2024 New Year travel resolutions

[Franky]

I agree that Qantas betrayed its customers in 2023, but it’s time to give them the benefit of the doubt in 2024. New CEO, new Chairperson (being announced soon), new A220 and A321XLR aircraft, nonstop Perth-Paris, A330 refurbishments etc

Regarding your talk about Chairman’s Lounge and politician access, this has been happening for decades. Most of the Australian public (avgeeks and frequent flyers included) didn’t even know about Chairman’s Lounge eligibility and requirements until the whole sh*tshow blew up in 2023. People only know about this because Australia is a transparent democracy, and you should be grateful for that. “Corruption” you talk about; are you aware of the level of corruption that happens in autocratic states like Qatar or the UAE, or even Singapore (restricted democracy)? No, because it’s all suppressed under the strictest of state secrecy. MP and Senator membership of the chairman’s lounge is a routine feature of this exclusive club. Unions have also played a part in scrutinising Qantas and it’s an offence to establish a union in countries like the UAE, Qatar, Singapore or even Japan, so no wonder EK, QR, SQ and JAL look like good sparkly friendly corporate citizens; but in reality they’d be portrayed much, much worse than Qantas had unions been legal in those countries. (And it’s no secret that the culture and working environment in those airlines are currently worse than QF)

Of course the Australian Government has to protect and defend Qantas, our one and only national airline, against brutal competitors with endless oil money in the likes of Qatar Airways, regardless of all the wrongdoings of Qantas. It would be simply be un-Australian to oppose this.

I hope these points have given you the perspective that the anti-Qantas parade desperately needs.

I agree that Qantas betrayed its customers in 2023, but it’s time to give them the benefit of the doubt in 2024. New CEO, new Chairperson (being announced soon), new A220 and A321XLR aircraft, nonstop Perth-Paris, A330 refurbishments etc

Regarding your talk about Chairman’s Lounge and politician access, this has been happening for decades. Most of the Australian public (avgeeks and frequent flyers included) didn’t even know about Chairman’s Lounge eligibility and requirements until the whole sh*tshow blew up in 2023. People only know about this because Australia is a transparent democracy, and you should be grateful for that. “Corruption” you talk about; are you aware of the level of corruption that happens in autocratic states like Qatar or the UAE, or even Singapore (restricted democracy)? No, because it’s all suppressed under the strictest of state secrecy. MP and Senator membership of the chairman’s lounge is a routine feature of this exclusive club. Unions have also played a part in scrutinising Qantas and it’s an offence to establish a union in countries like the UAE, Qatar, Singapore or even Japan, so no wonder EK, QR, SQ and JAL look like good sparkly friendly corporate citizens; but in reality they’d be portrayed much, much worse than Qantas had unions been legal in those countries. (And it’s no secret that the culture and working environment in those airlines are currently worse than QF)

Of course the Australian Government has to protect and defend Qantas, our one and only national airline, against brutal competitors with endless oil money in the likes of Qatar Airways, regardless of all the wrongdoings of Qantas. It would be simply be un-Australian to oppose this.

I hope these points have given you the perspective that the anti-Qantas parade desperately needs.

You must be wearing the rosiest of rose coloured glasses!. All the items you laid out in your first para seem fine. However, it is the lack of customer service from QF that is what is getting up the nose of most travellers.

 

[RSVKanga]

You must be wearing the rosiest of rose coloured glasses!. All the items you laid out in your first para seem fine. However, it is the lack of customer service from QF that is what is getting up the nose of most travellers.

I totally agree. Let’s hope this improves this year.

 

[drron]

So my travel wishes for 2024 in no particular order.
1. Continue my policy of the last 13 years by travelling any airline except QF internationally. We already have bookings on BA, SQ and even VA out of Australia.

2. Do as much travel as possible while we still can.

3. Continue our travel with only 1 checked bag. Travelling HLO for 8 weeks or more may be possible but not enjoyable. Besides 2 of our 3 OS trips are to Japan so Takubin will be used internally.

4. Keep writing TRs. I like reading past reports to jog my memory and hopefully others get something out of them.

5. Keep smiling.

 

[jase05]

1. Continue my policy of the last 13 years by travelling any airline except QF internationally. We already have bookings on BA, SQ and even VA out of Australia.

I’m not that extreme however I do try to avoid QFi and only use them occasionally to/from CGK or MNL.
I’ve gone some years now without stepping foot on a JQ flight and my New Years Resolution is for that to continue.
Probably my only other one would be to try a couple of airlines I haven’t flown with for a while or perhaps even ever

 

[oz_mark]

Well, I started the year off with a Jetstar flight. Not sure if that bodes well for the rest of the year. Can only be onwards and upwards from here!

(I jest, they were fine, took off on time, landed on time, and the baggage arrived)

 

[JohnK]

Well, I started the year off with a Jetstar flight. Not sure if that bodes well for the rest of the year. Can only be onwards and upwards from here!

(I jest, they were fine, took off on time, landed on time, and the baggage arrived)

And more importantly you arrived in one piece.

 

[Cossie]

My main resolution is to do more travel

My main resolution is to stop reading TRs, they just add to the list of places I would love to visit, or some cases return to…….

 

[MelbFlyer]

To redeem more business class reward seats as a lowly Bronze QFF. I don't chase status as I don't fly anywhere near enough to even attain Silver!

Already have 2 long haul business seats booked for Q4 of this year, looking to add another one (short haul in between the two) soon.

Bonus points from my latest CC should be awarded soon, will try to redeem once they land in my account.

