Qantas First class SYD-LAX

[RichardMEL]

Maybe they never offer it because they know you wouldn't want it. Evidence of how much research they do and how well they know their customers

Funny, but if I've never had it iffered, then how would they know? Further, I could change my mind...

If it's part of the service standard then it should be offered uniformly imo.

Now, had I requested - no doubt something could have been organised. However, this is not noted anywhere, and some pax are offered proactively (eg @muppet above).

Again, this is not a personal gripe or DYKWIA, but more my usual bugbear with QF about being Consistently Inconsistent(tm).

 

[MrJetset]

"research" in what way?

Desktop research like any business would with high value customers.

Good 'ol QF Inconsistency.

Consistently inconsistent is QF's brand as opposed to SQ, TG, EK, EK or other carriers with exemplary F products.

To be fair, SQ has zero ground services so QF is in the lead.

 

[Kangol]

Hi all,

I'm shortly about to fly QF First from SYD-LAX, and have a few questions:
1/ It's a classic reward, so will I still get a First host calling me the day before to book in a spa treatment?
2/ I have a connection from MEL-SYD (with ample layover). Will there be an offer for a First host to meet me in Syd for escorting through immigration / security (as happened in LAX when I flew F from there last year)
3/ is there anything good on the drinks menu "behind the bar", only for F passengers that you'd recommend?
4/ Has anyone flown QF12 in F recently and has a copy of the onboard menu?

Any other tips? I've been WP for many years, so I'm very familiar with the F lounge, but never flown out of SYD in F before.

Thanks!

 Josh

1. It used to be a call before Covid, now it's an email.
2. No, it's up to you to get the dom->int transfer bus and walk to the F lounge yourself. I have done this several times in the last year as a P1 F pax.
3. I don't think so (in SYD), but there is a roped off F/P1/CL section with a couple of dishes only for that area (minute steak and one other ..?)
4. Try this thread, looks like the most recent QF12 menu is from Feb:

Qantas First Class menus

I’ll try (but probably fail) to be brief and focus on the menu. But my experience: - Started well with escort by the lovely Ting Ting from the F lounge to (and through a very crowded) gate, then straight onboard. - After seating in 1K waited 15 minutes before FA Ebony came round. Champagne nice...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[crupp747]

I did QF11 in first on 18/6. Very surprised how well everything went. Got an email from first host day before, spa treatment was great. Qf11 departed on time. Crew was excellent, food solid, drink list great as well. No complaints, pleasantly surprised as I flew QF12 in February and it was subpar at best.

 

[mx838383]

I just did the syd lax run in first. First class hosts contacted with spa appointment the day before. I had a domestic connection which ran late and first class check in staff at departure escorted me through security to fast track so I can make my spa appointment. He also rang the lounge to expect me and make sure I still can keep my slot.

When I got to the lounge, the first class host already tentatively held an appointment for me given they’ve been keeping an eye on my delayed flight. Spa was excellent. Food in lounge was excellent. Upon boarding even though flying in first, the queue was ridiculous and seemed chaotic.

Luckily the first class staff who fast tracked me through security spotted me and again escorted me through to the front to be one of the first on board.

Onboard service and food was fantastic. I was really impressed given this was the first time F for me and I’ve heard stories about others not having the same experience.

 

[jb747]

No, of course I don't have a need. I just want the "full experience", haha!

You'll be downgraded to economy on arrival at the airport.

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

When you get off the flight in LAX to collect your luggage, your luggage will not be on the luggage belt - the handlers put all the first class baggage off to one side of the belt and you pick it up directly from them, as I discovered after my upgrade to First last month.

Enjoy the First experience, despite what all the cynics say, it's still a special way to experience the magic of flight.

 

[MrJetset]

Flew QF1 to SIN recently.

Was able to book two Spa Appointments at our preferred time. We arrived 15 mins before the Spa appointment and they proactively rescheduled us. (I don't believe in getting to any airport greater than 120-90 mins regardless of the Lounge).

Was met at T1 Valet Premium Parking, escorted to the F check in area to sit while our check in was processed (HLO), escorted to the Lounge to a reserved table. Was asked if we wanted to board first or last and I said first.

Reception staff collected us where First Host took us on board, introduced us to the CSM and were immediately served Champers. This part of the experience on the ground mirrors my every F flight with QF.

It has been years since I've flown QF F, generally preferring other carriers, and while the seat is large I was surprised at how much the lack of privacy bothered me. We prefer SQ, EY, EK etc, but I don't recall being so exposed with the seat swivelled in 1A.

The crew were great, but asking to diner 2 hours after orders were taken seem to throw them. We'd just eaten in the Lounge and it is supposed to be dine on demand.

The lack of food choices is another real stand out. I don't know why there are two Toothfish dishes on the menu, however the highly battered one was delightful. It just doesn't compare to the range and portion sizes offered by other carriers. The Steak Sanger was disappointing and when I asked what flavour crisps were available I was told "Plain."

QF could do so much more with the food.

TBH, I find the privacy in the Business Suite, especially when laying flat more preferable than QF F.

 

[flyingfan]

Sounds like a fantastic experience until you actually boarded the aircraft. Reports are that dine on demand is a lie and you dine when they demand.

 

[MrJetset]

Sounds like a fantastic experience until you actually boarded the aircraft. Reports are that dine on demand is a lie and you dine when they demand.

To be fair, the F host experience is one of the best on the ground experiences. SQ have none. EK only provide buggies or escorts F to F at DXB to the lounge.

They met the request for the timing of the food, but I didn't expect a reaction when I asked for a published feature.

 

[prozac]

I just want the "full experience", haha!

Any need to remind you what AJ did to customers before he left. Still want that full experience?

