747 Business service - a little bit too casual

[medhead]

I couldn't agree more. I'm happy to be called by my first name. But I reserve mate for people with whom i've had the displeasure of sleeping in the dirt. Or who I have some other connection, like they've taken me to a hospital ED and vice versa, or association. Cabin crew are no doubt great people, but I just don't feel I have such a close connection with them. That doesn't mean they need to wash my feet or that I don't respect them.


Sent from the Throne

 

[dajop]

I'm happy to be called by my first name.

So am I. But after a few years of living in Asia I now expect it to be preceded by Mr.!

On a more serious note, mate seems inappropriate, sure it's fine in lots of context but in a business class cabin it just doesn't seem the right tone especially when serving people from a range of different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds.

 

[ashleyn]

I expect similar service to a middle of the range restaurant and I must say I've never been called 'mate' in one of those.

 

[Bolthead]

When I checked my bags in at Launceston (VA) last week the chap behind the counter said "thanks mate". I din't think much about it until now after reading these threads. It doesn't bother me that much but I certainly wouldn't say that to a customer unless I knew them extremely well.

 

[JohnPhelan]

When I checked my bags in at Launceston (VA) last week the chap behind the counter said "thanks mate". I din't think much about it until now after reading these threads. It doesn't bother me that much but I certainly wouldn't say that to a customer unless I knew them extremely well.

Are you medhead's brother?

 

[Sprucegoose]

When I checked my bags in at Launceston (VA) last week the chap behind the counter said "thanks mate". I din't think much about it until now after reading these threads. It doesn't bother me that much but I certainly wouldn't say that to a customer unless I knew them extremely well.

Of course not, you're from Menai!

 

[orangehenry]

My two bobs' worth: I am very happy to be addressed as "mate". Done appropriately it would be a wonderful greeting after time away.

I'll second this. One of my favourite things about flying QF (esp. on the way back to Australia) is that from the moment I step on board I feel like I'm home.

I'm a bit surprised that everyone is expecting the exact same service on every single QF flight they take. In my mind J and F class are a serviced based product and that means that the staff have to take the initiative in how they run the cabin. In no way am I excusing short (or even rude) service but in reality some crews are going to err on the side of informality whereas others will be less chat and 'down-to-business.'

I don't see it as a huge issue either way and part of the fact that different individuals and different teams will interpret their roles differently (and hopefully always to the best of their ability).

That said - my preference is always for the chatty crews!

 

[Deleted member]

I don't get to fly as often as some here , let alone in long Haul F or J.
However I agree very strongly on one point. As someone in their mid 50's I object to being addressed as mate by all and sundry. Especially by teenagers serving behind counters etc. call me a snob , BUT I was taught a different set of manners at the same age. ....where did it all go wrong?


It is I, Leclerc !

 

[Happy Trails]

I don't get to fly as often as some here , let alone in long Haul F or J.
However I agree very strongly on one point. As someone in their mid 50's I object to being addressed as mate by all and sundry. Especially by teenagers serving behind counters etc. call me a snob , BUT I was taught a different set of manners at the same age. ....where did it all go wrong?


It is I, Leclerc !

I blame the parents