"May I offer you a pre-flight refreshment?"

[dk4]

Is anyone else getting this PDB offer from the CS (in domestic business class). Generally it occurs after a personal introduction/spiel? If you look confused, the CS will then suggest; "water, juice or sparkling wine" (most useful as connecting Delta passengers seem to be multiplying on VA)... I am not sure if this "anything you would like to drink offer" is CS dependent, or S.O.P., but IME the CS will now pour whatever you bloody well want on the ground (timing dependent). I chatted to one CS about it, and it seems that the rule is to offer "water, juice or bubbles", but, to quote her, "rules are there to be broken".. FABULOUS - my kind of customer service).

JUST SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE "TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT TRAY OF H2O" ON QANTAS...but that is IMO one of the multiple reasons why VA is now AU's best domestic business class. (Other than lounges, but hey, who spends much time in a domestic lounge anyway!)

ALSO confirmed in last handful of flights, roll-over to JW Black Label is complete, which IMO makes the inflight VA Scotch offer the best in the domestic skies Australia-wide.

 

[Pleb Status]

A year or so ago, the VA PDB was pretty well whatever you wanted. They then only wanted to do sparkling, juice or water.

It is good to hear that VA are now becoming more flexible again with the PDB. I have tended to go the sparkling recently but it is nice to know other options could be available.



I believe you are being a bit harsh on QF however. They appear to offer both still AND sparkling water as a PDB in J...

 

[Denali]

Didn't there use to be a PM mocktail offer in VA domestic J as well? I vaguely remember the outcry when it was removed.

 

[serfty]

'Twas a Cranberry based drop.

21yo "mini" serfty said she found it refreshing on boarding but also went quite well with vodka.

Personally I prefer the sparkling wine ...

 

[dk4]

It is good to hear that VA are now becoming more flexible again with the PDB...

I don't know, that's why I am asking about others' recent experiences?

 

[Denali]

Late Dec x 2 was the offer of orange juice or water only. We dont drink alcohol and it was too early to ask for a coke.

 

[Pleb Status]

I don't know, that's why I am asking about others' recent experiences?

My next VA J transcon is in a couple of weeks time. I will test the waters and see what they say...

 

[Bagpuss]

Is anyone else getting this PDB offer from the CS (in domestic business class). Generally it occurs after a personal introduction/spiel? If you look confused, the CS will then suggest; "water, juice or sparkling wine" (most useful as connecting Delta passengers seem to be multiplying on VA)... I am not sure if this "anything you would like to drink offer" is CS dependent, or S.O.P., but IME the CS will now pour whatever you bloody well want on the ground (timing dependent). I chatted to one CS about it, and it seems that the rule is to offer "water, juice or bubbles", but, to quote her, "rules are there to be broken".. FABULOUS - my kind of customer service).

JUST SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE "TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT TRAY OF H2O" ON QANTAS...but that is IMO one of the multiple reasons why VA is now AU's best domestic business class. (Other than lounges, but hey, who spends much time in a domestic lounge anyway!)

ALSO confirmed in last handful of flights, roll-over to JW Black Label is complete, which IMO makes the inflight VA Scotch offer the best in the domestic skies Australia-wide.

There are alcohol licensing restrictions and Virgin are only licensed to offer champagne/sparkling wine as part of pre-boarding.
Once you are up in the air, they can serve anything on board.

 

[Pleb Status]

There are alcohol licensing restrictions and Virgin are only licensed to offer champagne/sparkling wine as part of pre-boarding.
Once you are up in the air, they can serve anything on board.

What is the source of your information?

 

[Bagpuss]

What is the source of your information?

A friend who is cabin crew on a330 who also works in business class. (The friend is also one of many who will let you have alcohol in a take away cup during landing ... though wont budge with the pre boarding service.)
** Of course true or not this is what crew may told to tell travelers to defuse the situation of not supplying.

Though I also recently overheard someone ask for a spirit and they were told to wait until take-off.

Sparkling wine/champagne used to only be on the East - West services, though I believe it is now offered on all in J.

As always, when in J ask and whatever the answer is will be what applies for you on that flight.

 

[Bagpuss]

Plane drunk - ADF - Alcohol & Drug Foundation

When we investigated jurisdictional issues involving in-flight service of alcohol we found the situation confused, to say the least. Australian airports located on crown land are subject to state licensing regulations, but not the aircraft that use them. Many states have excluded airline operators from the requirement of needing a liquor licence because they find it hard to enforce compliance with regulations while aircraft are in flight. In the case of overseas flights, the situation is similar because it’s unclear which jurisdiction is in control of an aircraft when it’s flying: the point of departure, the point of arrival, or the country in which the aircraft is registered. In Australia the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) imposes some cabin safety requirements on aircraft, although it’s unclear the extent to which it is applied to alcohol serving and consumption. Cabin staff do not require training in responsible alcohol service (RSA) although some airlines may provide it. In short, responsibility for enforcing mid-flight serving and drinking is confused, confusing and needs to be clarified for the safety of passengers and crew alike.

 

[Deleted member]

Once I’m LTG I “may” give VA a go.

 

[Pleb Status]

Once I’m LTG I “may” give VA a go.

I agree that you should obtain QF LTG before coming over to the 'purple side'.

Because once you are here, you will wonder why you paid far more at QF (and for less in J)...