Newbie - Thoughts on Qantas Service

[Timba-Jet]

Hi All

I've been using this forum for some tips on future travel, and thought its about time I join and say Hi.

I know there are very mix views on Qantas, especially compared to our Asian neighbour airlines. My personal experience has been on the majority very positive.

I have been a QC-Silver since 2006, with renewal due in Feb (not even close to Gold), mostly due to work flights SYD-BNE. With work tightening belts in 2008, I was only on 160 SC in Nov 08, when QF renewed my Silver status until Feb 2010 .

Like some other QFFs I got offered the double SCs from April-Jun 09 . Perfect timing as I have a AKL-SYD trip, and SYD-LAX/SFO-SYD trip planned in June, my first venture outside of Aust/Asia region.
I also got offerred double SC in Dec 2007, to help me re-qualify for Silver.

I have not encountered overly rude or unpleasant FAs, long call centre wait times etc that others have. That said, the only other airlines I travelled with are DJ (I like their flair), JQ (domestic, Int & Jet*Asia), Vietnam Airlines and Air-Asia.

So hopefully my postive experiences with the flying kangaroo continues. Finally any advice to survive the 14hr economy flight to the US?
SYD-LAX on A380
SFO-SYD on B747

Cheers
T-Jet

 

[codash1099]

Hi All

I've been using this forum for some tips on future travel, and thought its about time I join and say Hi.

I know there are very mix views on Qantas, especially compared to our Asian neighbour airlines. My personal experience has been on the majority very positive.

I have been a QC-Silver since 2006, with renewal due in Feb (not even close to Gold), mostly due to work flights SYD-BNE. With work tightening belts in 2008, I was only on 160 SC in Nov 08, when QF renewed my Silver status until Feb 2010 .

Like some other QFFs I got offered the double SCs from April-Jun 09 . Perfect timing as I have a AKL-SYD trip, and SYD-LAX/SFO-SYD trip planned in June, my first venture outside of Aust/Asia region.
I also got offerred double SC in Dec 2007, to help me re-qualify for Silver.

I have not encountered overly rude or unpleasant FAs, long call centre wait times etc that others have. That said, the only other airlines I travelled with are DJ (I like their flair), JQ (domestic, Int & Jet*Asia), Vietnam Airlines and Air-Asia.

So hopefully my postive experiences with the flying kangaroo continues. Finally any advice to survive the 14hr economy flight to the US?
SYD-LAX on A380
SFO-SYD on B747

Cheers
T-Jet

Welcome to AFF!

I agree with your general comments on Qantas' level of service. In my limited experience, they are pretty good in comparison with their competitors.

I have no experience of the A380, but my general approach to long economy trips is to stock up on Temazapan :shock:

 

[straitman]

Hi All

I've been using this forum for some tips on future travel, and thought its about time I join and say Hi.

I know there are very mix views on Qantas, especially compared to our Asian neighbour airlines. My personal experience has been on the majority very positive.

I have been a QC-Silver since 2006, with renewal due in Feb (not even close to Gold), mostly due to work flights SYD-BNE. With work tightening belts in 2008, I was only on 160 SC in Nov 08, when QF renewed my Silver status until Feb 2010 .

Like some other QFFs I got offered the double SCs from April-Jun 09 . Perfect timing as I have a AKL-SYD trip, and SYD-LAX/SFO-SYD trip planned in June, my first venture outside of Aust/Asia region.
I also got offerred double SC in Dec 2007, to help me re-qualify for Silver.

I have not encountered overly rude or unpleasant FAs, long call centre wait times etc that others have. That said, the only other airlines I travelled with are DJ (I like their flair), JQ (domestic, Int & Jet*Asia), Vietnam Airlines and Air-Asia.

So hopefully my postive experiences with the flying kangaroo continues. Finally any advice to survive the 14hr economy flight to the US?
SYD-LAX on A380
SFO-SYD on B747

Cheers
T-Jet

Timba-Jet,

Welcome to AFF.

Over the last year or so there are quite a few reports of QF staff being rude and difficult to deal with. More recently there have been more reports from people who believe they have lifted their game and on most occasions the treatment of customers has improved dramatically. There are still some negatives showing but most agree that things have thankfully improved.

I'm glad you are reporting that your experience has been good, as has mine, because it is so easy for people on these forums to voice only the negatives and then all we hear is a disproportionate story.

 

[Tejas]

up until about 12 months ago i did BNE - MEL return every 3 to 4 weeks. i would normally rock up to MEL with no ticket and buy at the airport. this limited my choice to QANTAS or Virgin - J* does not fly out of MEL.

on the occasions i flew J* i got surly flight attendants who honestly should not be flying at all - as i was flying for work i'd put everything on the Visa and get reimbursed by work once i produce a statement (which was great - bank statements are not itemized )

my standard order on J* would be (depending on the time of day): 2 bourbon and cokes, 1 sandwich and 1 can of pringles with the IFE. i'd pay for all this in 1 go and it turned into such a pain in the cough i wouldn't fly J* anymore.

