First Cabin design workshop

[TheInsider]

Would be interested to hear what it was all about tonight! Also to see some pics if possible.

 

[RooFlyer]

If it was a separate seat and bed then it was the A380. The ottoman folds out wider when it's in bed mode - I can't agree that it's narrow.

View attachment 77352

Agree not narrow, but did you find it very firm? I thought it was ridiculously firm considering its a dedicated bench, which could be well padded, then add the (thin) 'mattress'.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Agree not narrow, but did you find it very firm? I thought it was ridiculously firm considering its a dedicated bench, which could be well padded, then add the (thin) 'mattress'.

I don't remember it being too firm but then I prefer a firm mattress.
Also I may have done such a good job of appreciating the wine list that I slept regardless.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Would be interested to hear what it was all about tonight! Also to see some pics if possible.

It was a really well run, enjoyable event.
NDA signed on arrival so no pics or discussion, sorry

 

[JessicaTam]

It was a really well run, enjoyable event.
NDA signed on arrival so no pics or discussion, sorry

I appreciate you are limited in what you can say, but did QF at least seem interested in attendees' thoughts what was on display?

 

[mviy]

Disappointing but understandable that they wanted an NDA.

Was hoping to be able to make an informed call as to whether to try for an upgrade to F before an A380 refurb (assuming that's happening) or whether improvements would make it better to wait.

I guess I may be best to hold onto my points for now and wait and see what QF announces/silently changes at a later date.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I appreciate you are limited in what you can say, but did QF at least seem interested in attendees' thoughts what was on display?

Very much interested in what the attendees had to say.

 

[Kangol]

Were the points that people specifically mentioned in this thread brought up at the meeting? ie. the input from those not invited..

 

[njba]

Glad it was a nice time at least! I can only imagine the hospitality was generous to such a well heeled group.

 

[RichardMEL]

A couple of comments going back a few pages (and I didn't attend the event so can't even say I signed a NDA )

1. re check in etc. SQ also has an impressive F/Suites check-in area at SIN off to the left side of the main lobby. It's very plush (as you'd expect) and comfortable and fine service, though I never had any kind of escort offered (not that I would need one or really want it). Dedicated (and bored) passport control was a nice touch I thought straight through and up the stairs to the SKL and escort to TPR was really nice. Probably up there with CX or TG offerings

2. I think QF is limited at SYD and MEL int terminals. eg at MEL the F reception is right on the curb pretty much, and it's a nice little lobby area to check in, but then you exit out the side and still have to navigate through the terminal with everyone else. I don't really have an issue with this though I suppose if QF had control of a terminal area (like SQ at Changi etc) it would probably be designed much differently that you could exit out at the dedicated/priority security line. IIRC QF has this at SIN, or used to when I flew F out of there many moons ago and that was rather civilised - a kind of cut down version of the SQ offering. SIN makes this easier given gate security.

3. yes, the facing forward of the seat on take off/landing is a real PITA. Compare to TG F, EK F, SQ F/Suites where you can sit, even facing forward, but stretch the legs and really relax with your PDB or taxi and take off. On a recent TG flight BKK-MUC we took off and there was (beautiful) storm activity all about BKK and seat belt sign stayed on for 20-30 minutes as we sailed through the air with lightning all around (spectacular!).. with the TG seat I could sit back and stretch out and watch it unfold.. if it was the QF seat I'd be stuck facing forward rather cramped until allowed to turn the seat inwards. I'd hope any redesign, if they must keep this requirement, to basically move that panel with the power/USB etc and create a space for leg room at least (move power either upwards, by the screen or to the side where the little screen controls currently are) I think there would be enough room there for at least some sort of alcove for feet.

4. Agree re storage. I want somewhere I can put my glasses when I lie down and sleep where I am not worried about them falling off, potentially where I am sleeping so I could crush/break them (!) in flight yet easily accessable so when I wake up or need them I can get to them. Some seat/suite designs are much better with little storage areas for this kind of thing.

I can see QF not spending a lot of effort/resources on F given the small number of seats in the fleet and dedicated routes - and lets face it, how many people pay revenue F? Most folks here do it on upgrades or award tix from AA or whatever. Not begruding that at all, but from QF's point of view if they aren't getting most people paying the ridiculous >$10k/seat type fares there's little point in the investment to provide it.

I would expect a refresh of the current F product. A whole new design? it would be nice, but I'm not sure how that would go. I would like to see the soft product upgraded. I mean how hard it is to turn the "pot luck" of the Champagne into something more specific? How about some more specific F meal offerings or really special stuff (eg SQ have served shark fin soup in F). The dollup of caviar is a start, but if they want to offer a really premium F cabin, then they probably want to make it really stand out.

I don't think we'll ever see anything close to EY tbh. way too costly, too small ROI etc

I could be surprised, but I doubt it.

