Does Qantas maintain its aircraft??

[serfty]

What do you mean by "interior maintenance"??
...

Repair of cosmetic issues in the seating and/or panel other than for safety.

This does not excuse not cleaning the aircraft properly.

 

[goldy]

Repair of cosmetic issues in the seating and/or panel other than for safety.

This does not excuse not cleaning the aircraft properly.

Thanks for clarifying, and I agree, I have no issue with them not bothering to repair cosmetic issues. But I do have an issue with not cleaning an aircraft properly. From QF, its simply inexcusable. I know they cant "spring" clean an aircraft after every service, but surely one every few weeks is not out of the question, especially given the looooong layovers these aircraft have in the US and Europe!

 

[ozmille]

I am always amazed at how dirty people cam leave a cabin even (after a short flight). Do these people do the same at home I wonder? Like is there a reason why you would want to put your dirty cup next to the seat instead of handing it to the cabin crew when threy are collecting rubbish?

 

[avi8or]

QF are lucky I did not offload myself from these flights and demand to be flown home on an airline that can provide the level of service and cleanliness I had paid for. Needless to say, I think its obvious that im "displeased".

Honestly I don't think QF would care less if you offloaded yourself and they sure as hell wouldn't rebook you on another carrier if it was a voluntary offload. And IMO this cabin does not look that bad for a 744 (apart from torn seat cover) if it was an A380 that might be a different story. Guess some people are just too picky these days in all seriousness i've been on airlines which are much worse than this and are also clasified as premium carriers.

 

[pauly7]

I am always amazed at how dirty people cam leave a cabin even (after a short flight). Do these people do the same at home I wonder? Like is there a reason why you would want to put your dirty cup next to the seat instead of handing it to the cabin crew when threy are collecting rubbish?

I know, some people astound me.

Found left over KFC under the seat infront on a Virgin flight once <dry retch>.

 

[lsmi4126]

I completely understand where you're coming from.

The most recent similar unacceptable experience aboard a QF flight was on QF11 (SYD - LAX) during A380gate in November last year. We were switched onto a B744 (VH-OJD out of interest before she was punted to SYD-PER duties so no Y+ point upgrade for me ) and the condition / cleanliness of the Y cabin was appalling:

1. The headrest on my seat came off when i tried to adjust it before the flight took off;
2. There was a brown liquid stain down the centre bulkhead under the stairs;
3. The entire toilet was coming away from the wall in the bathroom - it was completely loose and could be moved to reveal parts of the aircraft that shouldn't be seen at 30K';
4. The fluro window side cabin light in my row flickered constantly while on;
5. My IFE screen had at least 100 dead pixels; and
6. The same dust all over the windows, ceiling etc... as in your photos.

I received the same 'we didn't provide the service we should have under very challenging circumstances blah blah blah', and magically received a J+ op-up on my return flight 6 weeks later.

After flying trans-pacific exclusively on A380s for the previous 18 months, it was quite an eye-opener and definitely made me rethink my then upcoming QF B747-route flights...

 

[goldy]

Honestly I don't think QF would care less if you offloaded yourself and they sure as hell wouldn't rebook you on another carrier if it was a voluntary offload. And IMO this cabin does not look that bad for a 744 (apart from torn seat cover) if it was an A380 that might be a different story. Guess some people are just too picky these days in all seriousness.

Your'e absolutely right. They didn't give a toss. But that is why this is going to get nasty and I am seeking legal advice on where I stand to sue them for misleading and deceptive advertising and non performance of contract.

I dont see what the difference is between an A380 and a 744. I expect consistent service on ANY of their aircraft and not the clean plane lottery!!

You can call me picky all you like, the fact is, I was picky enough to choose them based on past experience, reputation and representation. clearly I was delusional!

i've been on airlines which are much worse than this and are also clasified as premium carriers.

And did you fly them again?? As Qantas make representations about what they offer, they must provide it. Plain and simple.

 

[goldy]

I received the same 'we didn't provide the service we should have under very challenging circumstances blah blah blah', and magically received a J+ op-up on my return flight 6 weeks later.

