QF disgrace

[MEL_Traveller]

Haven't found a favourable report on UL - almost exclusively get slagged big-time. Only get what you pay for I guess.

That is surprising as the overwhelming view is that Sri Lankan provides an excellent product, punching well above its price. This video report is one example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZBqnqGHRYs

 

[dajop]

Haven't found a favourable report on UL - almost exclusively get slagged big-time. Only get what you pay for I guess.

There are a number of reasonable reviews (moreso for business class than economy) on skytrax - airline quality.com. Particularly in the last year or two since hard product upgrades. Go back before that and there was still a very good chance of getting "cradle seats" which invariably ends in tears on long haul.

 

[amaroo]

As a QF Gold for Life member now retired, I recently tried to see what I could do about a return flight Brisbane to London on Qantas with my FF points. Sadly, Economy at 128,000 points (painful when business class was my general method of travel!) was dumped as $997.00 (!) in taxes was demanded. An email to Qantas asking why so much in fees/taxes did not generate a reply for over 3 weeks and even then the answer was marketing "fluff" - heavy taxes at London, ticketing and other costs, etc. When I called and said that surely these costs were involved in a purchased ticket too (which could be purchased for less that $500 more) the Qantas employee agreed with me that it didn't make sense!

So I then look at purchasing a ticket on which I can upgrade using points and, in my research, I find a return Emirates flight BNE - DXB - LHR for $1600.00 approx return (probably can't upgrade using points on this?). But then, and here is the rub, I find that Qantas offer the same journey (USING EXACTLY THE SAME FLIGHTS/PLANES/TIMETABLE) for over $600 more! Again, an email to Qantas FF dept to see if this was a mistake (which at least got me a return phone call 2 weeks later) generated a reply that Qantas have a multi-billion $$ loss to recoup! The Qantas employee that called me was not in the slightest way interested in trying to retain me as a customer - "take it or leave it" was very much the attitude.

Recoup? This tactic will surely drive potential travellers away so how do they plan to recoup service/losses?

As a long-time user of QF before I retired I was always proud to use them. This is the straw that has broken the camel's back for me. Loyalty has truly vanished from Qantas' vocabulary it would appear.

But this brings me to my next question - Can QF FF points be used on other OneWorld airlines to either purchase tickets or upgrade? Any members' suggestions please?

I'm amazed someone can get to LTG and not know these things!

Not meant as an insult .... it's just amazing.

 

[Steelo]

Haven't found a favourable report on UL - almost exclusively get slagged big-time. Only get what you pay for I guess.

I have recently flown UL business Singapore to Rome and then Paris to Singapore. The standard of service was outstanding, personable and very responsive. The standard is equal to QF. The lounge at Colombo was excellent, a quite room with fully reclining chairs to allow you to nap, while the attendants gently woke us when our plane was ready to board. The cost was under $1700 (a special at the the time). While the route was via Sri Lanka, it was well paced and arrival times worked well. We will use UL again and recommend it to others.

 

[jpk]

Thanks for the UL reports guys, much appreciated. I've been wary on pulling the trigger on one of these, definitely will do now. Cheers!

 

[howiesue]

Well, it just shows you can't always listen to the nay-sayers. If the above is representative of the product I'd take a chance any day. Thank you for your contribution.

 

[zainman]

Booked 2 tickets KHI-DXB-LGW using QF points on EK metal one-way J. Fuel fine: $750 per person :O

Friend of mine booked KHI-DXB-FRA-DXB-KHI on EK metal in Y. Taxes $600 per person. LOL. I can book a cash/revenue ticket to FRA from KHI for less than that and earn miles too!

The answer is Virgin/SQ, buy miles with AA/UA/LM etc. Forget about QF.

 

[JohnK]

Haven't found a favourable report on UL - almost exclusively get slagged big-time. Only get what you pay for I guess.

Sri Lankan are OK. You wouldn't rave on about them but for the price paid the offering is good.

 

[howiesue]

Well after all the favourable comments I am about to take advantage of seriously good value J seats to Europe on UL. The A300-300 cabin looks very inviting. OW airline too so purchasing a ticket ups my points (after a fashion) although status credits don't concern me anymore given I'm retired now and haven't got a hope of improving my LTG. Will report on the experience in due course for the benefit of anyone else who's been held back by previous less-than-favourable reports.

