When is the tasting menu served on QF11?

[wafliron]

Don't know how accurate this is. I was told FA's working 747 are on different contracts - better conditions & salary than the ones that work the A380:?:

Yeah I've heard that too - but not if there's a difference between classes on the same service.

Re the 747 vs A380 conditions / salary differences, interestingly, the crew I had on QF8 a week ago were all Auckland-based (well, the ones in J were anyway) - one of the FAs told me they used to crew the AKL-LAX and vv services almost exclusively, but since QF has pulled those routes they've been redeployed to other routes, including ones to/from Australia which don't involve NZ as the origin or destination. The conversation left me wondering if these crew members are employed by QF, or their NZ subsidiary (JetConnect?), and if the latter, whether they get the same pay/conditions as QF-employed crew operating the same routes?

I'm curious, as this creates a potential conflict between the info about 747 crew enjoying better pay/conditions than A380 crew and the info about JetConnect-employed crew receiving poorer pay/conditions than their QF-employed counterparts (if I'm remembering all of this correctly). If you like a conspiracy theory, perhaps this is QF's latest strategy to reduce staff costs and one of the reasons they dropped the AKL-LAX route?

Yes I'm in F, sadly the Wi-fi doesn't extend to uploading photos so that will have to wait until I'm in LAX

It's great fun being able to post though.

No complaining - you're in F, you should be enjoying the food/wine/service, not posting on AFF!

Like previous occasions I doubt that I will be able to finish all 8 courses but I'll give it a go

Remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint Enjoy - I'm jealous, wish I was back in that seat (or should I say "suite") again!

 

[wafliron]

Yes this is correct

An easy google search for the Qantas Union agreements I did some months ago outline their pay scales and conditions etc etc, and those on different operating aircraft get paid differently.

I hadn't thought of looking that (their EBAs) up - just had a quick squizz.

Looks like the main differences between the A380 crew and other crew is that the A380 crew get paid an annual salary rather than an hourly rate, and that they simply get classified into a job role (e.g. FA/CSS/CSM) and are paid one rate according to that role whereas the other cabin crew have multiple pay scales inside their job classification (e.g. FA1, FA2, FA3, FA4, etc, all of which earn a progressively higher hourly rate).

I couldn't find anything that specifically stated whether J and/or F FAs get paid more than Y FAs, but you would assume they don't on A380 given the lack of subcategories inside their job classifications (and no obvious mention of cabin-class pay-loadings, or similar). For other aircraft I guess they might - that might be what the different subcategories inside each job classification are for, or it could be that the subcategories have nothing to do with cabin class and are instead based on years of service, merit-based "promotion" inside their job classification, etc.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I have all the photos and due to restraint in the F Lounge I have now managed the 8 courses
Sleep soon

 

[milehighclub]

Regardless what contract crew are on they are paid the same for working in economy through to first. Supervisors and Managers obviously get more.

QAL have FA 1 FA 2 etc up to 7 which is a pay scale done on years in that role. Since no one has been hired on that contract for nearly 8-9 years every one is on the highest levels.

Jetconnect long haul crew who work along side QAL (JC are not A380 trained) work under their conditions and pay which are different to QAL

QAL crew can choose to work on the A380 however they work under all QCCA conditions (except for pay). All QCCA crew are now on the A380 but some are still 747 endorsed so occasionally fly on this aircraft.

 

[Flying Fox]

Don't know how accurate this is. I was told FA's working 747 are on different contracts - better conditions & salary than the ones that work the A380:?:

I can confirm this to be correct. I know a F FA and she was offered a A380 gig but declined as she would have taken a pay cut. Not sure what form the pay cut consisted but she stayed on the B747.

 

[wafliron]

Regardless what contract crew are on they are paid the same for working in economy through to first. Supervisors and Managers obviously get more.

<snip>

Thanks for posting this info - answers all the questions I had

 

[Sprucegoose]

I have had Craig before and he was fantastic. The older lady Deb is also amazing. She anticipated my every need. I love it when the F FAs aren't in your face but are around if you have any issues

Very much the difference between fine Australian service versus bothersome Asian service.

 

[rhjames]

In the lounge, you can walk around, read, relax, work. Once I'm on the plane, a meal breaks up the boredom of a long flight. Therefore, I eat very lightly in the lounge, and save it for on the plane (if I'm flying first). The food and wine is excellent. However, a few years ago, there were only about five of us in First, and at meal time, someone had a meat pie. The smell was so good, we all skipped the meal and just had the pies. It was all I needed at the time. Go easy on the alcohol - plenty of it, but you are better off without it, and drink lots of water. First class doesn't overcome the jet lag and dehydration. QF11 arrives mid morning, so I normally go straight to the office. If you do this, you want your head clear.

Have a look back at Business, and you'll feel sorry for the poor wretches in the crowded conditions. You need to wander into economy just to stretch your legs and get the blood moving, but it will depress you.

I regard the meal as nothing special - I'd be just as happy with the business class meal. I get more excited over the sleeping arrangements, privacy, plenty of room, and a good sleep. Just hope you don't get a baby near you. Nothing wrecks a first class flight more than a crying baby.

 

[ronone69]

The tasting menu is great, had it many times on QF9 MEL->SIN. And the First wines and champagne are usually pretty good as well. The only thing I miss is the Russian Cavier on SQ and CX!! And yes, don't eat too much in the lounge before you travel. One time they forgot to load the smaller tasting menu meals so we got the full main courses for the main course items!! Most of the items on the tasting menu are generally on the normal menu as entrées or mains.

 

[infinity]

I emailed QF Customer Care with feedback.

I expect excellent service in F. But I also felt his performance was worthy of feedback.

