eosphoros
Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2011
- Posts
- 293
I have been in Europe this past month and upon my return, starting with QF6 on 13 Jan, I have noticed an extreme decline in either the choices or portion sizes of meals aboard QF J.
It has been one year since I have been on board for a breakfast service aboard QF Int in J (having flown on CX, EK and in F other times) but my oh my has the service fallen extremely far. January 2013 flying QF1 into LHR, I remember being served quite a substantial and full continental breakfast with my order being taken before I went to sleep. This was for the usual early morning arrival. On QF6 on 13 Jan this year (the extremely bland and sterile service being another issue entirely), I was delighted that the 'Café Breakfast' I would be served was a palm-sized ham and cheese croissant. Now, I understand that for an eight hour flight, there will be one more substantial meal and one refreshment sized meal. But honestly, this is beyond a joke, even for a refreshment sized meal. Does QF really expect me to have my wonderful croissant and then starve for another 1.5-2 hours until I step out at arrivals? At the time, I was beyond disappointed; I was angry. For the first time, it felt like I did not get my moneys worth.
Another issue with the meal on this flight was timing. I'm not sure how other pax eat, but looking at the timing of the flight, surely the substantial meal should be the breakfast. I mean, who truly wants to eat dinner at 11:30pm at night? (Or 2:30am Sydney time.) Absolutely ridiculous. I would think that most people have eaten by that time.
As for the domestic meals, 90% of the time I fly during the lunch hour. For me, it kills two birds with one stone. I'm not sure if this is a permanent change, but aboard QF431 on 14 Jan and QF430 today (both lunch services), I was offered either Salad, Soup or Cheese. I remember getting more substantial meals like fish curries, lasagnas, etc. in the not-too-distant-past for lunch. Is the downgrade to Salad, Soup or Cheese a permanent enhancement for the lunch service? Also, the second bread choice also seems to be enhanced away. Previously, I remember getting a choice of either a roll or bread. If I opted for the bread, I would be given two slices. Now, not only is there no option, but I am only given one slice of bread to go with my starter salad. (On a side note, cheese is not a meal; it is a desert or refreshment. To offer it as a main lunch meal -- inside a cardboard box no less -- is insulting.)
Of course, I understand that QF is in cost-cutting mode. But what point is there in cutting so many services when customers who have been loyal for years decide that it's time to switch to the competition? Having already retained SG 16 days into my membership year, once I retain WP I think it is time that I start giving VA a proper go.
It has been one year since I have been on board for a breakfast service aboard QF Int in J (having flown on CX, EK and in F other times) but my oh my has the service fallen extremely far. January 2013 flying QF1 into LHR, I remember being served quite a substantial and full continental breakfast with my order being taken before I went to sleep. This was for the usual early morning arrival. On QF6 on 13 Jan this year (the extremely bland and sterile service being another issue entirely), I was delighted that the 'Café Breakfast' I would be served was a palm-sized ham and cheese croissant. Now, I understand that for an eight hour flight, there will be one more substantial meal and one refreshment sized meal. But honestly, this is beyond a joke, even for a refreshment sized meal. Does QF really expect me to have my wonderful croissant and then starve for another 1.5-2 hours until I step out at arrivals? At the time, I was beyond disappointed; I was angry. For the first time, it felt like I did not get my moneys worth.
Another issue with the meal on this flight was timing. I'm not sure how other pax eat, but looking at the timing of the flight, surely the substantial meal should be the breakfast. I mean, who truly wants to eat dinner at 11:30pm at night? (Or 2:30am Sydney time.) Absolutely ridiculous. I would think that most people have eaten by that time.
As for the domestic meals, 90% of the time I fly during the lunch hour. For me, it kills two birds with one stone. I'm not sure if this is a permanent change, but aboard QF431 on 14 Jan and QF430 today (both lunch services), I was offered either Salad, Soup or Cheese. I remember getting more substantial meals like fish curries, lasagnas, etc. in the not-too-distant-past for lunch. Is the downgrade to Salad, Soup or Cheese a permanent enhancement for the lunch service? Also, the second bread choice also seems to be enhanced away. Previously, I remember getting a choice of either a roll or bread. If I opted for the bread, I would be given two slices. Now, not only is there no option, but I am only given one slice of bread to go with my starter salad. (On a side note, cheese is not a meal; it is a desert or refreshment. To offer it as a main lunch meal -- inside a cardboard box no less -- is insulting.)
Of course, I understand that QF is in cost-cutting mode. But what point is there in cutting so many services when customers who have been loyal for years decide that it's time to switch to the competition? Having already retained SG 16 days into my membership year, once I retain WP I think it is time that I start giving VA a proper go.
. I think it is pretty impossible to add up all the components and say OK I am getting exactly what I paid - it is more a package that makes it worthwhile for you. We don't drink much, but food is quite important to us (In spite of Mr FM weighing less than 60 kg and I am not exactly overweight either). To us an enjoyable meal on the plane is part of the fun of flying, not that worried about domestic J, but all the tales of problems at the premium end internationally make me more inclined to try other carriers. We have actually booked on Emirates metal for later in the year mainly because of an underwhelming J experience to JNB in September....
