Should I complain?
Jun 6, 2019, 6:57 pm
#16
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
Agreed - Certainly a call button should be used in an emergency, but if you absolutely need something now, can't wait for a FA to walk by, get up and ask. I say that because call buttons make noise - I'm sure I am not the only one awoken by someone hitting a call button.
Jun 6, 2019, 7:48 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
Definitely specifically agree with stretching your legs is a good idea - I try to do that every 2-3 hours or so (unless I’m sleeping), especially on long-hauls.
Specific to the OP, my bigger concern would be on the angle of what would happen in an emergency. Was the FA actually around, and just didn’t see/hear it for some reason, or were they sleeping. Concern because the FA is supposed to be there for our safety, and if there is an issue, they need to be there to handle it.
Jun 7, 2019, 5:28 am
#21
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
No offence, but as I was reading your post, I was waiting for the punchline about the nature of the complaint. Then it occurred to me that it was the lack of reaction to the call button. Come on, this is UA. I would have gotten up and gone to the galley myself. A complaint to the 1K line will achieve nothing. As always, a more descriptive thread title is appreciated!
Jun 7, 2019, 6:01 am
#22
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: UK - Hampshire & London
Programs: Mucci de Guardian des Celliers des Grands Crus 1e Classé, plus BAEC.
Posts: 2,737
Jun 7, 2019, 6:05 am
#23
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: IAH
Programs: UA MM, AA almost MM
Posts: 1,164
The FA should have come by, regardless first or coach. What if it was an emergency? In over 2 million miles of flying, I have only used the call button once. Don't remember why but clearly it wasn't live and death. Accidentally push it a few times fumbling for reading light. The FA never showed up. If FAs do not response to the call button, then why have them! I was taught by WineCountryUSA to complain so that management can train the staff properly. I understand the OP situation wasn't an emergency but what if it was an emergency.
Jun 7, 2019, 9:26 am
#25
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,479
If you're used to flying Asian carriers, it makes perfect sense to hit the call button rather than going to the galley. The model on many Asian carriers is to leave you alone unless you ask for something, then come running if you do hit the button. That is not the U.S. model (which too often is just to ignore you regardless 
).
Another incredibly valuable contribution 
).
Jun 7, 2019, 9:42 am
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
I also recall one, or maybe 2 flights, domestically in relatively recent memory where someone has hit the button on or right before take off roll, when we were on the runway. Definitely once my last time leaving YVR.
FAs definitely saw it, and from their jump seat, one announced on the PA something to the effect of they are unable to respond unless it was an actual emergency, and that if it is, to take a specific action - don’t remember exactly what (perhaps it was something like disengage and re-press the call button).
Seems it wasn’t a true emergency as nothing ever happened after hat, and I presume when the FAs were able to get up, hey asked the pax what they needed.
FAs definitely saw it, and from their jump seat, one announced on the PA something to the effect of they are unable to respond unless it was an actual emergency, and that if it is, to take a specific action - don’t remember exactly what (perhaps it was something like disengage and re-press the call button).
Seems it wasn’t a true emergency as nothing ever happened after hat, and I presume when the FAs were able to get up, hey asked the pax what they needed.
Jun 7, 2019, 9:47 am
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: UA Mileage Plus
Posts: 300
Is there any case, in your mind, it would be acceptable to hit the call button if they are in 1A?
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jun 7, 2019 at 12:53 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member