Qantas gets a poor review by Age editor

[serfty]

It's funny, when I did Trans Tasman travel frequently (before the EK/QF era), I found the JetConnect crew far more affable and service oriented than Qantas Mainline Crew.

 

[TomVexille]

It's funny, when I did Trans Tasman travel frequently (before the EK/QF era), I found the JetConnect crew far more affable and service oriented than Qantas Mainline Crew.

That's also my experience. But QF are experts in being inconsistent.

 

[kyle]

It's funny, when I did Trans Tasman travel frequently (before the EK/QF era), I found the JetConnect crew far more affable and service oriented than Qantas Mainline Crew.

Flew AKL-MEL three weeks ago and the service offered in Y was pretty ordinary and not overly friendly. The female hostesses sounded like mums talking to their children.

 

[serfty]

I guess 10 years or so ago they were generally younger and more enthusiastic having just been switched over from NZ domestic routes (jetstar replaced the services).

 

[harvyk]

Actually I’ve been on flights that sounded similar and never even considered taking a photo.

Yes, but are you also a major newspaper editor planning on writing a story about your terrible experience and then publishing that story in a major media outlet?

 

[odysseus]

Yes, but are you also a major newspaper editor planning on writing a story about your terrible experience and then publishing that story in a major media outlet?

That's right; it's a newspaper. Not say buzzfeed or tmz looking for shock pictures.

 

[love_the_life]

That's right; it's a newspaper. Not say buzzfeed or tmz looking for shock pictures.

And when did the journalist decide to write the article? They certainly did board with that in mind.

 

[Melburnian1]

And when did the journalist decide to write the article? They certainly did board with that in mind.

I doubt that.

However as a couple of others have asked, provided one is able-bodied (and not a small child), isn't it easier (and faster) to walk down to the galley and ask for a drink, snacks or in the lady's case a toothbrush? I also don't understand why she wouldn't have a wet bag with toothbrush, small 100ml or less toothpaste and other vanity items in her backpack or small bag? I regard it as essential, as along with a change of clothes it would help enormously in the relatively rare event of a diversion or other severe timetable amendment.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I doubt that.

However as a couple of others have asked, provided one is able-bodied (and not a small child), isn't it easier (and faster) to walk down to the galley and ask for a drink, snacks or in the lady's case a toothbrush? I also don't understand why she wouldn't have a wet bag with toothbrush, small 100ml or less toothpaste and other vanity items in her backpack of small bag? I regard it as essential, as along with a change of clothes it would help enormously in the relatively rare event of a diversion or other severe timetable amendment.

Maybe she forgot? Maybe she was used to Qantas of a year ago when amenity kits were routine in economy class? 350 pax heading to the galley 1-on-1 seems less efficient than two crew in the aisles responding to requests. And a more peaceful environment for other passengers trying to make the best of the cramped conditions.

I normally carry toothpaste but had it confiscated the other day at MEL because the tube was 105g (no, I didn't notice, and it was almost empty, but you know, rules are rules). So I was glad they had it in the amenity kit to use not only on the plane but at the hotel on arrival.

 

[Simo]

Every business has good and bad experiences for customers...

Sounds like the Journalist has got the CL membership and is trying to come to eyes for some QF people.

I have been on LCC who on a good day for service could put QF to shame and other times you have got what was expected.

 

[Justinf]

I can't tell from the article what class Ms Costa was seated in. Not that it should matter.
I'm guessing Y if she had to ask for a toothbrush.
Just curious.

 

[Daver6]

I doubt that.

However as a couple of others have asked, provided one is able-bodied (and not a small child), isn't it easier (and faster) to walk down to the galley and ask for a drink, snacks or in the lady's case a toothbrush? I also don't understand why she wouldn't have a wet bag with toothbrush, small 100ml or less toothpaste and other vanity items in her backpack or small bag? I regard it as essential, as along with a change of clothes it would help enormously in the relatively rare event of a diversion or other severe timetable amendment.

This is not the point at all. If someone says they are going to do something, you expect it to be done. It really is that simple. If the correct procedure is go get it yourself, that should have been the response from the cabin crew.

I flew long haul QF Y early last year for the first time in a very long time. I was also surprised to not receive an amenity kit, only to be informed they are self serve now when I asked about it.

On every QF flight I've taken during the pre-flight spiel they always say something along the lines of "if there is anything we can do to make your flight more enjoyable, please don't hesitate to ask one of the crew". Either mean what you say or don't say it. QF sets the expectation level here.

 

[Borisdog]

I can honestly say I've never had a bad flight on QF caused by the cabin crew. I find them generally very good. But I'm not a high maintenance kind of flyer. I guess I've just been unlucky not to have been treated poorly judging by some of the commentary here.

I've had a few caused/induced by passengers.

So a journalist, whose stock in trade is research, "forgets" that a toothbrush might be useful on a 14 Hr flight? Fair enough - we all forget, and it doesn't excuse the poor service. But I kind of get the feeling that not a lot of effort was put in to actually "help herself".

Sometimes you've actually gotta have a crack yourself to get what you want. Just sayin'

 

[Pushka]

For me if I’m told someone will do something (in this case get me a toothbrush) then I expect it will happen. If they said to get one myself then that’s fine and I’ll do that too. Just be upfront the first time.

 

[Quickstatus]

You can't judge an airline on one flight.

I struggled to get Coke Light on one SQ flight in economy and I was quite thirsty. The Coke Light must have been coming out of her salary as she was bringing me half a cup and I had to ask her to bring me a full can.

Ive had a similar experience on EK. When I asked for Diet Coke without the ice I was given a half glass of DCoke.