Business Lounges closed 26 December 2012 to 6 January 2013

[under the radar]

Okay.. I'm done. Time to unsubscribe from the thread...

AFF is a smorgasbord for those studying 'the social and behavioral sciences'

 

[docjames]

"Carpets steam cleaned" requiring a two week closure - that could have been done in a single night......


To me, the issue here isn't so much the lounge closure, it's the continual "mushroom principle" Qantas seems to treat it's customers with. I prefer businesses who are upfront.

(For those not familiar with the mushroom principle, they are kept in the dark and fed something otherwise unpalatable......)

 

[The Rok]

But if Qantas had said prior to the closure "in order to save costs we are closing our Business Lounges for a few days over Christmas" then basically EVERY frequent flyer on here would be screaming blue murder and calling for Alan Joyce to be fired.

They just can't win with you lot.

 

[samh004]

But if Qantas had said prior to the closure "in order to save costs we are closing our Business Lounges for a few days over Christmas" then basically EVERY frequent flyer on here would be screaming blue murder and calling for Alan Joyce to be fired.

They just can't win with you lot.

But they wouldn't have said that, they'd have put a spin on it, such as "with less travelling, Business lounges are closing, which will allow more staff to spend time with their families over this holiday period". It's more the truth than the maintenance line, and is agreeable with my conscience

 

[defurax]

But they wouldn't have said that, they'd have put a spin on it, such as "with less travelling, Business lounges are closing, which will allow more staff to spend time with their families over this holiday period". It's more the truth than the maintenance line, and is agreeable with my conscience

But then they would have closed the Chairman lounges too, no?

 

[UP4014]

AFF is a smorgasbord for those studying 'the social and behavioral sciences'

It is indeed. Sometimes the smaller the issue the larger the thread for some reason.

 

[samh004]

But then they would have closed the Chairman lounges too, no?

I don't know how many staff they take to operate, and in any case, they might have, but no one piped up about it

Though I'm sure they wouldn't have the CL and J lounges closed at the same time... can't have a CL member wandering into a QP

 

[defurax]

... can't have a CL member wandering into a QP

Maybe a Green MP, apparently they like the pleb...or so they say on TV...

 

[markis10]

.. can't have a CL member wandering into a QP

They do in Darwin and Hobart on a regular basis

 

[samh004]

They do in Darwin and Hobart on a regular basis

And in many other spots where there's no CL

 

[RWJ777]

Man this is a tough crowd. Most Australian businesses close during the Xmas/NY slow time. Qantas dares to do the same and gets blasted from all sides. I flew from Perth on the 29th December and there was about 3 cats and a dog in the QP (ie almost no one), returned from Sydney on Jan 1 and similar so what is the issue. Is it really anyone else's business why they shut down ? I suspect I'll get shot down in flames as seems to be the way of this forum lately.

The J lounges are a much publicised benefit to both WP status and J class travel itself; I take your point but I think to close them down on the premise, seemingly exaggerated, of maintenance is a bit much. If, however, the marketing for both WP and J class fares were to indicate that during the Christmas-New Year period, this benefit was not available, then I think that would be much more acceptable.

 

[Ansett]

I am currently sat in the Melbourne J lounge and have also had a good tour to check out the maintenance and have to say NOT IMPRESSED seems like nothing has been done atall.

Discussed with staff and advised that the lounge had been painted, suggest they ask for money back,

Some chairs have been replaced,

can see no evidence of bathrooms being deep cleaned and regrouted

Floor tiles around the servery have not been cleaned as promised, carpets do not appear to have been cleaned.

later advised by the staff that the work was done mainly in the kitchens!

Now let me say I have no issue with QF closing the lounge during a quiet period and thus enable staff to have time off over the festive however, what does irk me is the BS that is spread around about why it was closed when it was primarily a cost cutting exercise. cant wait to see the J lounge in Sydney in a few hours

 

[reductionist]

later advised by the staff that the work was done mainly in the kitchens!

Don't the MEL QP & J lounges share the same kitchen?

I was not affected by the lounge closures so I have nothing of substance to add regarding whether or not QF was truthful about the maintenance. However, I do agree with docjames and co that QF has developed a seemingly long-term inability to be upfront with their customers.

If they closed the lounges because it's a quiet period and they wanted to save money, fine, just say that. The resulting rage from taking this line is typically a lot less than when people think you're trying to save money AND pull the wool over their eyes.

I would point to Internode as a company who participates well in social media (esp. whirlpool) and is always up front with their customers.

 

[TheInsider]

I don't know how many times it needs to be said, but Qantas staffing wasn't reduced at all. They have the same or less amount of staff going on leave than other times of the year.

 

[docjames]

I don't know how many times it needs to be said, but Qantas staffing wasn't reduced at all. They have the same or less amount of staff going on leave than other times of the year.

So where were all the J lounge staff?

 

[moa999]

No doubt dealing with all the once a year travellers with a lot more luggage than your average J lounger.

Honestly this thread has gone on long enough.
The lounges were closed. QF says it was maintenance.
Some here refuse to accept it.

End.

 

[TheInsider]

So where were all the J lounge staff?

Qantas Club, International Business Lounge, International First Suite check-in, Domestic check-in, International check-in, Domestic hosting etc etc.

 

[docjames]

No doubt dealing with all the once a year travellers with a lot more luggage than your average J lounger.

Honestly this thread has gone on long enough.
The lounges were closed. QF says it was maintenance.
Some here refuse to accept it.

End.

Perhaps also add - little or no maintenance was actually done. :-|

 

[nlagalle]

Perhaps also add - little or no maintenance was actually done. :-|

we don't know what was/wasn't done, and to be honest I don't care either way. Yes i travelled on boxing day so no J lounge access, but really did it bother me? no it didn't. I got breakfast, barista coffee and bourbon and dry in the afternoon. ok the decor wasn't as nice as the J lounge but for a short period, no big deal. seriously a #firstworldproblem #yawn.

 

[docjames]

Ok, you all win.

I'll always believe everything qantas says because they are always right, and it doesn't matter even when they don't tell the truth anyway.


Sheesh.