Article: Major Qantas Domestic Catering Problems

[justinbrett]

So with what people are reporting about the QF BNE dom J lounge, does that mean this statement I read on the Qantas website this morning is incorrect about BNE?

Focusing on barista made coffee, generous buffets, healthy options and a unique offering in each of the major ports. From the ‘Pizza Bar’ in Perth to the ‘Cantina’ in Brisbane and the ‘Spice Bar’ in Melbourne

It's definitely incorrect about the Spice Bar in MEL. It was empty when I was there on Easter Sunday.

I mean, god forbid anyone would want to challenge QF for what is potentially misleading and deceptive conduct under the Australian Consumer Law Schedule 2 clause 18(1) .

The Cantina was rebranded as The Oven before covid (search for my thread called “No Más Nachos” at the time) which is just generic hot food that’s not necessarily Mexican themed (though I have seen them do beef nachos since). There was no physical change to the setup, just a ditching of the Mexican theme.

It wasn’t operating over Easter I assume due to the staffing issues, but has been operating before that.

 

[Cognac]

So with what people are reporting about the QF BNE dom J lounge, does that mean this statement I read on the Qantas website this morning is incorrect about BNE?

Focusing on barista made coffee, generous buffets, healthy options and a unique offering in each of the major ports. From the ‘Pizza Bar’ in Perth to the ‘Cantina’ in Brisbane and the ‘Spice Bar’ in Melbourne

It's definitely incorrect about the Spice Bar in MEL. It was empty when I was there on Easter Sunday.

I mean, god forbid anyone would want to challenge QF for what is potentially misleading and deceptive conduct under the Australian Consumer Law Schedule 2 clause 18(1) .

Pizza bar in Perth wasn't operating in late March either, but that may have changed by now. Will be PER-MEL again in a couple of weeks, ideally things are sorted by then...

 

[FishFood]

Pizza bar in Perth wasn't operating in late March either, but that may have changed by now. Will be PER-MEL again in a couple of weeks, ideally things are sorted by then...

When I was in the domestic business lounge in Feb, they had the pizza bar operating. Pity they closed it after

 

[RooFlyer]

Unless it's your generic rant?

“You rant. I discuss”.

 

[Peasant]

Pizza bar in Perth wasn't operating in late March either, but that may have changed by now. Will be PER-MEL again in a couple of weeks, ideally things are sorted by then...

It was up and running when I was there on 3 Apr. And busy it was too!

 

[Scr77]

Just boarded QF12 (ex lax) without amenity kits. I asked and Staff say due to “catering issues”. Not sure about this, given they are not freshly prepared. Food ordering seems normal.

 

[astrosly]

One of the FAs on my flight yesterday said she had been told the catering problems were because QF had changed to a new catering company. I have no idea if this is true and I haven't heard it anywhere else.

It wasn't only onboard that food was lacking or disappointing over Easter weekend. The QF dom J lounge at MEL at 11.45am on Sunday had even fewer offerings than the ADL QP had had on Friday (which were sparse). The Spice Bar was empty and deserted, and the staff described it as 'finished' and 'it doesn't open any more' but whether they meant just for Easter or forever I'm not sure. There was nothing hot available other than soup. There was no bread to make a sandwich with, unless you like your ham and cheese sandwich made with fruit bread. There was loads of salad but the bowls to put it in were the size that I would use to put nuts in - maybe 5 cm diameter? Tiny, anyway. I ended up walking out and bought a ciabatta in the terminal. Glad I did because for a 12.50pm departure ADL MEL, Y got served a teeny pack of a square of cheese with 2 or 3 crackers, and the choice in J was described as 'afternoon tea' and was a salad or a toasted croque monsieur sandwich. I don't know whether this is normal for 12.50pm flights or not. My stomach definitely thought it was lunchtime even if QF didn't agree.

In MEL J this afternoon and the Spice Bar was closed.

An observation: a few weeks ago when I visited the lounge there was about two dozen noodle-topped-with-chicken bowls lined up so they could pour over the stock, garnish and serve but no one in line. There was a roaring trade at the beef pasta station next to it.

 

[Peasant]

In MEL J this afternoon and the Spice Bar was closed.

