What is the deal with alcoholic beverages on QR?
Oct 1, 2014, 12:12 am
#16
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: ZRH
Programs: QR Privilege Club Gold; Accor LeClub Platinum
Posts: 658
No one has mentioned this yet...I wonder if the OP's appearance is such that he/she could potentially be Muslim. The FAs might be selectively cautious with such individuals.
I do realize that people of all races practice Islam, but some are more likely than others.
Over the years, a number of well-intentioned waitstaff have made assumptions based on my appearance and warned me about dishes containing pork or beef.
I do realize that people of all races practice Islam, but some are more likely than others.
Over the years, a number of well-intentioned waitstaff have made assumptions based on my appearance and warned me about dishes containing pork or beef.
However, I just noticed: I do think they were generally more pro-active if I took Champagne as a pre-departure drink.. They would then specifically ask about wine during meal service. They tended not to do that when taking something non-alcoholic.. Maybe they really want the costumer to indicate whether they do drink alcohol or not..
In any way, it would be interesting to hear from FAs or someone else working there if there's any policy about that?
Oct 1, 2014, 7:01 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,632
However, I just noticed: I do think they were generally more pro-active if I took Champagne as a pre-departure drink.. They would then specifically ask about wine during meal service. They tended not to do that when taking something non-alcoholic.. Maybe they really want the costumer to indicate whether they do drink alcohol or not..
Oct 1, 2014, 9:48 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: BAEC Gold, M&M Sen, Delta Skymiles Gold
Posts: 866
I couldn't see anyone in business being served alcoholic beverages for pre departure drink. I asked for champagne later in the flight and it was of course no problem. But I also had to ask for wine with the meal on all four flights even though I had champagne prior to the meals. Anyhow, this was just minor issues. Over all I thought QR was great, and I will fly them again, without a doubt.
Oct 2, 2014, 5:30 am
#20
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A couple days ago I had my first flight on QR. I flew from MUC to ICN via DOH. I had two fantastic flights. The seat and service top notch. I did however notice that they never offered any alcoholic drinks unless you specifically asked for it. For the welcome drink I was asked if I wanted orange juice, water or a lemon mint drink. When I asked if could have champagne they said I certainly could, and happily poored me a glass directly from the bottle. When they served dinner they just asked if I wanted still or sparkling water with the meal, they did not ask what wine I would like. When I asked they were more than happy to serve me wine, but they certainly didn't encourage any consumption of alcoholic beverages. I found it somewhat strange as they had excellent wines on offer and it seems they emphasize offering quality wines and liquor. But it was like they'd rather not serve it. Has this anything to do with religion? I have experienced a similar attitude towards alcohol on Malaysia Airlines, which also is a muslim country. It is on offer, but you will have to ask for it.
MH can use the financial savings from not being so free with the alcohol tap.
Oct 2, 2014, 9:11 pm
#21
Join Date: Apr 2006
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Lifetime Bonvoy Platinum, HHonors Gold , TK Gold, MH Plat, QR Plat
Posts: 100
Perhaps it was a new crew member? In my 100+ QR flights I have *always* been offered champagne (brut/rose) as my welcome drink, amongst other items (incl. non-alcoholic items). Even during my 2am departures.
On Malaysia Airlines, I have never experienced any reluctance in offering alcohol, in fact it is proactively offered very much! Alcohol bill is the least of MH's worries- contrary to popular belief recently, business as usual on board- the last flight to CDG I took 2 weeks back was packed full in C...was half hoping for an empty seat beside me!
Or perhaps I just look like an alcoholic!
On Malaysia Airlines, I have never experienced any reluctance in offering alcohol, in fact it is proactively offered very much! Alcohol bill is the least of MH's worries- contrary to popular belief recently, business as usual on board- the last flight to CDG I took 2 weeks back was packed full in C...was half hoping for an empty seat beside me!
Or perhaps I just look like an alcoholic!
Oct 3, 2014, 5:26 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Bømlo, Norway//Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Programs: QR Silver
Posts: 222
I've always been offered alcohol, both in J and Y. Ex-OSL they even offer champagne in Y (not sure if they still do, last flight was in May)! I may look like a muslim as I am dark skinned and have black hair, but as mentioned, I never had to ask for champagne or any other alcoholic beverage..
Oct 4, 2014, 11:02 am
#23
Join Date: Apr 2001
Programs: AA (PLATINUM), HHonors (DIAMOND)
Posts: 1,068
I find this thread very interesting. I encountered a very similar experience on Etihad JFK-AUH-ORD in Business Class. Excellent alcoholic beverages were on the menu, however the crew would almost look at me funny when I ordered them or asked for top-offs.
Oct 20, 2014, 11:13 am
#25
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: QR Platinum, WY Gold, Shangri-la Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,151
Just to report my most recent experience... On my flight yesterday I was offered champagne on boarding (and then a second glass when there was a pre-departure delay). I ordered a glass of wine as my drink for after take-off and every time my glass was getting low the FA seemed to magically appear out of nowhere with the bottle to top me up - no reluctance whatsoever to serve alcohol ^ 
Oct 26, 2014, 10:39 am
#26
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Does MH offer champagne upon request as predeparture like QR? Turkish will open champagne as predeparture if you ask, but inflight they are terrible at refills. You always have to ask. Is Malaysia the same way ?
Oct 31, 2014, 1:11 pm
#27
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: TK*G (E+), IHG Plat Ambassador
Posts: 7,884