Ok, so why does everyone continue to bag Qantas?

[munitalP]

I fly, way too much it would seem, being a Platinum QF FF, an ex Gold Elite with Air NZ (now only a plebe) and for the life of me, I cannot understand the reason so many people on this website continue to bag Qantas. Sure, I've had my share of late departures (the 5.30 Syd / Melb a classic example), late arrivals (I sat on the runway in Adelaide for nearly a day once after a long haul due to fog and other things in Melbourne delayed landing), and I have had more than my share of luggage misused and abused compliments of the ground staff in most Australian Airports - however, I take the good with the bad and continue to fly with Qantas. Why? A simple answer, I have flown with most major airlines across the world, I have been at the top with Star Alliance Air Points schemes yet when all is said and done, Qantas still gives the best service of all the others.

I enjoy the Qantas Club lounges and the Business / First class lounges, I enjoy checking in First, I like the yellow luggage tags (or white if it's operated by BA), I like the frequent upgrades given, I like double frequent flyer points I earn, I like being treated with a reasonable amount of respect (once they know the emerald / platinum status)...

I have far more likes than dislikes...

Those of you who complain, look close at what you are complaining about... From what I have read so far today, most of these issues would be solves by either using a travel agent to book your flights, by simply reading the terms and conditions of the fare you are purchasing or by simply proof reading your bookings before pressing the accept button on screen!

I have just earned my 1200 status points for yet another year as a platinum frequent flyer, so, tomorrow when saying "HI" to Graham the barman at the Qantas Club in Sydney, I will enjoy a cold Heineken and something to snack on and remind myself how lucky I am to be an Australian with an airline that is an Icon in the aviation world...

 

[Altair]

I too do not mind Qantas.
I do not really have the opportunity to fly Virgin Blue (Pacific & Polynesian inc) but compared to NZ I will try QF anytime.
I think the main gripes with QF is that there has been a degradation in service and told they are "enhancements". The QF FFP is poor when compared to AA, which is why some are using them instead. If QF had more award tickets in the premium cabin and their redemption rates was better then many grumbling swould probably disappear.
Unfortunately I do not see QF returning to their "good days" there will be more downgrade of service to JQ, little change to the number of premium seats for awards, and the QP will not get decent or adequate catering.
Overall though QF is a good airline and for most is trying to avoid the path of the US legacy carriers and its FF are not quite like the lemmings that will support their national carrier regardless of how poor they treat them.

 

[simongr]

I too am a pretty happy QF flyer. My gripes are only the FF program rewards (seeming a bit pointless). I have been pretty happy with the food in J int'l (I dont fly domestic unless I have to - and do my best to upgrade if I do).

I am not convinced by the service on board in J - not particularly great - but compared to US Domestic in First.....

One thing that is a gripe is the food in the QP - breakfast is great (mind you bacon and eggs would be a level above an enhancement) but afternoon snacks are shocking (I am damn sick of cold meat and feta cheese).

S

 

[NM]

I am quite happy with Qantas as an airline and have no issues with their service or the in-flight experience. There are some airlines that provide an even better experience, but in general I find QF are good to fly with.

I do have issues with their current FF scheme as I believe it does not represent good value when compared with other options.

 

[oz_mark]

In an overall sense, I am happy with Qantas, and I continue to choose to fly with them. I have had more positive experiences with them than negative, and I have probably commended them more than criticise.

But, I will comment on my experiences with them in particular situations, both good and bad, if I feel it appropriate.

As for recent comments about a typo in my name on a booking, I don't think it should be interpreted as a complaint - more that in my experience they don't change names on paid bookings.

Also, bear in mind that in some cases people have genuine gripes, and these should be brought to the attention of Qantas. Only by bringing complaints can they address issues that they may have in some aspect of their service delivery.

 

[garyjohn951]

I am one that has recently bagged Qantas but I need to clarify, it is their International I am talking about, not domestic. Just missed on WP last yr, so fly a bit and 90% of domestic on time, lounges good, beer good, checkin excellent and with baggage allowances that tend not to have limit [ again domestically], excellent.
However International is another story.
1. They state on thier web site that AVOD is on ALL flights to London, Hong Kong. NO TRUE. QF29 only every 2nd flight.
2. Tell me if on QF or CX or BA would you get a bowl of tin fruit and 2 pcs of toast for breakfast on a 9 hour flight. Answer QF29 to HK.
3. I did NY-LAX on then changed to LAX-MEL. This is a tight change, so I queried 4 times that baggage would be transfered ok. Got told very rarely does it not. Guess what, arrived in MEL, no luggage, went to desk and first question was "you on LAX flight". They told me it is a regular happening. As it was a friday flight and I had items for customs, it took until tueday to get.
If they told the truth I would have flown LAX-SYD-MEL, which I did suggest when I originally queries but was told "no need to do that sir, it is rare".
4. The CX lounges in Hong Kong have enough seating, hot food, etc etc, compared to the sardine BA/QF lounge.
If I can I fly CX where possible and then Qantas. As Gold I lose points but CX is much better.

