Recent Decline of VA service

[Jousams]

As a regular VA (flexi & J) flyer and regular poster on this form. I have noticed a recent decline in the service I have received and the general VA sentiment around AFF.

Particularly, the flexi meal offerings being a snack with only water, tea and coffee included. I can appreciate that businesses need to cost cuts, however the changes have not been clearly communicated to customers and as such when I booked a ticket in January I expected to get certain things included in my ticket (I.e. A reasonable meal even if it is a terrible wrap, and a beverage of my choice). This combined with the changes to points/plat upgrades seams like an overwhelming number of changes in a short period of time.

(I'm also unhappy about the OOL service cuts, however as an accountant I appreciate that a the change is completely rational...)

I would like to hear what everyone else thinks on this and if anyone else has recently noticed a decline in service. (I'd also love to hear the VFF rep comment on my thoughts, but I'm not holding my breath)

 

[Intra]

Service has been on the decline indeed - Even in the small things like greetings by name as you board at the gate and as you enter the plane. I honestly don't give too much thought to it, but to go by welcome by name, then to a "Welcome Back" & now to "Seat on the left", you do notice...

Don't even get me started on the Flexi Meals. <_<
It may be a re-branded VA, but why do I feel we are going back to the DJ days....

 

[muppet]

In terms of in-flight service:

saver buyers = improved service

flexi / business buyers = ever declining service

 

[bullerdude]

One of the key things you touch on is that certain services (aka. Flexi offerings) that existed when you booked tickets have now been changed/downgraded with no decent communications to customers.

This is certainly frustrating as one generally expects to received the service that was advertised when they purchased it.

 

[QF WP]

I agree that there has been a decline in Y meals (and to a lesser extent J meals), however as I am generally on Saver fares, I eat in the Lounge and enjoy a tea on board and a snack. I haven't seen a decline in service elsewhere (check-in, The Lounge or staff)

 

[yohy?!]

sad to say but hardly a surprise given the capacity war on at present

 

[here2go]

I don't travel Flexi often, when you are going to Darwin you generally don't need it, as flexibility is measured in 24hour blocks, but agree. My last meal DRW-SYD was Flexi. I got a Sandwich wrapped in a plastic bag, a muesli bar, but at least I, got a bottle of wine. There was no ceremony, and no VA branding on the packaging me feel special. Even the sandwich brand was generic GateGourmet in fine print. A proudly local company from Darwin like Jebfab would have been nice to see - they do sangers and wraps for the region, and cater for the Darwin Ski Club, nom nom.

I am not a brand snob, but ritual and presentation is important, even Aldi recognize that.
I have a photo of the food, but the mobile site won't let me post. Still waiting for Windows Phone app for AFF, but that is another story.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

In terms of in-flight service:
saver buyers = improved service
flexi / business buyers = ever declining service

Even the saver buyers have been hit. Still no included snack to some destinations (short haul int AFAIK) and the "improved service" has certainly come at a cost which is well higher than the extra service is worth.

Admittedly, DJ were making continual losses, but I now predominantly see (and have done for well over a year) the old DJ with a new bag tag and a premium price.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I'm also unhappy about the OOL service cuts...

Can someone point me to this discussion please? I've done two searches and checked most relevant boards and can't find it (but briefly heard the report on the radio yesterday. Heaven forbid, having to go to the VA site to try and find real news about VA!).

 

[pauly7]

sad to say but hardly a surprise given the capacity war on at present

Agreed - flew them last week, starting to feel pretty rough around the edges again. Food in air & lounge is a joke (or insult) but personally never thought it got near QF anyway so always come more prepared!

I was more surprised with the offhand service, have been encountering more and more VA dragons as the months wear on, they challenge even the scariest BA dragons! You seem to get them or the really fake Barbie/ken dolls that do 'all they have to do' in 10 mins then scurry off to the galley to plan their Friday night and eat!

 

[jneufeld]

Can someone point me to this discussion please? I've done two searches and checked most relevant boards and can't find it (but briefly heard the report on the radio yesterday. Heaven forbid, having to go to the VA site to try and find real news about VA!).

