What do you want/expect on board?

[anat0l]

As some here know, I was previously married to a QF International CSA and then subsequently had a number of domestic and international FA's as girlfriends (yes, I was doing too much travelling back then), so I would often debate some of these issues with them.

I actually didn't know that.

Looks like you don't really need WP then.....you're well known around the QF network (which FAs haven't had a turn yet?). Just kidding........

Now I am an eternal optimist, so I see getting the FA to smile or chat as a challenge, whether male of female. An honest smile and a heartfelt "thank you" go a long way. It desn't take much effort to help FA's make it a pleasant flight experience.

I'm no eternal optimist but I try my best also to make a FA smile, laugh or have a chat. In many cases, there just isn't enough time (but most of my travel is short/short-medium haul domestic, in Y of course).


I'm very concerned in this thread that the incidences of disservice are increasing. I know QF isn't consistent and that is already a severe downfall, but seriously there can't be this many bad incidents (despite the good incidents also littered around).

Again, I feel very out of place because I haven't had a single gripe against the QF FAs yet, in over (a mere ) 75 flights.

 

[dajop]

I'm very concerned in this thread that the incidences of disservice are increasing.

I wouldn't say they are increasing. There always have been isolated incidences of disservice and "attitude", just that they don't seem to be decreasing.

Again, I feel very out of place because I haven't had a single gripe against the QF FAs yet, in over (a mere ) 75 flights.

Domestically, where our OP 737 works, in hundreds of flights I struggle to recall a single instance of really bad attitude or "disservice", other than the odd glare at a slow passenger holding up a meal or clean up service. But internationally, in a much smaller number of flights in both J & Y it although it is generally OK, it does seem all to common an occurence, maybe it's the constant timezone shifts....that make both passengers and crew to be a bit more cranky.....

 

[737]

I'm no eternal optimist but I try my best also to make a FA smile, laugh or have a chat. In many cases, there just isn't enough time (but most of my travel is short/short-medium haul domestic, in Y of course).

I think the majority of us love a chat! On the 737 it can be a bit hard for pax to come down the back or up the front for a chat cos its small, but generally we don't mind having a chat to pax, it does pass the time on long flights especially.

We also like the WP's who aren't as their name would suggest. I know that I like it when it WP's are very friendly as well. On my last flight there was one gentleman, one one of two WP's in Y and I decided to try and make him have a comfortable flight. Get him the J Class Chardonnay as we didn't have a Chardonnay in Y, and whatever he wanted.

What was nice for me was towards the end of the flight he was down the back after using the loo and thanked me for the service. We were chatting and he mentioned he had to try and restrict his flights to under 100 for the year :shock: and joking about how his daughter and wife ensure that his FF points are kept as low as possible!!

I just found that nice to keep it real with the pax, regardless of ur status.

But, moral of the story, we are always up for a chat. What I find about QF staff (even though I am one of them) is that although we try and provide a premium service, we are very real underneath... but I guess that is the Aussie way as well

 

[737]

Went back there for a bit of a walk and to get water and what may be on offer, and the reaction from the 2 FAs was "What are you doing here?????? We gave you water two hours ago."

I really dislike being regarded as an inconvenience and naughty brat after paying my own $$$$ when looking for a bottle of water and a bag of whatever. Next time I'll use the call button or maybe another airline. So bloody annoyed.

This is a disgrace. If you ever have a bad experience, please report it. This is the only way that our service is going to be improved, or the offending crew member to be told to be brought into line, that is my opinion.

Most crew will try and do their best by the pax and it seems on this occasion that you may have met some not-to-standard crew.

Don't be afraid to press the call button, that is what is there for. Sometimes as crew we would not want to disturb you, so we won't, so we need that call button to let us know you want something.

I know that in the event that a passenger who comes to the galley to ask for something, to the best of my ability I will ask them, "What seat are you in Sir/Madam?" and tell them I will bring it to their seat.

