Charging for alcohol on transatlantic flights

[skyguy]

Hey fly girls & guys...

I have not been flying recently, but I noticed that jetstewus mentioned that the company is conducting "experiments" on certain flights to see how the process would go.

HUH? Yeah, that's right. This is like a slap in the face. Why do things like this fall into the F/As laps? It says in USAirways inflight magazine that alcohol is complimentary in Economy on transatlantic flights. Now, a flight attendant has to get on the PA and say that its not... when the customer has a magazine in front of them which tells them that it is free. If the company is going to do this, they need it to put it in writing first. What about the people who came over on a flight from Europe where alcohol was complimentary? Then, on their return flight, they are told that it is not... and now a F/A has to deal with this situation and a very unsatisfied customer.

Also, a flight attendant has to deal with the various currencies when a pax wants to purchase a cocktail. One can imagine the frustration... "Ok, sir, you have 10 Euros..ok...and you're in seat 23F..ok....i'll have to get some change for you... I'll be right back..." 2 hours later... "Ok sir, here's your change...half is in dollars and the other half is in Pounds...sorry"
Let me get this straight... so a F/A will have to write down all of that information... what if 60 people on his/her side of the airplane buy alcohol....That is a long list of seat numbers and currencies to deal with. All of this will delay the efficiency of the entire meal service and will cause the F/A to pop some aspirin and/or valium. images/icons/smile.gif

Maybe the only good thing about charging for alcohol is that it will prevent the fraternity, gluttonous binge-drinking which we occassionaly come across.

Maybe I'm just venting! images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[SirCris]

I don't think that you are venting.

I think it's a valid complaint, and would certainly stop me from flying US as a European resident. I would choose another airline who don't do this, so I certainly won't be flying Continental.

[Boomer]

As a f/a on one of the experimental flights from PHL-MAN, we were basically told that we SHALL be charging beginning in September.

People were stunned by our request for cash.

It was a nightmare of a flight and has made me seriously begin to consider returning to domestic for 2003.

[CO757]

Originally posted by SirCris:
I don't think that you are venting.

I think it's a valid complaint, and would certainly stop me from flying US as a European resident. I would choose another airline who don't do this, so I certainly won't be flying Continental.<font size="2" face="Arial, Verdana ">While I don't agree with the decision our company has made, it may help the bottom line.

Those of you flying for the carriers from other countries, may not see this happen; but, you might depending on your organizations structure and need for money.

Since 9/11 our entire industry is upside down, especially the US. If you think carriers who quickly removed meals, magazines, blankets and other amenities aren't considering this, you are kidding yourself.

[jetstewus]

My supervisor told me we were one of the only carriers NOT charging for alcohol in economy on transatlantic flights. After a recent informal poll conducted on this site and at flightattendants.org, I have this to report:

AIRLINE CHARGES FOR ALCOHOL IN COACH
American ---- NO
United ---- NO
Delta ---- NO
Northwest---- NO
Continental---- YES
British Airways---- NO
Virgin Atlantic---- NO
Lufthansa---- NO
Air France---- NO
KLM ---- NO
Swiss International---- NO
Air Canada---- NO
TAP Air Portugal---- NO

To be fair, some do charge for champagne in economy, but we don't even offer that. It appears that our management team is mis-informed or is knowingly lying to us. We will soon be making ourselves even more uncompetitive. I have sent a letter to inflight systems, transatlantic and an email to "Dave" but don't expect much to happen.

[ 08-13-2002, 02:22 AM: Message edited by: jetstewus ]

[SirCris]

Any news ?

[Boomer]

The August issue of Attache no longer lists alcoholic beverages as complimentary on Transatlantic flights, Economy cabin.

"Two wines, two vodkas and a beer. 15 pounds, err...20 euros....err....20 dollars, please."

[ewr767]

Hello everyone,

I fly internationally for CO and let me just add my 2 cents here. We do charge for drinks now internationally, and let me tell you, I have received only one complaint. Not even a complaint really, just a well we didnt pay on the way here. After explaing when we started charging they had no problem with it. At least not to me. Thats not to say that they didnt write a letter complaing. Fact: People who want to drink pay for there drinks and dont b**** about it they just do it.
Fact: It seem as though everyone is alot happier now that the liguor is far less because they have to pay. I no longer have out of control drunks on my fligths.
Fact: I dont know what your policy is or will be as far as the cost, but I would imagine the currency would have to be the same. Its $4.00 or 4 euros or $4.00 or 3 pounds. How hard is that.
Fact: Anyone who buys an airplane ticket soley based on the fact of whether there going to get a free drink is a looser in my book. Also, I hardly think that if say CO is $50.00 cheaper than UA and drinks are free on UA, one would choose UA soley for that purpose. Just like myself as a consumer when two things are the same and the price is cheaper for one versus the other, I go with the cheaper one. And also let me say this. It actually makes it better for flight attendants as far as getting a better exchange rate for themselves on their layover. You bring a bunch of singles with you and buy the euros or pounds off the plane from the change that they give you. You wont find a better exchange rate anywhere. It beats going to the exchange in the airport and getting 1 pound for 3 dollar (not accurate exchange but you get the point). So it could actually work to your advantage.

Just a couple of facts that you can think about.

[jetstewus]

Thanks for the info, ewr767. I see your points, although at least one sounds more like an opinion (which is fine) than a FACT:.

