Our first QF return and last night (14 Sept ex LAX to SYD) we had what to us seemed shoddy dinner service. First world problem, right? But we are used to being served together and served in a uniform way. Here's what happened:
Before takeoff I'm asked for my menu choice, choose express soup and cheese-plate. 70 minutes (!) after pushback, partner next to me (we are in centre J seats on the A380) is asked and orders same. Then several people on that side get served - a bowl of soup is slapped down with a napkin and silverware. Several (including partner) quickly request drink, bought without comment and similarly slapped down on bare tray table. It is now 90 minutes since pushback.
On my side, the trolley comes out, and we have our tray tables dressed with linen, bread plate, butter, salt and pepper. Offered a wine. I politely ask the guy serving if this is routine. He looks panicked and say's 'I'll get my manager', departs leaving trolly service. Jason the CSM arrives and I ask 'Is this routine? We have poor service on the left side, undressed tables, no bread, no salt and pepper. Then this (I sweep my hand to my side where it all looks routine'.
Jason explains the concept of express meal, I say 'fine, I'm also express. And also, is it routine to not offer a drink until now, 90 minutes into flight?' He flubs and politely demurs.
My point is, WHICH is what we SHOULD expect, and is this standard? Or am I being precious? Maybe I've been spoiled or conditioned by generally consistent service on UA, AA, VA and NZ on this route?
To his credit, Jason gave my partner a nice gift bottle to take home - albeit after her sleeper seat (those A380 units droop so they are not really 'flat') failed in the bed mode and he had to hand crank it into landing mode 3 hours before arrival. I felt a bit sorry for him, but: there are other airlines flying the Pacific.....
Before takeoff I'm asked for my menu choice, choose express soup and cheese-plate. 70 minutes (!) after pushback, partner next to me (we are in centre J seats on the A380) is asked and orders same. Then several people on that side get served - a bowl of soup is slapped down with a napkin and silverware. Several (including partner) quickly request drink, bought without comment and similarly slapped down on bare tray table. It is now 90 minutes since pushback.
On my side, the trolley comes out, and we have our tray tables dressed with linen, bread plate, butter, salt and pepper. Offered a wine. I politely ask the guy serving if this is routine. He looks panicked and say's 'I'll get my manager', departs leaving trolly service. Jason the CSM arrives and I ask 'Is this routine? We have poor service on the left side, undressed tables, no bread, no salt and pepper. Then this (I sweep my hand to my side where it all looks routine'.
Jason explains the concept of express meal, I say 'fine, I'm also express. And also, is it routine to not offer a drink until now, 90 minutes into flight?' He flubs and politely demurs.
My point is, WHICH is what we SHOULD expect, and is this standard? Or am I being precious? Maybe I've been spoiled or conditioned by generally consistent service on UA, AA, VA and NZ on this route?
To his credit, Jason gave my partner a nice gift bottle to take home - albeit after her sleeper seat (those A380 units droop so they are not really 'flat') failed in the bed mode and he had to hand crank it into landing mode 3 hours before arrival. I felt a bit sorry for him, but: there are other airlines flying the Pacific.....