Veterans to receive Priority Boarding & "thank you for your service"

[eastwest101]

I guess its up to VA themselves if they want to offer the benefit, interesting diversity of opinions if this is shallow jingo-ism or cheap PR, the cross section of views seems similar to the comments sections in other parts of the media. Interesting that the common comments seem to be that a lot of veterans and military people would feel uncomfortable or at least unwilling to use the proposed benefit of priority boarding and/or PA announcements.

Although military personnel and veterans are widely regarded in the community I don't get the impression that priority boarding and a PA announcement's are really a high priority but I can't speak for them myself. Australia historically has a strong egalitarian culture which is changing as various competing groups vie for public recognition and more "rights" or special dispensations to recognize these groups.

The ultimate end game can become increasingly ridiculous and opens up so many cans of worms in practical terms when the majority of the plane is entitled to some form of recognition (i.e. priority boarding), because once you board the paying J class pax then EconomyX and various Airline Status Tiers (obviously all commercial decisions) then you get to all the different forms of disabilities and needing assistance (wheelchairs, crutches, elderly, or other disabilities and that's before you even address the issue of is travelling with children a reason for extra assistance or not?), then you get to all the different permutations and combinations of different military and ex-military veterans and then extend to other 'virtuous' occupations (as the cartoon refers to) from emergency service workers right down to the least reputable occupation (politicians or journalists?). Now sure - a lot of these people deserve some recognition but if you are going to prioritize and slice and dice the demographics to the 'nth ' degree they have to be able to board an aircraft and send it on its way in a timely fashion. After all - we can all be special and feel validated but we all end up in the same aluminium tube going to our destination, and is it necessary to all recognize and publicly draw attention to all of our differences?

At the end of the day the airline itself is free to make decisions about the priority of boarding as its own business case and/or public relations reasons may dictate. Seems depending on your own personal opinions this can be classed as virtue signalling, jingoistic militarism, tokenism, a public relations stunt, due recognition to a deserving group of people, or good corporate citizenship, depending on your own inherent cultural and political beliefs.

At least VA can execute and control the boarding process, so that their priority boarding is effective most of the time, unlike their competitor who loves to offer the benefit but won't/can't deliver it.

 

[Flying Fox]

Ah yes, the benefit of PB.

Well done VA Marketing Team, you have created a fantastic media storm to lift the VA profile and discussion points. Your Christmas bonus is on its way.

I had to double check that the date wasn't the 1st of April.

OK so lets play this out (assuming that PB can be monitored).

Yes, let status holders use PB.

Yes, let J flyers use PB.

Yes, let celebs etc use PB.

Yes, let families etc use PB.

Yes, let DVA card holders, military service members use PB. But no one else.

Oops, forgot about emergency service workers; they are special too, let them use PB. But no one else.

Oops, forgot about doctors, nurses and therapists; they are special too, let them use PB. But no one else.

Oops, forgot about teachers, childcare workers; they are special too, let them use PB. But no one else.

Oops, forgot about carers; they are special too, let them use PB. But no one else.

Oops, forgot about lolli-pop guys/gals who assists my kids cross the street; they are special too, let them use PB. But no one else.

Oops, forgot about about the nice guys/gals at Woolworths who served me yesterday; they are special too, let them use PB. But no one else.

Oops, forgot about about the nice guys/gals who do the kids charity toy run on their motorbikes; they are special too, let them use PB. But no one else.

Oops, forgot about about all charity workers; they are special too, let them use PB. But no one else.

OK but that is where VA should draw the line.

So when VA call PB everyone rushes to the aircraft; except for me who isn't able to access PB. Oops, hang on, doesn't that really mean this is just 'general' boarding for everyone???

Isn't this just getting silly??? (Just like my post)

 

[opusman]

So when VA call PB everyone rushes to the aircraft; except for me who isn't able to access PB. Oops, hang on, doesn't that really mean this is just 'general' boarding for everyone???

That's exactly what already happens on Qantas

 

[pauly7]

Not sure it will last the week.

And it hasn’t lasted the day.

Another PR disaster chalked up for VA and such a badly thought through plan...

 

[AisleSeat]

Virgin have just made a statement on their facebook page:

“We are very mindful of the response that our announcement about recognising people who have served in defence has had today. It was a gesture genuinely done to pay respects to those who have served our country. Over the coming months, we will consult with community groups and our own team members who have served in defence to determine the best way forward. If this process determines that public acknowledgement of their service through optional priority boarding or any announcement is not appropriate, then we will certainly be respectful of that.”

So no research was done in the first place?

I'm also wondering how it was going to work in the first place. Would you stroll up to PB queue and say you're ex-services? Check a box during the booking process?

 

[SheikYerbouti]

Muahahahaha

This is your Captain speaking: Thanks Digger, from Last Refuge Air

 

[Denali]

I wonder what type of think group they had to make this decision. Bunch of snr management sitting at LAX/hearing the announcements or a millennial think tank saying they know what would make the oldies feel good about themselves/VA.

As a general rule, our society and communities are very respectful to veterans and hold them in honor but this is not in keeping with our tradition of shut up and get on with it.

 

[kermatu]

So no research was done in the first place?

I'm also wondering how it was going to work in the first place. Would you stroll up to PB queue and say you're ex-services? Check a box during the booking process?

The Govt's plan is there be a lapel pin that is worn, plus a Vets card. This has been posted upthread. I assume VA would rely on this.

 

[justinbrett]

The Govt's plan is there be a lapel pin that is worn, plus a Vets card. This has been posted upthread. I assume VA would rely on this.

There is already a lapel pin - called the Return from Active Service Badge (which is now the Return from Operational Service Badge).

