No free drinks on flights?

[oyajikun]

I'm flying back to the US later this week (with United) for my sisters wedding, (my first time back in 10 years, gulp..) so naturally, I've been looking forward to a having a few whiskey sours on the flight.. However I was just told by a friend, that the last time he flew United from NRT to LAX, he was charged $5.00 for any type of alcoholic beverage. Can this be true? Say it ain't so..

The United website states the following:
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1134,00.html

International amenities (for economy class)

Complimentary video and audio on all flights
Seat back video screens on all international three-cabin 767-300 and 777 aircraft
Complimentary copy of HEMISPHERES magazine
Pillows and blankets
Complimentary meal service
Complimentary soft drinks, juices, tea, Starbucks
Complimentary alcoholic beverages on Pacific routes

Would KIX to SFO be considered a 'Pacific route'?

[emperor]

BOOZE = [size=84]free[/SIZE] with JAL I'd say
[size=75] and supposedly a hand relief service that is unsurpassed[/SIZE]

[IkemenTommy]

I think you meant the complimentary beverages on the UA economy flights. They serve alcohol, at least the last time I flew with them.

The only shit flights between NRT and the US that I know that don't serve drinks are the fuckin AA flights. Absolutely the WORST service of its kind, the stewardesses were fat old snatches, and the food was absolute crap. I got food poisoning on the flight between Dallas - Costa Mesa after having orange juice and ruined my weekend there. Next to Northworst, I avoid flying with AA.

[IkemenTommy]

Hey, you can always bring on board some booze if you're that alcoholic

[FG Lurker]

All the American carriers suck.

Air Canada isn't that much better service-wise, but at least the planes don't feel like they're about to fall out of the sky. Oh, and with Air Canada I don't have to transit through the US. I swear US Customs & Immigration officers are chosen for their low IQs and extreme rudeness.

[kamome]

Hey, you can always bring on board some booze if you're that alcoholic

yeah, you could bring on board those single serving whiskey bottles that they serve on airlines and in hotel room wet bars. I'm sure any liquor store in Japan will carry those.

[canman]

Any US carrier will charge for alcohol. In the past two years I've used Continental, Northwest and Delta and they all charge $5 for any alcohol. They will also accept Y500 so pay in Japanese money to save a little. As for customs and immigration Lurker this time I went through Detroit with no problems, luckily. As a matter of fact the guy at customs was downright friendly. Ahead of me was a large group of what I can only surmise as Indian people. When I got to the counter and gave my passport and customs form, they guy looked at me and said"welcome home", then he looked at my passport and said, "oh you aren't American, oh well close enough, neighbor, welcome home".
On the way back in Ottawa, the immigration guy I got, wanted to know where I was going, I said Japan and he said where? I said you've never heard of the place, but he said try me, so I told him and the guy knew exactly where I was going. He was former airforce and his wife was from Yokohama, and he was stationed at Misawa airbase, only 30 km from Hachinohe. But he was really friendly and nice the whole time.

[Taro Toporific]

I'm flying back to the US later this week (with United) for my sisters wedding, (my first time back in 10 years, gulp..) so naturally, I've been looking forward to a having a few whiskey sours on the flight.. However I was just told by a friend, that the last time he flew United from NRT to LAX, he was charged $5.00 for any type of alcoholic beverage. Can this be true?

Last Xmas, United had free alcoholic beverages---On the 17th I'm flying back on United so I very interested in painkillers for trying to sit for 10 hours in those economy-size seats.

[halfnip]

Yes, in the past 2 years most of the US carriers have been charging for alcohol. Although JAL's service has went to shiiet, that's one of the only good things about them still---they don't charge for alcohol. I mean shit, if it's a 12 hour flight I think they should at least give you 1 free "complimentary" drink. The only thing I eat on airlines is kakinotane with some beer.

[FG Lurker]

As for customs and immigration Lurker this time I went through Detroit with no problems, luckily. As a matter of fact the guy at customs was downright friendly. Ahead of me was a large group of what I can only surmise as Indian people. When I got to the counter and gave my passport and customs form, they guy looked at me and said"welcome home", then he looked at my passport and said, "oh you aren't American, oh well close enough, neighbor, welcome home".

Pre-1999 when I still flew Northworst through Seattle, I found that when I was on my own and could go through the US Citizen line (not sure if they still let Canucks do that, but they used to) things were not so bad. I flew that way twice with my wife though, and both times we went through the "alien" line together. This is where things got bad, and I don't expect they have improved with the current state of paranoia in the US.

These days I just fly Air Canada. One fewer set of customs/immigration hassles to deal with and I like Vancouver International a lot more than Seattle-Tacoma anyway.

