Disappointed with lack of pre-departure beverage (PDB) & other experiences
Nov 1, 2016, 1:32 am
#121
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: SYD; Central Coast, NSW
Programs: UA, 1K 2MM
Posts: 947
). I was in 6A and needed a drink after the stress of wondering whether I would be subject to yet another 789 cancellation. PDB service was given to the other aisle of C but was not for the left side aisle. So I am not sure about UAs PDB being consistently good....
Nov 1, 2016, 1:37 am
#122
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: fwp blood diamond, dykwia uranium
Posts: 7,252
I have found PDB very hit or miss when I don't board with group 1. If I decided to hang in the lounge a little bit and let the majority of boarding sort itself out then I don't always get a PDB.
Yesterday's SEA-SFO is a perfect example. I was probably #15 of 20 to board for first class on a 739. Seat mate was boarded before me (no idea how much longer) and had no PDB. Ultimately after two battlefield upgrades the FA came back to them in row 5 and asked what they wanted. Then someone asked why the rest of us didn't get a PDB in row 4. She had apparently stopped doing PDB at row 3 (maybe forgot to continue, got sidetracked, I don't know).
Lack of a PDB is not the end of the world to me. But lack of consistency does drive me nuts. I ultimately got a PDB but had to hold the cup as they didn't come and get them before take off.
-RM
Yesterday's SEA-SFO is a perfect example. I was probably #15 of 20 to board for first class on a 739. Seat mate was boarded before me (no idea how much longer) and had no PDB. Ultimately after two battlefield upgrades the FA came back to them in row 5 and asked what they wanted. Then someone asked why the rest of us didn't get a PDB in row 4. She had apparently stopped doing PDB at row 3 (maybe forgot to continue, got sidetracked, I don't know).
Lack of a PDB is not the end of the world to me. But lack of consistency does drive me nuts. I ultimately got a PDB but had to hold the cup as they didn't come and get them before take off.
-RM
either way if not offered i always ask when i see the fa floating around, i'm seldom refused.
Nov 1, 2016, 3:46 am
#123
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: KEWR
Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond, SPG/Marriott Gold, Hyatt Plat, National Exec, GE/Nexus
Posts: 501
On my last puddle jumper E175 - I was asked what I wanted, I answered, I got the napkin placed on the armrest, but never did get the drink I ordered. Could have raised my hand and re-asked but was curious how it would all play out. The FA was a bit busy chatting with nonrevs/deadheads at the galley for the duration of boarding. So no drink in the end; I was more annoyed with the lack of professionalism versus not getting my PDB.
Today another puddle jumper EWR-RDU ... no PDB, not even offered. (Yes it's a 1 hour flight ... just would have rather have had the drink and then fall sleep.)
Today another puddle jumper EWR-RDU ... no PDB, not even offered. (Yes it's a 1 hour flight ... just would have rather have had the drink and then fall sleep.)
Last edited by miasmal; Nov 1, 2016 at 4:19 pm Reason: flight today
Nov 1, 2016, 2:56 pm
#124
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
Just flew PHL-ORD and got a drink. ORD-SEA we waited a long time at the gate due to maintenance or something and they just came around and took orders for drinks AFTER take off. SEA-ORD, got PDB. ORD-PHL, They took everyone's order but seemed to forget. After the doors closed and we started pushing back, they quickly distributed the drinks, then collected all the cups right before the "FA please be seated for departure" announcement. So there is certainly enough time to give out drinks.
I understand things can get hectic and rushed and its no fun moving upstream, but if there's time, there's no reason not to had out PDBs.
I understand things can get hectic and rushed and its no fun moving upstream, but if there's time, there's no reason not to had out PDBs.
Nov 1, 2016, 7:32 pm
#125
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Honolulu / DC
Programs: UA 1K /2mm / Marriott Lifetime Titanium , Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,051
SEA-IAD red eye last week, no effort whatsoever to provide PDBs. Plenty of time, 737-900, simply no intent to provide that service.
Noted as recently atypical.
Of course, no survey for this flight...
Noted as recently atypical.
Of course, no survey for this flight...
Jan 14, 2017, 9:39 am
#126
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,354
Is a PDB supposed to be offered on Express?
SFO-YYC today, even with a delay waiting for potable water, nothing was offered.
SFO-YYC today, even with a delay waiting for potable water, nothing was offered.
Jan 14, 2017, 10:28 am
#127
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
Jan 14, 2017, 3:51 pm
#129
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,424
Jan 16, 2017, 5:09 pm
#130
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: HNL
Programs: AS MVPG, Global Entry
Posts: 771
Rode Mesa IAD-LGA yesterday in F. Plenty of time for PDB, but no dice.
Jan 16, 2017, 7:21 pm
#131
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: SNA
Programs: United Global Services 3MM, Marriott Ambassador, AMEX Platinum, Global Entry/NEXUS
Posts: 239
No PDB from BOM... whatsoever. 
Jan 16, 2017, 9:43 pm
#132
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 15
Water only UA617 ORD to LAX. Scheduled 7:32pm departure... I'd imagine some people would be wanting their PDBs.
Jan 17, 2017, 7:06 am
#133
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: UA 1.5mm, *gold, AA - P, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 71
This is the first time I have seen this thread. I cannot believe people complain about not getting a PDB. You just got on the plane, you couldn't take 30 seconds to pickup a drink before getting on the plane? This falls into the same class as people that get on the plane, then immediately go into the lavatory....
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 17, 2017 at 3:26 pm Reason: Let's stay civil in our discourse
Jan 17, 2017, 7:12 am
#134
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,029
A pre-departure beverage is part of the promised service, so there's an expectation it should be fulfilled.
I guess if a promised meal wasn't provided, your suggestion is "should've spent 30 seconds to pick something up at the airport"?
Jan 17, 2017, 11:24 am
#135
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 304
This is the first time I have seen this thread. I cannot believe people complain about not getting a PDB. You just got on the plane, you couldn't take 30 seconds to pickup a drink before getting on the plane? This falls into the same class as people that get on the plane, then immediately go into the lavatory....
Also:
Only alcoholic beverages served by a flight attendant may be consumed on board.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 17, 2017 at 3:26 pm Reason: Quote updated to reflect Moderator edit