Reggie starting to fly DJ

[Reggie]

Hi All,

I thought I would share with you my thoughts and experiences on DJ as I pass some (not sure how much at the moment) travel onto DJ and partners. This is a big jump for me having flew exclusively Qantas since Ansett's demise, bar a few trips on REX to OLP & BHQ, one flight on JQ PPP-BNE and two flights on DJ BNE-PPP and MEL-LST.

So at present I am planning to fly the following over the next 2 months and see what the experience is like and will report back if those here are interested.

PER-SYD-PER in Y+. I am aware that there are "rogue" planes out there without Y+, so I will take the gamble and see how it goes. I have to say I am praying I don't get one SYD-PER though

Then I will take a run PER-ZNE-PER. I am not sure whether I can do the PER-ZNE on DJ as it leave too late and means I lose most of the first day, so it may have to be QF PER-ZNE. Will certainly be DJ ZNE-PER as I can get up half an hour later.

Lastly I will be flying PER-CBR-MEL-PER.

So with the above I think I will get a good chance to experience all sides of flying DJ, and will almost certainly come across one of the "rogue" planes. I have done my homework, and have it on good authority that things have changed, and that the lack of Y+ seat is now handled better than others have reported on this board.

 

[MelUser]

After flying almost solely with Oneworld airlines, I have decided to try Vaustralia to US and back. Have one trip booked in Y+ and one booked in J. It is silly to pay the sort of money that Qantas requires its passengers to pay when there are viable cost effective alternatives.

All going well I will also transfer over some domestic travel to Virgin.

 

[Danger]

Reggie and MelUser, what's the reason behind your partial switch to DJ?

 

[Reggie]

Reggie and MelUser, what's the reason behind your partial switch to DJ?

I've lost that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling,
I've lost that lovin' feeling,
Now it's gone...gone...gone...wooooooh

 

[straitman]

I've lost that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling,
I've lost that lovin' feeling,
Now it's gone...gone...gone...wooooooh

VERY well put Reggie.

Slightly OT but probably relevant are my experiences with QF and DJ (with an FJ thrown in) over the last couple of days.

I am gradually moving some flights over to DJ as I learn the complexities of the system. This last week I have been in the DJ lounges in BNE (I can see why it is to be refurbished), SYD (very nice) and MEL (not sure why it is having a major work over)

My confidence in on time flights (by QF) has plunged after the last two days.
One DJ flight left 5 min early. (midday)
One FJ flight left 3 min early. (1255)
One QF flight cancelled and the rebooked flight left 35 min late (1555) &
One QF flight left 2 hrs late. (0830)

Our 0830 flight from MEL-SYD was 35-40 min late this morning. We then taxied out and waited from #11 spot to finally get to the front of the queue after another 30 min. We then taxied back down the runway and back to the gate and refuelled! We eventually taxied again and departed 2 hrs late. Lucky we had allowed a 3 hr transit in SYD. No F lounge time left but we were still much better off than a few who missed their onward Internationals connections.

 

[Fantic125]

I found it a good experience flying with all sorts of carriers last year.

Since the company I work for has adopted a cheapest fare policy, I find the travel has been less stressful, mainly due to the fact that there is a bit more time between flights, and having lower expectations for service delivery, I'm less frequently dissappointed.

Carrier breakdown: QF 36, CX 14, AA 9, CO 5, SQ 4, UA 4, LA 4, CA 3, OZ 3, NZ 3, IC 2, JL 2, NH 2, KA 1, AI 1, BA 2, LH 1, EI 1, BR 1.


Try something different. You might like it! :shock:

 

[awilcockson]

I have decided to try Vaustralia to US and back. Have one trip booked in Y+

I did BNE-LAX in Y+ last year and was quite impressed. Hell of a lot cheaper than QF as well.

 

[Reggie]

Reggie and MelUser, what's the reason behind your partial switch to DJ?

Now I have the time to give you a considered answer rather than my more humorous (well in mind anyway) response.

In order as they come to mind, so not a prioritised ordering.

DJ are trying to improve, they want business, they want to do things better, they are changing (not enhancing).

DJ are supporting themselves here on AFF - thanks Velocity rewards and Crazeydave whereas Redroo - well enough said.

