BA Legacy Crew on Long Haul
From my SEP days I seem to recall that it was a rule for cabin crew to patrol the cabin at least once every 30 mins especially on night sectors. (Probably to ensure no one fell asleep whilst smoking) These days I'm sure there are other problems that require crew to keep an eye on the cabin.
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: UK
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As always, interesting perspectives here... My company has a new(ish) system that enables customers in all cabins to order drinks/snax through their seat-back touch-screens. In addition, we are supposed to do a water round in the cabin every 30 minutes.
The problem is that we tend to become so busy with the seat-back orders that we are unable to get out with the water rounds. Our crew rest period averages about 2 hours duration each crew half and the time spent (with your remaining 50% crew team not on rest) is rather busy, between running orders for about 50% of the customers, water rounds, toilet cleans and prepping up for the next service.
The seat-back system has some drawbacks (novelty value and ease of use substantially increase demand) and some benefits (one less journey up the cabin per order and much more pleasant for the customer) but I'm entirely comfortable with it. I would suggest that if you need something during the night, you either go to the galley or use your call bell: The crew are there to do a job and there should be no "attitude" when they are asked for something: If there is, then do something about it, such as a discussion with the senior FA?
The problem is that we tend to become so busy with the seat-back orders that we are unable to get out with the water rounds. Our crew rest period averages about 2 hours duration each crew half and the time spent (with your remaining 50% crew team not on rest) is rather busy, between running orders for about 50% of the customers, water rounds, toilet cleans and prepping up for the next service.
The seat-back system has some drawbacks (novelty value and ease of use substantially increase demand) and some benefits (one less journey up the cabin per order and much more pleasant for the customer) but I'm entirely comfortable with it. I would suggest that if you need something during the night, you either go to the galley or use your call bell: The crew are there to do a job and there should be no "attitude" when they are asked for something: If there is, then do something about it, such as a discussion with the senior FA?
Join Date: Dec 2008
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SQ (LHR-SIN) in Economy
Staff frequently toured round the cabin to check everyone was ok. Something they managed to do without disturbing passengers. At one point we decided to have a 'middle of the night' G&T session, so went up to the nearest galley , where the staff were falling over themselves to provide as much of whatever you wanted throughout the flight - all with a smile and accompanied by loads of nibbles etc. None of the 'you're only allowed one alcoholic drink sir' I've heard from other passengers on certain legacy carriers.
LX (ZRH-HKG) in First
Much the same type of service as with SQ, just with all the items upgraded to what you expect in First. I'm not sure the friendly personal introduction from the captain is mentioned on their website however
TG (BKK-FRA) in First
Much the same type of service as with SQ but even more so LX.
Basic point is that all these carriers gave a high level of service that was frequent, attentive, low-key and friendly. At one point was one made to feel in the way, disrupting a routine or asking for something that wasn't reasonable. Admittedly, I would consider myself a considerate traveler and don't think that my ticket has hired a fleet of slaves for the next 12hrs
Staff frequently toured round the cabin to check everyone was ok. Something they managed to do without disturbing passengers. At one point we decided to have a 'middle of the night' G&T session, so went up to the nearest galley , where the staff were falling over themselves to provide as much of whatever you wanted throughout the flight - all with a smile and accompanied by loads of nibbles etc. None of the 'you're only allowed one alcoholic drink sir' I've heard from other passengers on certain legacy carriers.
LX (ZRH-HKG) in First
Much the same type of service as with SQ, just with all the items upgraded to what you expect in First. I'm not sure the friendly personal introduction from the captain is mentioned on their website however
TG (BKK-FRA) in First
Much the same type of service as with SQ but even more so LX.
Basic point is that all these carriers gave a high level of service that was frequent, attentive, low-key and friendly. At one point was one made to feel in the way, disrupting a routine or asking for something that wasn't reasonable. Admittedly, I would consider myself a considerate traveler and don't think that my ticket has hired a fleet of slaves for the next 12hrs
