Underwhelmed by first QF flight as WP

[Timba-Jet]

At the risk of coming across as having too high expectations of QF, I was dissapointed with my recent SFO-SYD flight in Y.

3 weeks ago I attained WP for the first time , and had flown a few times with OW: IB domestic in Spain, BA LHR-JFK, and AA JFK-SFO. All were ok, but nothing beyond standard service.

So I was looking forward to flying with QF home. All positives on the hard product, able to select first row in Y, great leg room, seats comfy.

Soft service: No special greeting or any recognition of status. On the supper meal service, choice of salmon or chicken (strange to have 2 white meat offerings). I asked for salmon, but was served chicken. By the time I realised cart was down the aisle, couldn't be bothered to change. Mistakes do happen so not such a big deal. Was not given an express card, luckily give one on departure in Syd.

Overall cabin service were professional, but service nothing more than what needed to be done. eg when clearing supper, FA did not offer a 2nd round of drinks, had to ask for another wine, and got the impression this was a hassle for them.

I know from this forum, there is great variation to what if any 'extra' service is offered to WP in Y, but being my first WP flight, couldn't help feeling dissapointed with QF. Flight was not full, probably 80-85%, and I'm guessing SFO route would not have too many WP or CL, so being too busy is not a valid reason.

A friend of mine flew as SG with a WP in Y recently, and both were offered J headphones without even asking, and special welcome. Oh well, thats the luck of the draw hey!

Well I'm hoping for better on my next flight!

 

[TonyHancock]

I believe the Express Card is a published benefit so you should be disappointed.

From my experience the onboard service is very variable in Y. I have received some exceptional customer service with wine and snacks from J, and on the flipside I have also been pretty much ignored.

 

[drewbles]

I believe the Express Card is a published benefit so you should be disappointed.

From my experience the onboard service is very variable in Y. I have received some exceptional customer service with wine and snacks from J, and on the flipside I have also been pretty much ignored.

I don't believe it's published, but I've certainly been offered them at various times. If i've not been given a welcome aboard, I do ask the CSM for one discretely to which I usually get a smile and they go and rummage one up.

I've had the best of the best on the SFO-SYD run as a WP. I'm actually going to miss that segment, as it has generally little premium traffic (obviously a major contributing factor as to why it's being axed) and always got the personal welcome and express pass handed to me (always with my seat mate asking what that was about as they never seemed to be WP).

It's Qantas. They're consistent at being inconsistent!

 

[JohnK]

I know from this forum, there is great variation to what if any 'extra' service is offered to WP in Y, but being my first WP flight, couldn't help feeling dissapointed with QF. Flight was not full, probably 80-85%, and I'm guessing SFO route would not have too many WP or CL, so being too busy is not a valid reason.

I don't know too many people who actually have great QF flights as Platinums.

I have a low(er) expectation on a QF flight these days.

- If I get to keep my pre-allocated then that is fantastic.
- It is ~2 years since I have been welcomed on board or offered something from business class.
- Most times I have to ask for express immigration card (sometimes twice)
- As for meal choices I don't always get the choice I want anyway.
- These days I have also noticed that the choice of movies on IFE is poor but that may have more to do with poor quality of movies these days rather than blaming it on QF.

Personally the majority of my QF flights in recent years have been ordinary at best. Why do I continue to fly QF? Other Platinum benefits and there is no guarantee that what the opposition is offering is any better anyway. All airlines are cost cutting and are suffering from being able to delivery consistent service. So for now ordinary flights are good.

* P.S Any QF lurkers bothering to read these posts?

 

[mattjdalton]

I spend most of my time flying around asia, so I don't have much to say about the sectors between North America and Australia.

Also, much of my flying is on red eyes, so I actually appreciate a minimal touch (let me get to sleep and wake me up as late as you can)

Having said that, I find that the soft service is MUCH better on Cathay and Dragon Air. I always get a quiet welcome on board, my meal order is taken ahead of most of the other passengers, even in J cabin, and nothing is ever a problem for them.

I do think that Qantas can do much better on soft service. The only OW carrier that I would rank lower than them would be BA.

 

[Timba-Jet]

I've had the best of the best on the SFO-SYD run as a WP. I'm actually going to miss that segment, as it has generally little premium traffic
It's Qantas. They're consistent at being inconsistent!

Thats was the reason for my optimisim, and hence dissapointment.

I don't know too many people who actually have great QF flights as Platinums.

So for now ordinary flights are good.

On reflection, as WP I got to pre-allocate first row of Y with great leg-room, flight on-time, so can't really complain. But it would nice for the extra touch now and again....

 

[GT351]

The flights to the USA are good.
More time for service; welcomes etc

Departing USA they just want to give everyone the max chance to sleep.
Service usually poor

I usually try for higher cabin with points from Y+ going over but not back.

This maybe part of the reason for your poor perception.

 

[bossreggie]

Sorry to hear of your underwhelming experience.

It happens though. Very hit and miss, are QANTAS with things such as this.

I have been underwhelmed as a WP in F... So it comes as no surprise it happens in Y too!

I have found it is best to just keep your expectations low, then you will appreciate all the good things which do happen from time to time.

Trust me.... You WILL get a crew one day, who will make your trip an awesome one!!

