Qantas Expands International Network - Commences Flights To Seoul & Bengaluru

[AIRwin]

Inaugural flight QF67 is now on the way from SYD to BLR being operated by A332 VH-EBP

Just landed

 

[MathNerd]

Just landed

Was there anyone here that was on that flight?

If so, how was it? Did it get the traditional water cannon welcome as is customary for inaugurals?

 

[MathNerd]

That has been my experience as well. I have flew in and out of BLR a few times for international and many times for domestic and I find that the attitude of the staff, officials have been less than friendly and warm … they seem to have this feeling of being above all else, which oftentimes doesn’t bode well with pax.

There was this one time, I got off the CX HKG-BLR was literally the only person waiting in the OCI line to be processed and the official took over 10 mins to call me forward. Simply because he was having his tea and chatting with his mates. No other lines were opened for PIO/OCI. The queues that were open were only for Indian nationals and it was bustling with activity … I simply waited until called and then he had some weird questions re my line of work (which is IT), my ethnicity and why I chose to fly into BLR instead of MAA ?

Even in domestic, the security at the airport seem to be very “not-so-friendly” or approachable… oftentimes I have faced issues getting any assistance…

It’s been a few years since I flew in/out of BLR. If this flight works well, timing wise, I might consider this as my route as I have got family in BLR and might visit them now and then …

Echoing your sentiments and experiences too, @Ade. I usually fly into BLR once a year, but this year I've been 3 times already (most recently just 2 days ago).

Many times at passport control it's been a less than stellar experience, I mean they can see from the numerous arrival/departure stamps that I've been to BLR very often.

I think it's just a power trip mentality... Knowing that they have all that unchecked power to basically dictate whether an arrival can enter the country or not; it can get to their heads. Doesn't help that I've got no idea how to speak Kannada either (apart from "Kannada gothilla sir"!

When is your SYD-BLR trip on QF @Ade? I suspect the experience might be a downgrade from the usual SQ service you would be very well acquainted with in your travels between the cities! Good luck with your Y->J upgrade request.

 

[Ade]

When is your SYD-BLR trip on QF @Ade?

I'm doing BLR-SYD today (17/09), QF68 1825 departure. I'm based in MAA and have an Indigo QF codeshare MAA to BLR. Interesting to see today goes.

I think it's just a power trip mentality...

I think so too ... as I mentioned, there seems to be a feeling of being above all else ... but you know, one really can't be bothered with it .. as long as you stamp my passport and let me in ... that is all there is between the immigration officer & myself

Doesn't help that I've got no idea how to speak Kannada either (apart from "Kannada gothilla sir"!

I don't speak Kannada (I know some basic phrases etc), but I can understand Kannada very well (thanks to working in IT consulting). So I was able to clearly read between the lines when the officer questions why I chose to fly to BLR instead of MAA etc ... or care for the officers "unbiased opinion" on a certain ethnic issue blah blah ...

 

[MathNerd]

Ah fair enough. Hope the flights go well! Especially in terms of baggage being tagged at MAA through BLR all the way to SYD.
Yup - 100% right, just stamp passport, check OCI etc and let us on our way, should be the experience each time we land here
Safe travels mate.

 

[AIRwin]

Seoul Fly Away Sale:

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/flight-deals/flights-to-seoul-incheon.html/icn/economy?int_cam=au%3Aen%3Ahomepage-promotion%3Afas-seoul%3Aen%3Ann

 

[aus_flyer]

My prediction is Seoul doesn’t last

 

[jakeseven7]

My prediction is Seoul doesn’t last

Agree, I think it was opportunistic due to border closures & covid restrictions (which are now rapidly receding excluding poor old China) and with limited airframes I suspect there will be other places they can be deployed with more premium traffic to make more $$.

 

[AIRwin]

Noticed in the inflight magazine for September 2022 that Bangalore doesn't have a lounge sign against it and Seoul already appears on the map (but not Tonga?):

 

[MathNerd]

Noticed in the inflight magazine for September 2022 that Bangalore doesn't have a lounge sign against it and Seoul already appears on the map (but not Tonga?):
View attachment 297055

Interesting, there's really only one lounge that airlines send off their J and F passengers to at BLR - the 080 Lounge. Maybe the lack of icon is due to the lounge not being owned/operated by QF?

 

[HS-TQE]

My prediction is Seoul doesn’t last

If QF can form a codeshare with the merged KE/OZ there may be a increased chance of this route lasting. If KE/OZ decide to remain neutral and continue to interline with both Australian carriers, the chances become a bit slimmer.

Otherwise if KE/OZ decide to codeshare with VA instead (joining QR, EY, HA etc as a non Star partner) then all bets are off. The same if KE goes with ZL in SYD.

 

[AIRwin]

Looks like VH-VKF will be turning around in SYD after a delayed arrival from DPS and operating the inaugural flight JQ47 to ICN... And wonder why VH-VKH flew from MEL to PUS on Sunday - to ferry crew for the return flight?

 

[AIRwin]

Looks like VH-VKF will be turning around in SYD after a delayed arrival from DPS and operating the inaugural flight JQ47 to ICN... And wonder why VH-VKH flew from MEL to PUS on Sunday - to ferry crew for the return flight?

Last minute swap to VH-VKB arriving from SGN resulting in a 1 hour delay in the inaugural flight JQ47 to ICN

 

[docjames]

. And wonder why VH-VKH flew from MEL to PUS on Sunday - to ferry crew for the return flight?

Seems an expensive positioning option for crew only.

 

[Mattg]

Seems an expensive positioning option for crew only.

Probably a charter?

 

[docjames]

Probably a charter?

Astounded they have the spare airframes for that…..

Went as JQ8991 and appears to have gone from a remote stand of T4. Hasn’t left PUS at this stage (three days later).

Going for maintenance?

 

[Mattg]

Going for maintenance?

Ah, yes. That's more likely!

 

[Ktan89]

What's the loadings like for QF87 SYD to ICN in December?
Do you think QF will go ahead with this route next month or will they cancel it?

 

[milehighclub]

Do you think QF will go ahead with this route next month or will they cancel it?

Yes, all wheels are in motion for it.

 

[dairyfloss]

What's the loadings like for QF87 SYD to ICN in December?
Do you think QF will go ahead with this route next month or will they cancel it?

Pretty much nothing but full Y and J fare classes left for sale in the first couple of weeks in either direction