Not that simple Gulfstreamaviator! The flights in question are with Thomson. Take their normal 757 aircraft. That's 235 seats, unless it's changed, and provisionally 235 passengers. Say,for example, that around half of those passengers have decided to book an inflight meal, thats 117 passengers to find from the list, assuming that none have swapped seats.
Now what is going to be quicker? Seating those 117 people in the same section of the aircraft or scattering them about all over the place and having to look for them one by one? I was priviledged enough to be working for Britannia, as it still was back then, when the joys of "Your Holiday, Your Choice" first came into being. During those first few days, passengers that had ordered a meal were scattered about the cabin, while the system glitches were worked out. It was, frankly, a b****y nightmare! Those that hadn't chosen to eat had to wait while we served the meals before they could get a drink, due to the meal carts being in the aisle, while the poor souls at the back of the aircraft that had paid for meals, were sat for ages waiting for them and then being offered tea and coffee before they'd even got the lids off the starters. In the meantime, those at the front were stuck with empty trays in front of them for far longer than should have been neccessary.
By grouping the passengers together, those that are eating should get their meals promptly, whilst those that have chosen not to eat, are able to have their drinks and snacks from the bar in the meantime. Much simpler, I think you'll agree, for everyone concerned.
As for suggesting that those drinking beer should be separated from those drinking wines etc? It's not quite comparable, seeing as the bars contain a mix of drinks...but then again, maybe it's not the same in your Gulfstream world!
anengineer,
I hope this gives you some idea of why the seating is arranged as it is.
Jsl
P.S. I have to admit to not having worked for Britannia/Thomson for some years now so I apologise to all if things are done differently now or if I have remembered anything incorrectly!
