Virgin Blue perception

[WindowSeat]

I'm QF SG and generally travel domestic economy between Aussie capital cities for work pretty regularly plus maybe one/two leisure international trips per year (usually try to use QF/CX for status and lounge access etc).

Anyway, this year I couldn't pass up the JQ StarClass sale to Japan so got some tickets ex Gold Coast. Having not flown anyone but QF/CX for years I must admit I was a little concerned about the JQ flight and the DJ SYD>OOL connections.

However, I noticed a major difference with DJ especially and thought I'd share as I'm sure there's a number of people here that are in the same boat as me (ie tried DJ when they started but preferred QF and stayed there ever since). The FAs didn't tell jokes or act like children like they did when DJ started - a move which was clearly meant to position QF as old and stuffy but backfired on business travellers who considered it puerile.

I checked in (very early) and asked if there was possibility of move to an earlier flight (I have zero status with DJ and was on a cheap Go fare) totally expecting to get a lecture like you do sometimes from QP dragons when you're cheeky enough to ask for a possible forward loading change on a Red E Deal. To my surprise they weren't full and were happy to oblige (guess their theory is it costs them nothing). Both flights were on time, all fine. Was only an hour flight so didn't buy food etc. In fact, except for the talk of buying food, IFE etc it didn't feel "low cost" at all. There were no bogan footy trip passengers that had been drinking since 9am which seemed to be the norm in the early days (they've probably moved to Tiger), the FAs were great etc.

What I'm saying is that it wouldn't take me a lot to move my business travel to DJ if this is the new normal. They've still got plenty of work to do with matching QF with lounges, loyalty program (Star Alliance?) and ideally IFE/meals (surely that stuff wouldn't increase their ticket prices THAT much)? My perception of DJ based a few years ago didn't match the new reality and I'm wondering if there's others on this group that have noticed or considered the same?

I'm still definitely a QF man but last week I wouldn't have dreamed of moving to DJ and this week I'd consider it with the changes above (plus any new DJ loyalty program would have to status match QFF status).

I'll post a StarClass review later.

 

[medhead]

I've had a few flights with DJ over the course of this year and haven't found them to be worse that flying with qantas. But I do think that my expectations have been exceeded by DJ, so perhaps my perceptions didn't match the reality

The FAs didn't tell jokes or act like children like they did when DJ started - a move which was clearly meant to position QF as old and stuffy but backfired on business travellers who considered it puerile.

They did do this joke stuff on some of my earlier flights this year but I have noticed that it seems to have stopped recently.

 

[docjames]

They did do this joke stuff on some of my earlier flights this year but I have noticed that it seems to have stopped recently.

In line with new management.....

 

[gilby08]

Why bother having flexible and in-flexible fare types then if the CSA's will just move you anyway?:evil:

 

[WindowSeat]

Well of course it's the ability to be sure of being able to change.

On an inflexible fare I'd never "expect" to be able to move but would ask as sometimes it's in the airline's best interest to move me earlier for their load management. Obviously I always ask politely and phrase it so it's clear that I don't expect it to happen but if it benefits us both then great and it's a nice surprise. I don't think that's unreasonable at all and it doesn't warrant a response from the CSA with "attitude" (which to be fair is not that common, but not unknown).

Of course some others may not be as polite so I understand why CSAs do get frustrated but if you hate your job it shouldn't be taken out on polite customers, it only takes ten seconds of their time. And for most passengers like myself it'd be a very small minority of flights that I'd ever ask anyway.

 

[MikedOut]

I have to say I'm not a DJ fan....Having taken a same day return trip for business once was more than enough and I've never been back since. Early morning flight, check-in was like a cattle yard and the bogans were out in force (half of them were obviously still tanked from the night before or getting an early start on the day's festivities). I'm hoping that John B does make a change to DJ, they might get my business back if they reposition it clearly away from a LCC and as much as I've wanted to give QF a nudge by using an alternate airline I'm not subjecting myself to DJ's "booze buses" until I'm confident that's been achieved.

 

[medhead]

In line with new management.....

It's hard for me to say for certain. I have the impression that it wasn't all pervasive before the new management and that there is still some of this stuff post new management. But like most things that annoy me I tried to block it out, so it's only impressions. But I'm sure new management helps....

 

[crazydave98]

I have to say I'm not a DJ fan....Having taken a same day return trip for business once was more than enough and I've never been back since. Early morning flight, check-in was like a cattle yard and the bogans were out in force (half of them were obviously still tanked from the night before or getting an early start on the day's festivities). I'm hoping that John B does make a change to DJ, they might get my business back if they reposition it clearly away from a LCC and as much as I've wanted to give QF a nudge by using an alternate airline I'm not subjecting myself to DJ's "booze buses" until I'm confident that's been achieved.

