I was refused a glass of sparkling water in J!

[muppet]

PDB (pre departure beverage) is basically that - a complimentary offering under limited time constraints. Sure, they can get something else but that would take a bit more time and personally, I think I would want to start the passenger - cabin crew relationship off on a good footing
I understand that there may not have been time constraint s on your flight, but I see PDB as a simple gesture, and getting something else requires opening the drinks trolley and glass trolley which the cabin crew are required to stow away. ...

While I don’t think I have any issues with a consistent offering based on two choices - this is a bit of a stretch to try to make out like pouring a glass of sparkling water is some time consuming burden, as if the exisiting water, OJ and glasses don’t come from and go back into the exact same trolly.

 

[Quickstatus]

I'd replace that sparkling water with tonic water

Geez some people have unrealistic expectations when it's the end of the world

 

[Quickstatus]

this is a bit of a stretch to try to make out

That's one of the issues - that is still an assumption that the workflow of a cabin crew in the predeparture phase can accomodate changes such as this.

While they may will have had time due to waiting for a pax, possibly they may not have time if there are no late pax. Then we have a situation where "I got sparkling before why can't I have one now". Then it becomes a a slippery slope. Sparkling then wine then martini.

Do we really want consistency of service?

 

[jakeseven7]

Yes, I guess what narked me wasn't so much the refusal but her tone and attitude.

Sounds like the FA gave you a side of 'wonderful' attitude, I agree, I understand why its only 2 offerings but doesn't sound like the snide attitude was really required.

 

[twinaisle]

While I don’t think I have any issues with a consistent offering based on two choices - this is a bit of a stretch to try to make out like pouring a glass of sparkling water is some time consuming burden, as if the exisiting water, OJ and glasses don’t come from and go back into the exact same trolly.

It actually is time consuming to be squeezing back in and out of the galley on the 737 especially with drinks on the tray and then having to wait and stop boarding to deliver the glass of sparkling water.

We're under a lot of pressure and the workload is high while boarding for the cm, the last we want is to be delivering off of our service standard

 

[Sprucegoose]

I'd ask for slice of lemon or lime or frozen berries in it ... Whether I get it or not is a different thing... all they can say is No!

They will say you can have anything after takeoff!

 

[AIRwin]

They will say you can have anything after takeoff!

Just don't cause an unhap-pee ending...

 

[Sprucegoose]

Just don't cause an unhap-pee ending...

Stop it !

 

[twinaisle]

They will say you can have anything after takeoff!

We don't do that exotic stuff at VA
Qantas still have it

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

They will say you can have anything after takeoff!

Now now!

 

[Stealthflyer]

A few AFF'ers have reported the same. @twinaisle had posted information re this. Let me see if I can find this

Edit: Sparkling water is not part of PDB. Information here

I’ve been able to order sparkling water as a PDB before.

 

[ferntree]

I’ve been able to order sparkling water as a PDB before.

So have I, but I nonetheless feel duly chastened!

 

[oz_mark]

I’ve been able to order sparkling water as a PDB before.

Even so, it doesn't make it part of the standard offering.

 

[ferntree]

There's a number of factors at play here.

Anyone who travels regularly in J will have observed a sizeable variation in the quality of service. Some FAs will do the bare minimum as stipulated by the rule book, and they are of course entitled to do so.

Others are willing or even keen to go the extra mile. These are the ones who deliver a memorable passenger experience, and most likely derive more job satisfaction themselves.