Domestic Economy in Australia - as good as it gets?

[dajop]

I was reflecting, sitting on a 3.5hr US airways domestic flight last week - is there any better place to fly economy domestically than in Australia? I don't mean this in any sort of patriotic sense, just based on experience. Reading AFF over the years and reading the various gripes (including those that I have thought about myself from time to time - but not necessarily written down), can't help but think that we're a spoilt bunch, and it ain't all that bad, even on Jetstar (!)

Although my AU dom flights have reduced drastically in the last 3 years due to moving outside of Australia, when I do come back it all just seems all so pleasant. At least compared to my main points of reference - China and USA...

Some of the things that come to mind:
- Efficient boarding processes that are relatively quick
- Food. For sale or not. Even on Jetstar you can get fresh food on short flights (ie those that are less than 3.5hrs). I noticed on my US airways (meal time) flight that even First pax could not get a meal as the flight was a mere 3.5 hrs in length - not over 3.5hrs, and Y pax could (maybe) buy a very small range of processed cough, nothing like what is on offer on JQ or DJ menus for purchase on much shorter flights.
- Airports that are like, well airports, rather than railway stations at peak hour
- Lounges that are pleasant, have good food & beverage selection, and are more than just oversized closets (except regional lounges, but that's OK)
- Car rentals that are on-site and don't require shuttles (at least for airports with traffic levels comparable to SYD/MEL)
- Security that isn't overburdensome

Putting aside elite upgrades, perhaps the one thing missing is more legroom seats for elites. Seen that in US and China. I am sure there are other things too. But I am struggling to think of somewhere where domestic economy travel is actually better unless you fly at a level that gets you in the forward cabin just about every time.

IRC my two flights in South Africa were quite good (but that was a few years ago), and India used to be pretty good, but cost cutting there has taken it's toll. Can any one think of somewhere that is better?

 

[JohnK]

I would normally agree with you dajop but sometimes things do not go according to plan. Especially if one is pre-allocated 4A and as soon as you get to your seat you know the flight is going to be a nightmare. And it was.

The person in 4B was very solid and did not allow me to have any room in 4A even though there are dividers between seats. His elbows were on both armrests. And not just the elbows, but forearms, upper arms and shoulders. At no point in time did he even try to stick to the space of his seat. I could not sit back and I found some comfort leaning forward but towards the end of the flight I could not even put the tip of my elbow in the front of the armreast as he had taken over the whole of the armrest by that time.

Now what did I say about people sitting in row 4 and knowing how to behave?

 

[under the radar]

i think all australians should be given a 'free' domestic flight in the U.S to give them a 'reality check' as to how good we really do have it in OZ.... :mrgreen:

 

[lovestotravel]

Yep we have some of the best economy service going

A flight between say MEL-SYD in the morning or evening on Qantas with a full meal and drink service, is a great experience

 

[straitman]

i think all australians should be given a 'free' domestic flight in the U.S to give them a 'reality check' as to how good we really do have it in OZ.... :mrgreen:

Could a free domestic flight on Tiger be used as a substitute :?:

 

[kpc]

Cf to US airlines, QF domwstic flighrs are great. Some if the Asian domestic flights are not bad too but NOT significantly better than QF...the current FA serving me on board QF, greeted every pax by name!

 

[smeacs]

I think Aus is very good, however last year when i was in Canada i took a flight from Calgary to Vancouver ad was blown away with how good it all was.

However i think this may be more of a reflection of Air Canada than Canadian domestic flying in general.

 

[trooper]

A reflection of numbers travelling too I would imagine...

SYD can be a nightmare.. and many US airports are as busy or worse...

Compare the experience travelling from regional US airports like ABQ and the experience is much better IMO...

Onboard? For short flights don't rteally care that much.. longer (>3 hours) one can often get a YUPP type fare and fly up frint much cheaper than one can here... On my last trip I paid $300 and change for JFK-PHX... and had a surprisingly good meal (on a newish and clean A321).. and that was on US!!!!

 

[Mal]

Yep, Things are pretty good. Many people forget this.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I think a bit depends on how you want to limit 'domestic'. Intra-Asia is much the same and you get a hot meal and free alcoholic drinks on just about every flight. Same for intra-Eruope - might only be a sarnie but its usually ok - and can be washed down with a G and T or glass of wine! In terms of lounges i would say European ones are better than most of the Qantas clubs.

Purely domestic - yeah Australia beats the USA. But i personally prefer the AAdmirals clubs to QF Clubs.

 

[Boris spatsky]

Yep, domestic Y here is great. Domestic US sucks. Ryanair/Easyjet sucks. Simple.

 

[Kolo]

But i personally prefer the AAdmirals clubs to QF Clubs.

You're kidding? You must like pretzels, bad coffee and limit yourself to one drink. If you want a shower you don't get a toothbrush or razor. I can't think of one reason that AAdmirals are better than QF.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

You're kidding? You must like pretzels, bad coffee and limit yourself to one drink. If you want a shower you don't get a toothbrush or razor. I can't think of one reason that AAdmirals are better than QF.

Drinks are unlimited, and free at AA clubs. The 'food' is better at the QF club, but it's still pretty basic. We've had the same brie wheel cut into squares since the beginning of time. The AA lounge at DFW D concourse (I think) is a great lounge, good views, furniture that isn't tatty, and nice comfortable sofas. I always carry my own toothbrush and stuff so i guess that's not so much of an issue.

 

[Kolo]

Drinks are unlimited, and free at AA clubs.

What's your secret? At both DFW and LAX AA, i was given a voucher for one drink. After that it was for purchase. There's urns of free bad American coffee and juice, but any alcohol or good coffee needed the voucher or cash.

 

[JohnK]

You're kidding? You must like pretzels, bad coffee and limit yourself to one drink. If you want a shower you don't get a toothbrush or razor. I can't think of one reason that AAdmirals are better than QF.

I have never been limited to 1 drink in the AAdmirals Clubs. Just go back and ask for more drink vouchers....

 

[Cabbage]

JetBlue and Virgin Amercia come to mind as being right up there (in many ways, better) than what we offer here domestically

 

[MEL_Traveller]

What's your secret? At both DFW and LAX AA, i was given a voucher for one drink. After that it was for purchase. There's urns of free bad American coffee and juice, but any alcohol or good coffee needed the voucher or cash.

As JohkK points out - you can always ask for more. And AA recently started a free beverage service with house spirits. I haven't tried those as I just ask for more vouchers. But generally a few drinks are enough

 

[ReLoad]

The big thing we don't have downunder is the depth of competition

 

[under the radar]

The big thing we don't have downunder is the depth of competition

Australias population cannot support a multitude of carriers... OZ population 22,800,000ish... USA population 313,300,000ish

 

[Timba-Jet]

When you put things into perspective, getting served a complimentary hot meal (granted only between 6-8pm) and wine/beer on a 1 hour city flyer flight that can cost as little as $85, that's pretty good in my book.