Volcanic Ash flight disruptions June 2011

[markis10]

This is another Qantas policy. No ATC, No fly.


Although it is not a Jetstar policy, neither is it for Virgin.

Its only for Jet ops, not Qflink!

 

[dk4]

Kudos once again to Virgin for staying in the air when it was safe to do so!

It's great to know that there is an Australian airline that takes safety seriously (from the people its national operations centre right down to every flight deck across our nation), rather than simply trying to manufacture a safety scare (presumably for brand related issues) when there are safe alternatives, to keep our country connected!

On a side note JB probably needs to get on the blower to channel 9 ASAP, to remind them that Qantas isn't the only airline in Australia (as the TODAY show seems to have been reporting this morning, when advising ALL flights were cancelled)... I mean VAA has been advertising their new brand quite a bit recently, maybe channel 9 missed it!

And as a side note, would be great to see more of that 'merican Sean guy (and attractive girl they had chatting on TV in SYD(?) yesterday) to counter Qantas' arrogant horse head, which they've been trotting out everywhere.

 

[TOC]

Anyone know how to contct Q. 2 of there websits have flights going tomorrow morning from NZ, the 3rd says no flights till after 12. 110 minutes on hold so far. Really they are not being very helpful.....

 

[mistado]

Whoo hoo..in lounge and waiting for jetstar to head off to spore. Clear skies.

 

[nlagalle]

Kudos once again to Virgin for staying in the air when it was safe to do so!It's great to know that there is an Australian airline that takes safety seriously (from the people its national operations centre right down to every flight deck across our nation), rather than simply trying to manufacture a safety scare (presumably for brand related issues) when there are safe alternatives, to keep our country connected!

So you are an expert in volcanic ash?? Qantas making up a safety scare?? Really I suggest you think a bit before making silly posts. You think Qantas isn't losing money keeping planes on the ground? Each airline has it's own safety standards, if Virgin choose to fly it their call. But imagine if they had any engine issues?? I was stranded flying QF Sunday night and it's one of those things..I've also just heard Virgin are suspending flights in/out Perth.. Beat QF/JQ and TT....

 

[JohnPhelan]

Kudos once again to Virgin for staying in the air when it was safe to do so!

It's great to know that there is an Australian airline that takes safety seriously (from the people its national operations centre right down to every flight deck across our nation), rather than simply trying to manufacture a safety scare (presumably for brand related issues) when there are safe alternatives, to keep our country connected!

And as a side note, would be great to see more of that 'merican Sean guy (and attractive girl they had chatting on TV in SYD(?) yesterday) to counter Qantas' arrogant horse head, which they've been trotting out everywhere.

You really need to learn some manners and stop making offensive comments about a person's appearance.

Still, given your idiotic claim about QF "manufacturing a safety scare", I suppose it's what we should expect.

 

[markis10]

QF and DJ have now cancelled PER flights according to Sky.

 

[dk4]

So you are an expert in volcanic ash?? Qantas making up a safety scare?? Really I suggest you think a bit before making silly posts.

Hardly silly, just because I don't accept the Qantas spin at face value. Scare tactics are an oft used and obvious marketing tactic, one that soft-minded people often fall for!

But you are absolutely right, i am not a volcanic ash expert, but clearly the people at Virgin Australia, and those with whom they are consulting, are!

 

[dk4]

QF and DJ have now cancelled PER flights according to Sky.

I believe DJ was first to cancel before QF, they are certainly on the ball, and continuously and swiftly adapting to the situation as it unfolds!

 

[Danger]

Virgin, Qantas suspend flights to Perth due to volcano ash | Herald Sun

 

[markis10]

Apparently DJ have announced additional services to Tassie.

 

[oz_mark]

Apparently DJ have announced additional services to Tassie.

Must have some spare planes that aren't going to Perth!

 

[nlagalle]

Hardly silly, just because I don't accept the Qantas spin at face value. Scare tactics are an oft used and obvious marketing tactic, one that soft-minded people often fall for!But you are absolutely right, i am not a volcanic ash expert, but clearly the people at Virgin Australia, and those with whom they are consulting, are!

You are silly if you call it spin.... The cost of leaving planes on the ground isn't worth any perceived "spin".Then if you aren't an expert, dont comment on QF's risk analsys of the ash and potential effects. You'd become quiet very quickly if Virgin or Air NZ found engine damage caused by ash down the track...