Overall, for everyone don't be afraid to press the call button, that is what it is there for

 

[Flying Fox]

Overall, for everyone don't be afraid to press the call button, that is what it is there for

I know but I still feel bad about using it. It must just be me.

 

[anat0l]

Overall, for everyone don't be afraid to press the call button, that is what it is there for

• During a sleeping period, the call bell still makes an audible sound. Mightn't be much to notice, but I feel guilty if I try and wake someone up. So I go to the galley instead (and if I can't get out without tripping on someone, I'll go without.)
• Call bell answering is spotty IME, especially in my experiences on domestic J. I realise that you are busy, but I don't call during or some appreciable time after meal services.
• Most of all, I prefer to get up if I can, save you the hassle of having to run up and down twice.
  One thing about QF FAs (except for the example as given by Postcode) are one of the more sociable and approachable FAs in the sky, especially in the galley. Other airlines have FAs that think the galley is essentially a no-go zone for pax, or are very surprised if a pax makes an appearance there.

 

[Greydove]

I don't like to use the call button but did for the first time ever just recently as I wanted a drink of water (after the meal had been served) and as I had a window seat would have had to climb over two other pax to get out to go up to the galley so I pressed the call button which was ignored by the flight attendants! Not one of them came to see what I wanted. When the cabin crew came through the cabin to clear away the trays and offering another drink - I turned off the call button. Flight crew were quite oblivious to the fact that the call button had been on for quite sometime - at least 10-15 minutes.

 

[737]

I don't like to use the call button but did for the first time ever just recently as I wanted a drink of water (after the meal had been served) and as I had a window seat would have had to climb over two other pax to get out to go up to the galley so I pressed the call button which was ignored by the flight attendants! Not one of them came to see what I wanted. When the cabin crew came through the cabin to clear away the trays and offering another drink - I turned off the call button. Flight crew were quite oblivious to the fact that the call button had been on for quite sometime - at least 10-15 minutes.

I can understand why it took a long time to come to your call button. As this was during the meal service we are packing away, setting up, clearing, everything at once trying to get back out to take your tray as soon as possible. I apologise on behalf of the crew that they were not as attentive as they should be. Obviously we should be answering call bells because it could be an emergency, and no matter how much work we are doing down the back, we should answer ur calls as quickly as we can

One thing I will say, every crew is different, and one thing that happens alot, and we usually would get this on the mining flights, is passengers pressing the call bell for second drinks when we haven't even finished the service in the rest of the cabin. Most crew usually work to the 'Second Drinks on Collecton' rule, albeit not an airline rule, but just something that helps us control who is drinking what and as a part of our RSA.

Mind you, water isn't a unreasonable request, and should have been met, and once again, I do apologise on their behalf.

 

[econgdon]

there are many ff's and obviously some give more business than others, hence there needs to be some sort of duferention more than just the 3 cards, but I feel it would be nice that if you are going on a trip and suddenly a friend, or parner wants to come, that if you are a ff with say more than 200000 points or some number that you should have the right at the last moment to book a ticket for that friend or partner at the price you paid, if there are say more than 5 seats still vacant on the plane under 2 days before. I have been in this position a number of times and the price of a second d ticket has been excessive and so the person did not come, yet there were quite a few empty seats on the plane. Similarly some sort of allowance could be made to re-introduce the old stand by system at a discount for ff's who have more than 200,000 points

 

[QF WP]

Don't be afraid to press the call button, that is what is there for. Sometimes as crew we would not want to disturb you, so we won't, so we need that call button to let us know you want something.

I know that in the event that a passenger who comes to the galley to ask for something, to the best of my ability I will ask them, "What seat are you in Sir/Madam?" and tell them I will bring it to their seat.

Overall, for everyone don't be afraid to press the call button, that is what it is there for

I'm similar to anat0l here and I suspect many others - I enjoy the excuse to get out of my (aisle) seat an have a wander to the galley area and do some stretches whilst chatting to the CSM and/or FA's. I'm happy for them to bring back to my seat.

