Virgin Blue A330 J class, ATR and new uniform details

[anat0l]

Sorry if this has been posted already, but this article (yes, it's No News...)

Virgin Blue's polyester uniforms prompt rash of complaints | News.com.au

I don't know whether this is a "beat up", "grow up" or "what's up"? Let me explain:

• Although unlikely, perhaps this is No News making a big deal out of nothing. Again.
• There is nothing wrong with the uniforms. Once again, some DJ FAs just have to learn to grow up and get on with the job.
• If the article and complaints are true then I'd find it hard to believe that the uniform was designed so that you couldn't lift your arms higher than shoulder height. I didn't even think it was possible to design a piece of clothing as such (said problem is usually a result of having the wrong size, not deliberate design!).
  In any case if the complaints are true then this is concerning. Although wouldn't it be picked up early? I mean, at least a few FAs have to go through the exercise of shutting the overhead bins before pushback, let alone help some pax stow and remove their cabin baggage from the overhead bins. They can't achieve such tasks without the alleged lack of mobility.

 

[oz_mark]

These issues come up frequently with the introduction of new uniforms. IIRC Qantas had similar issues when their current uniforms were released. There will be some tweaks here and ther no doubt.

The thing that concerns me is that they felt the need to go to CASA. Perhaps there is something amiss with taking up these issues internally.

 

[Mal]

Virgin Blue's polyester uniforms prompt rash of complaints

Virgin Blue's polyester uniforms prompt rash of complaints | The Daily Telegraph

LAUNCHED in a blaze of publicity and hailed for returning 1960s chic to the skies, Virgin Blue's new flight attendant uniforms have fallen foul of staff who have labelled them uncomfortable and unsafe.

One of the main problems with the uniforms is a hangover from the era - their 100 per cent polyester lining - along with ill-fitting designs.

Interesting that they have chosen a Polyester lining in an airline environment ... is this common across other airlines?

 

[mannej]

Virgin Blue's polyester uniforms prompt rash of complaints

There is a thread on this somewhere.


Sent from my iPhone using AFF Mobile

 

[anat0l]

Re: Virgin Blue's polyester uniforms prompt rash of complaints

Picked up in the huge new Virgin master thread, starting from [post=414516]this post[/post].

Perhaps a moderator can do a merge into this thread, or a split of the two posts from the other thread into this one?

 

[straitman]

Re: Virgin Blue's polyester uniforms prompt rash of complaints

picked up in the huge new virgin master thread, starting from [post=414516]this post[/post].

Perhaps a moderator can do a merge into this thread, or a split of the two posts from the other thread into this one?

DONE as requested.

 

[docjames]

Split of the thread

Rash of complaints


Hmmmm

 

[BAM1748]

The thing that concerns me is that they felt the need to go to CASA. Perhaps there is something amiss with taking up these issues internally.

I think you might be right, going to the Govt with a uniform complain seems over the top, but perhaps the new beaut management team doesn't want to know about issues or worse.

 

[Justchecking]

Going to casa is over the top. Try and find any clothing lining fabric which is not made of polyester. It's standard for lining of all clothing. From what I understand there is ample opportunity for crew to provide this kind for feedback directly to the company. Why go to an aviation regulator over something like lining...:shock: the qantas silky dress doesn't look particularly fire retardant nor breathable to me, wonder how those hosties have managed for the past 8yrs.

 

[pshepvic]

Not sure if I've stumbled onto a new DJ enhancement or this is just a coincidence - can anyone confirm?

Previously, checkin opened 24 hours before the flight (occasionally it might be a few minutes early, but pretty much on time). And I've also only ever been able to select row 4 onwards - rows 1-3 have always been marked as PE - but sometimes being allocated at the airport if PE was not sold and a full flight.

Well, two days ago when I checked in for yesterday's flight, I was able to select Row 3 - only rows 1 & 2 were blocked as PE. Same happened today for my flight tomorrow (and it's the 6:15 SYD-Mel, which is usually pretty full and PE often sold out).

