Since when have QF stopped serving champagne in long haul Business?

[rdmsmith]

I realise this is patently a first world problem.

One of the things I quite look forward to when flying business long haul is the champagne. It’s one of the things that makes it a treat. I’d go as far as saying I’d skip drinks in the lounge to save myself for a glass or two onboard.

So was pretty disappointed on the recent QF76 YVR-SYD 14th Oct flight to find out there wasn’t any champagne. Just some Crosser Adelaide Hills cheap imitation (sorry Crosser).

The crew were very apologetic and frankly seemed quite embarrassed given champagne was on the menu.

Seems like a pretty basic catering issue to get wrong for long haul business, or is this the future for QF?

 

[drron]

I don’t mind the Petaluma Croser sparkling wine but would prefer the late disgorged or the Piccadilly Valley vintage wines.
Champagne by another name.

 

[tmdl]

I realise this is patently a first world problem.

One of the things I quite look forward to when flying business long haul is the champagne. It’s one of the things that makes it a treat. I’d go as far as saying I’d skip drinks in the lounge to save myself for a glass or two onboard.

So was pretty disappointed on the recent QF76 YVR-SYD 14th Oct flight to find out there wasn’t any champagne. Just some Crosser Adelaide Hills cheap imitation (sorry Crosser).

The crew were very apologetic and frankly seemed quite embarrassed given champagne was on the menu.

Seems like a pretty basic catering issue to get wrong for long haul business, or is this the future for QF?

I agree and take the same approach, I try book airlines based on their wine list and unfortunately a lot of airlines have devalued their Business Class wine list.

I think Emirates are one of the only airlines offering wines in the $100- $250 range where other now are generally sub $50 range and often even lower

I have had a few instances on SQ where either the champagne on the lists is not available but another replacement champagne is or where they only have 2 bottles on board (SIN - CNS flight)

It sounds like they almost had it catered for a QF domestic flight? do they serve Croser on domestic QF flights?

 

[tmdl]

I don’t mind the Petaluma Croser sparkling wine but would prefer the late disgorged or the Piccadilly Valley vintage wines.
Champagne by another name.

We have amazing Australian sparkling wines but International Business Class should have French Champagne (at least as an option)

I would be surprised if Qantas does offer say Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged vintage as an option in First Class

 

[RnD]

Emirates from Glasgow to Dubai 2 weeks ago run out of Veuve after take off with no other option for J. Pretty disappointing really as it certainly one of the better options from an airline.

 

[milehighclub]

QF does still serve champagne.

Could be a case of the caterer either loading the carts incorrectly, stock held up somewhere, be it late in transit or held up at customs or some other anomaly. But certainly not the removal of it.

 

[Happy Dude]

I don’t mind the Petaluma Croser sparkling wine but would prefer the late disgorged or the Piccadilly Valley vintage wines.
Champagne by another name.

I also like the Croser which represents great value IMO for its price point. I stocked up on the late disgorged and vintages a couple of years ago from an online merchant deal and will be sad later this year when I've drunk it all. Terrific drink.

But I'd be disappointed too if in the OP's position. J requires champers of a certain standard.

 

[tmdl]

I also like the Croser which represents great value IMO for its price point. I stocked up on the late disgorged and vintages a couple of years ago from an online merchant deal and will be sad later this year when I've drunk it all. Terrific drink.

But I'd be disappointed too if in the OP's position. J requires champers of a certain standard.

I didn't love their NV brut but need to try the vintages and Late Disgorged.

I wish the lounges served better wines and champagne (sparkling for domestic)

 

[oz_mark]

Sounds like a catering issue. Not sure how YVR-SYD would be catered, but maybe they ran out in the way up?

 

[luxury-lizard]

Hum another QF fail - I don't travel QF much at all - but the last time I flew SYD-YVR in J on QF they seemed to treat it as a LCC leisure route. AC (whom a lot of AFF'ers seem to dislike) does a much better job in this route.

The only thing worse than no (or running out of) Champagne is Champagne which is not cold - even I pass on this.

 

[milehighclub]

Sounds like a catering issue. Not sure how YVR-SYD would be catered, but maybe they ran out in the way up?

Qantas ships everything to its overseas ports, so they never rely on the stock on the way up.

 

[tmdl]

Hum another QF fail - I don't travel QF much at all - but the last time I flew SYD-YVR in J on QF they seemed to treat it as a LCC leisure route. AC (whom a lot of AFF'ers seem to dislike) does a much better job in this route.

The only thing worse than no (or running out of) Champagne is Champagne which is not cold - even I pass on this.

I agree, a lot of airlines get this wrong. SQ is notorious for this

 

[mannej]

Emirates from Glasgow to Dubai 2 weeks ago run out of Veuve after take off with no other option for J. Pretty disappointing really as it certainly one of the better options from an airline.

Considering their exclusive use agreements that are in place with the big 3, that is surprising isn’t it…

 

[Quickstatus]

Im assuming "Champagne" = "Sparkling wine"? and not the actaul stuff from Champagne area.
I have not heard of QF making enhancements in the area of Sparkling wine

I wouldn't write off AC. I've heard good things in recent times from friends though have not flown with them recently.

 

[Quickstatus]

The only thing worse than no (or running out of) Champagne is Champagne which is not cold - even I pass on this.

Depending on who you speak to the only other thing that might be worse is sparkling wine pretending to be Champagne.

 

[oz_mark]

Im assuming "Champagne" = "Sparkling wine"? and not the actaul stuff from Champagne area.

Qantas International Business has champagne (but calling it champagne, doesn't necessarily make it better than a good sparkling)

 

[SYD]

Hum another QF fail - I don't travel QF much at all - but the last time I flew SYD-YVR in J on QF they seemed to treat it as a LCC leisure route. AC (whom a lot of AFF'ers seem to dislike) does a much better job in this route.

The only thing worse than no (or running out of) Champagne is Champagne which is not cold - even I pass on this.

I flew the route just a few weeks ago (SYD-YVR). Actually one of the better long haul experiences across QF, SQ, CX and others for a while.

Definitely champagne on board. Sorry I thought I had a photo of the menu (and wine list). The only whacky thing was serving breakfast prior to arriving around 5pm - although I did get a solid 6+ hrs sleep - which is unusual for me.

 

[Daver6]

QF does still serve champagne.

Could be a case of the caterer either loading the carts incorrectly, stock held up somewhere, be it late in transit or held up at customs or some other anomaly. But certainly not the removal of it.

I'd agree it was a catering issue and you were given what they serve in Y+. I've had this experience too flying DFW to SYD in J.

 

[RnD]

Considering their exclusive use agreements that are in place with the big 3, that is surprising isn’t it…

Sure was.

 

[Fifi2207]

Hum another QF fail - I don't travel QF much at all - but the last time I flew SYD-YVR in J on QF they seemed to treat it as a LCC leisure route. AC (whom a lot of AFF'ers seem to dislike) does a much better job in this route.

The only thing worse than no (or running out of) Champagne is Champagne which is not cold - even I pass on this.

YES! on a recent BA flight out of MEL the champagne was warm! I gave it back to the hostess who said it'll be cold in 15 minutes I've just put it in the fridge. Can I get you some ice!!!