 

[Wunala Dreaming]

1. They state on thier web site that AVOD is on ALL flights to London, Hong Kong. NO TRUE. QF29 only every 2nd flight.

Could you kindly point to where you found this statement garyjohn951?

Thanks,
Wunala Dreaming

 

[maninblack]

I really like Qantas and overall they are a top carrier. My bad experiences are few and far between. What concerns me is their general failure to keep pace with others, or really to remain ahead. Their ageing aircraft being examples of this. I am a regular traveler to HNL and we have always had to suffer the coughpiest planes in the fleet, when I have done LHR, LAX, HKG etc, no complaints. The 743's I suffered twice to Rome (via Dubai) a few years ago (before the refits) were a total disgrace and of course I told Qantas so. Even the flight crew were emabarrassed by the state of the aircraft. A quality outfit should not let things degrade so far. Skybed is an okay product and like all the J class products out their has its strengths and weaknesses.

The apparent protection QF recieves Australia-USA also really annoys me. Just hope Virgin (blue, red, pacific, green or whatever) gets slots on this route one day and starts a good'ol fare war.

Most recent flight to NZ in J, service was outstanding. I rate QF as consistently very good.

Airlines flown...from memory.

Qantas
JAL
BA
Austrian
Air France
JAT
EL AL
Singapore
Cathay
Thai
Air New Zealand
KLM
Icelandair
SAS
Delta
Air Canada
BWIA
AA
SWA
America West
Alaskan
United
Hawaiian
Aloha
Continental
Air Vanautu
Air Pacific


and others now departed including

Ansett
TAA
Australian
Sabena
CP
Hughes
Braniff
PSA
Pan Am
BOAC

 

[freqbugsmasher]

I may not fly as much as some ppl in this forum on 'real' QF metal, (a BA-146 seems to be the most common plane that I get on with the 'Roo on the tail). I can't say I've really had a bad flight on QF. My airtime is on average 90% domestic, and of that 50% is would be flights inside WA.

American carriers, on the other hand, well don't even get me started. The LOTFAP badged FF program rewards may be better but I still prefer QF levels of service.

 

[justinbrett]

Out of the Qantas group, I mainly fly on three airlines:
Qantas Mainline (80%)
Qantaslink National Jet (10%)
Qantaslink Sunstate

Have to say, Sunstate has, without fail, displayed outstanding service each and every time I've flown with them. Quite often it is just a single flight attendant. Also find the pilots usually friendly and make regular PAs.

National Jet are OK, quite similar to mainline - but have got a much better system for drinks (alcohol) service. I guess serving the NT and Northern Queensland, that's a requirement!

Mainline are quite good - no specific complaints. I always feel like I'm troubling them when I ask for a drink etc outside of the meal service - and they certainly don't seem to make themselves available (pressing the call button or going to the galley are your best bets).

Also, I swear 9 times out of 10 when the pilots make a PA I can't hear a word they are saying (and working in aviation I'm usually interested in what they have to say).

As for the Qantas Club - well I joined for the alcohol and I've never been disappointed there. The food is probably the only let down (but is good on occasion) and never seems to have enough seating.

 

[NM]

Could you kindly point to where you found this statement garyjohn951?

Thanks,
Wunala Dreaming

Currently shown at Flying with Us - In the Air - Entertainment - International is the following text:

Audio and Video on Demand is now showing on all flights to Mumbai and Tokyo from Sydney, to Hong Kong from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, to Shanghai and Beijing from Sydney and Melbourne, and to Singapore from Adelaide, Darwin and Brisbane.

Since the recent changes for A330 aircraft, we know this statement is now incorrect. For example some flights to Hong Kong from Melbourne are operated by 744 (not guarantee AVOD), and from Brisbane and Perth are now back to 767-300 aircraft. Flight to Singapore from Darwin are going from 767 to A320 operated by JetStar Asia. So it certainly is misleading at best, and I would say incorrect advertising.

I understand the reasoning behind the changes, but they need to update their web site to reflect the current situation.

 

[drron]

Probably some of us bag qantas because it is horses for courses.I do not fly enough to get real status with QF.With mrsdrron we fly BNE-JFK in J every 8 months on average.This means at most we made silver in QFF.Consequently have never had an upgrade on QF.Added to which they really did their best to annoy me.Refused admission to lounge in LAX even though paid J and life member of QP.Then being unable to seat me next to mrsdrron even though we had preassigned seats.Wrote to QF and am still waiting a reply.
Then JAL from BNE-JFK is slightly less time than QF,had their shell seats across pacific well before QF and last but not least a J fare that it is at least 30% less than QF.
Travel on JAL gets me AA points but not status.Despite that on first award on AA get upgraded to F across pacific.Already over 25% of way to lifetime gold on AA and after next years challenge will get to platinum.No way could I do this on QF.
However on service QF generally are superior to AA though I have struck some QF crews having a bad day and an AA crew who were fantastic.If however I were doing a lot of domestic flying and a few overseas business trips it probably would alter the equation.For now QF is just not right for me.