 

[Demon62]

You are silly if you call it spin.... The cost of leaving planes on the ground isn't worth any perceived "spin".Then if you aren't an expert, dont comment on QF's risk analsys of the ash and potential effects. You'd become quiet very quickly if Virgin or Air NZ found engine damage caused by ash down the track...

Very unhappy camper here.

Originally scheduled to fly out QF AKL-SYD-MEL on Monday first flight out. SMS from Qantas that flights cancelled, call OZ 1800 number, on hold for just on four hours, half hour on Mobile at Oz rates (can't wait fopr the bill). Re-ticketed on the Tuesday Moring flight AKL-MEL. Monday night got SMS flights cancelled, no further info. 3 1/2 hours on hold - finally got through - rebooked out Wed Night, AKL-SYD. Asked to speak to supervisor - eventually got through to them and was advised no action, did i still want the first available. Advised that partner had to be home for kids (she is single parent). Told nothing that they can do, asked if added services being scheduled, or if larger aircraft being scheduled to cover backlog - she did not know. Asked who did, she replied how long is a piece of string. Asked for furhter info, she replied access website or watch the news - lost it, local news here is tractor pulls, sheep issues etc. Fat lot of good. Asked about accom and costs (had only packed for two nights) she replied not her issue, advised that she would terminate hte call, asked who I could speak to, she replied she was supervisor and that no-one else knew anything. Customer service sucks, advised that call was going round in cirles, she would terminate call and then hung up.

No-one from Qantas seems to give a flying F - expletive. They provide no information.

Went to local flight centre this morning, advised qantas had again cancelled all flights out, as had Jetstar. Only remaining seats out of AKL were on Emirates and Business class. Grabbed them and travelled to airport (cost of $2k). Waited in line and qantas staff very supportive and helpful - seemed surprised that call centre staff actions. They at airport trying rescheduling people on other carriers, provinding accom and food vouchers. No-one had been turned away.

Lesson - get to the airport. DON'T fly QANTAS.

Complaint coming -

 

[mannej]

There is a member on here that has a vast amount of knowledge and expertise in this specific area says that just because other airlines are doing it doesn't make it a good idea.
I guess each airline has their different risk management policies, but I think the communication is the big issue affecting each of the airlines currently.
Is this a reason not to fly QF? I guess that is an individual decision to make is it not

 

[samh004]

Lesson - get to the airport. DON'T fly QANTAS.

Very sorry to hear you've been stuffed around, but I would think that (going to the airport) would always be the best case. That's where the majority of pax are going to be and that's where you'll be sorted out the best, unless you have a direct line to Mr. Joyce?

 

[markis10]

Very sorry to hear you've been stuffed around, but I would think that (going to the airport) would always be the best case. That's where the majority of pax are going to be and that's where you'll be sorted out the best, unless you have a direct line to Mr. Joyce?

The advice given out by various sources including the airlines and airports was to not go to the airport, which I concur with as someone who was involved! The lineup at the QF service desk yesterday in Melbourne looked like it would take 4 to 5 hours to clear at 7AM.

 

[TheInsider]

The advice given out by various sources including the airlines and airports was to not go to the airport, which I concur with as someone who was involved! The lineup at the QF service desk yesterday in Melbourne looked like it would take 4 to 5 hours to clear at 7AM.

Correct, do NOT head to the airport for rebooking, there are limited staff that are trained in ticketing/sales and the general wait yesterday was probably over 2 hours.

 

[samh004]

The advice given out by various sources including the airlines and airports was to not go to the airport, which I concur with as someone who was involved! The lineup at the QF service desk yesterday in Melbourne looked like it would take 4 to 5 hours to clear at 7AM.

I guess I can understand a major disruption would result in very long lines, however if I was constantly being stuffed around and not being given anything I could/think I am entitled to over the phone, I'd choose the line at the airport.

 

[TheInsider]

No-one from Qantas seems to give a flying F - expletive. They provide no information.

Complaint coming -

Well what information do you want?
There is information everywhere;
-QF Website
-QF Facebook
-QF Twitter
-JQ Website
-ALL news websites
-Their phone lines
-The airports
-TV News
-Talk back radio
-FM radio news
-AM radio news