I'm not sure why they need a new pin. I guess that doesn't include people who have only served peacetime in Australia, but are they really veterans (by the technical definition)?

 

[Blinky]

So no research was done in the first place?

I'm also wondering how it was going to work in the first place. Would you stroll up to PB queue and say you're ex-services? Check a box during the booking process?

Reversing beeps loud and clear.

Jeez, a simple call to the RSL could have worked. Sadly, this shows how easily VA can be bullied by News Ltd and populist politicians. Very poor show all round.

 

[theblank]

The Govt's plan is there be a lapel pin that is worn, plus a Vets card. This has been posted upthread. I assume VA would rely on this.

Its already been stated clearly somewhere, that is a simple check-in process, the veteran would show his VA card and then would get the priority boarding assigned. If he chooses not to mention it, then he doesnt have to.

No trumpets, red carpet or made to do an acceptance speech. Nobody else would know.

As for as the PA accouncment that is mentioned I assume that its just a general "thanks to the veterens on this flight", no harm in that. I doubt they were intending to identify anyone individually.

 

[kermatu]

There is already a lapel pin - called the Return from Active Service Badge (which is now the Return from Operational Service Badge).

I'm not sure why they need a new pin. I guess that doesn't include people who have only served peacetime in Australia, but are they really veterans (by the technical definition)?

Pin may not be new. The presser I linked earlier stated there'd be a new Veterans card and lapel pin. My guess though is it will be new.

Same release talks about 300,000 veterans in Australia. That must be on quite a broad definition? (I'm just guessing). I suspect Govt will want this new card and pin to be relatively easy to obtain. Especially if it is businesses that will be providing any actual benefits (real or token).

 

[kermatu]

Its already been stated clearly somewhere, that is a simple check-in process, the veteran would show his VA card and then would get the priority boarding assigned. If he chooses not to mention it, then he doesnt have to.

No trumpets, red carpet or made to do an acceptance speech. Nobody else would know.

As for as the PA accouncment that is mentioned I assume that its just a general "thanks to the veterens on this flight", no harm in that. I doubt they were intending to identify anyone individually.

Actually here is the quote from Borghetti: “Once the veterans have their cards and lapel pins, they will simply need to present them during the boarding process to be given priority boarding and be recognised on board.” Nothing to do with check-in.

Anyway, all seems to be irrelevant for now.

 

[drron]

Fact-The Government announced that they were going to introduce a new veterans card with the aim of having discounts available to Veterans.

"To further enable this culture of respect we are introducing a veterans card and pin that will enable businesses to show their appreciation by offering special discounts and offers for our veterans."

The details of the card will be worked through with state and territory governments and businesses.

It will be separate to the Department of Veterans' Affairs health cards, but will be similar to the approach adopted by Canada and the US.

Already Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Bunnings, Target, NRMA and Clubs Australia have signed up, while Westpac has expressed support for the idea.

Veterans to save with new discount card

Fact 2 -12 days before News Corp started the #thanksforserving which was welcomed by the RSL and Legacy.No great backlash at that time.
News Corp’s new campaign is all about honouring the service of veterans and current ADF personnel

Now likely that the Government was influenced by that but almost certainly by the Invictus Games and all the ongoing publicity with the Royal Visitors.

Fact 3.There is no evidence VA was pressured by the Government or News Corp.In fact it's scheme was not consistent with the Government's plan which was for voluntary discounts.
There was in VAs initial announcement that the veteran would show their new card and pin to get that benefit.So any veteran that didn't want to do PB had the option of ignoring it.

And the ultimate irony of all who are vociferous in their criticism of VA is that you agree with Pauline Hanson.

 

[Blinky]

And the ultimate irony of all who are vociferous in their criticism of VA is that you agree with Pauline Hanson.

So what? A broken clock is right twice a day.

 

[jazza1971]

I'd use the priority boarding with thanks if the scheme remains so I can snag some overhead bin space, but that is all I'd want....I don't need the public acknowledgement as a thanks for my service

 

[Mr Pumblechook]

There is no evidence VA was pressured by the Government or News Corp.In fact it's scheme was not consistent with the Government's plan which was for voluntary discounts.

And that's why I've been critical of them - it's just another example of a VA decision that has no substance because they won't sped the money to back it up. Discounts? Mental health? Nah that'll cost us.

I'll happily agree with Pauline Hanson on this one.

 

[opusman]

Virgin Australia Passengers To Be Asked To Sing National Anthem Before Take Off – The Shovel

Virgin Australia passengers will be required to stand, place their hand on their heart and sing the Australian national anthem while their flight is taxing for take-off, the airline has confirmed.

Saying it was the logical next step after its recent plan to salute army veterans before each flight, Virgin said it was important to remind ourselves what country we’re in.

“Sometimes the fact that it’s printed on your boarding pass is not enough,” a spokesperson said.

Virgin’s safety demonstration will also be updated, alerting passengers to the life-jacket and Australian flag underneath each seat, to be used in case of an identity crisis.

 

[Haplo]

A disabled person no matter veteran or not should get priority boarding, and a healthy person should always board after all those with special needs gets boarded first.

It would right if you let a 30 year old perfectly healthy veteran board before someone on a wheelchair or a single parent with a three year old child? I think that would not be right.

 

[drron]

A disabled person no matter veteran or not should get priority boarding, and a healthy person should always board after all those with special needs gets boarded first.

It would right if you let a 30 year old perfectly healthy veteran board before someone on a wheelchair or a single parent with a three year old child? I think that would not be right.

But PB is after pre-boarding not before so that scenario wouldn't happen.
And by the way I am expecting the politicians who have been spruiking bs about dangerous jobs are now going to refuse PB as theirs is not a dangerous occupation.