Qantas Delays/Cancellations

[Melburnian1]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

defurax, QF30 has now been delayed until 1800 this evening (Saturday 13 December) departing HKG. One would assume given the day's delay that passengers were put up in hotels overnight if rooms could be found.

QF29 yesterday (Friday 12 December) operated normally arriving HKG at 1724, a minute early.

Perhaps you, defurax, could run a sweep with us all guessing by timeband how long until 'The Age' and 'Herald Sun' are onto this and run stories saying that it is QF's fifth "major" incident in about a week.

There is no indication on the QF website that Saturday's QF29 from MEL to HKG at 1100 or the 1215 QF35 from MEL to SIN will be delayed awaiting an aircraft. Perhaps a QFi A330 is being worked down from SYD, or a domestic A330 used.

 

[defurax]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

defurax, QF30 has now been delayed until 1800 this evening (Saturday 13 December) departing HKG. One would assume given the day's delay that passengers were put up in hotels overnight if rooms could be found.

QF29 yesterday (Friday 12 December) operated normally arriving HKG at 1724, a minute early.

Perhaps you, defurax, could run a sweep with us all guessing by timeband how long until 'The Age' and 'Herald Sun' are onto this and run stories saying that it is QF's fifth "major" incident in about a week.

There is no indication on the QF website that Saturday's QF29 from MEL to HKG at 1100 or the 1215 QF35 from MEL to SIN will be delayed awaiting an aircraft. Perhaps a QFi A330 is being worked down from SYD, or a domestic A330 used.

Yes, passengers were booked into hotels on Hong Kong Island. At the Shangri La for J PAX, not bad. SWMBO told me the aircraft had a problem with an "oxygen system". The aircraft scheduled to operate QF30 was coming from BNE and was already 2 hours late arriving in HKG.

 

[defurax]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

So one would imagine that QF would be used to disruptions and flight cancellations in HKG considering all the typhoons and storms...but apparently not!
This is an update from SWMBO:
"For instance, it took 20 min to leave the lounge, they told us we wouldn't need to pass immigration (we did), told us we didn't need immigration cards (we did), sent us to the wrong elevator and wrong floor. Oh and they said we didn't need to get our luggage and we did. Then they couldn't figure out the coaches, then the driver took us to the wrong hotel."

 

[Melburnian1]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Friday 12 December's QF94 did not depart LAX until 0158 local time on Saturday morning, with the result that it is not due in MEL on Sunday 14 December until 1200, three hours and 20 minutes late, failing to pick up any time on the schedule.

So in yet another what we might term 'enhancement' from the better aircraft utilisation, QF93 from MEL to LAX today is forecast to depart MEL at 1350, an hour and 55 minutes late with a suggested arrival time in LAX at 0905 instead of 0710.

The 744 operated QF108 similarly departed LAX at 0228 on Sat morning instead of its scheduled 2355 but is managing to pick up a bit of time en route, being expected to arrive SYD two hours late at 1135. QF107 back to LAX is therefore delayed departing SYD from its usual 1155 to a suggested 1330.

 

[maomaocat]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

So one would imagine that QF would be used to disruptions and flight cancellations in HKG considering all the typhoons and storms...but apparently not!
This is an update from SWMBO:
"For instance, it took 20 min to leave the lounge, they told us we wouldn't need to pass immigration (we did), told us we didn't need immigration cards (we did), sent us to the wrong elevator and wrong floor. Oh and they said we didn't need to get our luggage and we did. Then they couldn't figure out the coaches, then the driver took us to the wrong hotel."

Yup, it was all fairly poor. I think the buses J PAX went to the right building, wrong entrance Level 4 was the lobby for Pacific Place, Level 6 is Shangri-La and the Marriot...

I think the night showed the lack of decent comms from QF HQ to staff on the ground... the people in the lounge seemed to be as confused as anyone else. One of the ladies down at the gate was far more confident - she seemed certain by 2230h that we should head up to the QF lounge, and wait for the flight to be cancelled.

The sweep of people for the Shangri-La seemed to be based solely on who was in the lounge at the time. I wonder how it was handled down at the gate and where the rest ended up? The mood seemed a bit rotten at the baggage carousel and in the line for the buses.

 

[clazman]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Does anyone have insight into these delays / maintenance issues on how they compare to other full service airlines?

 

[defurax]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Yup, it was all fairly poor. I think the buses J PAX went to the right building, wrong entrance Level 4 was the lobby for Pacific Place, Level 6 is Shangri-La and the Marriot...

I think the night showed the lack of decent comms from QF HQ to staff on the ground... the people in the lounge seemed to be as confused as anyone else. One of the ladies down at the gate was far more confident - she seemed certain by 2230h that we should head up to the QF lounge, and wait for the flight to be cancelled.

