Mini Bar setup in J on A380
 

How does it get determined what gets stocked in the mini bar? Do they ask you what you want in tree at the start of the flight or is there just random drinks/snacks pre-set in there?

Everytime I've flown in J on the A380, the mini-bar at your seat has been pre-stocked. As far as I can remember, its soft drink, water and some sort of juice.

To be honest, I think its a bit of a gimmick. I mean, if you're already on the A380, why not go to the real bar. Or order a drink from an FA (so you at least get a glass with ice).

Here is a pic of the minibar:

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/s...freshments.jpg

Regular Bar

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/s...genotready.jpg

In-flight:

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/s...oungeready.jpg

Its usually basic stuff - Water, soda, juice etc etc.,

Personally, don't think the mini bar is needed - what is the point when you have fantastic service while flying in the premium cabins and are well looked after?

I couldn't agree more. Like most travelers, probably, I thought it would be kind of cool, but then thought that it was a waste of space when I saw it for the first time.

I would be happy if they just left a bottle of water, as many airlines do.

Moreover, the whole thing looks quite tacky. Like the kind of plastic shelving you'd find for bathrooms in a discount store.

I love the minibar. Gimmicky maybe but it is perfect for people like me who are too lazy to get up and go find a drink mid-flight.

Whilst the mini bar is a decent idea and can help avoid unnecessary calls to the Stewards it really should be chilled.

Minibar is nice but unfortunately i am not sure how long those drinks have been sitting there.

Once i found empty cans in there, probably just a one off...

I personally would rather have a nicely chilled fresh drink from them.

I believe some of the flights have a fridge in F where 5/6 drinks are kept, not sure if it is a fridge but has some kind of cabinet so you can close it.

AFAIK neither the Skycruiser nor any of the various suites (777/345/380) have a refrigerated section for the small selection of soft drinks provided in their respective "mini-bars". Their other, older First Class offerings do not have a mini-bar at all.