 

[TheRealTMA]

To be fair, the F host experience is one of the best on the ground experiences. SQ have none. EK only provide buggies or escorts F to F at DXB to the lounge.

They met the request for the timing of the food, but I didn't expect a reaction when I asked for a published feature.

Sounds wonderful but in two F trips on QF, one return to US and one to LHR, never seen one.

 

[CaptJCool]

Sounds like a fantastic experience until you actually boarded the aircraft. Reports are that dine on demand is a lie and you dine when they demand.

Sounds like the aged care home my parents are now in

You can dine at anytime after 5…. As long as you understand it means arrive at 5 as food is served onto the table at 5 so when you turn up at 8, it’s cold and been sitting out for hours.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Flew QF1 to SIN recently.

Was able to book two Spa Appointments at our preferred time. We arrived 15 mins before the Spa appointment and they proactively rescheduled us. (I don't believe in getting to any airport greater than 120-90 mins regardless of the Lounge).

Was met at T1 Valet Premium Parking, escorted to the F check in area to sit while our check in was processed (HLO), escorted to the Lounge to a reserved table. Was asked if we wanted to board first or last and I said first.

Reception staff collected us where First Host took us on board, introduced us to the CSM and were immediately served Champers. This part of the experience on the ground mirrors my every F flight with QF.

It has been years since I've flown QF F, generally preferring other carriers, and while the seat is large I was surprised at how much the lack of privacy bothered me. We prefer SQ, EY, EK etc, but I don't recall being so exposed with the seat swivelled in 1A.

The crew were great, but asking to diner 2 hours after orders were taken seem to throw them. We'd just eaten in the Lounge and it is supposed to be dine on demand.

The lack of food choices is another real stand out. I don't know why there are two Toothfish dishes on the menu, however the highly battered one was delightful. It just doesn't compare to the range and portion sizes offered by other carriers. The Steak Sanger was disappointing and when I asked what flavour crisps were available I was told "Plain."

QF could do so much more with the food.

TBH, I find the privacy in the Business Suite, especially when laying flat more preferable than QF F.

What do you mean QF could do more with food?

Neil Perry is only in his third decade at the airline ….

 

[jrfsp]

What do you mean QF could do more with food?

Neil Perry is only in his third decade at the airline ….

That’s why the food offerings are still stuck in the 90s and with the same budget….

 

[RichardMEL]

Sounds wonderful but in two F trips on QF, one return to US and one to LHR, never seen one.

Also known around these parts, sadly, as Consistently Inconsistent(tm).

More is the shamr because, as woth all the imconsistent, service experiences lead to expectations made and often dashed.

And when it comes to the First proflduct, I think it underlines the lack of REAL care for it that has been well noticed iver the years, from the J+ catering to the lack of real innovation with the product on the 380 since rollout.

Yes, the A350 "Sunrise" birds look to have a really nice shiny new F hard product, which is great, but First is still a truly tiny number of seats across the fleet.

I do think the intent is there with the F hosts, tge generally great inflight crews and lounges, but as with most things, it's the details that one sometimes notices.

Now, I am not a guy who needs or really wants a Host or escort, an intro to the CSM or be met on arrival(though for me, a fast track would be the most useful) so I don't worry that I never get one. However, if it is a service element intended for F pax, then it should be available for all. Yes, staffing can be an issue, but it can be done. Eg I flew SQ Suites on SYD-SIN, and they had a host gather up all the Suites pax in the lounge and walk all if us over and boarded us. Itlronically, they do not do this at Changi. TG did the same in BKK. Again, I don't mind personally, but I care in principle from the execution of a service standard point of view.

So while the availability of F Hosts is variable, for me it is just one more example of the endemic inconsistency through the airline in so many ways.
L

 

[UP4014]

Sounds like a fantastic experience until you actually boarded the aircraft. Reports are that dine on demand is a lie and you dine when they demand.

My experience directly from flying first is yes you can eat when you want. There was always a crew member in the first galley ready to get you a meal during the flight. And I know because I got up and checked and had a 'midnight' snack.

 

[RichardMEL]

My experience directly from flying first is yes you can eat when you want. There was always a crew member in the first galley ready to get you a meal during the flight. And I know because I got up and checked and had a 'midnight' snack.

And my experience says it depends.

For example, one flight I wanted something, probably the steak sanga probably 3h out of wherever we were flying. LAX iirc. I asked amd tbh the FA was hesitant giving me a spoel that they were preparing for breakfast and tgey weren't sure about iven space. i think I did get it, but it felt like I was being a spanner on the works and an inconvenience for sure (not that you expect in First).

Now that may have just been one crew member (though have had a few others over the years make me feel like I was imposing). Vast majority are fantastic of course, and I usually go with the expected servuce flow, but have experienced some resistance to some requests tbh.

So.. YMMV

 

[Maca44]

Despite some of the criticisms, anyone lucky enough to fly F should be grateful. It's been about five years, but I still have fond memories of being in 3A to LAX

 

[RichardMEL]

Despite some of the criticisms, anyone lucky enough to fly F should be grateful. It's been about five years, but I still have fond memories of being in 3A to LAX

Fair point. Sure beats row 34 middle!

I do think though that, while it is a great privilege to get there, via paid fare, upgrade or reward redemption (not counting staff travel or other freebies), We've paid for this one way or another, and I do think it is valid to point out inconsistencies as much as the good things - both to set expectations but to relate true and honest experiences (lest one be accused of working for the brand lol).

In a space of very high prices to access (points included) and far more dedicated competition by tge few carriers left with a true F product, often tge "little things" absolutely can make the difference in terms of experience and impression.

The reality is that other carriers offer both better hard and soft product and far more polished and consustent service. If QF truly want to seriously play in this space, then they should aim just as high imo.

(There are also much worse "First" products out there too, fwiw)