Ordering on board
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Ealing
Programs: Usual Amex Cent. GGL.
Posts: 1,484
Ordering on board
We used the onboard food ordering web option last night for the first time as soon as the ordering system became available.
The crew then trolley served the entire cabin. As he passed us we explained that we had an order in so he continued on. Then nothing for 15-20 mins when a charming FA appeared and apologised for the lack of the food we'd ordered but they were sold out. Drinks were fine .
Logistically I can see that this makes sense, they can't delay trolley service waiting for potential web orders but is it always the case that it is pointless to use the web order other than for AFTER the trolley service? Just interested in other's experience in case we ever have to repeat the process.
The crew then trolley served the entire cabin. As he passed us we explained that we had an order in so he continued on. Then nothing for 15-20 mins when a charming FA appeared and apologised for the lack of the food we'd ordered but they were sold out. Drinks were fine .
Logistically I can see that this makes sense, they can't delay trolley service waiting for potential web orders but is it always the case that it is pointless to use the web order other than for AFTER the trolley service? Just interested in other's experience in case we ever have to repeat the process.
#2
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,983
My understanding is that the at seat ordering is only available after they have done the usual water plus snack service- so yes to answer the OP's question, pointless to try and expect it before the trolley service, though I am happy to be corrected by others. So, for short sectors like AMS I am not sure whether the at seat ordering is available at all......
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 19,092
I’m not sure if I fully understand, did you preorder before boarding or inflight?
What should happen is that the complementary service items such as water and pretzels are handed out first, after which any preordered items should be delivered.
The crew should switch off/suspend the BOB option to all customers so that nobody can order anything.
The crew should then take the trolley through the cabin, front to back to allow customers to buy anything they wish.
After returning to the galley the crew should then reinstate the BOB option so that customers can make any extra purchases.
What should happen is that the complementary service items such as water and pretzels are handed out first, after which any preordered items should be delivered.
The crew should switch off/suspend the BOB option to all customers so that nobody can order anything.
The crew should then take the trolley through the cabin, front to back to allow customers to buy anything they wish.
After returning to the galley the crew should then reinstate the BOB option so that customers can make any extra purchases.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA Silver, Hilton Diamond, BD Blue (RIP)
Posts: 1,980
I’m not sure if I fully understand, did you preorder before boarding or inflight?
What should happen is that the complementary service items such as water and pretzels are handed out first, after which any preordered items should be delivered.
The crew should switch off/suspend the BOB option to all customers so that nobody can order anything.
The crew should then take the trolley through the cabin, front to back to allow customers to buy anything they wish.
After returning to the galley the crew should then reinstate the BOB option so that customers can make any extra purchases.
What should happen is that the complementary service items such as water and pretzels are handed out first, after which any preordered items should be delivered.
The crew should switch off/suspend the BOB option to all customers so that nobody can order anything.
The crew should then take the trolley through the cabin, front to back to allow customers to buy anything they wish.
After returning to the galley the crew should then reinstate the BOB option so that customers can make any extra purchases.
* Trolley run as described above
* No BoB run at all
* Cabin crew walking down the aisle with a menu card asking for orders.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 19,092
So it will depend on the route, very short domestic flights there is no BOB service at all other than preordered items, longer sectors the trolley service is the preferred method of service, however if the crew feel that this isn’t possible such as a shorter flight time or turbulence they can alter the service.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Ealing
Programs: Usual Amex Cent. GGL.
Posts: 1,484
Partner has clarified. For some reason she was able to place the order during the water service which fed into an (overly optimistic) expectation that it would be fulfilled at the end of the water service. But again, on reflection, it all makes sense.
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Ealing
Programs: Usual Amex Cent. GGL.
Posts: 1,484
Same crew as in the Exit Row thread so... on the bright side, I found a Tiffany padlock in the seat back pocket so dropped it with the IFL on the way out to the bus...
#11
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,014
So it will depend on the route, very short domestic flights there is no BOB service at all other than preordered items, longer sectors the trolley service is the preferred method of service, however if the crew feel that this isn’t possible such as a shorter flight time or turbulence they can alter the service.
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 19,092
v1.0
6
EXPRESS
AMS
BRU
CDG
DUB
JER
LBA
MAN
NCL
NQY
ORY
6
EXPRESS
AMS
BRU
CDG
DUB
JER
LBA
MAN
NCL
NQY
ORY
#14
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: GLA
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 2,961
What should happen is that the complementary service items such as water and pretzels are handed out first, after which any preordered items should be delivered.
The crew should switch off/suspend the BOB option to all customers so that nobody can order anything.
The crew should then take the trolley through the cabin, front to back to allow customers to buy anything they wish.
After returning to the galley the crew should then reinstate the BOB option so that customers can make any extra purchases.
The crew should switch off/suspend the BOB option to all customers so that nobody can order anything.
The crew should then take the trolley through the cabin, front to back to allow customers to buy anything they wish.
After returning to the galley the crew should then reinstate the BOB option so that customers can make any extra purchases.
#15
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,345
On my flight from Faro the other day, there was no complementary water run, they just came round with the BoB trolley, there was also no mention of delivering pre-orders first, although perhaps there weren't any.