Check out this article - Virgin cuts Sydney-Gold Coast flights

 

[markis10]

Can someone point me to this discussion please? I've done two searches and checked most relevant boards and can't find it (but briefly heard the report on the radio yesterday. Heaven forbid, having to go to the VA site to try and find real news about VA!).

The discussion is here:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/travel-news/tiger-exits-mcy-asp-july-59855.html

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

At least QF & JQ still fly in and out of OOL to SYD.
And I do realise that this is the VA subbranch.

 

[here2go]

My last meal DRW-SYD was Flexi. I got a Sandwich wrapped in a plastic bag, a muesli bar, but at least I, got a bottle of wine. There was no ceremony, and no VA branding on the packaging me feel special. Even the sandwich brand was generic GateGourmet in fine print.
I have a photo of the food, but the mobile site won't let me post. Still waiting for Windows Phone app for AFF, but that is another story.

Back at home so can do attachment - here is a Flexi meal as served 27 April DRW-SYD.

 

[Intra]

Back at home so can do attachment - here is a Flexi meal as served 27 April DRW-SYD.
View attachment 27725

That looks like the old Flexi meals
I smile because all hope is not lost.... Yet.....

It's more likely cause it's a longer flight.... Maybe? (Can a man have faith?)


In other news; Was actually addressed by name at the gate and on the flight :O Unsure cause I was a Plat and/or the only pax in J.... More likely the latter, the former maybe playing some influence?
It's the little things. Apparently they didn't want to block Y from J upon de-planing. Meh, didn't matter too much anyway.

 

[sampson]

That looks like the old Flexi meals
I smile because all hope is not lost.... Yet.....

It's more likely cause it's a longer flight.... Maybe? (Can a man have faith?)


In other news; Was actually addressed by name at the gate and on the flight :O Unsure cause I was a Plat and/or the only pax in J.... More likely the latter, the former maybe playing some influence?
It's the little things. Apparently they didn't want to block Y from J upon de-planing. Meh, didn't matter too much anyway.

The food to LA was fine, quite tasty but it's more of a snack size for moi.

They asked your name because you're famous like me. But did they genuflect and kiss your ring?

 

[Intra]

They asked your name because you're famous like me. But did they genuflect and kiss your ring?

Famous? Haha, don't feel like it too much. Having said that, I was talking to a mate of mine that works as Ground Crew at BNE Dom for VA; Apparently even after 6+ months in the job, he still gets nervous every time he serves a Plat at check-in and just does as they ask/need - Gave me a laugh Maybe it's not so bad after all

 

[JohnK]

The removal of flexi meals is a disappointment even though I don't purchase Flexis that often.

The inconsistency of the drink service and shortening the hours on some flights from 5:00pm-7:00pm only. Very slack service and the FAs disappear until they are ready to clean shortly before descent.

I agree that there has been a decline in Y meals (and to a lesser extent J meals), however as I am generally on Saver fares, I eat in the Lounge and enjoy a tea on board and a snack. I haven't seen a decline in service elsewhere (check-in, The Lounge or staff)

Soup? Bland pasta salad? Soggy toasted sandwich? Or the vegetarian fried rice?

I cannot get too excited about those options. I end up (over)eating on the kettle potato chips but they are not in every lounge anyway.

 

[lovestotravel]

Famous? Haha, don't feel like it too much. Having said that, I was talking to a mate of mine that works as Ground Crew at BNE Dom for VA; Apparently even after 6+ months in the job, he still gets nervous every time he serves a Plat at check-in and just does as they ask/need - Gave me a laugh Maybe it's not so bad after all

Well that shows the lack of training at VA if you have a staff member who is nervous it will show!

 

[JKhan]

Jousams, as a regular Virgin flyer l was flabbergasted when l asked for a coke with my 'snack' that was masquerading as an inflight meal returning from Darwin recently, only to be told that'll be $4 thanks! Really has economic rationalism got to the point where a $400 one way fare includes a day old sandwich that is half size of those from the menu & water!! JB might have made some severe inroads into the big Q' s market share but pretty sure even AJ wouldn't stoop to ending drinks for full fare paying clients!!