Gadling

In my experience a Southwest flight attendant will get you a drink whenever you ask except possibly during the initial ascent period and the descent. Most of the attendants try to be in their seats during this period, and do not have time to roam back and forth.
Everyone I know who has flown Southwest loves the service, and I have never had a bad experience in over 100 flights with them.

I agree manchld. Anyway, have you ever thought, De, that perhaps they were making that story up for the media so people will feel sorry for them? It's a flight attendant's job to make the visitors feel comfortable, and, in every experience I've had, if you ask for water, they will give you water. But if you want to be a spoiled brat and yell and fuss because you expect the flight attendants to be able to read your mind and know when you want something, then this is what you get.