Qantas Fleet Grounded 29/10

[ozimax]

They came on to the Australian scene 10 years ago and have watched their major competition effectively self destruct, giving them one of the best opportunities to capitalise on the mess.

First Ansett in September 2001
Now QANTAS in October 2011

I don't know if it's quite this serious yet. QF are still profitable. Ansett was an excellent airline but TN was even better. Unfortunately (speaking as an ex TN employee), QF swallowed TN, got rid of most of the TN staff and the rest, they say, is history. I got out at the right time, thankfully.

Hopefully QF will bounce back but they've certainly taken some body blows.

 

[el_rooto]

Can someone explain the difference between a 'termination' and 'suspension' of industrial action?

 

[MatF]

From Qantas twitter feed just now - Qantas fleet remains grounded until at least midday tomorrow. A decision on afternoon flights will be made tomorrow morning.

Yep, just got an SMS from QF to inform me that my SYD-BNE flight in the morning (QF510) has been cancelled.

I guess that gives me some certainty at least

 

[Blackadder]

Can someone explain the difference between a 'termination' and 'suspension' of industrial action?

Terminated means no more industrial action permitted, suspension no more industrial action for a specified time period.

 

[ajw373]

Can someone explain the difference between a 'termination' and 'suspension' of industrial action?

Terminate=end, suspend=end for a given period of time. So Qantas wants it sorted, the unions want to get back into the air and then continue to carry on like they have for the past 18 months.

 

[medhead]

I find that a little confusing especially the part about

Can I flights on Virgin and still be re-imbursed the difference?

For me to rebook next Fridays BNE-SYD return on VA would cost me $299 for Friday BNE-SYD at 1:00pm and there are no other Saver flights afterwards and to book in Flexi costs $359 and $405. To return on Sunday SYD-BNE at 8:00pm costs $185.

So the VA flights will cost me a minimum of $484 while I could a full refund of $150. And it is not much better if I rebook the current Qantas flights for Easter these cost $234 so I will only save $84.

Well I've jsut refunded my flight and submitted a claim for a new flight on Virgin. I take the offer to be that you can fly with virgin and get refunded the fare difference. The refund is done via ticketing and the Virgin fare difference via customer care, according to the CSR. So I paid $319 for a flexi fare and I have asked for a refund of $319-$119. In addition I expect to get my $119 back.

Just need to submit a Stat Dec as my card has been cancelled since I did the original booking.

 

[bigjobs]

someone mentioned in here a reporter (abc I think) who was at the FWA hearing. they were following them on twitter. can someone tell me that name? or ... how to search this thread quickly.

cheers

 

[DC3]

Is it just me or do the Union Reps getting airtime on Sky News sound like these clowns?

[video=youtube;brj2UkUPjCI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brj2UkUPjCI[/video]

No. It's not the Union. I think that's Joyce standing on the left.

 

[MatF]

someone mentioned in here a reporter (abc I think) who was at the FWA hearing. they were following them on twitter. can someone tell me that name? or ... how to search this thread quickly.

cheers

Linky below:
Twitter

 

[medhead]

Oh and CSR confirmed that they have been told flights are officially out until midday tomorrow. hence i could refund my 6am flight

 

[ozimax]

Yep, just got an SMS from QF to inform me that my SYD-BNE flight in the morning (QF510) has been cancelled.

I guess that gives me some certainty at least

Look on the bright side. At least you don't have to go to Brisbane.

 

[dfcatch]

Today I am grateful to be Platinum.

Got through on the 3rd attempt, and only on hold 60 secs max.

1st two attempts was a busy signal.

Agent was very helpful, at this stage flights ex LAX are expected to run on 1st Nov (subject to news of developments out of FWA).

Worst case, the folks will be accommodated on next available flight and accommodation will be reimbursed in accordance with website terms.

Thank you QF, most helpful in the circumstances, it's appreciated.

 

[Cynicor]

Anyone stuck in Sydney tomorrow?

My girlfriend has to study as she should be in Perth, so I was thinking of visiting the zoo or something.

Otherwise, suggestions on what to do here?

 

[Flashback]

It's interesting to note also that it's getting a fair bit of coverage over here in the UK, too. News on both the TV & radio.

 

[Jack Melon]

As I can not be bothered going through millions of pages of total whining and rubbish, if you are stuck at an airport and hold a chairman's club or platinum/platinum one Qantas membership, you may use the Virgin Lounges where available.

More info here:
Virgin Australia opens lounges to Qantas Chairman's Club, Platinum frequent flyers - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

Grounding's continuing for tomorrow,

Virgin will be adding an A340-600 from Etihad all day through till Thursday MEL-SYD-MEL to free up capacity, all Pacific Blue jets will be put on Domestic runs and Air NZ to take over those jets until the end of the week. No word on Delta or Singapore as yet.

Jack

 

[Timba-Jet]

Watching news reports of passengers in LAX AUS bound being offloaded last night when the grounding decision was enforced just as the flight was to depart.

This makes no sense at all, why put 300 people through turmoil for the sake of 10min. Just shows how cold the decision was by Qantas mgt. perhaps this non negotiable stance was needed, but AJ should try that argument with the pax that were offloaded and still stranded.

 

[Simo]

I don't understand why QF would offload passengers that where boarded and doors closed and on the runway ready to depart.

My Cousin is stranded in BKK.

BKK is not great at the moment due to the floods and then QF put more stress on the community in regards to extra people who can not fly out.

 

[medhead]

Overall, I think there is little sense coming out on this. Both sides are wrong. But I can't understand Joyce's position. He is locking out staff for some vague "staff" reason - Because his continual "No" will make them "harm" an aircraft? Strange he itself. But then he absolutely refuses anything less than termination of industrial action from FWA. So if he thinks that staff will do nefarious things because he keeps saying "no", but are still engaged in a bargaining process; why would he think they would be happy if denied any voice by terminating all action? I would expect people to be even more frustrated if silenced and marginalised.

It is highly unconstructive. Hopefully this gets to a mediated process and puts a stop to the childishness on all sides.

 

[Andyzx]

We live on the Sydney airport flight path it's been soooo QUIET here today few of the long haul flights taking off it's feels very weird a little like 9/11. Hopefully all those that are stuck here in SYD will be able to enjoy a few extra days here, I know not the best idea... I have put off my meetings and canceled anything with other people that have to travel. Hope you all get to wherever soon:arrow:

 

[RSD]

I guess we should also spare a thought for the crews - there would have a lot of them left stranded somewhere other than home by this. I hope JB747 isn't stuck somewhere.