Definately worth praising when its called for

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....cussion/outstanding-qantas-service-36577.html

Well done on F class on QF11

The only way to go to the USA

 

[Muzfly]

Very much the difference between fine Australian service versus bothersome Asian service.

Call me strange, but I am constantly amazed, and disappointed with the attitude of many of the posters here towards QF Cabin Crew. I've spent years Qantas flying domestically (mostly economy except to Perth in Business) & internationally in Business and First depending on the length of the trip. I've to say in my experience the Qantas people are every bit as good as any of the Asian carriers. I am convinced that many of you guys out there are expecting way too much in the way of service, or dare I say it perhaps have the wrong attitude to the staff. Or, perhaps its simply an exercise in Qantas bashing..... Sorry if I've offended anyone, but am only relating my experiences. Perhaps some of the QF bashers should experience the delights of flying around China or Central Europe....

 

[Briz.QffBoi]

I had Craig as my FA recently on QF11, he's excellent.

I find the hardest thing to gauge is when to go and climb into your P.J's when in either F or J!! LOL. Sometimes Iv'e boarded and folk are already sitting there in their "Jim Jams" looking all snuggly - depending on the time of departure it can be like an adult slumber party - especially on the 747!!

I rember flying QF from London to HK in F last yr (God rest its soul) and one old girl was the last to go and change after we had all donned the 'brown suit' - and she then swans off and returns wearing the old F P.J set - just to let us all know she had done it before - very subtle!!!

 

[Briz.QffBoi]

Call me strange, but I am constantly amazed, and disappointed with the attitude of many of the posters here towards QF Cabin Crew. I've spent years Qantas flying domestically (mostly economy except to Perth in Business) & internationally in Business and First depending on the length of the trip. I've to say in my experience the Qantas people are every bit as good as any of the Asian carriers. I am convinced that many of you guys out there are expecting way too much in the way of service, or dare I say it perhaps have the wrong attitude to the staff. Or, perhaps its simply an exercise in Qantas bashing..... Sorry if I've offended anyone, but am only relating my experiences. Perhaps some of the QF bashers should experience the delights of flying around China or Central Europe....

I tend to agree.

I have found that Qantas has really stepped up its service and attitude across the board over the past 18 months or so. Fly in the U.S and you will be dreaming of the service you get back home!

That being said, I have had one or two surly old coots on occasion - but they tend to be pretty few and far between these days - and often can be 'brought around' by a bit of pleasant banter and a friendly smile on the part of the OP.

The QF A380 crews are wonderful in my opinion.

 

[diningdecadence]

have people been travelling on the 380 or the 747? i've noticed plenty of FASAs around the 130k points mark on the 747s lately, but haven't found a recent TR for the 747

 

[Masonic Phantom]

Call me strange, but I am constantly amazed, and disappointed with the attitude of many of the posters here towards QF Cabin Crew. I've spent years Qantas flying domestically (mostly economy except to Perth in Business) & internationally in Business and First depending on the length of the trip. I've to say in my experience the Qantas people are every bit as good as any of the Asian carriers. I am convinced that many of you guys out there are expecting way too much in the way of service, or dare I say it perhaps have the wrong attitude to the staff. Or, perhaps its simply an exercise in Qantas bashing..... Sorry if I've offended anyone, but am only relating my experiences. Perhaps some of the QF bashers should experience the delights of flying around China or Central Europe....

Spot on....Muzfly

 

[LAH]

I did the tasting mel-sin. There was a main course of rabbit on the regular menu which really tempted me. One of the tasting courses held no interest for me. I happened to mention this to the FA who went away then came back to tell me they would substitute the course I didn't want with the rabbit! Most impressed! Great crew between mel-sin, a vast contrast to the British crew who did sin-Lon. The British crew weren't 'bad', they just didn't seem as enthusiastic and interested in what they were doing.

 

[amaroo]

have people been travelling on the 380 or the 747? i've noticed plenty of FASAs around the 130k points mark on the 747s lately, but haven't found a recent TR for the 747

The hard product on the 747 F is very OLD & disappointing - service & the rest are the same.

The best F seat on a QF 747 is when you're sitting in it as a J passenger....I.E. 4 class sold as 3

If you're interested, here is a fantastic TR from SFO777 showing casing QF 747 F along with CX 747 F & a few good other things......brilliant TR, QF starts on page 5 however, I recommend that you read the lot!

Really showcases how good a 747 F can be.........which is CX http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip...-hkg-mel-syd-lax-including-qf-a380-first.html

 

[Angela1204]

Yes, agree completely. I have had the joys of flying around China, and for an inflight meal (admittedly in Y) I was served one single cold cucumber. The small, pickling variety. More than interesting, I'll say. Along with the surly, NESB service, it was a trip to remember.

 

[Barondupon]

I find the hardest thing to gauge is when to go and climb into your P.J's when in either F or J!! LOL. Sometimes Iv'e boarded and folk are already sitting there in their "Jim Jams" looking all snuggly - depending on the time of departure it can be like an adult slumber party - especially on the 747!!

I rember flying QF from London to HK in F last yr (God rest its soul) and one old girl was the last to go and change after we had all donned the 'brown suit' - and she then swans off and returns wearing the old F P.J set - just to let us all know she had done it before - very subtle!!!

I flew PE last year and took my own PJs which I got changed into just before take off. I got some amusing looks. Also I am due to fly either J or F for the first time in September and am a big lad - 6'3" in the old scale and 130kgs - what are the chances of the PJs fitting? Should I give them some warning?

 

[wafliron]

Also I am due to fly either J or F for the first time in September and am a big lad - 6'3" in the old scale and 130kgs - what are the chances of the PJs fitting? Should I give them some warning?

I'd guess that you'll be fine - I'm a fair bit smaller than you @ 5'11" and ~85kg but the Medium PJs are pretty loose on me and they also have a Large available.