Chalk and (no) cheese experience

[beast_man]

I'm glad that you got a response. Just to clarify, did they respond because of your complaint, or because you posted on here?

And I hate to be churlish, but am I correct in that you only got an apology?

That is all I got as well ... given the service failure, I would've thought that some additional recovery was required (points credit, UPG voucher for another flight).

 

[SuzieQ68]

I'm glad that you got a response. Just to clarify, did they respond because of your complaint, or because you posted on here?

And I hate to be churlish, but am I correct in that you only got an apology?

That is all I got as well ... given the service failure, I would've thought that some additional recovery was required (points credit, UPG voucher for another flight).

Apologies, meant to include that they did offer (and I did accept) a goodwill gesture of points. I contacted VA via their website and basically put what I wrote here into the message to them. When they phoned I was polite in my response, so maybe this helped. The apology came first, the points offered late in the conversation. All in all a positive experience and one which ensures that I will remain loyal to VA for the foreseeable future.

 

[N860CR]

Just an update on the VA DPS services, it seems they're no longer "full service". A family member (who is VA Platinum) flew with them SYD-DPS yesterday and asked for a wine during the lunch service and was promptly asked for $8 in return.

Apparently the service was awful as usual. Flight attendants (one in particular) were rude and unhelpful.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Just an update on the VA DPS services, it seems they're no longer "full service". A family member (who is VA Platinum) flew with them SYD-DPS yesterday and asked for a wine during the lunch service and was promptly asked for $8 in return.

Apparently the service was awful as usual. Flight attendants (one in particular) were rude and unhelpful.

This is quite typical of an arrogant management that believes their behaviour on a particular route won't affect other parts of their business or reputation - including forums such as AFF.

I wouldn't touch VA on the DPS route. Similar to QF on the MNL route.

 

[N860CR]

This is quite typical of an arrogant management that believes their behaviour on a particular route won't affect other parts of their business or reputation - including forums such as AFF.

I wouldn't touch VA on the DPS route. Similar to QF on the MNL route.

Totally agree. I don't go to Bali often, however it does make for an easy weekend getaway so I do travel occasionally. After the last episode, I assured myself I'd never do it again.

I feel particularly bad about recommending them to my relative. Garuda was about $300 more expensive so I said that as a platinum, Virgin is worth the saving. I dare say that it wasn't.

 

[bean]

Totally agree. I don't go to Bali often, however it does make for an easy weekend getaway so I do travel occasionally. After the last episode, I assured myself I'd never do it again.

I feel particularly bad about recommending them to my relative. Garuda was about $300 more expensive so I said that as a platinum, Virgin is worth the saving. I dare say that it wasn't.

Garuda beats VA hands down.

I too am sick of inconstant service from VA. A recent trip one leg was superb, the staff couldn't do more to keep us happy, just brilliant.

The return leg was a conplete opposite, rude staff-was told at J check in that 3 of us couldn't sit together, only for lounge staff to check and sit us together.., cabin crew hiding up front refusing to serve us etc...all J class, disgraceful.

 

[PDog]

Garuda beats VA hands down.

I too am sick of inconstant service from VA. A recent trip one leg was superb, the staff couldn't do more to keep us happy, just brilliant.

The return leg was a conplete opposite, rude staff-was told at J check in that 3 of us couldn't sit together, only for lounge staff to check and sit us together.., cabin crew hiding up front refusing to serve us etc...all J class, disgraceful.

Disappointing... We're flying J to Bali next month, so I have questions!! Just to clarify, J from DPS is worse than domestic J? And regarding the 3 trying to sit together, aren't there only 8 seats? We've selected our seats weeks ago- will they not hold? Was that ex DPS? That said, we are only flying VA on the way there, return is SQ.

thanks for the info!

 

[bam71]

We've done Va J to DPS, and found it quite good. We would never do VA ex DPS however....... thats a different kettle of fish. Ongoing issues with catering etc, and who wants a 737 overnight even in J? Going up you'll be fine, just keeps your expectations in check for the return.

 

[PDog]

We've done Va J to DPS, and found it quite good. We would never do VA ex DPS however....... thats a different kettle of fish. Ongoing issues with catering etc, and who wants a 737 overnight even in J? Going up you'll be fine, just keeps your expectations in check for the return.

Thanks! Yup, the day flight on Jetstar in Y would have been a better option than VA J overnight. Instead we're going the long way home on SQ J with a long layover for a late chili crab lunch!

 

[bam71]

Perfect!!........

 

[bean]

Disappointing... We're flying J to Bali next month, so I have questions!! Just to clarify, J from DPS is worse than domestic J? And regarding the 3 trying to sit together, aren't there only 8 seats? We've selected our seats weeks ago- will they not hold? Was that ex DPS? That said, we are only flying VA on the way there, return is SQ.

thanks for the info!

I haven't flown J in 737 overseas (horribly overpriced), only domestic but understand it's the same product. Garuda on the other hand is like what you would expect from business class-lie flat and cabin crew who bend over backwards.

Re the seats yes there is only 8 seats and I had booked the flight and seats weeks prior. The lady at check in looked 18 and had an attitude that only got more sour when I tried to question it. Asked to speak to her supervisor and after waiting there for 10 minutes and feeling guilty about holding others up I left. Went to the lounge and showed the gent at the counter our passes, without me even mentioning it he goes 'gee that's strange you haven't been seated together, let me have a look, there you go you are all sitting together now-1A, B and C'

Seems the youngin at the checkin counter was deliberately being nasty to us. Was going to report her but couldn't be bothered wasting any more of my time.

Just really disappointing how the rotten few can ruin it for the whole. Also they need to realise whilst for them it may be 'just another day at work' for many of us a flight in business (or any flight for that matter) is often for a well earnt holiday where you have worked hard all year and saved up. To be treated poorly really ruins it all and can leave a very bitter taste.