Regarding free booze... All airlines are cutting more and more services from their "cattle class". For my Christmas trip home Air Canada is charging extra for the (short) connecting flight out of Vancouver, something that was always included in the price before.

[kusai Jijii]

I just flew back to Australia on the "budget" carrier JETSTAR. Even though I booked my ticked about 3 months in advance, after the fuel charges, it ended up being only about 10,000 yen cheaper than Qantas.

The departure was almost 4 hours late because they "overbooked". All the passangers cleared passport control and proceeded to the departure gate. Then after several PA anouncements we waited until 11 people finally caved in and agreed to fly out the following evening on another flight. 3.5 hours later. It truely was pathetic.

The seats on the plane had even the smaller nihonjin complaining. For a 9 hour flight, we were provided with a 335 ml pet bottle of water. Thats it. Of course you were free to buy water on the flight for $5! Considering you are not allowed to take any liquids as carry on, and that it is very easy to get dehydrated on long flights, I thought that was a fucking joke.

I finally caved in an ordered a beer and pringles, and about 15 mins and $9after that a VERY warm asahi and a stale pringles appeared.

Pillows and blankets were available - for $8!!! next time I go home, I'll happily avoid the "budget" airlines, or else spend the difference in cost getting fed and pissed in the airport before I board.

[Kuang_Grade]

Hey, you can always bring on board some booze if you're that alcoholic

Since it is an US bound flight, they will have to be in containers less than 3 oz, and all liquids being carried on board have to fit inside a quart sized zip lock bag...although if you buy it at duty free at the airport, there is no container size limitation nor does it have to fit into a quart sized bag....although if you then make a connecting flight in the US, then that duty free booze would then have to be placed in your checked luggage or it will be tossed out when you go through security again for your connecting flight.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10

Interestingly enough, "Toy Transformer Robots" are permissible for both checked AND carry on luggage according to the TSA.

[GomiGirl]

yeah, you could bring on board those single serving whiskey bottles that they serve on airlines and in hotel room wet bars. I'm sure any liquor store in Japan will carry those.

I dunno - just a thought - but how about the DUTY FREE stuff that is in the airport just before you board?? I think they sell alcohol... I might have seen some bottles on sale once or twice before.

Last year I went to Russia and there was no alcohol on board - even for sale. They did expect everybody to get their stuff at the duty free shops prior to boarding. They sell the mini bottles there just just that purpose so you don't have to raid the bottle that you bought as omiyagi.

[DrP]

I'll be sure to mark that Airlines in my blacklist right next to Northwest. I'm surprised the budget carriers dont get a clue and provide some interesting compensation value points for agreeing to fly in their wonky, cramped, delayed, crap-ass service flights. At least Southwest would provide you drink coupons along with the ffp points. These were great. Typically a beer or wine was $5 -- but you would get a pack of 10 coupons for each 6 flights or something like that. Meager comps - but great for picking up chicks on the LA - LV run.

Hell, even Air China does better. The planes are filthy, cramped and piloted by who knows what chimp in the left seat. Always late - but good if you're doing business, since your meetings are always late anyway. Alcohol is free, they want the passengers drunk, much easier to take the brace position that way.

[ichigo partygirl]

With the new liquid carry on laws you are not allowed to open any liquid you buy at duty free before your final destination. That applies to alcohol as well as perfume and lotions.
I have flown about 6 10hour plus flights in the last 2months and on all of them i got as much free alcohol that i wanted (thai airlines, lufthansa, Air NZ) and yes i wanted..

I dunno - just a thought - but how about the DUTY FREE stuff that is in the airport just before you board?? I think they sell alcohol... I might have seen some bottles on sale once or twice before.

Last year I went to Russia and there was no alcohol on board - even for sale. They did expect everybody to get their stuff at the duty free shops prior to boarding. They sell the mini bottles there just just that purpose so you don't have to raid the bottle that you bought as omiyagi.

[Blah Pete]

ILast year I went to Russia and there was no alcohol on board - even for sale. T

Next time check the cockpit.

With the new liquid carry on laws you are not allowed to open any liquid you buy at duty free before your final destination. That applies to alcohol as well as perfume and lotions.

About two years ago I saw airline staff take a bottle of whiskey away from a group of oyajis who had cracked it open at the gate before boarding.
It was also about 9:30AM so maybe the airline staff was just concerned anout their health.

[baka tono]

Last Christmas when I flew United to the U.S they had free alcohol.

[oyajikun]

Last Christmas when I flew United to the U.S they had free alcohol.

Cool that's what I wanted to hear!! I'm off in 3 hours. Back to the land of real Mexican food, California!!

[2triky]

Cool that's what I wanted to hear!! I'm off in 3 hours. Back to the land of real Mexican food, California!!