The sweep of people for the Shangri-La seemed to be based solely on who was in the lounge at the time. I wonder how it was handled down at the gate and where the rest ended up? The mood seemed a bit rotten at the baggage carousel and in the line for the buses.

Well, in the end I think "Defuraxette" was quite happy with the delay as her Y to J upgrade went through for the delayed QF30D! I guess some J PAX couldn't wait and flew CX, MH or SQ back to MEL, therefore freeing a few J seats for upgrades.

 

[Ardentinny]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Does anyone have insight into these delays / maintenance issues on how they compare to other full service airlines?

Good question clazman.
I have to wonder about the motives behind this longrunning QF bashing thread.

 

[mannej]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Good question clazman.
I have to wonder about the motives behind this longrunning QF bashing thread.

A bit of balance would be appreciated with that line of threads.

 

[maomaocat]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Yup, it was all fairly poor. I think the buses J PAX went to the right building, wrong entrance Level 4 was the lobby for Pacific Place, Level 6 is Shangri-La and the Marriot...

I think the night showed the lack of decent comms from QF HQ to staff on the ground... the people in the lounge seemed to be as confused as anyone else. One of the ladies down at the gate was far more confident - she seemed certain by 2230h that we should head up to the QF lounge, and wait for the flight to be cancelled.

The sweep of people for the Shangri-La seemed to be based solely on who was in the lounge at the time. I wonder how it was handled down at the gate and where the rest ended up? The mood seemed a bit rotten at the baggage carousel and in the line for the buses.

Post-arrival update: QF30D was delayed by an hour. We were due to depart at 1800h, we took off at about 1910h... more time in the lounge! We then arrived late into MEL, missed our connecting flight to ADL, and were bumped to the next one an hour later.

I do wonder why *O members don't work better or more collaboratively with their local members for IROPs. I'm sure CX has it down pat for HKG, as I would expect QF to do it well for Australian airports... instead, it was QF ground crew and HKIA / SATS staff doing their best to work together, but not very well.

 

[Melburnian1]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Thie morning QF1500 from HBA is running an hour and three quarters late and is not expected in MEL until 0900. QF1501 back to HBA is expected to be delayed departing from its normal 0755 to 0950.

QF1502 from HBA, the 1100 arrival in MEL, will not arrive until 1255. That is where the delays may end as if I read the timetables correctly, this aircraft then has a significant early afternoon siesta.

Unfortunately as I have mentioned before these MEL - HBA contracted QF flights have more than their fair share of late running. While JQ is a possible alternative if there are spare seats, JQ703 this mornming (Tuesday 16 December) has been delayed departing MEL from its timetabled 0810 until a suggested 0835.

Ardentinny and mannej, I have posted some delays this morning affecting VA passengers, including one diverted flight:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....n-australia-delays-cancellations-59773-3.html

UPDATE: Delays were worse than the QF website suggested. QF1500 did not depart HBA until 0825, arriving MEL at 0944, a minute shy of two and a half hours late.

QF1501 then departed MEL at 1025 in lieu of 0755, arriving at 1128 instead of the timetabled 0910 and ensuring that any business travellers on a day return trip had their morning appointments cancelled.

QF1502 departed HBA at 1204 in lieu of 0945 and arrived MEL a few minutes ago at 1324 instead of 1100. Unfortunately, JQ flights have also run late between MEL and HBA though not as badly as the QF stablemate's offerings.

In a timetable revision, QF may need to look at lengthening the turnaround times for these HBA 717 operated flights as there is now a documented history of unpunctuality. One difficulty during peak periods is that a longer turnaround ties up tarmac space. Like any business, QF wants to maximise profits (consistent with safety) but the question must be asked if there is frequent late running, are the timetables (particularly the turnaround time allowed for each rotation) too tight?

Many businessmen and women sensibly deliberately build some slack into their day using a Murphy's Law assumption, but for passengers who for instance at relatively short notice are attending a morning funeral and who are unable to travel the night before, such delays create difficulty.

 

[maomaocat]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Is there something strange happening to QF30's at the moment?

Qantas (QF) #30

Qantas (QF) #30

 

[Melburnian1]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

maomaocat, the QF website indicates that last night's QF30 ex HKG was diverted to ADL where it had a 44 minute stay this morning from 0713 to 0757, arriving MEL 121 minutes late at 1001.

Such diversions may often be due to an on board medical emregency but the usually excellent The QANTAS Source | has yet to suggest why it occurred. QF29 back to HKG departed MEL 29 minutes late this morning at (apologies for another '29') 1129.