And sorry to have amazed you Amaroo (see above) - didn't look for the loopholes in the various programmes whilst flying so much before. Clearly I should have. LTG achieved (was QF Platinum for years) by flying for my Company on J globally whilst working but my flights were invariably arranged by our travel dept.

 

[Alanslegal]

Well after all the favourable comments I am about to take advantage of seriously good value J seats to Europe on UL. The A300-300 cabin looks very inviting. OW airline too so purchasing a ticket ups my points (after a fashion) although status credits don't concern me anymore given I'm retired now and haven't got a hope of improving my LTG. Will report on the experience in due course for the benefit of anyone else who's been held back by previous less-than-favourable reports.

Thanks for the follow up, hope you have an enjoyable time!

 

[Steelo]

Well after all the favourable comments I am about to take advantage of seriously good value J seats to Europe on UL. The A300-300 cabin looks very inviting. OW airline too so purchasing a ticket ups my points (after a fashion) although status credits don't concern me anymore given I'm retired now and haven't got a hope of improving my LTG. Will report on the experience in due course for the benefit of anyone else who's been held back by previous less-than-favourable reports.

And sorry to have amazed you Amaroo (see above) - didn't look for the loopholes in the various programmes whilst flying so much before. Clearly I should have. LTG achieved (was QF Platinum for years) by flying for my Company on J globally whilst working but my flights were invariably arranged by our travel dept.

Enjoy your flight on UL. If you are leaving from Singapore check your transit times in Colombo. The Serendip Lounge is good. The flight from Singapore to Colombo will be on an A320 which is similar to domestic J. We spent our transit time by hiring an English speaking driver for the day at around $85 and had a day tour of Colombo - the new highway into Colombo gives quicker access to Colombo then before. There are a couple of quirks about Colombo airport though. Once you step out of airport expect to be charged for the toilets at the exit to the airport. On our return they tried to charge us an airport tax to re enter the airport - stood our ground and was not charged. As I stated before service on the flight was very personable, and a bit of a change from some of the toffee nose flight attendants I occasionally encounter on QF international - I also noted a very warm response when they knew we were Australian - as on each flight we encountered staff who had children studying in Australia.

Nothing seemed too much trouble, my wife even asked for a cup of tea before take off - and much to my surprise they obliged. I was also very impressed with the very generous serving of the single malt. The food is good - western food available but the Sri Lankan food very good - although I suppose not everyone can handle curry for breakfast (western breakfast is available).

i also notice return trips from Colombo to Sydney in J are very well priced - especially as the Singapore to Sydney leg is on a QF.

We we will definitely consider flying J in UL in the future - as we continue to use Asian Ports to access reasonable price J fares on one world carriers. Bon Voyage.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Will report on the experience in due course for the benefit of anyone else who's been held back by previous less-than-favourable reports.

Less than favourable reports are fairly common in economy class.... often due to passengers being unfamiliar with service patterns.

I just read one review where a passenger complained because they woke up crew (resting in economy with curtains drawn around their seats) and the crew refused to serve her. She goes on to say that she then visited the galley and noted trays of drinks and snacks set out... but still asked the crew for a fresh one. Prior to arrival, the crew served a meal and offered pre-meal drinks from a tray. The passenger refused to partake because the tray was the same one that had been in the galley and she thought they were the same drinks that had been out all night.

You just can't help some passengers.

 

[Steelo]

Less than favourable reports are fairly common in economy class.... often due to passengers being unfamiliar with service patterns.

I just read one review where a passenger complained because they woke up crew (resting in economy with curtains drawn around their seats) and the crew refused to serve her. She goes on to say that she then visited the galley and noted trays of drinks and snacks set out... but still asked the crew for a fresh one. Prior to arrival, the crew served a meal and offered pre-meal drinks from a tray. The passenger refused to partake because the tray was the same one that had been in the galley and she thought they were the same drinks that had been out all night.

You just can't help some passengers.

i agree. Economy fares on UL are very heap - but it is economy. On UL the crew do have a petitioned off area where some sleep on overnight flights but it would be incredibly rude to even open the curtains in such circumstances. Likewise some people also have unrealistic expectations when flying J. These type of unrealistic expectations can be seen across the whole hospitality industry.