2.5 million mile very loyal QF LTG. I have just returned from a J MEL BCN trip and thought I'd post some comments, not all complimentary as I have tried to in the past.
On the first sector MEL DXB on an aging A380 QF9 we endured a less than inspiring cabin crew. One flight attendant seriously seemed to be in need of a new set of batteries, right from the time we stepped on board. There was one very nice member of the cabin staff who was very shocked when she attended a call from me (the third time I'd hit the call button) to ask her to note a three legged small grasshopper in my salad. Cannot say how much the fourth leg added to the flavour of the salad and yes, I know, Qantas do not make their own meals. I was told the grasshopper was photographed by her manager before being appropriately despatched.
Sector two DXB to BCN was in a almost brand new EK380 (QF flight number) with more staff in J than passengers. Smiles from the staff, even those who put up with those who hang around the bar through the whole flight. Apart from the staff/passenger ratios, what a difference in the hardware. Leg 3, BCN to DXB was on an EK777, the oft-maligned plane with older J seats and the sometimes inconvenient middle J seat. Staff were absolutely magnificent. Friendly, helpful, immaculately groomed and went out of their way to move passengers in the not completely empty front J compartment to give a couple and their young child three seats together instead of the two they'd been booked into on the outer-side of the aisle. It might just be me, but give me an older EK 777 over the current QF A380 anytime. Many more movies, a screen that is actually able to be watched and not usually as crammed with passengers.
The final leg, DXB MEL was on another almost brand new EK380, with even better movie choices, the same visible screen, not as many passengers and the availability of all those little snacks at the back. And let's not try to compare the QF A380 toilets with the EK ones. I would be surprised if I were the only QF FF'er who is noticing more and more how enhancements are enhancing the companies balance sheet only. The next enhancement to be brought in line with EK would surely be the pyjamas. I now know how I'm going to actively try and book my OZ to Europe flights.
On the first sector MEL DXB on an aging A380 QF9 we endured a less than inspiring cabin crew. One flight attendant seriously seemed to be in need of a new set of batteries, right from the time we stepped on board. There was one very nice member of the cabin staff who was very shocked when she attended a call from me (the third time I'd hit the call button) to ask her to note a three legged small grasshopper in my salad. Cannot say how much the fourth leg added to the flavour of the salad and yes, I know, Qantas do not make their own meals. I was told the grasshopper was photographed by her manager before being appropriately despatched.
Sector two DXB to BCN was in a almost brand new EK380 (QF flight number) with more staff in J than passengers. Smiles from the staff, even those who put up with those who hang around the bar through the whole flight. Apart from the staff/passenger ratios, what a difference in the hardware. Leg 3, BCN to DXB was on an EK777, the oft-maligned plane with older J seats and the sometimes inconvenient middle J seat. Staff were absolutely magnificent. Friendly, helpful, immaculately groomed and went out of their way to move passengers in the not completely empty front J compartment to give a couple and their young child three seats together instead of the two they'd been booked into on the outer-side of the aisle. It might just be me, but give me an older EK 777 over the current QF A380 anytime. Many more movies, a screen that is actually able to be watched and not usually as crammed with passengers.
The final leg, DXB MEL was on another almost brand new EK380, with even better movie choices, the same visible screen, not as many passengers and the availability of all those little snacks at the back. And let's not try to compare the QF A380 toilets with the EK ones. I would be surprised if I were the only QF FF'er who is noticing more and more how enhancements are enhancing the companies balance sheet only. The next enhancement to be brought in line with EK would surely be the pyjamas. I now know how I'm going to actively try and book my OZ to Europe flights.
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