Odd PDB service on VA

[dk4]

I had an odd experience the other day, where the CS had decided to redesign the PDB service.

While I like the idea of a CS having flexibility to adapt to the needs of their guests, I would have thought that Pre Departure Beverage service is a non-flexible service standard... And, on an afternoon/evening B737 flight in J, that means a tray service, offering mocktail or water, served in glassware: What I got instead, was a bottle of water waiting at my seat (like they use to do with domestic Premium Economy).

I queried the CS about the lack of tray service, glassware and mocktail option, and the response was that they weren't out of glasses or mocktail mixture, rather that the CS thought it was a more appropriate standard to give everyone a bottle of water, and had been doing so now for the last few weeks.

I was a little disappointed to have the CS alter the PDB service on my flight.

 

[toowongman]

I had an odd experience the other day, where the CS had decided to redesign the PDB service.

While I like the idea of a CS having flexibility to adapt to the needs of their guests, I would have thought that Pre Departure Beverage service is a non-flexible service standard... And, on an afternoon/evening B737 flight in J, that means a tray service, offering mocktail or water, served in glassware: What I got instead, was a bottle of water waiting at my seat (like they use to do with domestic Premium Economy).

I queried the CS about the lack of tray service, glassware and mocktail option, and the response was that they weren't out of glasses or mocktail mixture, rather that the CS thought it was a more appropriate standard to give everyone a bottle of water, and had been doing so now for the last few weeks.

I was a little disappointed to have the CS alter the PDB service on my flight.

Sounds like a jetstar-esque cop-out. I thought the standard was to not allow cans or bottles (apart from beer) with the passenger? I.e. you get a glass for everything and they refill it for you (even for water).

 

[Plutonus]

Re: Excellent service on VA today

Sounds like a jetstar-esque cop-out. I thought the standard was to not allow cans or bottles (apart from beer) with the passenger? I.e. you get a glass for everything and they refill it for you (even for water).

Indeed, not since the early days of J where I asked for the mocktail made into a coughtail and was given a bottle of mocktail and bottle of gin as she didn't know "how much I wanted", have I seen bottles left with a passenger.

 

[Fruitcake]

Re: Excellent service on VA today

Indeed, not since the early days of J where I asked for the mocktail made into a coughtail and was given a bottle of mocktail and bottle of gin as she didn't know "how much I wanted", have I seen bottles left with a passenger.

Obviously you've never flown at the same time as me, I now ask for the can .

 

[notzac]

I had an odd experience the other day, where the CS had decided to redesign the PDB service.

That .. doesn't sound awesome. If I were in your shoes, I'd be writing in some feedback - I actually quite like the offer of water/mocktail in a glass, so I'd be disappointed that it wasn't offered.

 

[smit0847]

'hello written warning'

 

[brad330]

A few weeks ago I had a CSM poor the mock tail into a glass and leave the half empty bottle on my tray table.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Whereas the A330 have the bottle of water snuggled in it's hole and an offer of water or mocktail in a glass. I'm pretty sure that has also happened to me on a 737... bottle and glass of water (but often missed the offer of a mocktail).

 

[serfty]

Some CSM's seem to resent the mocktail; others are pleased when I ask about it.

Last month after having two before departure, I was offered a bottle leter in the flight.

[FWIW (Not so) mini 21yo serfty likes hers with vodka and ice ... first tried on a flight in row 1 from CNS to MEL last year ... ]

 

[dk4]

Whereas the A330 have the bottle of water snuggled in it's hole and an offer of water or mocktail in a glass.

On an A330, IME, it seems to be bottle of water at the seat (seat back pocket or hole, depending on configuration) but ALSO with an offer of champagne, juice or water, pre-poured in glassware and served from a tray.

On Qantas domestic, where IME they are actually very consistent (I have never experienced a flight where it was not offered), it's juice (I like the mixed strawberry one) or water, pre-poured in glassware and served from a tray. As an aside, a CSM on a recent flight advised that their PDB service could be expanding to include sparking wine soon.

I quite like the whole theatre of it, you settle into your seat and someone comes around with a tray of drinks, just like you have arrived at a coughtail party, I find it sets a high quality mood for the flight.

 

[drewbles]

I'm glad to hear the mocktail is back. I was quite upset when I heard it was removed (although the CSM did mention it was coming back, clearly, it did). With Gin and it's almost an "Australian" that V Aus used to serve

 

[dzinh]

I got offered and agreed to the mocktail last week from HBA MEL.... Until Steve said there wasn't any left from the previous flight.. Which I happened to be on the flight to HBA and never got offered any :evil: shock horror so went with a vodka instead.

 

[bubblyguy]

The mocktail never left. It is served on all flights from lunch service onwards. These flights should have still water or mocktail as the pre-departure drink.

For breakfast and AM snack services fresh orange juice or still water is offered.

Out of international ports can be a bit tricky as the mocktail isn't loaded so you might find a mixed juice or still water being offered etc.

I wish the Australian coughtail was still around. Was very nice and was a pretty strong alcoholic beverage too.

 

[Burrito]

A few weeks ago I had a CSM poor the mock tail into a glass and leave the half empty bottle on my tray table.

Half empty or half full?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

On an A330, IME, it seems to be bottle of water at the seat (seat back pocket or hole, depending on configuration) but ALSO with an offer of champagne, juice or water, pre-poured in glassware and served from a tray.

Yes, you're quite right. Sorry about my poor memory!

 

[Mondo]

Flew A330 MEL-PER in J last Saturday night, no mocktail to be seen. Offered champagne, orange juice or water pre flight.

 

[bubblyguy]

Sadly for those that enjoy the mocktail it isn't on Airbus services as the champagne is available instead. Otherwise too many different drink types on the tray.

 

[totd]

In March I was able to book a flight on an E90 just so I could try the E jet J service exCBR. The CSM politely offered mum and I juice or water which we both, having come from 2 hours in the newly opened CBR lounge, declined. I did feel a little sorry, because the CSM skulked off looking dejected. It's great when you have FAs that invested in providing a fantastic customer experience... Just wish I'd caught her name so I could send some positive feedback.

 

[jazza1971]

Always ask for a mocktail & voddy before departure, never been knocked back...

 

[drewbles]

The mocktail never left. It is served on all flights from lunch service onwards.

It certainly did leave. I flew 4 J flights and each time I asked was told "sorry we don't do the mocktail any more". On the last flight I was told they didn't have it but it was going to be coming back 'in February' (this was January this year).

95% of my flights are after lunch time so it definitely wasn't a case of not having it on-board. The CSM was also wondering why it was removed, as it was so popular.

The mocktail is domestic not international. The international was "The Australia" coughtail. No idea if that's made a comeback (not flown longhaul J in a little while on VA). And as you say, was nice (with a good dose of cognac in there for measure ).