737 subbed for A330 out of Perth 7/9/13

[dandandan]

Whilst the flight was not on the A330 in the end it was a fantastic flight with exceptional service from the crew and a fantastic meal service.

It's the communication issue... none! there was 15 seats booked on 558 on expert flyer last night. I just flew 6.5. hours on one and not looking forward to backing up in a few more hours, was looking forward to some R and R on the 330. Thunderstorms in Perth already saw 1hr in holding pattern the an 1hr at baggage as was not safe to go out on tarmac. It least it has reduced connection

 

[erkpod]

There is plenty of maintenance taking place at the moment on the weekends which has led to a slight increase (such as this weekend) of 737 services over A330s. Trying to resolve the many cabin defects that are on certain aircraft.

XF Awful & XF Broken?

 

[ketsuzei]

Again today out of Melbourne, A330s seem to have been replaced with 737s. Very frustrating.

 

[Simo]

Aircraft type is never guaranteed.

Am I correct in saying that.

I know VA has pushed the A330 service Trancon but is there the sneaky astrix somewhere in the fine print.

 

[ketsuzei]

Totally correct, but doesn't make it any less frustrating. And it seems more systematic than random at present.

 

[jpk]

Just got burnt on this, the return PER-MEL is now a 737. No notice. I can't believe they make that decision on the day - seems very bait and switch to me. I would have flown QF if I had known this would happen.

ps: and we got bumped from first row of Y to the back. They can't even do a swap properly.

 

[Sprucegoose]

That sucks. I'm getting worried. Booked in J to return from Per to BNE in a couple of weeks. Will be my first J trip ever, I booked because it was an A330. I'm getting worried that will happen to me. It seems to be a regular occurrence/complaint.

Fly qantas

 

[BAM1748]

I would much prefer a 737 to a 330 any day. Can't understand what the problem is.

 

[mannej]

Just got burnt on this, the return PER-MEL is now a 737. No notice. I can't believe they make that decision on the day - seems very bait and switch to me. I would have flown QF if I had known this would happen.

ps: and we got bumped from first row of Y to the back. They can't even do a swap properly.

You'd be hard pressed getting anywhere with the bait and switch argument especially sitting in Y.

I guess you are not privy to the reasons as to the switch, that's what airline ops is for!

 

[clare1991]

They downgrade when ever they need to. I was at the airport to pick up my Nana the week before my June flight and noticed the flight was downgraded to a 737, I desperately hoped it didn't happen the week after.

Mine was as scheduled but my mums flight the day later was downgraded from a new A330 to an old EK A330 so they put her on the next flight. She ended up being on the Month old A330 with all the West Coast Eagles players (she hates the Eagles) unfair!

 

[erkpod]

Next week's going to be interesting. On Saturday night, Fremantle are playing Sydney in an AFL final. The Ch 7 commentators were suggesting a charter ex PER, presumably if the Swans win, rather than the players getting the red eye.

After an ad break, a commentator mentioned the SYD curfew & the chance of an exemption (don't see it happening).

So assuming the Swans win, should they:

a) Get the red eye Saturday night to Sydney?

b) Get a charter Saturday night to Sydney?

c) Overnight in PER then fly back to SYD on Sunday?

d) Overnight in PER then fly to Melbourne?

EDIT: If they lose, who cares?

 

[Simo]

There goes the prices again....

 

[Must...Fly!]

Overnight, recovery in Perth, then fly home.

Never understood the mania of sleeping in ones own bed, would be 3am before they got home, assuming curfew not a problem. Take a sleep in Perth, go to the beach then have a leisurely flight back ~12pm.

However this all will probably mean nothing given how Fremantle are playing...(I say in a depressing tone of voice, as an eagles fan...)

 

[a330j]

Fly qantas

Ended up all good. Not subbed and a great flight. XFG I think. Weekend flights appear to carry a higher risk of aircraft change.

 

[JasonG]

With respect to the 737 vs 330, I think many would disagree that the 737 is better, myself included, if flying in J anyway. The product offer and experience differ dramatically from an angled J seat to a lie-flat with great IFE. I think the Galaxy Tablet is pretty poor and the few times I have used it flying J on MEL-SYD,ADL,BNE routes it freezes when trying to play music. etc.

Maybe I am being critical here but I also find the staff seem to be 'better trained' and really make an effort to please on the 330 over to Perth. I travel over once a month and a year ago would have only flown QF. Now I would say the J experience on VA is superior unless you get the internationally configured 330 and even then it tends to be full and often menu choice is limited by the time the crew are half way down the J cabin. Haven't had that on VA yet--even when quite full (never flown with all seats occupied). What annoys me with VA is when you get the old EK-330 as the IFE is shocking and the seating doesn't compare--though arguably there feels like more leg room.