I’m In First Class. I Shouldn’t Be Pouring My Own Drink. Coach Doesn’t Have Room For The Can Either

When no predeparture beverages were offered, and the crewmember isn’t interested in hanging my jacket in first class, I know this is a crew that doesn’t take pride in their job or delivering customer service – a crew that sees themselves as “primarily here for your safety.”

On a flight where a flight attendant left full cans of soda behind for first class passengers, it occurred to me how much I don’t like that practice. And it’s even worse in coach but for different reasons.

If you’re a first class passenger why are you pouring your own drinks? That’s why the Emirates first class in-seat minibar never made sense to me.

Of course, since Emirates offered a personal bar in first class seats, Etihad had to do it, too. If you want a limited selection of warm beverages I guess that’s great, but they literally have staff whose job it is to bring you whatever you wish.

If you’re sitting in back giving out the whole can is generous plus you probably won’t see service again for awhile. At the same time, in coach you just don’t have a lot of room to work with. The can takes up too much space on the tray.

I’ll be using my laptop. I can fit a cup on there but don’t really want to stick both a cup and a can of soda on the tray beside my computer. Besides, I don’t want to drink a full can!

That’s why I’ll usually ask crew not to leave the, which annoys them because they aren’t collecting trash and they’re trying to get through service. In any case, the only soda where I’d consider finishing a whole can – and honestly even there I’d question myself for doing so – is Dr. Brown’s.

I’d much prefer being asked “do you want the can, sir?” And I can say no until some airline starts carrying Dr. Brown’s.

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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Comments

  1. Black Cherry? Cream Soda? Cel-Ray?

    Mostly agree, although no problem finishing a can of Club Soda.

  2. If anyone starts carrying Dr. Brown’s diet cream, please make it a headline!!!! The best.

  3. Too good to pour your own drink! WOW. Sounds like you would like King Charles who reportedly has staff to put the toothpaste on his toothbrush for him. The entitlement knows no end.

  4. You poor dear. They obviously don’t know who you are and your high station in society

  5. While I agree with all of this… there was one time that I didn’t mind pouring my own drink. I was in United Polaris and the FA handed me the last bottle of the wine I was drinking so he could claim they ran out but I’d be good.
    That was some good customer service in my book!

  6. Cans are for picnics. ( or what I’ve explained to my kids because I despise sticky spills ). My view, if it’s not a resealable room temperature still water I’m able to tuck in my tote, I’m not interested.

  7. Quiite apparent you’re talking about American Airlines, and their grim stewardessaurasses. I was served a plate of chicken with creamy vomit with corn kernels in it in business class a few days ago London to Los Angeles. I complained about paying >$7000 for the ticket was granted 12,500 miles, the equivalence of $125.

    I was told I should be happy I got something to eat at all, (or for that matter, that they didn’t kill me outright).

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