Do you mind me asking how long ago your experience was? I think you will find the bogans have migrated to Tiger (see their TV show if in any doubt) and no reason for a business traveller with only hand luggage to go anywhere near any check-in queues: you can check-in on the net up to 24hrs before departure or your mobile device on the way to the airport with CheckMate. Lounge members can check-in at reception. Given your central coast location I'm not sure whether you fly from SYD or NTL but if the former, there are 6 check-in kiosks next to the service desk (against the glass wall closest to the road) which I have never seen fully used.
cheers
CrazyDave98

 

[Alanslegal]

If DJ was part of a major air alliance I am very certain that quite a few people would be jumping onto DJ planes But this joining of an alliance has been in the works for many years and still appears to be not getting any closer (for whatever reasons).

Ps. domestically, I prefer DJ over QF/JQ any day.

 

[mosanator]

Well I have a DJ flight next week, due to our companies "Best Fare of the Day" policy, from SYD to CBR. However it is a Corporate Plus fare so that gives me access to the lounge etc. So I will be able to properly compare with my normal experience as a SG with QF.

I was a bit peeved when I saw the DJ on the itinerary, but felt better after checking the benefits of the fare type.

Pity really because I was looking forward to the argument with my boss as to the expenses on the corporate credit card for sundries (Coffee, Cake, Beer, Newspaper) at the airport, because I couldn't go into the QP, as I normally would.

I am looking forward to the DJ flight now.

 

[harvyk]

Whilst my only two experiences with DJ where a couple of years ago (prior to joining the QP) I rocked up at the airport and the only expectation I had was I would get a seat...

I was pleasantly surprised, the cabin crew where very friendly, the onboard prices for a can of coke and a muffin where reasonable (airport prices, but no more) I also liked the PTV's with the flight map, and most importantly it did not feel like a bogan bus...

I flew them a couple of other times afterwards, and unfortunately the third time was on a bogan bus, but it was at a time which business people were unlikely to fly, and I believe it was also during school holidays...

The only real problem I would have with flying them again is the lack of QFF points and no lounge... (I'm trying to limit the number of reward programs I'm a member of so I actually stand a chance of earning enough for free flights and upgrades)

Just my 2c

 

[notmensa]

Thanks to my company's 'best fare of the day' policy I recently took my first QF flight in years. It was horrible. Having no status with QF I was down the back, seated near a few very grumpy business women who made loud comments about how slow the elderly PAX near them were. The QF staff were also grumpy, didn't smile through the entire flight and made no attempts to assist those who were having trouble finding space for their (small) bags amongst all the (much larger) business cases.

By contrast, I regularly fly DJ at different times of the day. I always choose a seat near the back of the plane so I can board / exit quickly using the rear stairs. Even on the earliest morning flights, the staff smile and are quick to offer assistance to those struggling with bags and kids.

 

[drron]

Thanks to my company's 'best fare of the day' policy I recently took my first QF flight in years. It was horrible. Having no status with QF I was down the back, seated near a few very grumpy business women who made loud comments about how slow the elderly PAX near them were. The QF staff were also grumpy, didn't smile through the entire flight and made no attempts to assist those who were having trouble finding space for their (small) bags amongst all the (much larger) business cases.

By contrast, I regularly fly DJ at different times of the day. I always choose a seat near the back of the plane so I can board / exit quickly using the rear stairs. Even on the earliest morning flights, the staff smile and are quick to offer assistance to those struggling with bags and kids.

This does fit my experiences.I always fly down the back on DJ as well-why pay more to sit at the front when you can get off through the back just as quickly?
I also agree with the FAs-if on DJ I help an elderly PAX get her bags up or down to/from the overheads the FAs will come up and thank me.On QF this week in J from SIN An elderly British woman could obviously not reach the overhead.The FA stood behind her and watched.I got the lady's bags down and the FA walked off.

 

[777]

Thanks to my company's 'best fare of the day' policy I recently took my first QF flight in years. It was horrible. Having no status with QF I was down the back, seated near a few very grumpy business women who made loud comments about how slow the elderly PAX near them were. The QF staff were also grumpy, didn't smile through the entire flight and made no attempts to assist those who were having trouble finding space for their (small) bags amongst all the (much larger) business cases.

By contrast, I regularly fly DJ at different times of the day. I always choose a seat near the back of the plane so I can board / exit quickly using the rear stairs. Even on the earliest morning flights, the staff smile and are quick to offer assistance to those struggling with bags and kids.

I had a similar experience recently. I fly DJ when i book my own travel but had no choice as someone else was booking it so ended up on QF. Ended up on a clapped out old 767 that felt like it was a relic from the 80s [ok, 90s?], i have no status so i ended up towards the back - took forever to get on and off. The cloth in my row was literally fraying in parts.

Breakfast was provided - which is good - but one size fits all. I woofed down mine and it was a good muesili but looking along my row at least half of the meals were wasted and barely touched. The IFE was prehistoric. Cathode ray TVs, with an already out of date news bulletin and a repeat of a repeat of a repeat of Two and a half men. I've have become very used to LTA particularly when there is news breaking - as there was that morning that i was keen to follow - or a live sporting event i want to watch.