 

[cosi]

Agree with JohnK comments.

I board a QF with NO attitude.

If its a flight with good cabin service/food etc then thats great and a bonus.

If its a flight with poor service, then so be it! I no longer get upset or annoyed because I had no attitude.

I get more recognition as a WP when flying CX.

 

[Archphoto]

Your experience is not the least bit surprising for me.

I was WP for 4 years and always travelled in Y (client refused to pay for J). In that time I *never* had J headphones offered (nor PJs as per some other flyers have mentioned), and rarely was greeted by name - could count on 1 hand.

I did however, always get the Express Lane passes (but never upon check-in!), and once in a blue moon, was offered a newspaper or magazine to read.

QF can be hit-and-miss with WP in Y; but when I flew the other OW carriers, 9/10 always greeted by an FA and offered a newspaper and magazine and asked what I'd like for my meal prior to the service commencing. (A couple of times I was offered a drink pre-departure, but not often.)

In the recognition stakes, CX beats all hands down - pity QF doesn't follow suit. After all I was a WP with their program, not any of the other OW carriers.

 

[Pleb Status]

I think a lot of lower level FF's believe that WP's get a "higher" level of service from QF. As a WP for numerous years now, experience has found this is not the case and I am happy just not to get bad service. If I get something extra, it is a bonus, not an expectation. For example, it took two and a half years as a WP (with partner SG) and more than 8000SC total to get my first ever op-up with QF. So you are not showered with upgrades and other goodies and if you are expecting these you will be disappointed as a WP.

I really did not notice any change in service when I ascended from SG to WP. QF would argue that is because QF provide good service to all of their customers. Others may beg to differ with this statement however.

 

[Jobu]

I think where you really notice the difference is when something bad happens, eg flight cancelled or delayed, and you get the discreet phone call or page ahead of all other passengers to resolve your situation, so you are sorted out before they even broadcast the issue to other passengers.

Cheers

J

 

[koro25]

I am in the same boat as the OP, since recently joining the WP club, have done 3 long international sectors and 3 domestic sectors in Y, no greetings etc. However got a Y+ headphone on LAX-JFK sector. Service was acceptable in all sectors, nothing special. Pity that elite status members have to board with low expectation when traveling with a supposed national carrier in order not to be disappointed.

 

[FuzzyAUS]

I think you should expect what you pay for, any bonus from status is an extra. after nearly 6 years of flying QF i would love an OP-UP, but am yet to get one, but I far from expect one.

Personally I expect professionalism, as on time as possible, and a safe uneventfull flight

 

[bossreggie]

I think you should expect what you pay for, any bonus from status is an extra. after nearly 6 years of flying QF i would love an OP-UP, but am yet to get one, but I far from expect one.

Personally I expect professionalism, as on time as possible, and a safe uneventfull flight

Nice attitude Fuzzy!

 

[TonyHancock]

Having read through the posts here I realise that I have been very lucky. I have received an express card on my inward bound journey on all of my QF international flights in the last 12 months. (4 UK, 1 US, 2 China) I have also had 1 op up at check in and two on board.

 

[pauly7]

I actually got an op up on my very first flight as a WP - was kinda perfect to celebrate the occasion!

I have to say that I've done very well for myself on the op up front - most of my flights are on the golden triangle / J curve which helps. Of late QF has been very busy which also helps.

Like others though never expect or anticipate

 

[Mal]

I don't believe it's published, but I've certainly been offered them at various times.

It is a published benefit. Never let QF get away without offering one to Plats (at least);

From Points Balance and October Offers (17 Oct 2007)

___________________________________________________________

New fast track through customs
___________________________________________________________

Our premium travellers will soon be able to get on their way
more quickly. From 1 November 2007, Qantas First, Business
and Platinum Frequent Flyers arriving at Sydney, Melbourne
and Brisbane international terminals can take an Express
Path lane through customs and quarantine checks. Travellers
will be handed an Express Path 'invitation' by cabin staff
before disembarkation and will need to present this
invitation at customs and quarantine. To qualify to use the
Express Path, you must have declared no to questions 1-10 on
the inbound passenger card and have only two pieces of
checked luggage (not including carry-on).

The Australian Government is trialling inbound express
immigration lanes as an extension of the current outbound
express immigration trial in Sydney and Melbourne.

And for outgoing cards:
http://www.qantas.com.au/fflyer/dyn/program/privilegesPlatinum#at-the-airport
(Platinum Benefits)

Access Premium Security Lanes

At selected domestic and international airports you can fast track through security and go straight to your Lounge or on to your flight.

Domestic: Available weekdays during peak periods in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney (T3) domestic airports
International: Where this facility is available you will be provided with an Express Path card at check-in.

As I said earlier - don't let Qantas get away with diluting benefits....

 

[TonyHancock]

Good pick up Mal. I knew I had seen it somewhere, but I couldn't find it.

 

[toronto]

It is a published benefit. Never let QF get away without offering one to Plats (at least);

From Points Balance and October Offers (17 Oct 2007)


And for outgoing cards:
Frequent Flyer - About the Program - Platinum Benefits
(Platinum Benefits)


As I said earlier - don't let Qantas get away with diluting benefits....

So how the cabin staff aware that you are the Platinum?