Personally, I've been lucky enough to not have trouble with passengers drinking too much while on our international flights, although I know this happens...but it happens on domestic, too where we already charge for drinks.

In my opinion, charging transatlantic coach customers for drinks is tacky. Sure it's a source of revenue but I rather think of it as the cost of doing business and being a full service international airline. Passengers just expect to be able to enjoy a complimentary cocktail or glass of wine with dinner on a long haul international flight. Maybe they won't complain out loud but they might feel nickel and dimed (I would.) We should at least offer a wine split with dinner...where's the harm in that?

I also like just giving it out rather than handling money. It's not hard to deal with the money but I prefer not to. What I DO enjoy is when someone asks for wine and starts to reach for their wallet and I say, "Oh no ma'am, there is no need to pay. Your wine is complimentary this evening."

Most of our competitors are still not charging and it seems to be only U.S. airlines that are doing it or thinking about it.

If we start this policy, I'll deal with it fine. I still think our image will suffer even if it is only in my own mind. For me, that counts for something since it takes away from the atmosphere that attracted me to international flying.

Thanks for the tip on changing the money, though. If we start charging that will come in handy! I reckon there is a bright side to everything. images/icons/smile.gif

[ 08-13-2002, 02:47 AM: Message edited by: jetstewus ]

[ewr767]

I understand some of your points. But the thing that I don't understand is obviously US Air is not in a posistion of financial strength right now. And don't get me wrong I'm not putting you guys down at all. Whats happening to you can happen to anyone of us and it is UA/AA. But trying to keep up with the Jones's is probably not a good idea. I have talked with some of your fa's on my layover and they told me about some of the give backs that are happening with you guys. Like no crew meals domestically anymore and so on. I should think that when it comes to having a job or not and maybe charging for liquor to offset some layoffs for example you might change your mind about how you feel when you say that will be will be 4 dollars and you customer says ok here you go. Obviously I'm being a little simplified here, but you get the point. as I said before, I obviously dont know what coming into our customer service department about complaints, but myself or no one that I know of has gotten any complaints from passengers directly. The ones that drink gladly turn over the money and the ones that don't are obviously happy. I do agree that maybe they should get a split if they would like one for dinner. But the people who drink on the aircraft just because the liquor is free and take advantage (uh can i have 4 vodkas please during the pre meal bev and there is no more for anyone else) should pay.

Just a couple of thoughts for consideration.

Good Luck to U GUYS!

[jetstewus]

While I still like the idea of complimentary, I reckon with what we are charging coach passengers to fly across the Atlantic lately, they should have some extra cash on hand. I'd rather see an increase in fares across the board but nobody has been too successful at getting that ball rolling lately.

One worry (not a big one, really) is that the company may not see the increase in revenue that they are expecting...I mean, I'd rather walk on my lips than suggest that our flight attendants possess anything less than the highest moral standards....but you know where I'm going with this.

In any case, I've written my little letter to management and they've written back that they are probably going to do it anyway...the lines of communication are open and flowing freely. Thanks again, ewr767 for your perspectives (wouldn't that be a great name for an inflight mag?...maybe not) and for wishing us luck. I'm not that happy about how things are looking but somehow I think we'll be okay. I thought CO was headed for the hangar when I left there and look at y'all now. Take it easy and fly safe and maybe I'll see you in LGW or something.

BTW, when did you graduate? I went through CO training...I think it was class 94-06. Based in IAH but some classmates when to EWR. Can't think of any last names right now but I've still got the class list somewhere.

[retred]

At Northwest cocktails remain complimentary on international routes, which is suprising since CO, our alliance partner is now charging. I suspect they haven't begun to charge due to KLM not wanting to, NWA does nothing w/out the blessings of the "Flying Dutchman", but frankly I wouldn't mind it at all. As a matter of fact I would welcome a limit to how many drinks an individual can order on Int'l/or domestic, whether in World Business Class or Main Cabin.

[rsvforlife]

Hey all, I fly for CAL and believe me, pax have been bitching up a storm about the liquor charge on intl flights.

[jetstewus]

Well, it's official. Starting September 1st eastbound and September 2nd westbound (or the other way around) Wine, beer and cocktails in our transatlantic economy cabin will cost $4.00USD, 4 euros or 3 pounds to and from the UK.

I'm disappointed, but with our crappy reserve system and the senior people over-flying their options, (thanks, AFA) I probably won't get to work too many flights anyway. (Bitter...party of one!)

All of the sudden, working the meal cart seems really appealing. Hopefully, the senior gals will want to work in back now so they can give themselves a little "bonus" and I'll get a chance to work in Envoy...away from all that dirty money. images/icons/blush.gif images/icons/mad.gif images/icons/frown.gif

[CO757]

I find it interesting that both US and CO chose MAN flights to test the new policy (they are quite fond of their ale).

I have worked several times in coach and the biggest grip is not from the customers, but from crew about the lack of change. Yes, I'm one of those pitching a fit when someone gives me a 20.00 for a single drink. I've reverted back to walking the aisles asking for change.

All in all it really hasn't been that bad. If the traveling public wants low airfares I think they should pay for other services. I'm not sure this is a fair comparison, but when you book a hotel room it doesn't usually include a meal, drinks and free movies. We have to pay for those items as we want them. It seems this will now be the case for the airlines.