Disappointed with lack of pre-departure beverage (PDB) & other experiences
Dec 12, 2018, 7:38 am
#196
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UAX flight on Sunday - EMB175 operated by Republic
No delays - boarding commence right on time.
No attempt at PDB.
No delays - boarding commence right on time.
No attempt at PDB.
Dec 12, 2018, 9:35 am
#197
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: TX
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 729
I had a flight that boarded late and the FA's skipped PDB's but apologized to the F cabin after closing the door explaining that they had to get the flight out on time. That is the right way to do it if there is a lapse in service. We boarded a full 738 in 20 minutes instead of 35 minutes, so I guess it was fair. Service on the flight was otherwise good.
Full drink service once in the air even though this was just 35 minute flight time.
Dec 22, 2018, 2:38 am
#198
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Chicago
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Returning to this thread as it is a periodic occurance (pet peeve) where I am not allowed a cocktail at pre-departure service on an INTL flight with FAs claiming that liquor carts are locked on the ground. Only water/oj/sparkling wine. The current case is NRT-ORD. I asked if this was a NRT rule, and the FAclaimed it is policy for departures from all international departures, and he says it with absolute certainty that it is difficult to counter without escalating beyond reason. As I’ve said in previous posts, 90%+ of my international departures don’t have this issue. Previous posters have claimed that it is individual FAs making the decision to break rules and open the carts on ground. I just don’t believe that. Can anyone clarify official policy on this?
Dec 27, 2018, 11:00 am
#199
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,462
No PDB more often now?
Prior to this month, in the past two years I can't recall having had the PDB skipped. Now out of eight flights this month I've had it skipped on three (one UAX, one Hawaii, one standard domestic mainline). Has something happened? Or did lightning strike?
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In short, there are some idiosyncrasies in rules, and those combine with the somewhat common UA FA behaviour of contriving rules, so that it can be difficult to predict whether or not liquor is allowed for PDB
Here are some descriptions from fezzington of SOP, from posts made in a couple different threads:
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Returning to this thread as it is a periodic occurance (pet peeve) where I am not allowed a cocktail at pre-departure service on an INTL flight with FAs claiming that liquor carts are locked on the ground. Only water/oj/sparkling wine. The current case is NRT-ORD. I asked if this was a NRT rule, and the FAclaimed it is policy for departures from all international departures, and he says it with absolute certainty that it is difficult to counter without escalating beyond reason. As I’ve said in previous posts, 90%+ of my international departures don’t have this issue. Previous posters have claimed that it is individual FAs making the decision to break rules and open the carts on ground. I just don’t believe that. Can anyone clarify official policy on this?
Here are some descriptions from fezzington of SOP, from posts made in a couple different threads:
You're right, that's the new procedure in theory.
However, in reality, catering has not put any ground liquor onboard. It used to be housed in along with the mini champagne and beer. The liquor and beer have disappeared from this atlas carrier and have been replaced by more mini champagne bottles to accommodate the new procedure. The liquor and beer stock is now only found in the half sized drink carts that are going out into the aisle, which are not supposed to be opened until in flight. Some FAs may be willing to open those carts on the ground to alleviate the issue, but others are definitely not -- I believe liability for failure to follow the correct procedure falls on the individual. I've put in a question about it to the tower, but I haven't heard back yet.
The feedback I've gotten from crews is that it does help having the suggestion of the three, and there are few orders for anything else. Waste so far has been minimal.
However, in reality, catering has not put any ground liquor onboard. It used to be housed in along with the mini champagne and beer. The liquor and beer have disappeared from this atlas carrier and have been replaced by more mini champagne bottles to accommodate the new procedure. The liquor and beer stock is now only found in the half sized drink carts that are going out into the aisle, which are not supposed to be opened until in flight. Some FAs may be willing to open those carts on the ground to alleviate the issue, but others are definitely not -- I believe liability for failure to follow the correct procedure falls on the individual. I've put in a question about it to the tower, but I haven't heard back yet.
The feedback I've gotten from crews is that it does help having the suggestion of the three, and there are few orders for anything else. Waste so far has been minimal.
The previous flight's supplies are left onboard when the crew deplanes. If catering doesn't get there in time and the previous flight was domestic, it's not uncommon to use some of those supplies for PDBs (this happens on domestic flights too). IME, liquor is offloaded at any station that would have Polaris service once catering does arrive.
Liability is a customs infraction, which can carry a monetary fine to the company and/or the individual. It's also a pain in the ... to deal with from what I've heard.
exUS flights are bonded carts, as are flights from Europe, Israel, India, GUM, and SIN. It turns out that flights from PEK/PVG/CTU, SYD/MEL, and the rest of the island hopper destinations aren't bonded, which is news to me, as I don't typically work those routes.
Liability is a customs infraction, which can carry a monetary fine to the company and/or the individual. It's also a pain in the ... to deal with from what I've heard.
exUS flights are bonded carts, as are flights from Europe, Israel, India, GUM, and SIN. It turns out that flights from PEK/PVG/CTU, SYD/MEL, and the rest of the island hopper destinations aren't bonded, which is news to me, as I don't typically work those routes.
Dec 27, 2018, 11:14 am
#200
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
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Just ask for one, I normally receive one when I ask…
Dec 27, 2018, 11:16 am
#201
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If I really need it, of course I'll ask, but in general it's kind of hard to ask when the FA doesn't come back from the galley at all.
Dec 27, 2018, 12:57 pm
#202
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Dec 27, 2018, 2:40 pm
#203
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Dec 29, 2018, 2:41 am
#204
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So PDB is only available by call button, then? 
Dec 29, 2018, 7:41 am
#205
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in the instances that you have described, it appears so. I don’t see the reason for the narrative as to why, rather than remedying the situation with a little assertive gesture. Perhaps in the future, prior to take off you can get the flight attendants attention when they are in the cabin And make your desire known
Dec 29, 2018, 8:30 am
#206
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Dec 29, 2018, 8:37 am
#207
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I guess it depends on how you ask? I’ve always been received with a cordial reply and it even helped my experience in the cabin for the rest of the flight. I typically state something like the following.” I know you’re busy with boarding, however if you have a moment I wonder if I can have a cocktail “
Dec 29, 2018, 8:44 am
#208
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
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Dec 29, 2018, 11:16 am
#209
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,772
They have to pay for the return of Stroopwaffles in economy somehow.
Dec 29, 2018, 4:04 pm
#210
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: UA *G, Marriot Platinum
Posts: 4
0 for 3 (almost)
Took my mileage run in paid first and was very much looking forward to 3 PDB's since I paid for them afterall, but would have been 0 for 3 had I not asked on the final flight. She was offering water and I politely asked if they stopped doing "other" beverages and she said they were trying to board quickly but would get me whatever I wanted. So I type this with a Vodka/Soda at my side. Cheers!