Virgin have been good, but i just don't appreciate the way they seem to have a low regard for safety. the jokes and shenanigans by the flight crew are really not warranted and perhaps i'm over that anyway.

QF however, have been great. i once rocked up to MEL and brought my ticket as the plane was boarding. the ticket agent called the gate, informed i was coming and that i need a special meal. this was loaded whilst the agent finished the ticket and as i got on board the door was closed right behind me. I have had minor issues with QF but nothing major to concern me.

all this is based on domestic travel but in 10 days i'm off to JFK on QF so i'll see after that

 

[Durin's Bane]

Hi All

I've been using this forum for some tips on future travel, and thought its about time I join and say Hi.

I know there are very mix views on Qantas, especially compared to our Asian neighbour airlines. My personal experience has been on the majority very positive.

I have been a QC-Silver since 2006, with renewal due in Feb (not even close to Gold), mostly due to work flights SYD-BNE. With work tightening belts in 2008, I was only on 160 SC in Nov 08, when QF renewed my Silver status until Feb 2010 .

Like some other QFFs I got offered the double SCs from April-Jun 09 . Perfect timing as I have a AKL-SYD trip, and SYD-LAX/SFO-SYD trip planned in June, my first venture outside of Aust/Asia region.
I also got offerred double SC in Dec 2007, to help me re-qualify for Silver.

I have not encountered overly rude or unpleasant FAs, long call centre wait times etc that others have. That said, the only other airlines I travelled with are DJ (I like their flair), JQ (domestic, Int & Jet*Asia), Vietnam Airlines and Air-Asia.

So hopefully my postive experiences with the flying kangaroo continues. Finally any advice to survive the 14hr economy flight to the US?
SYD-LAX on A380
SFO-SYD on B747

Cheers
T-Jet

Welcome Timba-Jet. I find Qantas service to be good as well however my main gripe is that they have exhorbitant pricing for their J and F products compared to other airlines. The aircraft used and service levels do not reflect the greater ticket prices over a CX for example.

 

[Maca44]

Finally any advice to survive the 14hr economy flight to the US?
SYD-LAX on A380
SFO-SYD on B747

Welcome Timba-Jet.

I don't have anywhere near as much problems flying to the USA as the return trip, but in Y class I think you should avoid too much alcohol, drink plenty of water, make sure your ipod is fully charged and have a set of noise cancelling earphones. Then, just click you heals three times and you will be landing. It doesn't matter if you are in F,J or Y, you are still in a pressurised tube for 14 hours, its just much nicer up the front.

 

[dajop]

Welcome and all the best for your upcoming flights to LAX. I find whatever class - set your watch to destination time once on board and try and stick to that (in terms of sleeping etc). Others will have different approaches. Whatever the case, drink lots of water, try and get an aisle seat - in the middle of the aircraft so only one person to climb over you (unless you do sleep heavily on planes or are going to take some medical assistance to sleep in which case a window is OK). Enjoy some movies, go for walks on the plane and don't watch the clock, you'll survive.

As for QF crew, in my experience domestic crew are professional warm and efficient. Do a good job. Internationally, if you get a good crew and they will be the best in the sky without a doubt. Warm, effusive without being robotic. Just that every now and then you get a bad egg crew and boy they are bad. Flying to SYD-SIN-MEL back in Feb (in J) going to SIN we had sourpuss UK based crew servicing us. The rot started when it took them a full 10 minutes to get up from their seats after the seat belt sign was turned off (too busy gossiping), and continued well into the flight when I got a sigh and and eye rolling when I asked for another soft drink after the meal, and then virtually didn't see them for the rest of the flight. Yet on the way back the guy that served us was fantastic, could not have been more pleasant and obliging in a personal way and nothing was too much bother (certainly no visible eye rolls).

On balance the QF crew are pretty good, comparable to and often better than most Asian airlines and certainly better than many other caucasian dominated crews that I've experienced in US and Europe. You will hear complaints because, unfortunately the horry stories are the ones that stick and will be spoken up about, whereas efficient, warm service will not.

 

[notzac]

Welcome Timba-Jet.

I don't have anywhere near as much problems flying to the USA as the return trip, but in Y class I think you should avoid too much alcohol, drink plenty of water, make sure your ipod is fully charged and have a set of noise cancelling earphones. Then, just click you heals three times and you will be landing. It doesn't matter if you are in F,J or Y, you are still in a pressurised tube for 14 hours, its just much nicer up the front.

I second all the above. A few glasses of wine, a sleeping tablet (I recommend Stilnox) and noise cancelling headphones with some relaxing music. If you've got lounge access, eat some food before you go - airplane food is pretty dire in Y.

 

[Grooba]

Welcome to AFF Timba-Jet!

Great to hear your positive feedback regardign QF. I also mostly have good things to say about them regarding most facets of their service. Ahh the SYD FL and massages are just too good!