 

[hj.au]

Qantas is very much aware of the comments we discussed here.
As Princess Fiona mentioned it was very enjoyable night.

Were the points that people specifically mentioned in this thread brought up at the meeting? ie. the input from those not invited..

 

[junbugging]

(eg SQ have served shark fin soup in F).

I thought it was CX, but anyway, they copped quite a backlash for it. Now it doesn't even make it into cargo.

https://mauihawaiitheworld.wordpres...is-up-with-killing-sharks-for-a-bowl-of-soup/

I also have my own thoughts as to soft product, but if there's going to be any crowd of people with disparate tastes that are difficult to satisfy, it would be the 14 people likely to end up in the QF F cabin by various means.

 

[RichardMEL]

I thought it was CX, but anyway, they copped quite a backlash for it. Now it doesn't even make it into cargo.

https://mauihawaiitheworld.wordpres...is-up-with-killing-sharks-for-a-bowl-of-soup/

I also have my own thoughts as to soft product, but if there's going to be any crowd of people with disparate tastes that are difficult to satisfy, it would be the 14 people likely to end up in the QF F cabin by various means.

Fair call (and maybe Shark Fin soup was a bad example!! lol). I didn't mention FG or Goose Liver or something at least

re QF catering I'm in 2 minds on the F offerings tbh. On one hand I see Neil Perry's stuff on QF has glorified comfort food - and in some ways this is actually great. Not everyone wants the caviar and 5 star stuff... sometimes a decent steak, or parma or whatever is quite welcome. However I can also understand the crowd that is used to ad expects the "fancy" stuff. me? Give me a lovely duck or simple sliced pork dish and I'm happy. Everyone is different though and you'll never please everyone

(having said that, a change from Perry would be welcome !!!!)

 

[blackcat20]

Fair call (and maybe Shark Fin soup was a bad example!! lol). I didn't mention FG or Goose Liver or something at least

re QF catering I'm in 2 minds on the F offerings tbh. On one hand I see Neil Perry's stuff on QF has glorified comfort food - and in some ways this is actually great. Not everyone wants the caviar and 5 star stuff... sometimes a decent steak, or parma or whatever is quite welcome. However I can also understand the crowd that is used to ad expects the "fancy" stuff. me? Give me a lovely duck or simple sliced pork dish and I'm happy. Everyone is different though and you'll never please everyone

(having said that, a change from Perry would be welcome !!!!)

I do wonder how many people actually like the caviar versus those that eat it "because its expensive/fancy etc". I tried it on JAL, wasnt that fussed and wouldnt go out of my way for it. Gave the rest to TV to make sure it wasnt waisted (actually the FA passed it to him for me).

 

[njba]

I do wonder how many people actually like the caviar versus those that eat it "because its expensive/fancy etc". I tried it on JAL, wasnt that fussed and wouldnt go out of my way for it. Gave the rest to TV to make sure it wasnt waisted (actually the FA passed it to him for me).

It's probably the case with a lot of those luxury goods: truffle, foie gras, various critters from sea and land. There's almost an expectation to like these things and prove you're a bone fide member of the 1% and not an uncultured swine.

 

[RichardMEL]

For me, the small bit of caviar on the canape pre-departure is actually really perfect.. that with the dumpling or whatever they have (last time IIRC I had a dumpling thing anyway) with a glass of bubbles is just nice. I don't worry about the full servings on SQ or EK F tbh

each to their own though

I am flying it in 2 weeks again so will enjoy whatever is offered because I'm very very lucky to be able to be in First.

 

[boomy]

I do wonder how many people actually like the caviar versus those that eat it "because its expensive/fancy etc". I tried it on JAL, wasnt that fussed and wouldnt go out of my way for it. Gave the rest to TV to make sure it wasnt waisted (actually the FA passed it to him for me).

Demand for caviar worldwide is much greater than supply hence one of the reasons it's so expensive.
When flying F I do look forward to having caviar, lobster, top tier wines, champagne etc both because they are usually to my taste and because I can't afford having all these things at home for dinner

I'm all for trying everything but keep eating something just because it's expensive is stupid.
Good example is shark fin soup, tried it, didn't like it so will never have it again even if offered onboard.

 

[mviy]

or simple sliced pork dish

It would help if QF flew a different route to LHR for that. Unfortunately that's not going to happen anytime soon unless a direct flight PER-LHR route is the first 787 route but then the 787 probably isn't getting any F seats.

 

[Princess Fiona]

It would help if QF flew a different route to LHR for that. Unfortunately that's not going to happen anytime soon unless a direct flight PER-LHR route is the first 787 route but then the 787 probably isn't getting any F seats.

Pork has indeed been on selected F menus SYD/MEL- LAX

 

[medhead]

I don't care about no NDA. Are they going to offer Giant Galapagos tortoise soup?