Why would anyone buy a business seat on QF? [or Use electronic BP? (System down :( )]

[Robbi]

I just had my first ASA in U on QF and all went well until I came to return from TSV on 16/12.

Get to airport and flight is delayed 20 mins or so because the plane before the plane before mine had engine trouble. Can't be helped.

When we finally are allowed to board the grumpy old CSA closes off the shortcut path so myself and several other business passengers have to walk to the end of the line that has already formed.

Then we find the computer has crashed and those of us using our phones can't be admitted, other passengers have their ticket stubs taken, but not use. Grumpy CSA asks "Don't you have a paper ticket?". I reply, "No, I don't need one, I have my phone". Fifteen minutes later grumpy old CSA has not been able to get a second computer to fire up so he scribbles my name on a blank card. I give the handwritten card to the FA who tears off the stub and adds it to the unchecked pile. When I get to the aircraft the FA comments she has not seen such childish handwriting on a card before. Myself and the other business customers were amongst the last to board with our handwritten cards.

Now, why could the FA or CSA at the checkin point simply mark us off the manifest? Or just write the card then and there?

If I had paid the full quid for the ticket I would have been mighty pissed. As it is I just seriously question the value of ever buying a full business ticket on QF if I am going to treated in such an amateur fashion for the privilege. And no mention at all during the flight of being rooted around.

 

[mannej]

Your experience seems as if it was poor for everyone, not just those in J.

 

[eosphoros]

I would write and complain. I have been doing this more and more lately. It is time to let QF know which staff (especially CSMs) are not performing. I have found lately that overall the quality of service has indeed been improving. Nevertheless there are still some grumpy old CSMs around who really need to go or go through retraining. I notice that their attitude really affects the attitude of the entire crew.

 

[serfty]

Memo to myself: stick with my philosophy if always having a printed BP before boarding.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Memo, stick with my philosophy if always having a printed BP before boarding.

yeah i always go by the kiosk and print one off even if i have done mobile checkin. It's even worse on JQ with the silly coded sms message boarding pass that rarely scans

 

[Robbi]

Memo, stick with my philosophy if always having a printed BP before boarding.

Does this not defeat the purpose of having electronic devices and self check in?

 

[Deleted member]

I am finding that how I behave toward the cabin crew ( who may or may not be having a good day) has more impact on my flying experience .
That is not to say that any attempt on your part to alleviate the stress of the situation would necessary have changed anything.
I find however , that one kind passenger can often make things just a wee bit easier for the staff.
It goes the other way as well.
I hope your next flight is a little more enjoyable.

 

[Deleted member]

Why would anyone buy a business seat on QF?

I tried to use a $20.00 Myer voucher today via my phone. No luck. So I am wary of technology going bung when I least expect it

 

[Buzzard]

All I can say is, like any business, if they look after their customers they will swim, if not they will sink .

 

[Sprucegoose]

Memo, stick with my philosophy if always having a printed BP before boarding.

I agree I just need to have that piece of paper!

 

[Robbi]

I am finding that how I behave toward the cabin crew ( who may or may not be having a good day) has more impact on my flying experience .
That is not to say that any attempt on your part to alleviate the stress of the situation would necessary have changed anything.
I find however , that one kind passenger can often make things just a wee bit easier for the staff.
It goes the other way as well.
I hope your next flight is a little more enjoyable.

I, the 80 year old lady and the other J passenger, were all polite and courteous to the staff. I could see they were not having a good day and it wasn't their fault the system failed, but was nonetheless bemused by their attitude, lack of preparation for this eventuality and lack of logic in applying their plan.

 

[serfty]

Does this not defeat the purpose of having electronic devices and self check in?

who's purpose?

While having a BP, I still generally board by handing over my QFF card.

It's like I always try to travel with printed copies of all e tickets and hotel booking confirmations. Rarely need them, but every so often, my booking seemingly cannot be found.

 

[JohnK]

Does this not defeat the purpose of having electronic devices and self check in?

That would depend.

I use OLCI and sometimes I use the kiosks at the airport but one thing is certain is I always have a boarding pass even if means getting it at the lounge.

 

[rogerkambah]

I agree I just need to have that piece of paper!

Me too, even if I scan my phone.(A case of belt and braces)

 

[ReLoad]

Firstly, sorry to the OP sounds like someone needed a bit of a kick in the backside.

But as to the topic title. I would and I do, as a rule in J I've had and continue to get good service, if there is a specific issue, like the one the OP had I treat it on its own isolated merits and take action accordingly.

It certainly in my experience is not the norm.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Firstly, sorry to the OP sounds like someone needed a bit of a kick in the backside.

But as to the topic title. I would and I do, as a rule in J I've had and continue to get good service, if there is a specific issue, like the one the OP had I treat it on its own isolated merits and take action accordingly.

It certainly in my experience is not the norm.

have to agree - the subject of the thread is a little OTT. I do enjoy QF domestic business class very much

 

[Robbi]

have to agree - the subject of the thread is a little OTT. I do enjoy QF domestic business class very much

Disagree entirely about being OTT; if I had paid ~$2k for my ticket I would expect much better service than that. They should have a seamless transition from normal to degraded operations.

I'll write my letter and also get BP's next time.

Thanks for the helpful comments.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Re: Why would anyone buy a business seat on QF? [or Use electronic BP? (System down :

Disagree entirely about being OTT; if I had paid ~$2k for my ticket I would expect much better service than that. They should have a seamless transition from normal to degraded operations.

I'll write my letter and also get BP's next time.

Thanks for the helpful comments.

Fair enough but if it had happened to me I wouldn't have been anywhere near as bothered

 

[mannej]

Re: Why would anyone buy a business seat on QF? [or Use electronic BP? (System down :

Disagree entirely about being OTT; if I had paid ~$2k for my ticket I would expect much better service than that. They should have a seamless transition from normal to degraded operations.

I'll write my letter and also get BP's next time.

Thanks for the helpful comments.

From what was described, it seems as if the crew were flustered due to the delay and didn't really deal with it appropriately.
It seems as if things were rushed for both Y and J, so you can't really relate it to Domestic J in its context IMO.

I agree feedback is required but I do agree with others that the topic isn't 100% appropriate.

 

[Anna]

Re: Why would anyone buy a business seat on QF? [or Use electronic BP? (System down :

I'm pretty sure that QF does not advertise priority boarding at TSV, only at certain capital cities, so I don't think there are grounds to complain about having to line up with everyone else.

I departed TSV on 15.12. Is the "grumpy old CSA" you refer to a member of the ground staff in a hi viz vest? If so I know exactly who you mean