Poor Service for Women Eating Alone
Jun 28, 2017, 12:38 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: united, american, alaska
Posts: 1,782
Poor Service for Women Eating Alone
This happened to me three times within the same week. I request a table for one and am seated. In 2 of the 3 cases, I was given a menu. I waited 7-10 minutes before anyone brought water (and in the third case, the menu). In one case, I had commented on the delay in getting water and the server was then apologetic and efficient. In the other two, I was tempted to go to the police station and file a missing persons report. The most egregious was the one where 3 servers were chatting up a couple 2 tables away, while studiously ignoring me. I eventually flagged one down and she said, "I'll get your server." Five minutes later she herself came back.
It's a stereotype that women eating alone don't tip well. Uh, sheesh, I wonder why? (I did tip well when it came to the one who was apologetic.)
Funny thing is that here (in D.C.) I usually get served very fast when alone, presumably because they are trying to get me out of there quickly.
It's a stereotype that women eating alone don't tip well. Uh, sheesh, I wonder why? (I did tip well when it came to the one who was apologetic.)
Funny thing is that here (in D.C.) I usually get served very fast when alone, presumably because they are trying to get me out of there quickly.
Jun 29, 2017, 10:48 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Riberas del Pilar, Mexico
Posts: 437
I think I would have just gotten up and left or were you stuck where there weren't any other dining options. Then I would have contacted the manager the next day if she/he wasn't around when you were ignored.
Jul 7, 2017, 7:39 am
#4
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: Hilton, IHG, JetBlue, AA, Delta, Southwest
Posts: 35
I always just eat at the bar. Easier to get someone's attention when they are boxed in right in front of you 
But that's just a personal choice for me. I eat at the bar if I'm with friends or my son as well.
But that's just a personal choice for me. I eat at the bar if I'm with friends or my son as well.
Jul 7, 2017, 7:47 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New York and Vienna
Programs: PA WorldPass Platinum, AA, DL, LH. GHA Black, SPG and HHonors Gold
Posts: 3,870
Based on my own experiences, I'm not sure this is an issue limited to a woman eating alone versus a person eating alone - and I also suspect it's sometimes indicative of overall poor service or poor management in terms of staffing.
I've discussed this with several servers who provided amazing service whilst I was alone and the latter 2 points were their take as well.
I've discussed this with several servers who provided amazing service whilst I was alone and the latter 2 points were their take as well.