I boarded an American Airlines flight from Austin to Dallas, and the flight attendant standing in the first class galley was still wearing a “WAR” pin on his uniform. “We Are Ready” (to strike). That seemed odd, since cabin crew have ratified the agreement their union negotiated with the company.
I was upgraded to first class on a $57 basic economy ticket. That was pretty great value. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t feel cheated out of my $57, but it was notable that no predeparture beverages were offered, and the crewmember wasn’t interested in hanging my jacket.
He did a pass through the first class cabin for drink service, and was leaving full cans of soda. It occurred to me how much I don’t like that practice, and I feel the same way about leaving the full can in first class and 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 carry Dr. Brown’s.
The horrors !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Agree in E I expect a full can as there is no second serve. But in F. No I expect a fresh drink.
As for the self serve that seems more like a sampling menu than service. Or grab and take. 90% of those items I do not drink
I occasionally have a Bloody Mary on an early-morning flight if I am not heading to a business meeting. Flight Attendants never shake the can before pouring, so you get a watery-vodka-y glass. I always ask for the can to top up. As Tim say, “the horrors!”
The definition of a first-world problem.
People receiving a full can don’t mind spilling the full can on themselves .
I always decline one full can of beer , unless they will bring me three at a time .
This guy needs something else to do
I’m fine with and would rather mix my own drinks. Now not doing PDBs is another thing. And yes flight attendants are still walking around with their Ready to Strike label.
Hahahahaha.. this is one of those joke articles .. like the onion!! too funny… you got me at first…
What the … this guys gotta be kidding … I’d pour the soda over his head & crush the can on his forehead … Jackass.
It’s a 30 minute flight! You are lucky to be getting anything at all!!!! Wow.
I have to admit. American is the only airline that I’ve seen do this on semi short flights .
I’m not sure how long the flight is from Austin to Dallas but routinely on flights from Charlotte to Atlanta in FC, the flight attendants have left me two bottles of alcohol if I order and the whole can. The weird thing is if I order just a soft drink I got the cup and a refill.
A lot of times that second bottle would be my to-go bottle because the flight is kind of short. I don’t hate it but I do understand the conundrum of the can taking up the space on your tray table especially if you’re in the first class bulkhead on the a319
During boarding, flight attendants are busy with a number of activities and with the aisles full can’t get to first class. So they are trying to be nice to you.
Flight attendants are not waiters and waitresses they are there for your safety and proper operation of the flight.
So stop being a pushy winey bitch!
I think this is a valid discussion, nothing will come of it, just fun to discuss, I don’t like the full can, I am always concerned I am going to spill it on me. I also do not like drinking the full can and I do like Dr. Brown Cream soda. For me, I just get up and return the can empty or not to the galley. Good to stand up every once in a while. I also will generally bring my own bottle, then I can place the cap back on, except out of Philadelphia where they only sell Pepsi.
Last thought on this, some airlines carry the large bottles and pour from there, I wonder if someone did an analysis on how long it takes to pour each glass wait for the foam to settle vs giving out a can and moving on.
Hm, I feel the opposite on every count but I respect the differing opinions! I almost always want the full can and would prefer it to be offered proactively; if I were pressed for space because I was working, I’d say, “I don’t want the full can, please.” Airlines that don’t offer the full can seem stingy to me.
I prefer to pour it myself (maybe I want it 5 minutes later; maybe I don’t want the ice to dilute it) and top it off myself. I’d rather not bother the crew just because I finished my first 100mL and want another.
Seth
A lot of Americans want the full can. Something they are entitled to with their airfare. On a short haul flight like AUS-DFW, I would personally prefer the whole can, even in J, so as to maximize on the money spent.
What you are writing of course, is a personal opinion, and although US carriers call their domestic premium class “First Class”, it is ticketed as either C or J not F, hence your “First Class” service as seen in genuine first class products like at Emirates lack warrant. By all accounts, domestic first is simply Business, where by standard, across the globe drinks are served off of a cart and the whole can is generally given.
Imagine spending your Sunday morning writing a post about soda cans and still somehow find a way to twist it in order to bash unions lol
Meanwhile, in other parts of the world . . . . . . . .