El Taurino, near Hoover & 8th, Los Angeles, CA

http://www.eltaurino.com/

[oyajikun]

El Taurino, near Hoover & 8th, Los Angeles, CA

http://www.eltaurino.com/

Now I'm more inclined to go to Roberto's No 11, Ocean Beach. That is, if I were going back home to San Diego.. However, this time around, I'm going to SF.

Any recommendations??

[2triky]

Now I'm more inclined to go to Roberto's No 11, Ocean Beach. That is, if I were going back home to San Diego.. However, this time around, I'm going to SF.

Any recommendations??

Oh okay...I have limited experience with Mexican up in the Bay but if you like burritos I can say that I did enjoy eating them @ Altena in the Mission (when I used to live in San Francisco Bay area.) I can't give you more recommendations because I never indulged in Mexican food that much.

http://www.burritophile.com/place.php?id=63

Enjoy your stay wherever you go.

[oyajikun]

Oh okay...I have limited experience with Mexican up in the Bay but if you like burritos I can say that I did enjoy eating them @ Altena in the Mission (when I used to live in San Francisco Bay area.) I can't give you more recommendations because I never indulged in Mexican food that much.

http://www.burritophile.com/place.php?id=63

Enjoy your stay wherever you go.

Hey thanks! I don't know what to order first.. Carne Asada Burrito?.. or a Chicken Torta..? or Rolled Tacos.. oh and then there is of course Carl's Jr too. Western Bacon Cheeseburgers..mm.. I am definitely going to put on some weight in the next 2 weeks.

[2triky]

Hey thanks! I don't know what to order first.. Carne Asada Burrito?.. or a Chicken Torta..? or Rolled Tacos.. oh and then there is of course Carl's Jr too. Western Bacon Cheeseburgers..mm.. I am definitely going to put on some weight in the next 2 weeks.

They all sound pretty good to me!

Haha...sounds like you'll be having a great time very soon! Well, I hate to sound obvious, but I'm sure you can snoop around the Internet to find more recommendations for great Mexican food....I'm sure many of the best places are in the Mission though, as that is in effect the "Latin Quarter" of San Francisco. Enjoy your soon to be culinary escapade.

Have fun.

EDIT: Moreover, I'm sure you'll hear some great info from people you meet once you get there...I'm sure ppl have some very enthusiastic opinions on the subject of Mexican food...like you said, it's California after all!

[Adhesive]

In my experience, good mexican food is easier to come by in socal than norcal, but there's a great Mexican place in the Ferry Building that uses all local ingredients: http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/mijita.php

It's a little pricey for Mexican food though.

[2triky]

In my experience, good mexican food is easier to come by in socal tan norcal,

I agree with that statement wholeheartedly. I think San Diego and L.A. are more "solid" for Mexican food just like for Chinese food the Bay Area is better than L.A.

[unkosando]

All US carriers suck balls. They flight attendants are all old, crabby bitches or gay guys (nothing against the gays). Even when they did serve alchohol, if you asked for a second round they gave you a weird look that says you "shouldn't be drinking that." Stick with the asian carriers... It will be several years before they get P.C.

[kusai Jijii]

All US carriers suck balls. They flight attendants are all old, crabby bitches or gay guys (nothing against the gays). Even when they did serve alchohol, if you asked for a second round they gave you a weird look that says you "shouldn't be drinking that." Stick with the asian carriers... It will be several years before they get P.C.

Amen to that bro!
Same goes for Jetstar

[2triky]

All US carriers suck balls. They flight attendants are all old, crabby bitches or gay guys (nothing against the gays). Even when they did serve alchohol, if you asked for a second round they gave you a weird look that says you "shouldn't be drinking that." Stick with the asian carriers... It will be several years before they get P.C.

There is a lot of truth to that!

[2triky]

To follow up on unkosando's incisive comments about American carriers....here's a Top 10 list from Travel+Leisure magaszine


Top 10 International Airlines
Rank, Last Year's Rank, Name, 2006 Score

1 1 Singapore Airlines 89.25
2 2 Emirates 81.01
3 3 Cathay Pacific Airways 80.62
4 6 Virgin Atlantic Airways 78.71
5 4 Thai Airways International 77.66
6 8 Japan Airlines 76.94
7 5 Malaysia Airlines 76.80
8 7 Qantas Airways 76.77
9 10 SilkAir 76.56
10 9 Air New Zealand 74.99


Notice the preponderance of Asian carriers in this list....not a single American carrier made the top 10. I guess it's no surprise

[Charles]

Notice the preponderance of Asian carriers in this list....not a single American carrier made the top 10. I guess it's no surprise

Most American carriers fly primarily domestic routes. Sure they're out in the international market, but obviously they don't have the presence of the carriers on the top list.