Earlier this week I flew Eurowings on an undisclosed route operated by Air Berlin. An unexpected and kind gesture from a FA really made my day.
It was an afternoon flight and as is customary, no complimentary snack or drink service is offered on cheap “BASIC” fares like I purchased. Customers who purchased SMART fares received a small square box that contained a fresh sandwich, drink, and salty snack.
Granted the flight was only an hour, but nothing was offered for sale, either, other than beverages or unhealthy packaged snacks. The lounge had been a big disappointment prior to the flight, so I was a bit hungry.
A lady seated in front of me turned down her snack box so I asked the FA if I might help her eat it. The FA laughed and said, in very typical German fashion, that this was not possible. I smiled and asked how much it would be to buy one. The FA asked a colleague (another German FA) who firmly stated that the snack boxes were not for sale, though I could buy potato chips or candy.
I passed.
But later on after using the lavatory the initial FA stopped me outside the rear galley and asked, “Are you really hungry?” I admitted I was. The FA shook her head and stated, “We’re all human after all”. She then whipped open a serving cart and pulled out a sandwich. I politely declined but the FA insisted. The FA also offered yogurt and a banana, but I just took a sandwich, thanking the FA profusely for such a kind gesture.
The salami sandwich was tasty.
CONCLUSION
I am a bit evasive in details because I don’t want to get the FA in trouble, but I was so thankful for the kind gesture. It does make me more likely to fly on Air Berlin. It also demonstrates grace and kindness. While I certainly was not entitled to the complimentary snack, it represents a gracious way a FA took care of a passenger and won loyalty in return.
> Read More: Star Alliance Gold Lounge Access When Flying Eurowings
I agree that the Air Berlin flight attendant was a very kind human being, and had empathy and compassion for a hungry passenger. Unfortunately, I don’t think that one would have found such a helpful attitude here, among FA’s in the USA.
Nice to hear. airBerlin new for me next month. JFK-TXL-CTA return.
Interesting article, I wish we had more flight attendant like this here in the States. This is example where service means more than just a transportation from point A to Point B.
Who says the Germans aren’t all warm and fuzzy types?
Germans like rules but they’re not nearly as inflexible as their reputation. In fact I’ve had more experiences in Germany than the U.S. of someone using common-sense to override the rules, and fewer (again compared to the U.S.) of using “the rules” as a cover for poor customer service.
When you say “fresh sandwich”, just be aware that they might not be as fresh as you think.
Compared to U.S. standards, I’m sure it was still fresh!
That was nice to read. Have had similar experiences on Delta and AA, but it was for booze in economy when I didn’t have status. lol….. still nice though.
Hi Matthew,
Just to inform you, she has given you a part of her crew meal, very kind action! 🙂 Keep it good in mind.
Greetings from germany
Jonny
Thanks for writing Jonny. Greetings from Los Angeles.
Well iam working for AB and also doing the eurowings Operation and i am more than proud to hear this.
Thx for your Kind words and your hole article about one of my co workers.
Even in this rough days for my Airline its wonderful to hear about this beautiful non Profit gesture.
Thx you and this FA Made my day
And by the way the Sandwiches are fresh Made every day .
Thank you Lulu for writing! It truly reflects well on your airline. I was so thankful for the kind gesture.