Official Qantas response please

[FrustratedQP]

It seems to me that a few questions go round and round with some very strong opposing views on some subjects. As we are lucky enough to have a direct link to Qantas through Red Roo, as a consumer of their product, I would ask Red Red to provide an official response to some questions. I don't think it is too much to ask these questions as a paying customer as I think it is fair to know what I actually get for my money.

1. If I pay for a J seat (except for special circumstances) is/are the toilet/s in the J area reserved for J customers. If not, what is the curtain for?

2. If I pay for a J seat can I expect that the overhead locker above my seat to be available for the use of the pax under my locker, no matter what time I board?

3. Does the space that my seat reclines into belong to me? I.e. can I expect to be able to fully recline without the person behind me deliberately sticking their knees into the back of my seat and/or deliberately rocking it?

i know that many people will have strong views about these issues, but I am seeking an official response to once and for all put them to bed.

i want to know what I am paying for.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Most flights I've been on with Qantas they make an announcement that the forward toilet is for business class passengers so that question is answered.

 

[medhead]

And the answer to 2 is No as well.

 

[markis10]

And the answer to 2 is No as well.

Agree, you are buying a seat, everything else is communal, ie to be shared, something that seems to be an issue for some.

 

[medhead]

Agree, you are buying a seat, everything else is communal, ie to be shared, something that seems to be an issue for some.

Actually, I was probably slightly wrong. The OP can expect the locker to be available. But they are likely to be disappointed when their expectations aren't met.

 

[ashleyn]

3. Does the space that my seat reclines into belong to me? I.e. can I expect to be able to fully recline without the person behind me deliberately sticking their knees into the back of my seat and/or deliberately rocking it?

Please, not another reclining seat thread

 

[TonyHancock]

Please, not another reclining seat thread

Could be worse! At least it's not yet another thread about the "horrors" of QF's new DXB hub.

 

[Hvr]

As someone who often sits in row 4 of domestic Y I get to see how J pax act. Quite often I see them bring on several bags and take up a lot of overhead locker space. Once there was so much stuff in the J overhead locker from their fellow J pax that some of them were forced to use the Y space. They weren't happy but what could they do? Still none of them used the space in the seat in front of them. I was glad I had boarded early and got my solitary bag stored.

I've sometimes been told to use the front loo by the cabin crew, even if the aisle wasn't blocked. It is easier for everybody to have me walk three rows rather than 20 +.

Flying is a communal activity and whilst J pax can expect a little more space and exclusivity it is constrained by the actual aircraft and their fellow pax.

 

[markis10]

Actually, I was probably slightly wrong. The OP can expect the locker to be available. But they are likely to be disappointed when their expectations aren't met.

Not if they are in Row 1 which is often marked not for stowage.

 

[TonyHancock]

Not if they are in Row 1 which is often marked not for stowage.

Yep too true. I will always go for row 2 these days for that very reason.

 

[Happy Trails]

Here you go:

Dear FrustratedQP

Thank you for taking the time to contact us.

We were concerned to learn about your recent experience with Qantas, and that you did not receive the level of service expected from a premium airline.

We strive to provide exceptional service and customer feedback plays an important role in our continuous improvement process. It also helps us strengthen our commitment to customer service. We would like to assure you that your feedback has been forwarded to the relevant management as part of this process.

Thank you again for taking the time to write. We value your ongoing loyalty, and hope that we have an opportunity to welcome you onboard Qantas in the near future.

Kind regards,

Qantas Customer Care

 

[Hvr]

Here you go:

Dear FrustratedQP

Thank you for taking the time to contact us.

We were concerned to learn about your recent experience with Qantas, and that you did not receive the level of service expected from a premium airline.

We strive to provide exceptional service and customer feedback plays an important role in our continuous improvement process. It also helps us strengthen our commitment to customer service. We would like to assure you that your feedback has been forwarded to the relevant management as part of this process.

Thank you again for taking the time to write. We value your ongoing loyalty, and hope that we have an opportunity to welcome you onboard Qantas in the near future.

Kind regards,

Qantas Customer Care

You know if RedRoo 'liked' the post by Sickeningthud then the matter could be considered closed.

 

[ecg]

It seems to me that a few questions go round and round with some very strong opposing views on some subjects. As we are lucky enough to have a direct link to Qantas through Red Roo, as a consumer of their product, I would ask Red Red to provide an official response to some questions. I don't think it is too much to ask these questions as a paying customer as I think it is fair to know what I actually get for my money.

1. If I pay for a J seat (except for special circumstances) is/are the toilet/s in the J area reserved for J customers. If not, what is the curtain for?

2. If I pay for a J seat can I expect that the overhead locker above my seat to be available for the use of the pax under my locker, no matter what time I board?

3. Does the space that my seat reclines into belong to me? I.e. can I expect to be able to fully recline without the person behind me deliberately sticking their knees into the back of my seat and/or deliberately rocking it?

i know that many people will have strong views about these issues, but I am seeking an official response to once and for all put them to bed.

i want to know what I am paying for.

Can I assume that on those occasions where you indeed have to travel economy and the cart is blocking the aisle such that you cannot access the economy toilets that you will NOT be offended when the cabin crew tell you the J toilet is unavailable?

Can I also assume that if for whatever reason the overhead locker space above your seat is full that you will NOT under any circumstances place your carry on overhead someone else's seat?

Flying is a somewhat communal activity and the airline cannot control the behaviour or actions of every single person on board the aircraft.

 

[Pleb Status]

I think the OP would be very disappointed with any response QF was to provide. I believe you are not paying directly to receive any of the 'benefits' mentioned (I cannot see where they are mentioned on the QF website) and therefore they are delivered as a 'courtesy' rather than as a 'benefit'.

To answer the OP, you are not paying for any of these 'benefits' when you pay for J travel. As a paying Y passenger, is it my 'right' to demand items 2 and 3 of the OP's list as well?

 

[stewiejp]

In all honesty the answers to all questions could be yes, but in all cases you are relying on the integrity of the other passengers. The airline staff aren't bouncers, they can't throw people out for using the wrong dunny, spreading their bags in the lockers or knocking the back of the chair.

 

[Kangol]

Can I assume that on those occasions where you indeed have to travel economy and the cart is blocking the aisle such that you cannot access the economy toilets that you will NOT be offended when the cabin crew tell you the J toilet is unavailable?

Recently on a 734, seated in row 6, I walked back to use the Y toilets and the FAs had the cart collecting the rubbish from the refreshment service. They told me to use the J toilet as the cart was in the way. There was a guy originally in front of me doing the same so I ended up using it before he did.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

3. Does the space that my seat reclines into belong to me? I.e. can I expect to be able to fully recline without the person behind me deliberately sticking their knees into the back of my seat and/or deliberately rocking it?

this is also answered directly by QF in the 'affirmative' because seat recline is an advertised feature. As long as the seat is upright when required for safety you are fine (it is also considered appropriate to have your seat back upright in the economy cabins during meal service).

 

[lovestotravel]

1. Yes
2. Yes, within reason. I have had staff move Y passengers stuff away so that I could use it on many occasions
3. Yes as long as it's not during meal time

As for an official response, you won't get one that will directly answer your questions

 

[JohnPhelan]

Could be worse! At least it's not yet another thread about the "horrors" of QF's new DXB hub.

..... before any QF flights and pax have even used it !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JohnK]

No, no and no.

I have strong views about these issues.