I know QF do a lot of things well but i do find the perception that DJ don't is kind of weird. Last time i went into a QP (with a mate who is a member) for example, it was so crowded that we turned around and headed back out to the bar in the terminal. The Lounge is an oasis by comparison. And don't get me started on the number of routes that i need to fly that QF have bunted to Jetstar.

There are definately areas where DJ needs to shape up but there are actually some things that they do better than QF - and across the spectrum they are consistently better than the two Qantas brands that you get stuck with when you leave the City Flyer bubble.

777.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Why bother having flexible and in-flexible fare types then if the CSA's will just move you anyway?:evil:

SYD-BNE, about 3 weeks ago.
Red eDeal Ticket.
Departure around 7:30pm
Checked in at around 5pm at the QP
Was given a choice of flights, earlier, if l wanted to change for free. Declined as l was meeting a friend at the airport.

 

[oz_mark]

Was given a choice of flights, earlier, if l wanted to change for free. Declined as l was meeting a friend at the airport.

This happens sometimes - QF can offer this, however they do not have to, and it doesn't mean you can just turn up, ask and get. It is a bit of a lottery.

 

[FlyboyAl]

I flew Virgin adl-syd on friday to connect with VA1 to lax.
The checking was interesting as they could not give me seat allocation in ADL and I had to "recheck-in" (his words) when I got to sydney.
Sounded a little weird but I thought if thats the rules, then so be it.
Arrival in Sydney was uneventful, and I walked over to lounge 40(?) where they "rechecked" me in with seat allocation on VA.

I asked for an exit row and was told that I had to pay, which I did, but she did not take my money, but gave me a "receipt" to hand to the customer service desk at the VA check in counter.

After all that, a young lady in a flouro vest called out to everyone in the lounge (no PA) to follow her to the bus. We went "in line" to the end of the terminal then downstairs to the bus which had to stop 6 times for pushbacks of aircraft. The bus ride took forever.

Unlike QF, the bus leaves the actual airport area, and delivers you to the outside check in area for VA - no instructions on where to go or what to look for, you are obviously expected to know where to go.
I then presented my "receipt" to the service desk, who gave me another receipt and my re-allocated boarding pass for the exit row seat.
It was not as "tidy" as Qantas.

My VA experience is in the trip report section.

 

[AirlineGuy]

They did do this joke stuff on some of my earlier flights this year but I have noticed that it seems to have stopped recently.
In line with new management.....

It is still happening. I think there are some Flight Attendants who are great and who understand the need to be professional, and then there are some who still haven't gotten the message and who persist with the jokes etc.

I don't believe there has been any formal notice from Mr Borghetti to his staff as yet to cease the jokes on the PA's and the intrusive flair. Surely the notice would have to be already drafted though!

 

[ozbeachbabe]

It is still happening. I think there are some Flight Attendants who are great and who understand the need to be professional, and then there are some who still haven't gotten the message and who persist with the jokes etc.

I don't believe there has been any formal notice from Mr Borghetti to his staff as yet to cease the jokes on the PA's and the intrusive flair. Surely the notice would have to be already drafted though!

Personally I find F/A jokes onboard flights annoying not to mention unprofessional. Then DJ have signs at checkin saying "we take jokes about airline safety seriously" or something along those lines.

How do they expect pax not to joke about carrying bombs etc if they don't lead by example? I can't help thinking that if they joke about the mundane stuff how should I take them seriously in an emergency evacuation or similar. How would pax know if cabin crew were serious or just joking?

I love flying Virgin America in the US but find the F/A's average with inflight PA's like "my name is (giggle) Georgia and in the main cabin (giggle) Emma". Couldn't fault the planes or pilots though.

IMHO the best F/A's in the US were Continental or Delta because they weren't space cadets, probably in their late 30's or 40's and were experienced and professional.

JQ I believe made a big mistake when they started off with the open seating fiasco and years down the track pax still think they have that same policy. Just goes to show that you've got to get it right from the beginning or you're forever tainted.

Cheers

Oz

 

[AirlineGuy]

Personally I find F/A jokes onboard flights annoying not to mention unprofessional. Then DJ have signs at checkin saying "we take jokes about airline safety seriously" or something along those lines.

How do they expect pax not to joke about carrying bombs etc if they don't lead by example? I can't help thinking that if they joke about the mundane stuff how should I take them seriously in an emergency evacuation or similar. How would pax know if cabin crew were serious or just joking?

Completely agree. Recently I had, "Light & Whislte for attracting Sea Turtles", and "Stop touching my leg xx_.." over the PA when they dimmed the cabin lights. Very unimpressed.

10 Years on im surprised DJ doesn't yet have a pre-recorded Safety Demonstration they play? It would be an easy way to eliminate such jokes, and place a more serious tone on Safety onboard.