Copy of email sent to Qantas:
Yesterday (Sat 23rd May) I flew on QF415 SYD/MEL for a half day business meeting, and was seated in 26F, which is one row behind the bulkhead row - 25. Three women were seated in the centre of row 25.
I am 1.83m tall (6 feet) and injured my knee two months go, which means that my knee starts aching if I sit "normally" but is OK if I stretch the leg out. In other words, when travelling in domestic Y, I need to be able to use the foot space in front of me.
Just before push-back, I notice that the foot-space was occupied by a large shoulder bag from the passenger in front. She may or may not have known that such items would be placed in the overhead locker during take-off and landing. So as soon as the FAs had finished the safety briefing, I pointed out the problem to the male FA and nicely asked him to put it in an overhead locker. He explained in a rather forceful voice that he would do so after take-off as the lady in front was in a bulkhead seat. I said that I understood the procedure and that it should be put into the locker. He raised his voice further, so I Iet the matter rest, as I could see that he was not going to do it.
As soon as the seatbelt sign went off, I headed up the front of the cabin and explained what had happened to the CSM, and why I wanted to be able to keep my leg straight. She said that I had a correct understanding of the procedure and that she would speak to the FA, which she did soon after.
A somewhat surprised CSM then came back and reported to me that when talking with him about it, he raised his voice at her. We had a short pleasant chat.
I wish to commend the CSM for her handling of the matter. At the end of the flight she presented me with a bottle of wine with an apology message taped to it. Whilst thanking her I said that the wine was not necessary, the gesture was greatly appreciated.
Yesterday (Sat 23rd May) I flew on QF415 SYD/MEL for a half day business meeting, and was seated in 26F, which is one row behind the bulkhead row - 25. Three women were seated in the centre of row 25.
I am 1.83m tall (6 feet) and injured my knee two months go, which means that my knee starts aching if I sit "normally" but is OK if I stretch the leg out. In other words, when travelling in domestic Y, I need to be able to use the foot space in front of me.
Just before push-back, I notice that the foot-space was occupied by a large shoulder bag from the passenger in front. She may or may not have known that such items would be placed in the overhead locker during take-off and landing. So as soon as the FAs had finished the safety briefing, I pointed out the problem to the male FA and nicely asked him to put it in an overhead locker. He explained in a rather forceful voice that he would do so after take-off as the lady in front was in a bulkhead seat. I said that I understood the procedure and that it should be put into the locker. He raised his voice further, so I Iet the matter rest, as I could see that he was not going to do it.
As soon as the seatbelt sign went off, I headed up the front of the cabin and explained what had happened to the CSM, and why I wanted to be able to keep my leg straight. She said that I had a correct understanding of the procedure and that she would speak to the FA, which she did soon after.
A somewhat surprised CSM then came back and reported to me that when talking with him about it, he raised his voice at her. We had a short pleasant chat.
I wish to commend the CSM for her handling of the matter. At the end of the flight she presented me with a bottle of wine with an apology message taped to it. Whilst thanking her I said that the wine was not necessary, the gesture was greatly appreciated.