The can is given to passengers because there’s typically 1 flight attendant in first class and 16-20passengers ordering2-3 drinks at a time. While providing in-flight service is a requirement there are other obligations that top that and have to be delicately balanced. Like safety and security. Also if you were upgraded you probably did not get there in time for a predeparture beverage. Or if catering is late theres nothing they can serve, or if the flight is already delayed flight attendants are not allowed to stop boarding traffic or further delay departure. There are exceptions to service for the overall good. Unless you tip flight attendants like you would a steward then you have no right to critic their service. Take the can or don’t take the can its up to you but you will have to be patient for the next go around of refills. The disrespect and entitlment when people are just trying to do their jobs under stressful situations that you know nothing of is inhumane. Theres only 4 flight attendants tending to over 200people. If there’s any type of medical, fire, or crazy situation it’s the flight attendants job to follow protocols set in place for a safe landing. Flight attendants do so much more than you know so the next time you fly you better hope that your biggest issue is a flight attendant giving you a full can.
The intricacies of First Class travel are just fascinating! LOL…
I was thinking more along the lines of a potty emergency with all the lactic acid. That kind of attentive service has gone the way of the dinosaur on US airlines. I, however,would be an old school FA but I couldn’t tolerate coach.
I noticed the WAR lanyards this week as well. They should be replaced with “commodity labor under contract.”
Austin to Dallas? That’s a 1 hr flight with what? 25-30 min for service before final descent starts? They gave you a full can because there isn’t enough time to come through with another service. Be thankful they offer it at all for such a short flight.
It’s real simple, just tell the FA you don’t want the can prior to them delivering your beverage…problem solved.
Okay, Karen.
First of all… GET OVER the predeparture beverage service, Karens.
I have explained here repeatedly that AA is ALWAYS late. If a flight is scheduled to depart at noon, for example, the plane doesn’t get to the gate until 11:50am THE PLANE IS LATE!
We have a lot we are supposed to do before boarding, and our CEO thinks it takes 10 seconds to do it all. Obviously not true. First on the list that ain’t happening is PDB. PERIOD!!!
If we attempt to try to do the service and it’s time to close the door, the agent will note and send to our supervisor “door was closed late because flight attendant was serving drinks in first class.” Then, we have to explain to the manager what went wrong and ain’t nobody got time for that.
Secondly, we are supposed to collect the drinks before takeoff. The overwhelming majority of you took a sip and a half and are now pissed off at me that we have to take it. WHY DID YOU ASK FOR THE PDB DRINK THEN IF YOU’RE NOT DRINKING IT, DUMMY???
First passengers to board are wheelchairs, elderly, and disabled. They’re confused about everything and need to be babied to board. They don’t know where their seat is and need me to stow their bags. So… I’m doing THAT instead of setting up the galley for the PDB drink that you don’t really want.
The Company seems to think that you all prefer closing the door on time over PDB. It seems that the plane at the gate in a timely manner and us being able to board and set up before boarding might be a thing of the past.
As a result… PDB might be a thing of the past too. Too bad.
Do what Karens do and write letters to the manager [LOL!] saying “to hell with closing the door on time, I need my PDB, dammit.” Maybe that’ll takeoff and be a thing.
I will direct the swarm of “BUT I HAVE A CONNECTION” passengers to YOU to explain when they do what they do.
Also… When we were US Airways it was standard to pour drinks. Back then, airline Karens such as yourself used to bitch about “WHY CAN’T I HAVE THE FULL CAN!? WAHHHHHHHH!!!”
Never happy! Just shut the hell up. We don’t care!
Some can insight is if it is a long haul with 20 fc passengers per one flight attendant from a svc standpoint, passengers are much more likely to sit without a refill due to being busy ( setting up for meal svc etc and serving 20 people) if the can is not left.
Love being that full can.
…not to mention it takes us much longer to complete service having to pour your beloved Diet Cokes and what not. And we know that you all gotta use the lavs at least 5 times on every flight. Cart will be in the way.
Last point… We continue to pour water. So naturally you all now ask “can I have the bottle?” the answer remains as it has always been NO.
I always ignore the first “can I have the bottle” request. If you ask a second time, I will say something but NEVER apologize for it. Too bad too sad.
If it ever becomes policy that we are to give the entire bottle of water, I’m sure I’ll see Karenesque whining about that too.
Leave us the F*** alone about this dumb s**t!
I will gladly accept a full can not matter where I sit.
Are you running out of things to complain about, Gary? Or are you just bitter that AA closed up shop in AUS?
Tell me you’re an entitled jerk without telling me. You wrote an entire article to complain that extra free soda is so upsetting because you have to pour it yourself?! Seriously how lazy and snobbish are you. I hope you end up working as a server.
@Gary,
That comment finally got to me. Q’uelle domage! Pour your own can/bottle. What is the world coming to. Not everyone flies on Emirates or Ethiad or Qatar. I seem to remember your complaint about not getting a second bottle of water when you asked for it. It is a conveyance, not a restaurant.
@The Galley Llama: Although I agree with your arguments, you should consider a new career.
