Boarding via the rear stairs - Qantas flight

[markis10]

If it means getting everyone one quicker and a better chance of leaving on time, then I am all for it. I actually enjoy the chance to check out the plane up close while walking to the stairs.

You mean give the tyres a kick

 

[TripleB]

I was actually on Jetstar last night which boarded front and rear (the last flights out of Sydney in the evening tend not to do so). It was an example in how not to do it. I was in row 17 - so duly followed the signs for rows 15-30 and went down the back - it took forever to be able to get to my seat due to the number of people coming the other way (including a group of dopey 20 somethings in row 28 and 29!).

 

[medhead]

I think people are missing one factor when talking about on time performance. ATC! I have 5 years experience of taking a 6am flight ADL-SYD either QF730 or VA401. In that time VA401 has been delayed for Sydney ATC reasons numerous times. There was one stage where it was delayed ever time I took that flight for months and months. Yet QF730 was delayed once in that time.

I know someone is going to ask how I knew QF730 wasn't delayed when I was sitting there on VA401. The easy answer is noting the gate for QF730, watching it push back and/or following the online departures updates.

Always having your flight delayed, when the competition isn't, has to hurt.

 

[Denali]

..... it took forever to be able to get to my seat due to the number of people coming the other way (including a group of dopey 20 somethings in row 28 and 29!).

Last flight I had, mum and 3 older teen boys and little sister entered from the rear but were sitting in row 6. Mum must had said, "walk to the front"...... which is what they did, up stream with lots of carry on all the way to the forward door, until a FA asked if there was a problem and turned them around and sent them back.

 

[Altair]

Saying that, QF month after month always seems to have the best domestic OTP (on time performance) so what does that say about back stairs loading on other domestic airlines?
My guess is that QF are just trialing it to validate if they could be doing something differently?

Some good points raised, QF is already well established as the most on time airline despite VA having this boarding method since birth, so will be interesting if with all these minor saves they are aiming to slot in an extra hop for some airframes or they just want to be even 'more' on time to make sure VA never get close.

I've always wondered why VA can't seem to crack it despite having the licence to be able to 'boss' their pax around more without making front page news, so the post about VA allegedly not allowing pilots to make up time in the air by lead footing it is interesting, especially since I've been on many a late VA flight and the pilot has claimed to 'step on the gas' or similar to make up lost time.... Mmmm hmmm?!?

As long as pax aren't forced to trek across the tarmac if they don't feel comfortable for whatever reason I have no problems. Perhaps row 4 won't be as sought after

IIRC Qantas has lost the OTP title to VA in the last 3 consecutive months of 2014, for both OTD and OTA.
For the last month December 2014 go to bitre website for the reports.
IMO On Time Arrival is more important, I plan trips on arrival time so I want to know when the flight is scheduled to arrive and how reliable that is so I can plan flight/meetings accordingly. For departures I would not rely on OTD performance but the scheduled departure time as that is the time you should be there and if you did show up late expecting the flight to be delayed you know that is when the flight departed on time leaving you at the airport.
I think it is fair management that schedules are padded or new techniques tried to maintain OTP. From my perspective the passenger has been given the scheduled times and if the palne arrives earlier so much better for me, rather than later where I could miss a connection or meeting.

 

[UP4014]

IIRC Qantas has lost the OTP title to VA in the last 3 consecutive months of 2014, for both OTD and OTA.
For the last month December 2014 go to bitre website for the reports.
IMO On Time Arrival is more important, I plan trips on arrival time so I want to know when the flight is scheduled to arrive and how reliable that is so I can plan flight/meetings accordingly. For departures I would not rely on OTD performance but the scheduled departure time as that is the time you should be there and if you did show up late expecting the flight to be delayed you know that is when the flight departed on time leaving you at the airport.
I think it is fair management that schedules are padded or new techniques tried to maintain OTP. From my perspective the passenger has been given the scheduled times and if the palne arrives earlier so much better for me, rather than later where I could miss a connection or meeting.

That explains why the test of rear stairs. Perhaps if they started to board on time that would help as well.

Matt

 

[BD1959]

Qantas is the only major domestic airline NOT to board their jets via rear stairs at aerobridge equipped ports. (The other three major airlines all board from the front aerobridge and back stairs at most terminals, where this facility is available.)

So Qantas might be trialling adapting to national industry standards?