737, if you ever see luggage tags on pax's FF bags which are bright yellow and say "Flyertalk", they could also be people from here (as the two FF sites are very similar). When we get AFF tags (soon from the looks of it), then you'll be able to recognise some of us.

I actually didn't know that.

Looks like you don't really need WP then.....you're well known around the QF network (which FAs haven't had a turn yet?). Just kidding........

Ah, this was back in 1992/93 when I was a humble Gold. It was well after this relationship finished that I bacame Plat (2002) and I had known Mrs LW about 6 weeks by that time. There are always beautiful FA's and CSM's onboard, but no, I am very happily married...and have kids as you know

 

[Oneworldplus2]

...only complaint is the bar opening at 2pm make it midday!!

I agree on this point. Was at the SYD QP in November last year and l had to go to the bar downstairs for a beer before my 13:30 flight to HBA.
But, the OP can't control this.
Side note - Virgin Blue Lounge, bars open at 11am.
Virgin Blue > Benefits


As some people have also mentioned, there could be more levels to the FF scheme (not that it would make a difference to me). I think that Asiana has 4 levels plus a lifetime million mile BIS card too.
Policy & Benefits- Asiana Airlines

 

[anat0l]

As some people have also mentioned, there could be more levels to the FF scheme (not that it would make a difference to me). I think that Asiana has 4 levels plus a lifetime million mile BIS card too.
Policy & Benefits- Asiana Airlines

I think more levels isn't a good idea.

We already have 3 elite levels plus two lifetime levels (we are not counting Chairman's Lounge here). Another level on top would just make for a silly further differentiation of passengers.

The levels don't need to be more if only the benefits were far more distinctive between levels. As it stands at the moment, and counting the unwritten benefits, QF aren't doing too badly. (Anyone considered status with LH M+M lately?)

 

[Optics]

We also like the WP's who aren't as their name would suggest. I know that I like it when it WP's are very friendly as well. On my last flight there was one gentleman, one one of two WP's in Y and I decided to try and make him have a comfortable flight. Get him the J Class Chardonnay as we didn't have a Chardonnay in Y, and whatever he wanted.

This is the one thing I really appreciate and about the only "extra" service I need as a WP to feel like I am treated a bit special , to be offered a glass of the J wine while flying Y (make it the shiraz though for me). Week before last on a flight MEL-PER I asked for a second wine during the meal tray collection, and the FA graciously offered to get me something a little nicer from J. Came back with a very full glass of much better wine, which was great.

Overall I have no complaints about the QF FA service I receive, on either domestic or international. Occasionally, an FA may not smile as much as I would want, but it is very rare they provide poor service. Considering how rude some pax are, I think the FAs do an amazing job of remaining civil.

 

[Greydove]

I fully understand and appreciate that FAs are very busy during meal service. I should have mentioned that I am conscious of this fact which is why I watched for them to finish before pressing the call button.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

As it stands at the moment, and counting the unwritten benefits, QF aren't doing too badly. (Anyone considered status with LH M+M lately?)

I just had a quick look at LH M+M program. 4 levels, like QF. But the top 2, which is equivalent to QF SG and QF WP, get upgrade vouchers, like almost every other airline out there, oh, except QF (not including LCC's, obviously). I suspect that LH would probably have a CL/Concierge Key tier too.

http://www.miles-and-more.com/online/portal/mam/de/program/information?nodeid=2547184&l=en&cid=18002

Hon Circle Member status on LH. Boy, that's a lot of flying. I take it, it's all BIS too?

 

[anat0l]

Going O/T here, but....

I just had a quick look at LH M+M program. 4 levels, like QF. But the top 2, which is equivalent to QF SG and QF WP, get upgrade vouchers, like almost every other airline out there, oh, except QF (not including LCC's, obviously). I suspect that LH would probably have a CL/Concierge Key tier too.

Miles & More - Miles & More status levels

Hon Circle Member status on LH. Boy, that's a lot of flying. I take it, it's all BIS too?

