No PJs on flights <8 hours; Cafe Breakfast

[RooFlyer]

I asked about PJs on my recent MNL-SYD flight (overnight; 7.5 hrs). Two FAs went hunting, and came back to report that there are now no PJs given out on flights under 8 hours. Both said they were surprised to hear this (one mentioned that she was embarrassed), so I'm not sure how new this policy is.

Not terribly impressed. Yes, its a short flight, but if you ignore both meal services (like the chap sitting adjacent to me did), there's probably 5.5 hours worth of kip possible, maybe more. I usually take my own sleeper suit but of course this time, I didn't .

I also experienced the horror that is the Cafe Breakfast. Tea/coffee, juice and a warm ham & cheese croissant Service started 45 mins before landing, without cabin lights on (good move). I guess the reason is again the short flight - maximising sleep opportunity. But if they are going to plonk a single plate down in front of you, surely it could contain more than a ham & cheese croissant (eg dom J type cereal & milk; maybe a banana or tub of yoghurt).

I winced when I read in the on-board mag:

First and business. it just gets better

Qantas is currently rolling out new enhancements the the first and business inflight experience. ..... In Business, we have redesigned our menu to offer a contemporary selection of Rockpool inspired small and main plates.

Yes, they actually used the 'e' word (didn't we send Red Roo the memo?). Shorter international flights in J sure have been 'enhanced'.

 

[whughes3]

.

(Note: QF serving pork product on a flight originating in a muslim country !!).

Just when did the Philippines become a muslim country??

 

[markis10]

Just when did the Philippines become a muslim country??

5-10% of the population makes them somewhat of a minority, vs Malaysia or Indonesia.

 

[RooFlyer]

Just when did the Philippines become a muslim country??

OOPS! Major blunder - apologies. Will edit & acknowledge. (It was the 'halal certification' in the restaurants I went to that threw me.)

 

[Pushka]

I'd prefer the quick breakfast option of croissant and not be woken 90 minutes before landing on those shorter overnight flights so that's fine with me. But no PJ's? Nice enhancement that.

 

[Ric]

And that's one of the reasons I go through HKG. More time to sleep, more SC, better food and yes, PJs too at the same price and most times cheaper than QF 19/20....on whY and using points to upgrade.

 

[RooFlyer]

And that's one of the reasons I go through HKG. More time to sleep, more SC, better food and yes, PJs too at the same price and most times cheaper than QF 19/20....on whY and using points to upgrade.

Fair 'nuf, but I think you said you booked and priced your flights ex MNL? I looked at that option at your suggestion very enthusiastically, but fares priced ex Australia much more expensive. (Edited)

 

[Paddy55]

And that's one of the reasons I go through HKG. More time to sleep, more SC, better food and yes, PJs too at the same price and most times cheaper than QF 19/20....on whY and using points to upgrade.

True AFF spirit!
QFF re-definition of the word "enhancements" belongs in the MacQuarie Dictionary

 

[Ric]

True, true.

Initially, I took a one way classic award ticket SYD-MNL and then always ticket ex MNL. I am able to do this because I do regular trips back and forth from Oz to Phil.
IIRC, you came to MNL because of a long standing invitation and not as a regular back and forth flyer to MNL. Thus my way is really not an option for you.

I do notice that there's a few AFFers that come quite often. Maybe this is an option for them.

Cheers.

Ric

 

[elbarto]

The breakfast service sounds like you're getting less than on the QF8 BNE-SYD sector in Economy. At least you get a yoghurt with your apple danish croissant thing.

 

[RooFlyer]

The breakfast service sounds like you're getting less than on the QF8 BNE-SYD sector in Economy. At least you get a yoghurt with your apple danish croissant thing.

Yep. Others have reported this before. Trolly comes; tablecloth put out. Tea/coffee offered. Plastic tray put down, with just a ham and cheese croissant on it; and a knife to cut it. Glass of juice. That's it.

My worst ever international long haul J breakfast was on "Air France" from Abijan to Paris, but the flight was done by a completely generic contract plane and unbadged crew. That effort was a single unfilled squashed croissant on a plastic wrap covered tinfoil tray and a plastic bottle of juice.

I remember it well because it was the day after the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington.

So 12 years later, QF just exceeds it.

Beawdy.

 

[Austman]

I once worked a company that had the largest corporate business travelling budget in the world (or so they claimed). No "proper" breakfast in business class meant no (or little) business for you. But times might have changed... But my former company at least recognised the benefits. As did the major airline of the country - breakfast was important.

Choice is the key.

 

[anchew]

On a recent flight SIN-MEL on QF 36, which had an official duration of 7:40 (though flight time was 6:45), PJs were handed out. I was a little surprised having read thread prior to the trip.

 

[RooFlyer]

Yeah, turns out that its a sector specific thing, not a length of travel thing.

Pax from MNL don't need PJs. Pax from SIN and elsewhere do.

But the bloody café breakfast seems widespread on the Asian sectors.

 

[ajw373]

I once worked a company that had the largest corporate business travelling budget in the world (or so they claimed). No "proper" breakfast in business class meant no (or little) business for you. But times might have changed... But my former company at least recognised the benefits. As did the major airline of the country - breakfast was important.

Choice is the key.

But breakfast at 4:30-5:00am, having only eaten 5 hours before hand?

 

[Pushka]

Breakfast doesn't worry me at all. Likely I've not slept well and eaten just a few hours earlier in the lounge and onboard. Just a juice and coffee would do me. But I do need those PJ's.

 

[dfcatch]

I was having a discussion with a QF FA (int) socially the other day on this topic.

Apparently - the new dinner service (salad and bread first followed by main plate later) is taking twice as long (therefore interrupting sleep time) and both the FA's and pax hate it.

When I brought up the "breakfast changes" she interrupted me and said "oh you mean the ridiculous croissant?"

Again - apparently everyone hates it "her words".

When I said that QF are rock-solid certain than people love the new changes - her reply was that they must be on another planet.

 

[cmon0005]

When I brought up the "breakfast changes" she interrupted me and said "oh you mean the ridiculous croissant?"

I am not overly happy with Breakfast on QF now either, I prefer a hot breakfast with Eggs and Sausage at least.
The "Sultana Scroll" was dry tasteless and under-whelming.