengers are served individually rather that taking a drink from a tray full of drinks). The QR champagne (noting there's a choice too) is served as a decent measure in a nice glass. They are also consistently proactive with top-ups if there is any delay in getting going.
Dec 10, 2018, 6:39 am
#59
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London
Programs: Mucci Blue, BAEC Gold, Blockbuster Video card
Posts: 1,378
No offense or personal judgement of you intended Vgravity but I find all these posts about drinks something of a wonder. I mean, it sounds a BIT like a bunch of alcoholics who can't go without a drink. Whether it is a pre-departure glass of champagne or someone complaining that they couldn't get their third G&T because the FA says they are busy serving the meal, etc. It is just all something that makes me shake my head and wonder.
I enjoy having a drink sometimes but in an environment that is conducive to relaxing and enjoying it. I never think of flying as being such an environment. I mean, does anyone really want to try and compare having a nice glass of wine with a nice dinner in a nice restaurant, with having wine with an airline meal in whatever flight class? I have flown in all classes and it is never a relaxing and enjoyable experience where I would think of it as being like sitting in a fine restaurant.
Is the drink just a way to numb the senses enough perhaps to make the flight bearable? What is the fascination with getting a drink on a plane? I really don't understand it.
I enjoy having a drink sometimes but in an environment that is conducive to relaxing and enjoying it. I never think of flying as being such an environment. I mean, does anyone really want to try and compare having a nice glass of wine with a nice dinner in a nice restaurant, with having wine with an airline meal in whatever flight class? I have flown in all classes and it is never a relaxing and enjoyable experience where I would think of it as being like sitting in a fine restaurant.
Is the drink just a way to numb the senses enough perhaps to make the flight bearable? What is the fascination with getting a drink on a plane? I really don't understand it.
Dec 10, 2018, 7:04 am
#60
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 6,349
Am I going to serve 1 glass now and pour away 85% of the bottle? Or shall I apologise on the basis I will be able to serve 6 glasses in the air?