Virgin Blue - the Kindergarten of the Air

[CaptWalker]

Just when I thought someone in authority had finally instructed the Virgin Blue cabin crew to stop (trying) to be funny and cute with their cabin announcements, they have started again. On 2 recent flights, once again passengers were bombarded with remarks from the cabin supervisor that only he and his fellow crew thought were hilarious. Has no-one in the airline yet realised that passengers wish to be treated as adults and not a captive audience for someone who thinks they are a stand up comedian. And, I am insulted that we were called "guys" instead of ladies and gentlemen. "Welcome aboard, guys" "Well, guys, we have landed in Sydney" etc. etc.
Even people who have never travelled before deserve more respect, ("it's fun to fly") let alone we business travellers who thought they had finally stopped acting like a kindergarten of the air.

 

[MelUser]

I have been on a Virgin flight where what you described happened. The cabin supervisor thanked the Adelaide jail for releasing the flight attendants. It was all very bizarre. I don't fly with Virgin Blue.

But - we need Virgin Blue to keep Qantas under control domestically.

 

[samh004]

The cabin supervisor thanked the Adelaide jail for releasing the flight attendants.

That did make me smile, but I agree, it's not my cup of tea.

 

[vet]

Terrible. They should recruit more librarians :idea:

 

[skeeo]

or when they give the crew nicknames when announcing or "its been your pleasure having us on board"

HAHA

no. fail. not funny.

 

[AviationNZ]

But - we need Virgin Blue to keep Qantas under control domestically.

And internationally through V Aus.

 

[2muchplastic]

There was one occasion when I did find the joking funny, and that was when still taxiing towards the terminal at BNE, the CSM announced the usual "please stay seated with seatbelts fastened until stopped, etc etc", then added "anyone who gets up before the seatbelt light is turned off is volunteering to help the crew clean the toilets for the turnaround to Sydney".
Needless to say there was not one person who was dragging bags out of the overhead lockers until that light went off!

 

[james4321]

Lighten up a bit guys - as long as the pilots know what they are doing and be serious then a little humour in the cabin doesn't do any harm.

 

[Saab34]

the CSM announced the usual "please stay seated with seatbelts fastened until stopped, etc etc", then added "anyone who gets up before the seatbelt light is turned off is volunteering to help the crew clean the toilets for the turnaround to Sydney".

Your not alone there, had that one about 5/6 times now...and when you come across the same CSM on another flight and they talk the same cough....boring...next...

 

[notzac]

Lighten up a bit guys - as long as the pilots know what they are doing and be serious then a little humour in the cabin doesn't do any harm.

You're right, it doesn't do any harm - but it doesn't make it either a) funny or b) professional.

 

[stryker]

Lighten up a bit guys - as long as the pilots know what they are doing and be serious then a little humour in the cabin doesn't do any harm.

It does harm to my wellbeing. Also puts me off flying that "airline".

If we want competition to Qantas we should have a full service airline with professional staff. Maybe it could be called... Ansett?

 

[james4321]

It does harm to my wellbeing. Also puts me off flying that "airline".

If we want competition to Qantas we should have a full service airline with professional staff. Maybe it could be called... Ansett?

Well you have the choice whether to fly with them or not. And I would suggest that the definition of 'professional' is driven by the culture of the company concerned - the irreverant style of Virgin is driven all the way through the organisation and starts from the top!!!

 

[stryker]

Well you have the choice whether to fly with them or not. And I would suggest that the definition of 'professional' is driven by the culture of the company concerned - the irreverant style of Virgin is driven all the way through the organisation and starts from the top!!!

You've obviously never flown Virgin Atlantic. If they tried those antics across the Atlantic they'd be out of business. No, it's Brett Godfrey who is the person responsible for DJ. I guess it starts with him. Poor old Richard only has a 25% or so shareholding, and I imagine if he ran the company there would be major changes.

 

[Alanslegal]

I love it when DJ crew try to be funny and smart It only shows that its a relaxed & happy bunch trying to be different. Sure some would say its not professional nor proper but I beg to differ. Its fun, its cute, its some entertainment and I am certain that in the unlikely event of any serious incidents, the crew would be more than competent to do handle it - after all, its their risk as well.

Best yet, flying on Melbourne Cup day, the cabin crew dressed up as jockeys. Gosh such cuties! Big thumbs up DJ for some entertainment - and keep it up!

 

[uzza]

I can see the argument for them being all serious and professional but personally I don't mind a bit of humor (albeit sometimes lame and repetitive). I'd much rather be on a flight with the virgin crew over (most of the QF FA's - some are not bad!) the stuck up Qantas domestic FA's who most of the time think they are above serving you (oops might be opening up a bag of worms here!).

 

[Commuter]

Trying to be funny on the PA can indeed be funny but it can also wear thin, or it can even seem plain dumb, to be honest. It's all about whether it's done well or not, I think - a bit like any comedy.

 

[thegurio]

To the OP - if you don't like it don't fly them... That's the beauty of choice, if you want to pay more then fly QF. If you don't, then put up with the choice that you have made.

Yes i do fly them, they are indeed my preferred airline. Not because of anything other than i don't want to fly Tiger/JQ and cant pay QF's fares even though i want to.

Yes, they are repetitve, yes they arent funny and yes i groan as well, but guess what, its all about choice. As a rule though they are better and friendlier than QF and locally better IMHO. Internationally i havent had the cahnce to fly VA but as they dont offer unlimited alcohol and the rest they are second choice, but when it comes to saving $1000 or more then i know where my loyalties lie. Add to that the chance to get Gold on DJ and things change dramtically...

 

[straitman]

To the OP - if you don't like it don't fly them... That's the beauty of choice, if you want to pay more then fly QF.

thegurio,

OT but maybe you need to check your fares more often :!:

Yes QF are often dearer BUT they are often cheaper also. The competition is the important thing.

 

[ANstar]

Poor old Richard only has a 25% or so shareholding, and I imagine if he ran the company there would be major changes.

I'm pretty sure the jokes were in place back when the airline started and ****y boy had a 100% share.

in the unlikely event of any serious incidents, the crew would be more than competent to do handle it

Damn right - otherwise I'm sure CASA would have shut them down.

If you don't like DJ, then don't fly with them. Obviously plenty of people do... their pax numebrs are increasing whilst's QF's are decreasing. Obviously appealing to some people, myself included. DJa re my carrier of choice on the routesw they fly.

 

[dajop]

Trying to be funny on the PA can indeed be funny but it can also wear thin, or it can even seem plain dumb, to be honest. It's all about whether it's done well or not, I think - a bit like any comedy.

Spot on. If it's done well, it can be hilarious. I've been on trams a couple of times where the driver has had everyone in stitches with oddball announcements as we've proceeded along the route.

However if not done well (and yes have seen this on DJ) and can make a lot of people feel uncomfortable and even embarrassed. As flying is a serious business, juvenile type humour that makes one cringe, doesn't engender a lot of confidence in the crew or the airline (I know the cabin crew aren't flying the plane, but they are the front line of the company). On the other hand some subtle, even ironic humour can lighten the mind without too much grief. Some people have got it and some haven't - just someone should tell the people who haven't!