Bar locked 1:30 out..!
Sep 22, 2022, 3:34 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,644
"Round tripped bars" need to have stock equally distributed though, so the return crew have equally full bars for the return service (in economy). This is normally done after the first meal service, then most of the bars are locked to ensure there's enough stock for the return. 95% of the time this does not impact on customer requests after the meal service.
Longer routes, and higher demand routes eg LAS, have the bars removed and fully restocked (but the bars in ALL cabins STILL need to be counted, locked and sealed before 40 minutes).
Nothing to do with lazy, everything to do with historical demand and time.
Sep 22, 2022, 3:54 am
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 19,094
No cabin should have all bars closed 90 minutes before landing, one bar should remain open and available until 45 minutes before landing, sounds like bad planning/management to me.
Sep 22, 2022, 6:23 am
#35
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Lincoln, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 1,266
Too many people making excuses for BA not being able to offer the full service throughout the flight. I agree with CIHY, it is just poorly motivated, poorly supervised crew who find the easy action preferable to the right action. I flew a SH Finnair route last week. Chalk and Cheese to BA crew and reminded me of BA crew of old. Have they all gone or have they just accepted that if you cannot beat them, join them?
Sep 22, 2022, 9:35 am
#37
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,211
The way I read it was the flight in question was in diversion mode so assumed it had been made ready for landing. As we usually only ever get to hear one side of the story I suppose we'll never know.
Sep 22, 2022, 9:53 am
#38
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,546
Good to know that BA is willing to restock on some routes. One thing to note: other than customs duties, most alcohol regulation in the US is handled at the state level. Given that BA flies to around 12-15 different US states, they are potentially dealing with 15 different sets of laws and contracts with 15 different liquor distributors.
Sep 22, 2022, 10:07 am
#40
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,546
No argument there, and if weather or other factors require closing the bar early I would appreciate a PA announcement e.g. “due to expected turbulence, I’ve asked our cabin crew to end their service early and take their seats.” Or perhaps even a personal “last call” from the CC if in a premium class.
Sep 22, 2022, 10:30 am
#43
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BRS
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,993
For all its faults, Iberia have served us drinks up until around 10 minutes to landing - which is about the same time they play the announcement to put your tray table away and bags in the overhead. The first time I flew them I was worried the crew had forgot about landing preparation and we'd end up having to go-around. Cabin crew took their seats about 2 minutes out from touchdown!
Sep 22, 2022, 11:41 am
#44
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: A3*G,BA Silver
Posts: 2,012
Indeed. First questions about if the OP was flying in economy and when the answer was that they flew business another excuse was found. At least we have people like CIHY with decades of experience and professionalism who will tell us how the right procedure should be.