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January 24, 2007

"You want booze with that?"

I normally hate the way service personnel are forced to try to hard-sell you on the upsizing. Can't buy a damn small Coke at the movies without "You want a medium for only 40 cents more? You want some fresh hot popcorn with that? You want candy with that?" I don't yell at them because I know they have to do it or get fired.

One of my favorite Beavis & Butt-head episodes is the one where Butt-head goes to annoy Beavis at work by ordering stuff that isn't on the menu. Reflexively, Beavis asks if he wants fries with that. Butt-head responds in the way we all wish we could.

"Uhhh, did I ask for fries? Dumb ass."

But airport bars have a variation on the theme that I like quite a bit. As experienced most recently in the American Airlines terminal of New York/JFK.

"I'd like a beer."
"Would you like a large for just a dollar more?"
"Why yes, I certainly would."
"Would you like a side shot for just $2 more?"
"What are the shots?"
"Anything we have."
"Even scotch?"
"Yes"
"Then I'll have a shot of Johnnie Walker Black Label for $2 more, sure."

Later, it turns out that this bar actually charges less for Maker's Mark than they do for Jack Daniel's (for those who don't drink whiskey -- this is like charging less for Coca-Cola than for Diet Rite. JFK travelers, take note).

I'm a peaceful drinker, so I get why these booze specials work in my case. But is this really a good idea for all the belligerent drunks of the world, about to get on planes?

Maybe it's precautionary. After all, Islamic terrorists don't drink. We need a few good boozers on the front lines.

Posted by LYT at January 24, 2007 2:01 AM [Message Board]

Comments

Hahaha... nice wrapup there.

Posted by: David N. Scott at January 24, 2007 2:12 AM

JFK now? Well that pretty much cinches Stamford. I couldn't think of any other job interview that one would wear a tie with a wrestler on it to anyways.

Posted by: ReJeKt at January 24, 2007 8:22 AM

This might be a girl thing - but I have never bought my own alcohol, and only be aware of the cost on rare occassions, and that's usually involved a nice celebratory wine.

But I must say I was floored when a hotel charged us $14 for a double shot of Jack Daniels (my all time favorite, which I must avoid, because I will drink the whole bottle when not under supervision), when David was indulging me on my birthday. $2 sounds insanely cheap in comparison.

Posted by: Julie Scott at January 24, 2007 10:29 AM

$14 is standard for a double-shot at most LA bars. An LA hotel would generally charge you more.

Airports are usually expensive for most things -- but perhaps there's a duty-free exemption for bars.

Posted by: LYT at January 24, 2007 12:30 PM

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