I was offered a J class upgrade from Y+ on the DFW to BNE flight but it was diverting to AKL and the flight was full so the DFW duty manager asked if I was willing to be overnighted at DFW (at QF's expense) and flown home the next day via LAX, Y on AA to LAX and J on QF to MEL. I agreed. Then, somehow I found myself in Y, so offloaded and told them i was promised a confirmed J seat. Sorry sir flights are all full... you're lucky to have gotten on in Y!! You betchya backside I was not happy!!

 

[mannej]

I don't understand how an issue such as this can get nasty. What part of the contract did they not deliver?

Also, it would be interesting to see what legal advice you get on the deceptive conduct, as again I am thinking you may be clutching at straws.

Agreed that the state of the aircraft may not have been up to standard, however would the effort be worth it in the end, as I do not see the damages awarded (if any) being significant. Are you chasing QF for the damages, or more for the principle of the matter?

 

[Limewood]

Old, very worn and tatty is the 767 cabin J and galley on the SYD/HNL/SYD run, doesn't do anything for the Q image.

 

[markis10]

What do people expect with airfares so low and QF running a very old fleet in the case of the Boeings, would be happy to have another hour delay on the ground while the aircraft was properly cleaned or higher airfares to cover the cost of extra cleaners? While I have had the odd shocker, generally the experiences are very rare as seen in the OP's post IMHO, and more likely seen on Intl aircraft becuase the cleaners are not QF staff. QF could always do better, but are we prepared to pay for it?

 

[connieguy]

What do people expect with airfares so low and QF running a very old fleet in the case of the Boeings, would be happy to have another hour delay on the ground while the aircraft was properly cleaned or higher airfares to cover the cost of extra cleaners? While I have had the odd shocker, generally the experiences are very rare as seen in the OP's post IMHO, and more likely seen on Intl aircraft because the cleaners are not QF staff. QF could always do better, but are we prepared to pay for it?

I can't see how it is in the interest of Qantas to present aircraft interiors that are dirty and in need of repair. To most travellers, they would question that if Qantas is OK with them seeing dirty and in need of repair aircraft interiors, what is the rest of the aircraft, that they can't see, like?

The check-in and boarding process is Qantas' shopfront and the aircraft interiors are the in-shop experience. There is no place for dirty and in need of repair aircraft interiors. But like so many other, in need of attention areas of the Qantas experience, they seemingly are neglected. No wonder Qantas are ranked 8th (and falling) as against other airlines.

I just hope Qantas wake up and understand it is the small things, that when added together, define the overall flying experience their customers perceive as QANTAS.

AJ it is time to understand your flying customers do not give a rats cough about Qantas being the only "investment grade airline". Your words, not mine. BTW when will your shareholders start receiving some of that amazing profit that QF seems to be making? I mean 3 years with no dividend payments, yet yearly profits being declared, is a long time between drinks.

 

[markis10]

I can't see how it is in the interest of Qantas to present aircraft interiors that are dirty and in need of repair. To most travellers, they would question that if Qantas is OK with them seeing dirty and in need of repair aircraft interiors, what is the rest of the aircraft, that they can't see, like?

But do they really present dirty interiors on a regular basis or is this an isolated or unlucky coincidence, if it were a problem that was common it begs the question why its not mentioned on this board more frequently, in fact this is the first post on the subject i have seen for a considerable time, quite remarkable given the age of the fleet.

 

[goldy]

I don't understand how an issue such as this can get nasty. What part of the contract did they not deliver?

Also, it would be interesting to see what legal advice you get on the deceptive conduct, as again I am thinking you may be clutching at straws.

Agreed that the state of the aircraft may not have been up to standard, however would the effort be worth it in the end, as I do not see the damages awarded (if any) being significant. Are you chasing QF for the damages, or more for the principle of the matter?

It is absolutely a matter of principle. They have offered me a $600 travel voucher which I have declined specifically because this is not about the money.

When they price their product, and make representations about that product, they must provide it. When they dont, I will hold them accountable.

