VA MEL ground handling...late night joke

[BD1959]

On the 898, landed at around 23:00, now 23:20 and we've still to be allocated a free gate with the CSM announcing the crew are talking to the company to find out when one will be available...was originally booked on the 238 from ADL which was canx...should have been here 3.5 hrs ago...not a happy passenger!!

Regards,

BD

 

[BD1959]

Apparently the one and only tug has broken down.

Welcome to the back o' Bourke!!

Regards,

BD

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Outrageous. Switch to jq

 

[BD1959]

Arrived: 23:32.

Symmetry!!

BD

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

And you all had to only use the front door, as they wouldn't allow exit via the back "stairs" at night!
""For you safety the captain has annouced that exit will be through the front left door only tonight!"" Did you get this? They have used many excuses for being late, I was coming back from HBT one time, the plane arrived from MEL an hour late, left an hour and a half late, got to MEL late, got back to ADL very late.
ADL they will let on and off via the stairs, MEL they never want to do it.
What are they afraid of, I might wander onto another plane?

 

[lovestotravel]

Qantas - flights to Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia. Book airfares at qantas.com.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

And you all had to only use the front door, as they wouldn't allow exit via the back "stairs" at night!
""For you safety the captain has annouced that exit will be through the front left door only tonight!"" Did you get this? They have used many excuses for being late, I was coming back from HBT one time, the plane arrived from MEL an hour late, left an hour and a half late, got to MEL late, got back to ADL very late.
ADL they will let on and off via the stairs, MEL they never want to do it.
What are they afraid of, I might wander onto another plane?

Most of the ground crew who push up the stairs and supervise the deboarding probably gone home

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Oh, and a scan of the BP was enough to get you entry to the VA lounge this evening?
Or did you use a "mobile device" / QR code? Not trying to be nosy or pry.
PS, I am glad that VA does allow domestic check in with a QR code on ipod!

Good point.
As a matter of interest, I wonder if Aerocare do Virgin's ground handling as well as they do for Tiger.
Edit: http://aerocare.com.au/Partners.190.0.html
Yep, the Virgin Australia logo is on the Aerocare website.
Cheapskates, these airlines, can't even have in house ground handling people.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Aerocare might provide VA ground service at smaller ports, not necessarily at Melbourne. Even Qantas do that at places like ool

 

[BD1959]

And you all had to only use the front door, as they wouldn't allow exit via the back "stairs" at night!
""For you safety the captain has annouced that exit will be through the front left door only tonight!"" Did you get this? They have used many excuses for being late, I was coming back from HBT one time, the plane arrived from MEL an hour late, left an hour and a half late, got to MEL late, got back to ADL very late.
ADL they will let on and off via the stairs, MEL they never want to do it.
What are they afraid of, I might wander onto another plane?

I was expecting this given it's the usual MO for 238, this time though they had disembarking at both ends.

Perhaps they get penalty rates after 11pm??

Regards,

BD

 

[anat0l]

I'd be tempted to say this is an isolated incident, and you simply got the result of the old Swiss cheese holes theory...

 

[BD1959]

I'd be tempted to say this is an isolated incident, and you simply got the result of the old Swiss cheese holes theory...

You'd certainly hope so, anat0l!!

Regards,

BD

 

[under the radar]

I've read many/constant comments via various social media outlets (including VAs), that are disproportionately focused on VAs MEL 'ground ops'. eg, not enough staff at checkin/baggage drop, through to (lack of) 'availability' of gates and rear stairs (at night).... just makes me wonder 'why' :?: ...hmmmmmm

 

[markis10]

I've read many/constant comments via various social media outlets (including VAs), that are disproportionately focused on VAs MEL 'ground ops'. eg, not enough staff at checkin/baggage drop, through to (lack of) 'availability' of gates and rear stairs (at night).... just makes me wonder 'why' :?: ...hmmmmmm

Which of course is not connected with gate allocation

 

[straitman]

What are they afraid of, I might wander onto another plane?

Yes :!:
You might be amazed where people wander on a Tarmac and where some of the hidden dangers pop up from.

 

[BD1959]

...and I don't give a flying flick which company an individual works for. I've paid VA for the service, they wear VA branded uniforms. They could be employed by Vigilante Anarchists for all I care. Virgin are responsible for hiring/subcontracting their services, it is *always* their issue.


Regards,

BD

 

[straitman]

...and I don't give a flying flick which company an individual works for. I've paid VA for the service, they wear VA branded uniforms. They could be employed by Vigilante Anarchists for all I care. Virgin are responsible for hiring/subcontracting their services, it is *always* their issue.


Regards,

BD

Probably not how I would have put it but I have to agree.

 

[Bofter]

VA at MEL has had a few gates out of action recently and currently I think for apron and terminal works by the airport. I had wondered what impacts this would have on operations.

 

[BD1959]

VA at MEL has had a few gates out of action recently and currently I think for apron and terminal works by the airport. I had wondered what impacts this would have on operations.

They also had about a dozen planes sat at gates last night with the lights off. You don't have to Einstein to work out you have to move one to make way for a (scheduled) arrival prior to that arrival.

Regards,

BD

 

[TomVexille]

Yes :!:
You might be amazed where people wander on a Tarmac and where some of the hidden dangers pop up from. 

Also, never underestimate the stupidity of people...