Oh you poor pampered poodle. I sure hope your dreams will be realized and in you afterlife forever you get reincarnated as the pet of some plush Fifth Avenue lady. Maybe Leona Helmsley.
I’ve been flying only (domestic) first for over a decade. I pay the going rate, they’re never free upgrades.
I can’t tell you how many times a flight attendant had left a whole can of a beverage, but I can tell you the number of times it has in any way bothered me: ZERO.
Sorry, cannot agree. Even when service levels are superior (i.e. SQ, LH) the last thing I want to do is get up every 15min to trouble the FAs to refill my diet coke. Every hour is bad enough since they rarely serve the cabin more than once on domestic flights (transcons excepted) and not much better in F.
As for the laptop, who works in economy class when you have zero elbow room and zero privacy from fellow passengers? If you need to work buy an F ticket.
No thanks – I prefer the whole can every time, except on 1 hour Southwest flights.
It can ruin your health and metabolism with 39 grams of Sugar in each soda can. And the diet being no healthier by making you gain weight in the long run.
I still see Southwest aisle donkeys sporting their silly “Ready to Strike” crap too. Didn’t these idiots get ridiculously huge raises? Of course, the company is on the rocks and a lot of them better enjoy their move to a base that isn’t closing….
So this is about your personal preference NOT the general public. Sounds like knit picking or trudging to find something to complain about since you started the article out with something so trivial.
Is there really NOTHING else going on in the world of aviation/travel at the moment that this is the hard hitting journalism we’re getting from this site?
It’s amazing that almost none of the commenters understand that this article was a joke.
Back in the 1980s, when planes rarely flew full, men wore suits, and I used to fly in and out of Dallas weekly in the summer, I’d get pretty hot. Getting something to drink on an airplane was important. American had a policy that they’d pour a cup and that was it.
One day, when I was particularly parched, I drank my cup down in a couple of seconds. The flight attendant turned to me and offered me a drink, and right after that, she realized her mistake. She acted as if I should be ashamed of myself for getting a second cup.
United gave full cans. I stopped flying American. I didn’t fly them again until a couple of years ago. Somebody might have thought that not leaving the can saved them 12 cents, or whatever it worked out to, and it might have added up to $10 per plane. Even if it was double or triple that, losing one passenger per flight, whose company wasn’t likely getting the cheapest fares, cost them more than they saved in perhaps 50 flights. Since they almost never flew full, a lost passenger was one more empty seat, not a cheaper seat for somebody else.
I’m sure that I wasn’t the only passenger they lost. And it wasn’t a single flight. I couldn’t begin to count how many times I flew over the years without even considering American Airlines. Once people have frequent flyer miles building up and have a few airlines that they use regularly, they are less likely to look for flights on others.
It’s not that I held a grudge. I simply looked at other airlines out of habit, and if the prices were close, I’d go with the ones where mileage was useful.
Sometimes businesses see ways of saving a few pennies here and there. They multiply that by how many customers they have, look at the total, and decide that they are saving a lot of money. But they don’t consider how many customers they might lose if people find the service better on another airline.
“The definition of a first-world problem.” I’ve come to hate that phrase. It is only, it seems, used to be dismissive. Virtually everything on a blog like this is a first-world problem. I get to complain if an airline downgrades my seat. I know in the scheme of things, it is small. But, every complaint I’ve had a friend share in recent memory is a f-w problem. So, the phrase means to me “while I can complain about my f-w problems, I get to be snarky if I don’t care about your problem by labelling it as such.”
Wouldn’t a can be roughly the size diameter of a can?
You are all looking at this wrong.
I have asked for an unopened can of soda or beer every single flight, domestic and international, whether in front or in the back, for 23 years now. I also carry two over the calf gym socks, one stuffed in the other, in my carry-on. They get put in the seat back when I sit down. A 12oz can at the end of an 18in long pendulum, and swung with malice, makes a great weapon to stop bad people from doing bad things in a largely weapon free environment.
Hundreds and hundreds of flights later, I get something to enjoy after landing, or, more often than not, leave it on my seat so it can be served next flight to a disgruntled Karen.
Not sure if serious..
Stop boarding a flight and thinking it’s a cruise to be pampered and made special. It’s transportation. That you’re even getting a beverage is over the top. Be thankful you’re onboard heading to your destination. It’s not a downtown watering hole.
So it’s true, there really are time travelers from the 60’s visiting us in the present. I bet the worst part was going through TSA!
Pointless whingeing.
I love and respect the flight attendants comments. They work hard for the money. Thousands of different personalities everyday and most of them bad ones.