 

[Seat0B]

1. To travel as much as I can while my health behaves.
2. To work less and become more retired than semi-retired. I have a small backlog of work for loyal clients that was nicely spaced out last year that will need to be honoured this year as these clients waited for my recovery, bless them. After that I must be stricter with myself about what work I accept as it interferes with #1.
3. To return to our pre-COVID normal of seeing Seat Son twice a year - once here in Aus and once in the UAE.
4. To take an overseas trip with Seat Granddaughter .
5. Only travel business s, and try for more points redemptions.
6. Read and write more trip reports. I love them.

 

[Mattg]

In 2024, I hope to visit more countries that I've never been to before.

 

[AVV]

Welcome to the New Year everyone! I trust you’re all bright and bushy tailed this morning.

It’s a quiet period for AFF over the Xmas/NY break and they really need some clicks. So I thought I’d inject some reflection on ‘23 and motivation for ‘24 to derive my New Year Travel resolutions. Here are my top three:

1. Dump Qantas. This will blow many of you away because I’m an avid Qantas Supporter ( ), but we can all safely say that Qantas does not care for their customers. Rather, Qantas’ priorities lie in making as much money as possible for its Shareholders, Management and Board, while corrupting our infallible role model Politicians with Chairman’s Lounge/Platinum access to ensure they are always looked after as a Government backed Entity. I refuse to support this type of behaviour.

2. HLO. That’s Hand Luggage Only for the uninitiated. I never thought I could make it work on 2-3 week European trips but it can definitely be done with the right planning. The benefits are so worthwhile, especially for itineraries with many modes of transport involved. Sign me up to whatever cult following HLO people are labelled as.

3. Redeem Airline/Hotel loyalty points. With travel prices rocketing back up to well above pre-C19 levels, spending your points might be a worthy exercise. This is especially relevant for programs which are not pegged to a dynamic points based system. And with my prediction that the AUD will float higher over the year, points redemption linked to a USD based currency loyalty program is an added benefit.

Like any NY resolutions, some or all may be a fleeting moment of inspiration or a fundamental change in mindset. Either way, I’ll commit to at least 2 out of the 3 I’ve listed. What are your NY Travel resolutions?

I agree. Unfortunately I had to fly Virgin domestically. Received half a cup of water. Told no time to serve more. Great for a full service airline. Also QF food was really bad on flt to HKG. I felt like a refugee, only I guess they are treated better.

 

[AVV]

I agree that Qantas betrayed its customers in 2023, but it’s time to give them the benefit of the doubt in 2024. New CEO, new Chairperson (being announced soon), new A220 and A321XLR aircraft, nonstop Perth-Paris, A330 refurbishments etc

Regarding your talk about Chairman’s Lounge and politician access, this has been happening for decades. Most of the Australian public (avgeeks and frequent flyers included) didn’t even know about Chairman’s Lounge eligibility and requirements until the whole sh*tshow blew up in 2023. People only know about this because Australia is a transparent democracy, and you should be grateful for that. “Corruption” you talk about; are you aware of the level of corruption that happens in autocratic states like Qatar or the UAE, or even Singapore (restricted democracy)? No, because it’s all suppressed under the strictest of state secrecy. MP and Senator membership of the chairman’s lounge is a routine feature of this exclusive club. Unions have also played a part in scrutinising Qantas and it’s an offence to establish a union in countries like the UAE, Qatar, Singapore or even Japan, so no wonder EK, QR, SQ and JAL look like good sparkly friendly corporate citizens; but in reality they’d be portrayed much, much worse than Qantas had unions been legal in those countries. (And it’s no secret that the culture and working environment in those airlines are currently worse than QF)

Of course the Australian Government has to protect and defend Qantas, our one and only national airline, against brutal competitors with endless oil money in the likes of Qatar Airways, regardless of all the wrongdoings of Qantas. It would be simply be un-Australian to oppose this.

I hope these points have given you the perspective that the anti-Qantas parade desperately needs.

So years and years of poor customer service matched with sky high prices (even before Covid) justify a second chance? Not likely. Customers have long memories when they are treated poorly for so long and many will rightfully walk away from Qantas. New Execs are just fresh lipstick on a pig within the same infested culture and ethos. Suggest you read up on reputation and brand.



“un-Australian”? You believe that corruption and coercion (and the list goes on) is aligned with our societal and cultural norms? We are not an autocratic/dictatorial/third world country where this type of behaviour is rife. Perhaps it is you that is un-Australian.

I hope the Qantas Apologists can understand and embrace what true Australian values are and behave accordingly.

Why protect a second class airline with bad service

 

[Pushka]

Must do HLO. Must do HLO. Must not take back from overseas rellies, presents for the grandkids here. These totally blew out our luggage. I mean who buys a spiderman extra large wooden puzzle to put in luggage to take back to Oz. And who asked us for Ugg boots, size 13, to take over to UK.

We will be flying a mix of Qantas, CX and BA internationally. Just one trip planned and honestly that's enough for me right now. Oh. And J star back from Bali coz they fly here direct.

 

[Chicken]

Fly Asiana, before they are completely swallowed by Korean Air. That's it, just one. I have never flown with either.

 

[Clayton]

And who asked us for Ugg boots, size 13, to take over to UK.

Yep, they take the cake, I'd suggest that Rellie be sent a hint in the form of the link to the Amazon Prime subscription service highlighting free International delivery.

 

[Pushka]

Yep, they take the cake, I'd suggest that Rellie be sent a hint in the form of the link to the Amazon Prime subscription service highlighting free International delivery.

It’s ok. It’s my son. I still miss him. And besides they went in husbands luggage. I had the Twisties and pizza shapes.

They use Amazon for everything. Their postage in the UK is so fast.