Drinks Policy on domestic

[Canny man]

I am confused and a little irritated.
Last week:

Perth - Sydney 2.50pm - glass of red in Y, no problem
Brisbane - Sydney 3.15pm - asked for a glass of red - $6 as only complementary after 4pm.
Sydney - Brisbane 4.05pm on Saturday , ah I thought, I'll have a wine, only to be told '$6 as its not complementary on weekends'.

After doing two J, and one Y East Coast to Perth trips and 2 BNE-SYD returns in 7 days, it would be nice to think that QF could shout me a red late on a Saturday afternoon.

 

[Mal]

Yeah, the inconsistency is annoying. But what happened is correct (in Economy)

Beer and wine is served from 4pm on Cityflyer flights on weekdays (and after noon on Perth services every day).

Sometimes staff will give free drinks on weekends, esp. if the plane is late... but it's pretty rare.

 

[simongr]

I think the weekend thing is the worst one as most of the times that I have flown on a Sunday have been evening flights and for work - exactly the same as my week day flights except I lose my weekend...

 

[oz_mark]

All is correct according to policy.

Complimentary refreshments are included on all flights so that you enjoy a full service experience. Beer and wine is served from 4pm on Cityflyer flights on weekdays (and after noon on Perth services every day).

\

http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/domestic-inflight-dining/global/en#economy

(Presume it relates to the more business related flights!)

 

[OverrideServlet]

After doing two J, and one Y East Coast to Perth trips and 2 BNE-SYD returns in 7 days, it would be nice to think that QF could shout me a red late on a Saturday afternoon.

In defence of the cabin crew, they aren't really to know your recent flight history, so they likely do not have the ability to use their discretion here.

 

[simongr]

All is correct according to policy.

http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/domestic-inflight-dining/global/en#economy

(Presume it relates to the more business related flights!)

It may be in line with policy but that doesn't make the policy right...

 

[oz_mark]

It may be in line with policy but that doesn't make the policy right...

What makes the policy right or wrong?

There was a time not so long ago when there was no free alcoholic beverages on any route (pre CityFlyer).

 

[Canny man]

I know its policy now, and have no gripe with the cabin crew (I didn't make a fuss) who volunteered that they often get passenger feedback that the different policies confuse.

As to knowing your history, BMI in the UK seem to get by fine with a policy where drinks are charged but are comped on sight of a high tier FF card.

On the positive side, at least its not like Ryan Air where the staff spend all thier time punting scratch-cards

 

[Warks]

What makes the policy right or wrong?

There was a time not so long ago when there was no free alcoholic beverages on any route (pre CityFlyer).

Post the Ansett collapse we were lucky to get a poke in the eye! (with a breadstick).

 

[oz_mark]

Post the Ansett collapse we were lucky to get a poke in the eye! (with a breadstick).

Too true. I remember many flights where I got a pack of breadsticks and salsa as my refreshment!

Also, flying between Sydney and Perth, prior to it becoming a CityFlyer route, paying for wine and beer!

 

[moa999]

and still paying on Sydney-Darwin flights which are not CityFlyer (only Perth-Darwin is)

 

[Pushka]

Drinks were free in Economy Adl to Perth last Friday from 2.30pm.

 

[OverrideServlet]

As to knowing your history, BMI in the UK seem to get by fine with a policy where drinks are charged but are comped on sight of a high tier FF card.

Comping drinks due to status is quite different to comping drinks due to recent flight activity; which is what you outlined in your OP.

Don't get me wrong, I think some consistency and recognition are in order here (and I don't even drink that much). I'm just pointing out that what you encountered is kind of standard as far as Qantas goes.

 

[serfty]

...
Also, flying between Sydney and Perth, prior to it becoming a CityFlyer route, paying for wine and beer!

But there's paying, and there's PAYING.

In the late 90's a beer onboard was $2 and a wine/spirit (remember them?) was $3; I can remeber $1 and $2!

IIRC "CityFlyer" was introduced when Qantas were looking to go economy only as a sop to business travellers.

Indeed, the first QF 73H's were ordered in October 2001 to have an "All-Economy" configuration.

 

[oz_mark]

Indeed, the first QF 73H's were ordered in October 2001 to have an "All-Economy" configuration.

...and Jetstar was was born, with one reason being brand damage inflicted on Qantas as it went downmarket to compete with DJ. :shock:

 

[mannej]

Just out of curiosity (and probably OT) does Emirates still charge for certain alcoholic beverages in Y?

 

[simongr]

There have been instances when I havent paid for drinks when I should have...

In reference to the policy being right or wrong - I think it is a silly and confusing policy and the average punter wouldnt know what to expect. It is like saying: if you are flying SYD-MEL before 4PM you have 1 checked back but after 4PM it is two checked bags. It is not simple or clear for the pax.

 

[markis10]

Indeed, the first QF 73H's were ordered in October 2001 to have an "All-Economy" configuration.

BNE-KTA still is all Y.

 

[serfty]

BNE-KTA still is all Y.

What the intention was to have 30 rows of 3x3 seating on the 73H's.

The first few were delivered with 8 AA first/Business class at the front - the idea was to remove these and install 3 rows of slimline economy seating. In the end they were replaced with the Millennium style seats we see today.

In 2002 I remember flying Economy in 1C OOL-MEL on on VXA - stood out with the blue leather seat.

 

[Archphoto]

I remember something similar on a BNE-SYD flight. Another passenger asked for a beer, and when he queried why he had to pay "Isn't this a Cityflyer/" (it was after 3:30pm), was told "I'm sorry sir, but this flight isn't classed as a Cityflyer."

Admittedly that was quite a while ago, but I was quite amazed that such a distance wasn't classified as such either. (And I settled for water - $6.00 for a tiny can of local beer?? Forget it!)