 

[Mal]

Welcome to AFF, munitalP.

An interesting first post - definately one to stir up the hornets a little

Personally I'm undecided with Qantas. I love to fly them and fly them where possible (except to a few places where there are better airlines), but feel like they screw me over wherever possible. Fuel fines, the reduction of FF benefits, the trashing of Qantas brand in Australia/overseas (to replace with Jetstar) and several other things make me dislike Qantas, and wonder what my FF membership will be worth in a few years.

I think AFF is a great place and hope you continue to read posts and contribute. While Qantas may be "slagged off against" quite a bit, I think it is in context with the experience of posters here. Most comments aren't "I want Qantas to fix this now" but more sharing experiences and seeking advice on various aspects of the flying experience.

 

[v8Statesman]

American carriers, on the other hand, well don't even get me started. The LOTFAP badged FF program rewards may be better but I still prefer QF levels of service.

Yeah. I will never forget the Safety talk on AA. THE FA's are here by law and for your safety. They have a job to-do, they may get around to getting you a drink (if you are lucky)

Not worded like that obviously, but that is the point they make.

 

[garyjohn951]

It is interesting, NM has one of the quotes from the Qantas website, the 2nd page that I went to to the information that said xx_ to YYY, was 100% avod has disappeared in the matter of days. Obviously Qantas read these pages.
To Wunala Dreaming, also on the flight QF29 on the front of the Entertainment guige it said ONLY 12 of our 747's have avod. The entertainment webpage says they will be converted by January 2007 [29 I believe, could be wrong] Boy that is a lot of planes in the workshop over the next 2 months...........................

 

[Wunala Dreaming]

garyjohn951, I flew aboard QF176 during July and QF were stating that 12 of their aircraft have AVOD - obviously incorrect (if they are still saying 12) as my current information suggests 17 aircraft now have the AVOD system. All 744s will not have the system by January 2007 - another mistake Qantas has failed to pick up on.

A number of weeks back, QF 29/30 was operated by AVOD fitted 747-400s around 5-7 times weekly. This has changed with it being around 3-4 times weekly now. Now wouldn't it be funny if Qantas did indeed become aware of its own mistakes about AVOD from this website

Qantas also need to remove "Darwin-Singapore". QF81/2 is now non-stop, with only the 767-300 until the end of October, before Jetstar (3K) commence services. QF also need to add that it is available on Melbourne-Tokyo and Perth-Singapore. It might be better not to that have that little bit of information at all if they can't even get it right

Geez, us AFFs would have the QF website mistake free in a flash :shock:

Cheers

 

[Skyring]

I sat on the runway in Adelaide for nearly a day once after a long haul due to fog and other things in Melbourne delayed landing

Wow, that's a world-class snit! I'm surprised security didn't come and cart you away.

 

[JohnK]

Mostly happy with Qantas.

Only gripes are with the ridiculous fuel surcharge (oh when oh when will they realise that this an operating expense and include it in base fare) and the continuing shift of services to Jetstar (I must remember not to use the word service and Jetstar in the same sentence).

 

[thadocta]

4. The CX lounges in Hong Kong have enough seating, hot food, etc etc, compared to the sardine BA/QF lounge.
If I can I fly CX where possible and then Qantas. As Gold I lose points but CX is much better.

As a Gold FF you are entitled to use any OneWorld lounge when your next onward flight is on a OneWorld carrier. So even if your next flight is on QF, you can access the CX lounges.

Dave

 

[Skyring]

Standards vary according to aircraft and crew. I used to hang out on a site that allowed members to review flights and I was struck by the wide differences in ratings. It seemed that a bad crew could turn a normally excellent sector into the flight from hell.

My experience is limited compared to some here. Overall, my experience with Qantas is that they have high standards and they generally hit them. To put it another way, disasters rarely happen, and when they do, Qantas will do their best to fix.

Cathay Pacific is my airline of choice. Economy is as good as Qantas, and Business is a lot better. Their lounges in Hong Kong just blow me away.

British Airways is on par with Qantas IMO, perhaps with a wider range of service. (range as in bell curve).

Air New Zealand, much the same, slipped a little in recent years, but still a quality product.

American Airlines, definitely a cut below Qantas, but then again I've had some magic flights with them, even in Economy.

Aer Lingus was disappointing, maybe they are better on longhaul.

Having said all the above, it may be that people complain about the bad experiences, but rarely talk about the times when service is as expected or a little above. Newspapers don't get rich on good news stories - it's the disasters that get people reading.

Qantas does a good job overall, and their safety record is superb. Bottom line for me is that they are a dependable service.