Veterans to receive Priority Boarding & "thank you for your service"

[opusman]

Maybe this could be extended to other queues as well? How about supermarkets for example. Why should vets have to queue up with the rest of us plebs when they could pre-register and get escorted through a special "thank you for your" service lane to buy their bread and milk?

 

[Vic]

But the PM released details of a card to give veterans discounts-not PB benefits.The announcement also had details of further spending for veterans including help in job finding.In QLD after 2 years of leaving the ADF 35% of veterans are unemployed still.So to call the PM's announcement a "worship military veterans" scheme is basically a load of trollop on your part.
The PB announcement by VA was all their own doing.

Did you watch the PM's video on twitter? Instead of insulting me how about commenting on the PM demanding businesses recognise veterans, and then Virgin, a business, making this veterans announcement. I guess you have nothing of value to add if you're repeating the same selective view and insulting people.

 

[bcworld]

Whinge whinge whinge. It's the norm in Australia now, even if the subject has nothing to do with the whinger.
My opinion - VA has proposed, in part, a good thing.
Suggestion: When vets book their flight, or maybe check in, they quote their veteran's card number (assuming the cards are numbered) if they would like Priority Boarding.
It would then be on their boarding pass and they (we actually) would step forward when PB is called. No need for showing lapel pins or cards at boarding, possibly slowing the process, or attracting the ire of the part time social worker that thinks they should be entitled too.
Priority Check In would be a great addition, especially as those lines are usually empty.

The issue I don't think is really the offer of PB. VA can offer that to whoever they like as far as I'm concerned...and it remains an interaction exclusively between VA and the individual. It's the proposed on board PA announcements that turn me off.

 

[drron]

Did you watch the PM's video on twitter? Instead of insulting me how about commenting on the PM demanding businesses recognise veterans, and then Virgin, a business, making this veterans announcement. I guess you have nothing of value to add if you're repeating the same selective view and insulting people.

Yes and I have read the press release on the program and no where can I see the PM demanding that businesses recognise veterans.
A few quotes from the press release.

The new Card and Lapel Pin will for the first time enable everyone across the nation to recognise and acknowledge the unique nature of military service and support the more than 300,000 veterans in Australia and their families. The Prime Minister will be writing to businesses and communities to urge them to recognise the service of our veterans.

Yes it does say "urge"which is a strong word but falls short of "demand".
a dictionary result-"try earnestly or persistently to persuade (someone) to do something."That falls short of demand.

But then it says the point of the pin and card is-

Businesses, government and community organisations can also play their part in recognising and respecting those who have served. The card and the pin can help these organisations identify veterans when they aren’t wearing their uniform or medals, so they can offer discounts and extra support.

Joint media statement — Recognising and respecting our veterans

And Australia isn't the only country to issue a new veteran's card this year-
Government announces new Veteran's Service Card

And Canadian veterans can use these cards for discounts.here is one airline's policy for veterans-

What is Porter’s checked baggage policy for military personnel?
Canadian and US military personnel are eligible for an enhanced baggage allowance when they fly on a Porter operated flight. Baggage fees will be waived for up to 3 pieces of checked baggage per person, as long as the following conditions are met:

• No single piece can exceed 203 cm (80 in) total dimension or weigh more than 32 kg (70 lb ).
• Military identification must be shown at airport check in.
• Military personnel may be active or retired.
• Military personnel may be travelling for business or personal reasons.

If you meet these requirements, please have your bags tagged and checked at the airport to take advantage of the enhanced baggage allowance. If you check in on line or at an airport kiosk, you should indicate that you are travelling without checked bags.

Frequently asked questions | Porter Airlines

And this benefit might be a better benefit that our airlines could consider.

 

[Blinky]

Whinge whinge whinge. It's the norm in Australia now, even if the subject has nothing to do with the whinger.
My opinion - VA has proposed, in part, a good thing.
Suggestion: When vets book their flight, or maybe check in, they quote their veteran's card number (assuming the cards are numbered) if they would like Priority Boarding.
It would then be on their boarding pass and they (we actually) would step forward when PB is called. No need for showing lapel pins or cards at boarding, possibly slowing the process, or attracting the ire of the part time social worker that thinks they should be entitled too.
Priority Check In would be a great addition, especially as those lines are usually empty.

Er, where are priority lanes usually empty?

 

[bigjobs]

I saw that somewhere today :

ha ha ... Genius.

I reckon what we can all do for the next week or so is say 'thank you for your service' to all the cabin crew when they do something, like greet you at the door, get you your refreshment, collect your 'used service items' (lol). I'm going to do it. You have to just drop the 'thank you for your service' line totally normally as well.

report back here on reactions you get. I will do it on my 2 flights that I am on tomorrow. I'll post about the reactions I get.

 

[Bodie]

I think virgin dropped the ball on this concept. I expect they thought they would get the good press early and thought lots of other companies would get on bandwagon. Unfortunately because they didnt consult legacy, rsl, wounded warriors etc , they have been caught out. In the usa lots companies offer military and government discounts, ie large hotel chains - why - because competition - they want repeat business from them either business or leasure and build loyalty.

Virgin should have consulted before announcing anything and had tiers. Overseas service (current, retired and war widows) - both active and peacekeeping get gold levels status when flying . Current and ex military - non overseas serice get silver level - 2 lounge passes etc.
Virgin then should have started recruiting more ex military into different roles in organisation - including wounded veterens - would have been much better pr exercise.

 

[Ekka]

Veterans to get priority on Virgin flights

As the son and grandson of veterans, I hate this idea. Maybe the PB is ok, but some sort of announcement on-board would be just way over the top and smacks of that American-ness that I find a bit sickly. Of course I do respect those who serve, but I don't need this shoved down my throat.

Vet is an appalling Americanism in itself. I'm not even comfortable with "veteran" (a veteran what exactly?). As a former RAAF type for many years am I a veteran? Veteran means a person who has had long experience in a particular field, but it should have no particular reference to military service.

 

[Quickstatus]

The depreciation in year 1-2 will put me ahead..

 

[trooper]

Vet is an appalling Americanism in itself. I'm not even comfortable with "veteran" (a veteran what exactly?). As a former RAAF type for many years am I a veteran? Veteran means a person who has had long experience in a particular field, but it should have no particular reference to military service.

A late reply...… Are you a "veteran"?...No...not by Australian standards...you are an Ex-serviceman (and good on you!) Those of us who are veterans...which in Australia means those who saw "Active Service" ALREADY have a "pin" to wear ..the "RAS" badge... (Returned from Active Service) So to use another common phrase, we have "Ex-servicemen" (and women) and "Returned Servicemen" (and women)..who are ALSO commonly known as "Veterans". I remember my father being referred to as a "veteran" (He saw Active Service in WW2) many years ago.... its nothing new. P.S. I do NOT want boarding priority based on that...and would NOT identify myself as such if it was offered.