If you never give it ago, how can you comment and tisk tisk or tut tut. I did fly Virgin as I said to PPP and it was ok, actually it was better than ok, I had emergency row and had one of those corporate fares so had access to The Lounge (didn't get points though, don't think velocity was running, or I just didn't bother to join). Oh, I have just remembered that I flew DJ SYD-PER many years ago (8 or 9 I think) and at the time they were face painting kids, and making jokes about being late rather than be appologetic.

I do feel unloved by QF, with being labelled a whinger by my fellow AFFers, it annoys me to see how many people from NB, PS, and SG have been opupped, yet I have had not 1 single opup in the past 7 years. I sat in PER for over 13hours with a delayed flight to BNE, whilst subsequent PER-MEL flights continued to leave without being transferred, not even a sorry. I suppose when you fly so much with one airline, all the little things build up and up, and QF forget about your loyalty or worse take it for granted.

It annoys me that QF has become a frequent spender program. I had good luck, and the first time I have used my "special" WP privelige to book award flights, however I had to book soem 11 months in advance. I find getting flights harder and harder, and what is with the JQ coming up in the search.

QF is downgrading itself JQ, JQi, reducing F, closing Lounges whereas DJ is building itself up, adding J, adding lounges, trying to in and keep loyal FFers.

Qf have all these survey's and pick the bits they want, and dare i say it, ask the questions with options which gets the answer they or people whom work there and have a vested interested want. What positive comes out of it, I can't remember any positive changes yet (well for me based in PER anyway).

DJ has new planes, Qantas have some new and some old, I flew J PER-MEL the other day, wide body, no inseat monitor, just the ones mounted on the front bulk heads, really small, picture scratchy, colour distorted, sound was no good, and as not in seat, no personal choice. Yet I pay the same as someone flying on one of the new A332's with IFE, new comfortable seats, and pay heaps more than the golden triangle - MEL,SYD,CBR

Anyway thats enough for now, I am depressed and need to go and have a drink.

 

[JohnK]

Interesting thoughts there Reggie.

I can understand your choice but unfortunately I have tried DJ and while their offering is OK (I really do not like the leather seats or the way some cabin crew act in a childish way) it is not as good as QF. I am definitely waiting though to see what DJ has to offer with their upcoming changes.

I agree about op-ups though. I have whinged as well that way too many lower status FFers are coming on AFF and mentioning they are getting regular op-ups while many Platinums have not even had one. I have a little luck but considering the number of flights I do the percentage is poor.

By the way is QF reading these threads?

 

[Reggie]

By the way is QF reading these threads?

Reading but not acting. Look at the difference with DJ. People get on complain about issues like the rogue aircraft, and other problems they have, and then "our" (AFF's) DJ reps deal with it, or at least put DJ's side of it aka the Congratulations you have GOLD clanger.

QF may be reading the threads, but I'm not noticing a change. Has Redroo answered peoples recent issues with the anytime access T&C's listed on the QF page? He/she seems MIA.

 

[JohnK]

Reading but not acting. Look at the difference with DJ.

I know I have not jumped on the DJ ship like other on AFF but it is great to have crazydave98 and Velocity Rewards on board to help out when needed.

QF may be reading the threads, but I'm not noticing a change. Has Redroo answered peoples recent issues with the anytime access T&C's listed on the QF page? He/she seems MIA.

Very disappointing. Enough said....

 

[medhead]

I know I have not jumped on the DJ ship like other on AFF but it is great to have crazydave98 and Velocity Rewards on board to help out when needed.

Not to forget Virgin Blue either

 

[Oneworldplus2]

I think that this thread will be a cracker. A honest, non-biased opinion from a very frequent flyer.
If l recall correctly, Reggie has over 20k SC's from Oneworld flying, so he will be well versed to comment/compare on QF/DJ products/service etc etc

Keep posting Reggie, we are all waiting for your feedback.

 

[Major]

Hi All,

I thought I would share with you my thoughts and experiences on DJ as I pass some (not sure how much at the moment) travel onto DJ and partners. This is a big jump for me having flew exclusively Qantas since Ansett's demise, bar a few trips on REX to OLP & BHQ, one flight on JQ PPP-BNE and two flights on DJ BNE-PPP and MEL-LST.

So at present I am planning to fly the following over the next 2 months and see what the experience is like and will report back if those here are interested.