 

[Melburnian1]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Delays on the MEL - HBA route have continued into this evening, with QF1507 (Boeing 717 VH-YQU) - a humorous name for an airline that has partly abolished staffed checkin domestically - not taking off until 2013 despite its timetabled departure of 1915. It is forecast to arrive HBA 31 late at 2101.

 

[Pushka]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

So this week MrP's Mel - Adl flight is delayed awaiting for the HBA - Mel flight they didn't hold over for him three weeks ago.

 

[Melburnian1]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Today's QF93 was 57 minutes late departing MEL (at 1252) and is expected to arrive LAX 55 minutes late at 0805. This was because Sunday 14 December's QF94 was 52 minutes late departing LAX and 72 minutes behind time arriving in MEL at 1052, making it impossible for the 1155 QF93 to be punctual.

While Monday 15 October's QF10 only departed LHR 12 minutes late (quite typical for this flight, which is pretty good at pulling out ion or close to time) and exactly maintained the timetable to DXB, excess time on the ground until 0309 this morning meant a 114 minute late departure and a consequent 105 minute late arrival in MEL at 2320 just a quarter of an hour ago. QF predicts an 85 minute late departure for QF9 on Wednesday 17 December meaning a 70 minute late arrival in DXB at 0755. The website maintains the fiction that QF's flight to LHR can be in and out of DXB in 35 minutes. A more likely stay is 80 minutes plus, with a similarly late arrival in LHR given the loss of path.

At least these 'aircraft utilisation enhancements' are consistent between the routes to LAX and LHR as far as passengers are concerned!

 

[Melburnian1]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Tuesday 16 December's QF94 did not depart LAX until 0023 on Wednesday morning, 93 minutes late and should arrive in MEL at 1050, 70 minutes late, tomorrow morning (Thursday 18.) QF is suggesting that QF93 on Thursday will therefore depart 50 minutes late at 1245, arriving LAX a predicted 35 minutes late.

 

[Melburnian1]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Confirming suggestions above, the BITRE domestic airline timekeeping statistics for November 2014 show that only 51 per cent of QantasLink's MEL - HBA flights arrived within 15 minutes of the timetable, a pathetic performance:

http://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/files/BITRE_OTP_Report_November_2014.pdf

QF really needs to 'do something' about this, perhaps by increasing the allowed turnaround times after each sector. Clearly the B717s are having a lot of difficulty keeping to the schedules and tight turnarounds.

 

[Dmac6345]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

Tuesday 16 December's QF94 did not depart LAX until 0023 on Wednesday morning, 93 minutes late and should arrive in MEL at 1050, 70 minutes late, tomorrow morning (Thursday 18.) QF is suggesting that QF93 on Thursday will therefore depart 50 minutes late at 1245, arriving LAX a predicted 35 minutes late.

A sequence of events with QF94 on Tuesday 16th. We had to wait as per usual for QF108, which is really starting to annoy me.
Left the gate at 0023 so almost 1.5 hours late, and then as we were 2nd in line for departure, we had to return to the gate for a sick passenger (travelling with family). Therefore 4 bags to offload and refuel, before our second departure attempt.
Departure was at 0054 local time. Touched down into MEL close to 1050 (landing on RWY 27- First time ever on an A380).

 

[Melburnian1]

Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion

QF may be opening a new First Class lounge in LAX, but the delays tonight must make travel an ordeal for the majority great unwashed who lack access to that spanking new facility.

The new runner in QF18 is forecast to be delayed three and a half hours from its 2030 hours departure on Thursday night (LAX time) to 0000, making for an 0925 in lieu of timetabled 0610 arrival in SYD on Saturday 20 December 2014. QF108 is expected to depart LAX 65 minutes late at 0100 Friday morning for a 55 minute late arrival in SYD at 1030 on Saturday morning.

Thursday 18 December's QF2 arrived DXB at 0831 this morning, only 21 minutes late, its usual creditable performance despite ongoing runway congestion in DXB, but it has stayed overtime and is supposed to depart about now at 1100 in lieu of 0955 for a forecast 0740 arrival tomorrow morning (Saturday 20 December) in SYD, 50 minutes late.

UPDATE: Delays became worse than forecast. QF18 is four hours late and due in SYD at 1010. QF108 will be 90 minutes late into SYD at 1105 in lieu of 0935, while A388 operated QF12 is punctual by comparison but a suggested 35 minutes late this morning, Saturday 20 December, at 0855.

As a result QF107 today from SYD to LAX is expected to be an hour late departing at 1255.

QF2 is now 92 minutes late and due into SYD at 0822, not the 0740 QF's website forecast a few hours ago.