An observation: a few weeks ago when I visited the lounge there was about two dozen noodle-topped-with-chicken bowls lined up so they could pour over the stock, garnish and serve but no one in line. There was a roaring trade at the beef pasta station next to it.

That's a strange development. I've probably been in 10-12 times in the last couple of months and it's always been very busy, with long queues, even with the less than popular "ramen" and vegetarian fried rice options in March. It seemed equally popular once it flicked over to laksa and whatever the other dish was. I think the quality/choices have been less good than pre-COVID, but still found it to be pretty reasonable experience.

I'll be very disappointed if they've decided to permanently close it, but perhaps it's another casualty of staffing issues.

 

[astrosly]

My flight SYD-MEL last Thursday night had a lengthy delay and no catering for a dinner flight. No announcement on board other than to say "we will be serving a refreshment", no drinks offered and handed a packet of dry biscuits only and acted as if that is what is expected for economy.

Received an "How was your flight?" email earlier today for that flight. Hmmm, I've filled in a number of those over the last few months and sad to say all have been negative so far.

 

[astrosly]

That's a strange development. I've probably been in 10-12 times in the last couple of months and it's always been very busy, with long queues, even with the less than popular "ramen" and vegetarian fried rice options in March. It seemed equally popular once it flicked over to laksa and whatever the other dish was. I think the quality/choices have been less good than pre-COVID, but still found it to be pretty reasonable experience.

I'll be very disappointed if they've decided to permanently close it, but perhaps it's another casualty of staffing issues.

Yeah I was surprised. I have been in MEL J about 8 times the last 2-3 months, though about half of them in the morning, and earlier experiences there were lines at the SB but the last couple not so much. That time they they had both bays running with beef pasta and kept bringing it out! I think they switched to laksa or dumplings since my last visit so I was really looking forward to trying that today.

I hope they keep up with the SB as it does offer something different to the toastie or (chicken) stew'n'rice options at other lounges. I do enjoy when they can offer a non chicken option.

 

[jrfsp]

No cups loaded on this mornings QF1600
For flights that cost 1k rtn, not really good enough to only be able to serve water “unless you have brought keep cups”

 

[AIRwin]

No cups loaded on this mornings QF1600
For flights that cost 1k rtn, not really good enough to only be able to serve water “unless you have brought keep cups”

Green flight for Earth Day...

 

[Mattg]

So, has anyone requested or received compensation from Qantas for the lack of catering on last weekend's flights?

 

[Anna]

I've asked for 10,000 points via the Customer Care form

 

[jboy90]

So, has anyone requested or received compensation from Qantas for the lack of catering on last weekend's flights?

I've completed the customer complaint form asking for some. I'm assuming it will take 10+ weeks and I'll have to follow up (like I have to for refunds).

 

[jase05]

So, has anyone requested or received compensation from Qantas for the lack of catering on last weekend's flights?

I really can’t be bothered.
It will take 6 months and most likely require me to follow up multiple times so it just isn’t worth my effort

 

[Olympic471]

Flew from OOL to MEL on 29/4 in J, no catering loaded. Flight was about one hour late. Aircraft left MEL late, which in turn delayed this flight. According to the CSM the delay was due to the catering issue. CSM was obviously very embarrassed by the entire situation. A chocolate muffin and the pretzel/almond mix was served. No ice on board either for drinks. Compensation requested from QF, but not holding my breath.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Former BNE Mexican bar closed on Friday arvo/evening.

Just a dubious looking chicken stew.

Took a stroll to the QP and they had roast spuds and sour cream.

The QP is the new J lounge apparently.

Wines were the same as J lounge.

As best I can tell, spirits and a jar of Fantales seems to be the only premium the J lounge offers over the QP.

 

[RooFlyer]

Flew from OOL to MEL on 29/4 in J, no catering loaded.

But catering wouldn't have been loaded in OOL anyway, would it? It would have been loaded in MEL for both sectors; so presumably no catering either way.

If so, there was time for Qantas to inform pax on OOL-MEL to 'self cater' if they wanted to.

Irrespective, Qantas continues to treat its passengers with contempt.

 

[TheInsider]

Irrespective, Qantas continues to treat its passengers with contempt.

I guess it would just be easier to cancel the flight so catering can the play catch up due to their low staffing levels.