dvs7310

I've found myself on quite a few flights in economy these past 2 months, both long haul international and domestic (trans-con or mid-con). On flights where I'm not driving at the other end, I enjoy having a few adult beverages, however there are typically only 2 regular drink services on these flights, one before/with the main meal, and one right after, during meal clean up. (of course there's one more on long haul just before landing with "breakfast" but usually I'm not in the mood for adult beverages then).

What's the correct / accepted etiquette from UA flight attendants for requesting additional drinks past the 2 that come on the beverage carts early in the flight? On other (foreign) airlines, I just go to the rear galley and ask whoever is there if no FA's have made a pass through the cabin recently, but know US carrier FA's can be less receptive to requests back there. On quite a few foreign airlines there'd be someone in the aisle in somewhat frequent intervals in case people want something, but not on any US carrier that I've ever seen.

mtftw

dvs7310

Haha, isn't that one of the quickest ways to piss off a UA FA? I thought that was only accepted in Asia? Don't know, I've only heard anecdotal stories about FA's telling passengers it's only for 'emergencies'. Perhaps I'm just being too sympathetic to them staying in the galley reading / chatting the whole flight.

scottpenderson

For international UA flights, I go to the rear galley and ask for a beer. My experiences have always been friendly. I usually sit in an aisle seat, so personally I'd feel silly using the call button for such a request

HNLbasedFlyer

Agreed - go to the nearest galley. The drawback of a call button is it can disturb your seatmates especially if they are sleeping.

mahasamatman

How so? A call button doesn't set off a siren or do anything more than light up and send a signal to the galley.

Often1

Etiquette? What does this have to do with booze.

You are a customer and the FA's, putting aside their safety function, are there to provide service. If you want something, whether its Scotch or ice water, ask for it. Hit the call button, catch a passing FA, or head to the galley. All up to you and the circumstances.

Don't worry about what the FA thinks of being asked.

HNLbasedFlyer

Granted, it has been several years since I've hit a call button but as I recall it makes a distinctive "ding"

krazykanuck

I do the same regardless of airline when in economy. I flew DL Y to/from Europe for thanksgiving and just went back there and asked. They generally don't mind and depending on the crew they might even enjoy the break from the monotony. I had a fun chat with one of the younger FAs for 10-15 mins since she was otherwise just messing with her phone.

WineCountryUA

Best not to extrapolation 1% incidents to a general rule. That happens a lot on FT.

dvs7310

Apparently according to suggestions here, I should not be so concerned about disturbing the FA's, lol.

On a similar note, I've noticed a whole lot of comped liquor on my flights (in economy) these past 2 months. I know I get 1 free as a 1K, but usually they aren't even checking status on their tablet it seems, then subsequent requests on the same flight, mostly, they haven't batted an eye, asked for payment, or vouchers.

International, beer and wine are free, but liquor isn't supposed to be unless that's a recent change? I did notice that P.S. Transcon Economy Plus does get free liquor now, so maybe that's gone international as well? (would make sense, but would also make the dozens of drink vouchers I've accumulated through the years utterly useless, lol).

worldtrav

On United??

snackdog

Doesn't really matter if it is more hootch to keep the party going, a diet coke for your hangover, some crackers or a deck of cards. You are entitled to ask. If the FAs are not in the middle of drink service, meal service or cleanup they should be able to assist. Of course, if all 300 passengers want extended service at once it's going to be slow.

riphamilton

this issue isn't limited to the Y cabin. i consider it an accomplishment if i can get four drinks in F EWR-HNL.

HNLbasedFlyer

Personally, i've not had that problem - but the flight does leave at 8:30am