14HR Y flight? People will go agaist my advice on this one but I'd be having a few drinks on board and then let the drowsyness take over and get a bit of sleep.

Good luck.

 

[Timba-Jet]

Thanks for the Welcomes.

Macc44, dajop, noztac, Vec: Thanks for the flight tips. I dept/arrive on a Friday 1pm/10am, so I intend to make the most of the only Fri night I'll be in LA. I will have some lunch at the QP, a wine or 2 (but not too much as you suggest Macc44) and hopefully that will send me to sleep, and get me into LA time. Usually I find it very hard to sleep on planes, including overnight flights, so hopefully with some rest onboard plus a afternoon nap at the hotel, I will be set for a big Fri night in LA.

Currently leaning towards an Aisle + adjacent seat (traveling with a friend), for ease of getting up to stretch/toilets etc.

Also glad to hear other positive thoughts on QF. Whether I get a great acrew or mediocre one, the $1000 bargain fares to LAX/SFO will do me just fine.
Hopefully soon I will be able to experience my first J flight, but for now it Y or the highway.

 

[wxxnxs]

Hi All

I've been using this forum for some tips on future travel, and thought its about time I join and say Hi.

I know there are very mix views on Qantas, especially compared to our Asian neighbour airlines. My personal experience has been on the majority very positive.

I have been a QC-Silver since 2006, with renewal due in Feb (not even close to Gold), mostly due to work flights SYD-BNE. With work tightening belts in 2008, I was only on 160 SC in Nov 08, when QF renewed my Silver status until Feb 2010 .

Like some other QFFs I got offered the double SCs from April-Jun 09 . Perfect timing as I have a AKL-SYD trip, and SYD-LAX/SFO-SYD trip planned in June, my first venture outside of Aust/Asia region.
I also got offerred double SC in Dec 2007, to help me re-qualify for Silver.

I have not encountered overly rude or unpleasant FAs, long call centre wait times etc that others have. That said, the only other airlines I travelled with are DJ (I like their flair), JQ (domestic, Int & Jet*Asia), Vietnam Airlines and Air-Asia.

So hopefully my postive experiences with the flying kangaroo continues. Finally any advice to survive the 14hr economy flight to the US?
SYD-LAX on A380
SFO-SYD on B747

Cheers
T-Jet

I will never and ever travel with QF again, a lot of people here must query WHY? I admit the first impressure for me is really important, in 2003 my first time in my life to travel from Shanghai-Brisbane via Hongkong, from Hongkong-Brisbane was operated by QF(767-300ER), I had to say that trip was the worst I never had unitl now, there was no service at all during the whole journey, except two meal services, I saw one flight attendant chatting with the passenger all the time,disregard other passengers requests. To compare with most Asian airlines, QF is not at the same level as them. Until now, I only travel with QF once and I believe that will be the only one.

Sorry for my feeling if I displease some FF flyers whom are big fan of QANTAS.

 

[Voyages]

Finally any advice to survive the 14hr economy flight to the US?
SYD-LAX on A380
SFO-SYD on B747

Cheers
T-Jet

You might get lucky (as I did, last year, when I was a PS). I took QF93 MEL-LAX, and got allocated a window seat (first row in whY). My travel companion was a WP, who was sitting in the aisle seat. So we got one seat and a half each.

As reported elsewhere in the forum, QF might have been kind enough to block the middle seat for him, and hence I got to share the benefit

Have you thought of upgrading to J (72,000 points) if you're holding an upgradable fare?

 

[NM]

I will never and ever travel with QF again, a lot of people here must query WHY? I admit the first impressure for me is really important, in 2003 my first time in my life to travel from Shanghai-Brisbane via Hongkong, from Hongkong-Brisbane was operated by QF(767-300ER), I had to say that trip was the worst I never had unitl now, there was no service at all during the whole journey, except two meal services, I saw one flight attendant chatting with the passenger all the time,disregard other passengers requests. To compare with most Asian airlines, QF is not at the same level as them. Until now, I only travel with QF once and I believe that will be the only one.

Wow ...

You really must place a lot of importance on first impressions. One flight six years ago with an inattentive cabin crew and the airline is on your no-fly list :shock:.

With which specific Asian carriers are you comparing your Qantas flight experience? Personally, I have experienced both good and not-so-good cabin service on nearly all the airlines with whom I have travelled. If I refused to fly with every airline on which I have experienced a flight with poor cabin service, I would be running out of choices for future trips.

 

[dajop]

Hopefully soon I will be able to experience my first J flight, but for now it Y or the highway.

Now that is the way to enjoy your Y flight. I must say, I have never had any problems at all with flying Y longhaul .... until my first J longhaul flight.

[and I do remember my first J flight, other than the odd op-up MEL/SYD ... I had just completed a personal trip in whY JFK-LAX-SYD-MEL, was home for no more than 2 hours then flew J for work MEL-SYD-BKK ... so I did do my penance in whY first but the J trip was quite amazing given how I'd spent the previous 26 hrs].