PER-SYD-PER in Y+. I am aware that there are "rogue" planes out there without Y+, so I will take the gamble and see how it goes. I have to say I am praying I don't get one SYD-PER though

Then I will take a run PER-ZNE-PER. I am not sure whether I can do the PER-ZNE on DJ as it leave too late and means I lose most of the first day, so it may have to be QF PER-ZNE. Will certainly be DJ ZNE-PER as I can get up half an hour later.

Lastly I will be flying PER-CBR-MEL-PER.

So with the above I think I will get a good chance to experience all sides of flying DJ, and will almost certainly come across one of the "rogue" planes. I have done my homework, and have it on good authority that things have changed, and that the lack of Y+ seat is now handled better than others have reported on this board.

I'm sure that you have already found it, but from the Virgin website..."Flight Info" and then "Timetables/Flight Durations" will give you the Acft type.

Are you talking about E190's etc for your "rogue" planes ?

 

[markis10]

Are you talking about E190's etc for your "rogue" planes ?

No, the rogue planes are 737s with no PE or LTA. There is more and more of them every month as new aircraft come online.

 

[totalk]

Well, I guess anything goes, its just a matter of adjusting and relax.

 

[Reggie]

OK my first flight on DJ (in a long time) is approx T-23hrs.

Prior to checkin opening, I was unable to find anyway to select my seat or put my seating preferences in aka QF.

Now using online checkin I think I have scored a rogue, as seating plan indicates first three rows as

1A n/a 1C 1D n/a 1F
2A n/a 2C 2D n/a 2F
3A n/a 3C 3D n/a 3F

The only seats available where all of row 2, I was already preallocated an isle seat, but tried moving to a row 2 window seat. but received the following message "Sorry, we are unable to assign you a seat for this flight. Please see Virgin Blue Guest Services Staff at the airport to complete check-in. We apologise for the inconvenience."

Thinking it may have timed out, I tried aganin, this time with success.

All in all online checkin very easy, other than not having been able to preselect a preference for window or aisle (that I could find), very much like QF.

Lets see what tomorrow brings, bag drop, security, lounge, boarding, and my seat (is it a rogue?).

Reggie

 

[MelUser]

My reason for moving away from QF is for a few reasons:

(1) The ridiculous fares they charge in premium cabins between USA and OZ. It is simply not worth what QF charges for J across the pacific.

(2) I feel as if the latest round of changes was devaluing to all non Bronze customers - luggage allowance dropped, lounge access has been tightened etc etc. In fact ever since I have been a member of QFF the benefits have dropped with each round of enhancements.

(3) I have had 3 relatives in the last week, all platinums (combo of SYD-LHR and MEL-LHR, travelling in Premium. One was in PRemium (T) and the other two in Premium (R). None of them received a points requested upgrade to Business.

The 2 travelling SYD-LHR-SYD in Premium (R) spent just over $5000 each to travel Qantas and then use points to get into Business.

All 3 were disappointed that upgrades didn't eventuate.

I think in future they will be travelling on other airlines, probably some of the asian carriers where for that sort of money they can travel in business class.

(4) I think it is worth encouraging some competition. As pointed out earlier, I like the way that Virgin is trying - they are actively improving their frequent flyer program, their planes etc. In fact you can see that QF is scared by dumping an international B747 on the SYD-PER route!

(5) Virginblue is fine domestically. There isn't all the fussing and pleasantries that I get with Qantas but to be honest this is unnecessary for domestic travel.

 

[eastwest101]

Good luck Reggie, will be following this thread with interest as our company moves towards a BFOD policy for domestic flights.

Just as a query - have you been flying all Y or a mix of Y, Y+ and J?

 

[Reggie]

Good luck Reggie, will be following this thread with interest as our company moves towards a BFOD policy for domestic flights.

Just as a query - have you been flying all Y or a mix of Y, Y+ and J?

With QF, I fly J internationally. J interstate (east west), and Y on intrastate (for two reasons, first is there is no J on the intrastate flights I take, and company policy for me is Y on intrastate). However in the past 2 years I have also flown Y on QF PER-SIN-LHR-SIN-PER, PER-SIN-PER and MEL-PER, so I think I can make a fair comparison to DJ.

By flying Y+ on Virgin, I am comparing it J on QF, but have saved my employer $1000 by doing so.