1st Class Meals
 

Does anyone have an opinion on how the flight attendants go about taking orders for meals on domestic F service? I travel to Maui every January and the last 4 times I have been not able to get what I want from the menu because they have "run-out" of it. I am Prem/Ex on UA and Plat Ex on AA. I have been told 4 different ways by which they go about this; MM/1K/PRE, or front to back or cabin, or back to front.

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Welcome to FT, SportsTV http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif I do not fly to Hawaii all that much, but on other routes, UA recently has been quite consistent on taking 1K/MM orders first. Based on the number of 1Ks in the cabin, that could rapidly deplete meal choices. However, it sounds like you have just been unlucky, given that you are 0/4. Some FAs claim to take orders back->front on east->west, north-> south routes, and vv. on the return, or some such pattern. However, from what I have seen, once the 1K orders are taken the remaining sequence seems to be whatever suits the FAs' mood-of-the-day.

Most airlines have a policy of front to back on even numbered flights and back to front on odd. This is certainly the case with AA. The policy is not always followed.

If you're that worried, couldn't you just let the FA know as soon as you board that you are on some sort of diet and would like to know the menu options. Then tell them what you want. I'm sure you wouldn't have any problems getting your desired entree...

I agree with willy. I mean when walking in let them know your sections and your dietary needs are a health and/or religious reason and i am sure they will do what they can. On a side note what happened to hott flight attendants did they go out in the 80's??????

Welcome to FT SportsTV!

I only fly United and have observed the following usually taking place now.

The FA taking the food orders has a manifest and takes the passengers food orders in the order of their UA Mileage Plus status.

Sometimes it is forward to back or vice versa, but more and more it is based on one's UA MP status

I agree, we all should ask the FA as we board what the meal choices are and while we are at it we should find out how many miles we'll get? Will we be there on time? Where are the open seats? ................ http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif If you need a special meal you can do it in advance. IMO the FAs have enough to do during boarding and there is enough delay with just putting away baggage. Sorry for the rant.

I've found AA to be pretty consistent about the front to back on the even and back to front on the odd.

Have a good trip.

[This message has been edited by drtravels (edited 02-13-2002).]

I usually ask about meals when I get on the plane, on international flights at least. The only meat I eat is fish, and there's always at least one fish/meatless option available. Often two. I just need to make sure I don't get left with the chicken. Otherwise, I'm not picky.

One could make the argument that I should order a special meal. Unfortunately, I've had poor luck with this. Even in international first the vegetarian meals leave less to be desired. They're usually vegan, which means no dairy in them, and though you can make wonderful vegan dishes the airline usually doesn't. The seafood option on US at least was for cold seafood, and I wanted a hot meal.

order a special meal. then you will get your choice.

otherwise, i dont worry too much about $4 worth of food on a flight.

Questions like this probably won't help you win friends and influence people around here. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

d_warner, they are still serving you, the same people. They are just serving you less.