Getting HON is not a case of BIS miles - it's HON Circle miles. Basically the same as status miles except they are only counted if you fly with LH-group metal (i.e. Star Alliance status miles don't count).

Someone did some rough math on how cheap could you achieve HON. Not only would you have to fly a lot, but the "cost" of HON was apparently no less than EUR 15,000.

M+M is worth the benefits you receive (although awards are a bit tough to come by and upgrades are not as easy to use as you think), but that is why it is so difficult to achieve each of the statuses. If you fly a lot of premium (paid, not award, of course) then it is a good choice of program.

Almost every Star Alliance program gives their top tiers upgrade vouchers good for a one class upgrade on any single sector with a usual exception of ultra-long haul sectors (which demand two units). To compensate, it is pretty difficult (dollar for dollar) to get top tier on most Star Alliance programs (to get mere Star Gold isn't too bad on a few of them); oh, and BD doesn't count (mind you, Diamond Club and BD itself is being enhanced pretty quickly as we speak).

QF WP is a relatively easier tier to achieve compared to some programs out there. Perhaps that's a compensation for the lack of other benefits compared to what you see out there for other programs. Then again, anyone in QFF would know by now that QF aren't a trigger-happy upgrading airline anyway (only in recent times have we seen so much "generous" upgrading on international flights, both points and op-ups), so whilst they have offered flight upgrade certificates in the past, what makes you think they'll have them now?

In some cases, being WP is still good per se because you are pretty much on the top (save for CLs) of upgrade and op-up lists. Also, calling in favours at QF Premium (bless those people!) is a lot easier as a WP than not (of course, without WP you couldn't call Premium!)

AA EXP is probably the only other comparable if not better oneworld top tier, who not only are AA's top fliers but also get a whole bunch of upgrade vouchers thrown at them. Probably not a bad idea because most people here could use an upgrade or two when flying AA metal . BAEC Gold is only good once you get GGL and much higher (something like 3.5-5 times bare BAEC Gold qualification, which gives you a lot more benefits) - and mind you that's pretty ****ing tough (and also impossible for Antipodean residents)! Not sure about CX Marco Polo Diamond, although I hear they're getting enhanced too (oh who am I kidding - which FFPs around the world aren't getting enhanced?).

Closer to home, someone said that to run for NZ Gold (not Gold Elite), one just has to fly lots of East Coast Australia - Tahiti (via AKL) runs in J (apparently one of the best value routings for NZ status points). I did the math; for the same budget, I could get close to or handily get QF WP.

But of course in the end status with FFPs is a highly "horses for courses" affair.

 

[11sjw]

Back on topic


More meals like the dinner served on QF1117 back from Port Hedland last night. The Roast Chicken was so great I asked for a 2nd helping which was given with a smile.

 

[MelUser]

I wouldn't mind Plats being given upgrade vouchers - AA give their exec plats 8 per year I think?

When I first joined QFF in the early 90s I used to get upgrade vouchers - does anyone remember these?

 

[NYCguy]

I wouldn't mind Plats being given upgrade vouchers - AA give their exec plats 8 per year I think?

But with WPs already close to the top of the pile in the upgrade lottery, what would be the point?

 

[NM]

I wouldn't mind Plats being given upgrade vouchers - AA give their exec plats 8 per year I think?

When I first joined QFF in the early 90s I used to get upgrade vouchers - does anyone remember these?

Yes, AA provide 8 system-wide eVIP upgrades per year to Executive Platinum members. These are good for a one-way trip of up to 3 flight segments and can be confirmed at the time of request of there is available upgrade inventory, and that means A class for upgrades into first class and C class for upgrades into Business Class.

Qantas provides a Loyalty Bonus of 5000 points for every 450 Status Credits earned. So this effectively provides a Platinum status member the QF FF points required for 3 upgrades from full economy to business class on flights up to 600 miles.

Hmm, which one seems more generous?