Intl Short Haul J Class not what is advertised...

[Boof1]

Hi,

Just wanted to get some thoughts and experiences from the members on VA's International Short Haul J class as we flew to NAN recently and the service on board differed to what is advertised on the website.

Website states: On flights over 2hrs 45min guests can indulge in a full three course dining experience for lunch and dinner.
We got: A lunch service that consisted of a single tray with a main, a small cheese plate and a boxed sweet on it. On the return it was a dinner service with single tray again (we did get nuts/olives with the post departure drink but that can't possibly count as one course!) Both flights blocked a time of over 4 hours so I'm a little perplexed by this.

Website states: Throughout the day enjoy items from our light snack range.
We got: No pantry menu anywhere to be seen. I didn't mind asking but seems the pantry menu that is sometimes in the seat pocket was missing.

Website states: To help you settle in during your flight, we provide a comfort pack, containing a blanket, a pillow and stylish amenities
We got: The pillow and blanket. No amenity kit. When I asked about it on the outbound flight was told that they only have them onboard for the NZ routes.


Don't get me wrong, the service from the CSM was great on both flights and we felt like we had been looked after. The cabins were full (8/8 on the way out and 7/8 on the way home) and the food and service was great it was just these little things that annoyed me. Having flown domestic J numerous times I was expecting a little more, somewhere between the Domestic 737 J and the Coast to Coast A330. What we ended up with was hardly any different to the J flights I take along the east coast.

I haven't bothered as yet with feedback to VA but would like to know if this is common to other members who have flown in J on the pacific routes, and some thoughts on if feedback is worth it??

Thanks
Boof

 

[BillytheFIsh]

I haven't bothered as yet with feedback to VA but would like to know if this is common to other members who have flown in J on the pacific routes, and some thoughts on if feedback is worth it??

Everything you describe is the standard experience I've had. I hadn't read the puff on the website, so I have never been disappointed though. The meal description is particularly over the top for what you get, but it is decent and enough for those length flights IMO, particularly if you've snacked in the lounge.

You might as well provide feedback that the product isn't as advertised on the website, even to just get it off your chest. Don't expect a response though, every time I get off a VA J flight I provide feedback asking them to load sparkling wine and I am yet to receive even an acknowledgement of my feedback.

 

[24601]

Hi,

Website states: On flights over 2hrs 45min guests can indulge in a full three course dining experience for lunch and dinner.
We got: A lunch service that consisted of a single tray with a main, a small cheese plate and a boxed sweet on it. On the return it was a dinner service with single tray again (we did get nuts/olives with the post departure drink but that can't possibly count as one course!)

Well, strictly speaking that was three courses. They only promise an "experience", no mention of quality. They don't specify what "stylish amenities" might be, other than a blanket and pillow. Jokes aside, I agree that their international short-haul J seems to fall short of the impression their advertising gives.

 

[Denali]

Last flights we had were approx. 3.5hrs and we got a tray plated meal.

1st flight, Any extras (snacks) we had to ask for, they weren't freely offered and the FA had to search for a Pantry menu otherwise I thought the meal was substantial and drinks constantly offered.

2nd flight was about the same but as we were the only ones awake, the FA basically gave hubby the entire snack tray and left us alone but no complaints about either flight, Im happy with sit down, shut up, eat and leave - its only a short flight.

 

[smit0847]

I think 737 J is usually disappointing regardless of the flight length. After doing MEL-CNS - MEL for easter last year I wouldn't bother wasting the points on J again- Y is fine.

 

[Boof1]

Thanks to all that replied to this thread. Seems the 737 J isn't all that's advertised often.

I think I will send off the feedback, despite the time that has passed since the flights. It can't hurt!

Thanks again,
Boof

 

[bullerdude]

One a recent trans-tasman flight they only produced the snack menu after my partner asked for it... they seemed surprised she even knew that it existed.

Seems pretty clear they weren't being forcoming about all the elements of the J service. Similar thing happened on a Dom J flight, so it wasn't a once off.

 

[smit0847]

One a recent trans-tasman flight they only produced the snack menu after my partner asked for it... they seemed surprised she even knew that it existed.

Seems pretty clear they weren't being forcoming about all the elements of the J service. Similar thing happened on a Dom J flight, so it wasn't a once off.

Why have something you don't offer? What's the point?

 

[Milefest]

737 J for a 1-2 hour flight is fine, any more time than that and I don't think it's worth the premium, personally.