Now I'm on Corporate Plus fares, and am Gold Velocity, but I've never seen this before - and it wasn't just luck, it is twice in a week.

Not only that, but today I went online at T-26 hours and was able to select a seat 2 hours before check in was due to open.

Final strange event - my partner who is Velocity Gold as well, was yesterday automatically allocated 4D before even going to check in online. Neither of us have had seats automatically assigned before online checkin before.

Are these improvements for Gold and maybe silver Velocity members, or is it the fully flexible fare, or are they available to anyone? Are they just strange coincidences? Or are they part of the master plan, to possibly introduce advance seat selection and so on?

 

[serfty]

Welcome to AFF VA-CrewChief.

Interesting information in your post.

 

[pshepvic]

Hi pshepvic,

Just letting you know, VB have removed Row 3 from the PE seating arrangement, meaning that now only rows 1-2 are PE, and Row 3 is only standard seating, also Rows 1-2 are now permanent PE seating, meaning they should never be used as standard economy and the tray table in B and E will be permanently fixed down. The 700 and 800 aircraft have had their max capacity reduced by 4 on each so that these middle seats in rows 1 and 2 cannot be used.

There was a recent upgrade to navitaire in which the systems now recognise your velocity number and or booking class and will give preferred seating in the front of the cabin, simular to QF. So the cheaper ticket you book, the further down the cab it will allow you to select, unless you have a higher status which will override that and allow you to checkin up the front (excluding PE) Its just one of the system enhancements prior to the release of the new products.

Great news for all.

AJ

That's awesome news! I'll be looking forward to row 3 seating every flight from now on! lol

By the way - what time does seat allocation become available? Yesterday I could do it 2 hours before check in - but I'm not sure how early to start checking to make sure I get my preferred seat?

Very happy with these improvements - keep them coming! (And just make sure the new seating is softer than the current ones! )

 

[Oneworldplus2]

NP, I have been reading this forum for a while... a lot of interesting stuff... lot of misconception..

Hope to be able to help at times

Please feel free to jump in anytime and make corrections. The more 2 way talk, the better for all of us l think.

 

[VA-CrewChief]

Will do

Please feel free to jump in anytime and make corrections. The more 2 way talk, the better for all of us l think.

 

[AirlineGuy]

to Row 3, all the 737 (and im now told the Embraer fleet) will be configured with business class as of the next 737 delivery (including sky interior) followed by the rogue aircraft VUR-X this is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year....

VA-CrewChief will this next 737 also come with the new IFE???

 

[pshepvic]

Webcheck 24 hours prior departure, and kiosk check 2 hours prior to departure, your best to webcheck, as other guests will be able to do the same.

BTW dont get too used to Row 3, all the 737 (and im now told the Embraer fleet) will be configured with business class as of the next 737 delivery (including sky interior) followed by the rogue aircraft VUR-X this is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year....

There is more news to be released VERY shortly.....

Well I won't get too used to row 3 ... Just checked in and my SYD-MEL flight was cancelled - so CI moved me to next flight, and 1D!! Seeing that rows 1 & 2 are now completely blocked as PE, does this now mean food is included? Ie. I have therefore been properly upgraded, rather than just seated in PE?

 

[pshepvic]

Webcheck 24 hours prior departure, and kiosk check 2 hours prior to departure, your best to webcheck, as other guests will be able to do the same.

How was I able to select a seat 26 hours prior to departure?? Was this just a system error, or is it now possible to select seats prior to check in?

 

[VA-CrewChief]

How was I able to select a seat 26 hours prior to departure?? Was this just a system error, or is it now possible to select seats prior to check in?

Hrmm... This maybe something that is now available with the upgrade of navitaire.... I will ask tomorrow.

in regards to IFE on the new aircraft, I am not sure, but suspect with the brand launch an unveiling of the new aircraft this will be part of it.

 

[markis10]

I recently checked in around the 26 hour mark as well!

 

[pshepvic]

I recently checked in around the 26 hour mark as well!

It's strange - I guess use it to your advantage if you can! I jut don't want to have to sit there pressing refresh for 2 hours to get my row 3 seat