The fact that the cleanliness of the cabin was equally bad, on 2 different aircraft on 2 different dates implies that this was not a "one off".
Show me a Qantas commercial or advertisement that shows the true state of the aircraft in which you fly? Show me the same, that highlights the benefits of their IFE, that often needs to be rebooted 5 times, and even then sometimes doesnt work. So please, tell me again, how these two simple examples accurately reflect what they actually provide? I know it would be commercial suicide to do so, but this is not my problem. I expect what they advertise and what they promise.

What makes this situation worse, is that I was also promised a J upgrade ex DFW by the station manager, who I understand has the authority to make such an offer, and even if he didn't, he was still acting on behalf of his employer when he made it. The LAX DM refused to honour the verbal offer which was supported by extensive notes in the booking, so again, there is a breach of contract. I for one and sick and tired of airlines getting away with murder. I understand that cough happens, but we are expected to tolerate it from their end, but when something happens from ours, we get punished with fees, charges and sometimes having to buy a new fare, because we did not fulfill our obligations of the contract. Well, ive had enough of this one sided bullsh%t. Its time for people to stick up for themselves, and make sure they get what they pay for.

 

[goldy]

QF could always do better, but are we prepared to pay for it?

We DO pay for it. Qantas is almost without exception, the most expensive airline on any route they operate. Even when they have "sales"!!

And no one is asking that they delay an aircraft for an hour to clean it properly. The aircraft in question, long haul 744ER's, spend a lot of time on the ground in LAX and LHR and I do not accept that once a fortnight or once a month, they cannot be cleaned to a higher standard than they normally would whilst on their 14 hour break between flights.

 

[mannej]

The check-in and boarding process is Qantas' shopfront and the aircraft interiors are the in-shop experience. There is no place for dirty and in need of repair aircraft interiors. But like so many other, in need of attention areas of the Qantas experience, they seemingly are neglected. No wonder Qantas are ranked 8th (and falling) as against other airlines.

8th out of how many?

 

[ozmille]

We DO pay for it. Qantas is almost without exception, the most expensive airline on any route they operate. Even when they have "sales"!!

And no one is asking that they delay an aircraft for an hour to clean it properly. The aircraft in question, long haul 744ER's, spend a lot of time on the ground in LAX and LHR and I do not accept that once a fortnight or once a month, they cannot be cleaned to a higher standard than they normally would whilst on their 14 hour break between flights.

Don't forget that the aircraft are also chartered out whilst they are on the ground in LHR or FRA, not sure about LAX.

 

[goldy]

But do they really present dirty interiors on a regular basis or is this an isolated or unlucky coincidence, if it were a problem that was common it begs the question why its not mentioned on this board more frequently, in fact this is the first post on the subject i have seen for a considerable time, quite remarkable given the age of the fleet.

2 aircraft. 2 routes. 2 separate dates. same condition of aircraft.
Try and pay more attention to your surroundings when you're next on a QF 744 and tell me what you think. The low lighting can make the dirt and dust difficult to see,but its very obvious in the morning, when the natural light makes it stand out like dogs bollocks. There is no excuse for its presence in the first place.

 

[markis10]

We DO pay for it. Qantas is almost without exception, the most expensive airline on any route they operate. Even when they have "sales"!!

And no one is asking that they delay an aircraft for an hour to clean it properly. The aircraft in question, long haul 744ER's, spend a lot of time on the ground in LAX and LHR and I do not accept that once a fortnight or once a month, they cannot be cleaned to a higher standard than they normally would whilst on their 14 hour break between flights.

But are you happy to pay more was my point, like I said it's a rare post topic and sometimes things get missed on cosmetic items as opposed to safety.

 

[goldy]

Don't forget that the aircraft are also chartered out whilst they are on the ground in LHR or FRA, not sure about LAX.

Vaild point. But don't tell me they cant find a few hours in a given month to give the aircraft a bit of a spring clean.

This is no different to you checking in to a hotel room, where the bed sheets haven't been changed and the bathroom hasn't been cleaned. Would you stay in it or hightail it back down to reception and ask to be moved into a clean room?? the only problem with QF is that you are at 37,000ft above the middle of the pacific, but this IMO makes it even more important to get things right!!