You'd have thought by now "National standards" would have come up with something better than a wheelie bin and two strands of bunting - this is what gives it a decided "third world edge", not the fact it's happening in Adelaide!!

It's a trial for possible introduction in the future. It's only for boarding at this stage, or that's the plan.

That was not the experience on 675 this morning, which allowed disembarking through the rear door.

Regards,

BD

 

[clazman]

A regular QF FA in my travels took great pleasure in saying rear exit only or try the rear exit you will find it easier to the male passengers at PHE... and his smile made the comment

 

[PLANT]

Easy fix I worked out years ago to rear boarding. 1. Board last as rear gate/stairs closed. 2. Become a confused mute moron if attendant says anything at front entrance to plane.

 

[dk4]

You'd have thought by now "National standards" would have come up with something better than a wheelie bin...

Virgin uses a dedicated piece of hardware in many locations, it is more like a streamlined, mobile hose reel...but still creates a roped-off guide-way, just without the wheelie bin.

 

[JohnK]

Don't most non Capital airports use Tarmac access? I don't get the excitement about aerobridges.

I dont have to climb up and down stairs. And I don't get wet.

And I hate stand-off gates in big airports. The last PG flight of the night CNX-BKK almost always parks at stand-off gate and then wait for everyone to get off to crammed buses. Then we get to terminal via DMK.

 

[DC3]

The old ADL airport circa 1950's was never designed for aerobridges and as the years rolled by it became a disgrace. The new terminal is no comparison and is designed for aerobridge use. Enjoy.

 

[BD1959]

The new terminal is no comparison and is designed for aerobridge use. Enjoy.

ADL's aerobridges certainly are enjoyable, given their glass-wall design. I do question the site of the secure exit, though, seems to be far too close to the inbound security exit to allow a fast exit from the QF side.

Plus: there was obviously not enough thought given to the area to be dedicated to concession stalls. Everyone knows that airports these days are shopping malls with runways (and very expensive car parks) - on this point alone, the new Adelaide terminal is a disgrace (and long may it continue to be so!).

Now back to topic ...

Regards,

BD

 

[DC3]

As I'm not based in ADL I use car rental so haven't used the car park. Then go straight to the QC (J Lounge needed there). As for the aerobridges, they are a vast improvement on the old terminal.

I haven't noticed QF boarding through the back door in ADL , but maybe I'm not taking that much notice.

 

[medhead]

As I'm not based in ADL I use car rental so haven't used the car park. Then go straight to the QC (J Lounge needed there). As for the aerobridges, they are a vast improvement on the old terminal.

I haven't noticed QF boarding through the back door in ADL , but maybe I'm not taking that much notice.

First noticed this on Tuesday morning. As a recent development no you probably haven't noticed it before.

 

[DC3]

First noticed this on Tuesday morning. As a recent development no you probably haven't noticed it before.

OK. Thanks,

 

[tomo69]

I think people are missing one factor when talking about on time performance. ATC! I have 5 years experience of taking a 6am flight ADL-SYD either QF730 or VA401. In that time VA401 has been delayed for Sydney ATC reasons numerous times. There was one stage where it was delayed ever time I took that flight for months and months. Yet QF730 was delayed once in that time.

I know someone is going to ask how I knew QF730 wasn't delayed when I was sitting there on VA401. The easy answer is noting the gate for QF730, watching it push back and/or following the online departures updates.

Always having your flight delayed, when the competition isn't, has to hurt.

I have experienced similar. With QF from BNE TO MOV just board and go, on VA there is always a delay, sometimes 30 minutes even all boarded and still sitting at the gate.

 

[TripleB]

I happened to stumble across a QF press release from mid last year (don't ask) and interestingly (and relevantly) it says under the heading Qantas Domestic:

Planning for a reduction in 'average turn time' for Qantas Domestic aircraft to increase utilisation, to be implemented during FY15.

 

[tomlee1986]

I normally prefer jet bridge.. don't ask me why.. I just do but if it stairs.. I only want it on a rare opportunity as I prefer to keep normal temperature when boarding with luggage.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Coming to a Jetstar booking engine near you soon. I understand these new options will appear after the checked baggage, seat selection, car hire, hotel rooms, carbon neutral, starkids up sells:

How would you like to disembark your flight: aerobridge $25 plus / rear stairs $10 / jump - included free in your fare.

Broken bones insurance: $25