[Rumor] FA says "No catering on short flights" beginning April 1, 2018
Apr 10, 2018, 11:49 am
#46
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
Was on the same flight April 8, and as a single reference point: this time NOTHING at all was offered.
Sadly, I neglected to ask FA if this was a one-off, or if this is indeed a new change. GA and UC staff knew nothing.
Would be nice to know if this is SOP now or if it was just a coincidence.
Sadly, I neglected to ask FA if this was a one-off, or if this is indeed a new change. GA and UC staff knew nothing.
Would be nice to know if this is SOP now or if it was just a coincidence.
Apr 10, 2018, 11:50 am
#47
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Flew ORD-GRR on Sunday, 4/8/18. No weather, delays or other interruptions - what I'd describe as a flight with normal ops. Departure time was ~10:00 PM.
Sat in 4B and received a pre-departure beverage....and that was it. Reached cruising altitude, seat belt sign came off, and we were free to move about the cabin. No water, snack or beverage service. What gives?
Sat in 4B and received a pre-departure beverage....and that was it. Reached cruising altitude, seat belt sign came off, and we were free to move about the cabin. No water, snack or beverage service. What gives?
IME, the later evening short flights, especially when run by UAX, are always hit or miss (more often the latter) on those last departures. At least IME on the last ORD-CVG departures that leave between 9 and 9:30. It’s mainline now, but when it was express, had everything from regular service to water/OJ run to ‘due to the short duration of this flight, we won’t offer a beverage service’ (code for: its late and we don’t want to be up serving - clearly if they can do a full service on full flights in the afternoon - unless it’s turbulent for a while - there’s no need for that). Especially Trans States does the ‘we’re not going to bother with any service’ attitude. Especially annoying on the late flight since at least half the pax are usually sleeping, sometimes it’s me, but if I’m awake, you should definitely offer something. I get it on a 20 minute flight, but it’s usually 40 minutes+ at cruise, which is plenty of time for a service.
Apr 10, 2018, 11:57 am
#48
Join Date: Jul 2013
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SFO-MRY the flight attendants don’t even get up. What’s the point? You get on and off the plane lickity split no one is going to starve or die of thirst.
Apr 10, 2018, 12:24 pm
#49
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: San Francisco, CA (SFO)
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I think 55 minutes on paper, maybe 40 in the air? This was a mainline aircraft, 737, with 16 seats in F. I have no problem not getting a snack or drink (It's after 10:00 PM anyways and I'm going to bed soon.) It's just that the service is inconsistent. My last ORD-GRR flight in F served booze in glassware once we were airborne. At least get me some Premium pretzels?!
Apr 10, 2018, 1:22 pm
#50
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Tx
Programs: AA, UA, WN
Posts: 812
I can't believe some here are saying no issue....on a personal level I agree, but it wasn't like they forced you to order. Yes while a small convenience, you still could refuse the service so no loss to you or ones who refuse but this is exactly the justification UA is wanting by saying "yup right call since they dont care" seriously a bag of ice would be the loss if not one person takes a drink.
On the principle of it, the message it sends is very big, "expectations of service be damned at any level."
On the principle of it, the message it sends is very big, "expectations of service be damned at any level."
Apr 10, 2018, 1:26 pm
#51
Join Date: Apr 2018
Programs: UA & Hilton
Posts: 2
It is hit or miss... I fly SDF or LEX to ORD on a weekly basis. Both are served by express flights and usual flying time is 60 mins, unless ORD is backed up. I typically take the first 6am flights out and never an issue. 99% of the time, the FA always comes thru with the cart. On the other occasions when it has been turbulent, they will come down the aisle with the tray of water and juice and ask if anyone would like coffee. Same goes for when coming in from ORD to LEX or SDF, always typically on the last flight in and always offered something.
Just last week was on mainline from BOS to EWR, 58 minute flight and the FA's were going up and down with the drink trays and you could request for something else.
I really hope UA steps up their game, as I really think they can become great.
Just last week was on mainline from BOS to EWR, 58 minute flight and the FA's were going up and down with the drink trays and you could request for something else.
I really hope UA steps up their game, as I really think they can become great.
Apr 10, 2018, 1:45 pm
#53
Join Date: Apr 2012
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OK, but 45 minutes in the air, plus boarding a half hour early, plus 10-15 minutes or more taxiing and waiting for clearance, that 45 minutes could be closer to two hours sitting in a cramped plane.
Apr 10, 2018, 2:03 pm
#54
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All of that is still only 90 minutes, which isn't a long time for people to go without a drink or a snack. Anyone that concerned with hydration is carrying a water bottle anyway.
My main point re: "45 minutes" is that it's a race for the lone FA to get the service completed and the trash collected, since a 45-minute flight has maybe 25 minutes of no-seat-belt time. At minimum, it seems like it would be a lot more efficient if they simply offered pax a small water bottle or one of those mini cans of soda instead of the cup/ice/two sips system they use now.
My main point re: "45 minutes" is that it's a race for the lone FA to get the service completed and the trash collected, since a 45-minute flight has maybe 25 minutes of no-seat-belt time. At minimum, it seems like it would be a lot more efficient if they simply offered pax a small water bottle or one of those mini cans of soda instead of the cup/ice/two sips system they use now.
Apr 10, 2018, 3:14 pm
#55
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WN seems to have no issue doing a full drink service to the entire cabin of a 73G on e.g. SJC-BUR. I don't see why UA, especially UAX, can't manage similar.
Apr 10, 2018, 5:09 pm
#60
Join Date: Aug 2010
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