Premium MidCon Domestic QF vs VA (observing the attention to detail)

[dk4]

I thought I'd share my brief comparison of the premium services provided on board Business Class, from the two major domestic airlines on afternoon/evening flights over 3 hours (which aren't premium Perth services - i.e. not Coast to Coast on VA nor Small Plates/Large Plates on QF).

Things start out quite similar, with both airlines offering pre-departure drinks, served from a tray, with a choice of water and a soft drink (mixed juice on QF or mocktail on VA) and newspapers. Waiting at the seat are pillows and blankets, but VA also offers an amenity kit, which QF doesn't.

You can also see pictured the basic earbuds that each airline offers with their tablet entertainment systems. (Although VA's is contained in a cute, round carry case [bottom right of pic].)

After a hot towel service on both airlines, its time for a pre-meal drink and nibbles. (Served in a bowl on VA, and from a rip open bag on QF.)

Following drinks, the meal tray is delivered. On VA your meal starts with an entrée, on QF it's straight to mains.

This tray also displays the way that VA really pays attention to premium detail, with - salt and pepper in shakers, butter in a dish, and enough cutlery that you don't need to reuse your bread knife with your main meal. (QF only supply one of each; fork, knife, spoon and teaspoon.) VA also only serves glassware as you need it, leaving an uncluttered feeling to their tray. QF offers cracked pepper when the meal is served, while VA adds a fresh garnish, to top off their service.

VA then clears away the entrée and delivers the main course (which Qantas has already served, as they didn't supply an entrée on my comparison flight.)

Both airlines later offer an ice cream snack. (Except on my reviewed VA flight, where the CS had let it melt [grumble], so was unable to serve it, but was quite apologetic and asked if I would like something sweet from the BOB menu instead - which I declined.)

So there you have it, IME one airline goes a little bit further than the other, when it comes to focus on premium on board service.

 

[Melburnian1]

Business class to me on Australian domestic flights is a waste of money with the exception of east coast to and from PER. For shorter flights, I reckon the main users are highly paid corporate types including consultants, plus the higher ranked public servants and all parliamentarians along with company directors and sports 'stars.'

That said, from the above it looks like VA goes further than QF. One wonders how many QF flyers know this, or whether the latter group is 'loyal' because of their company's travel policies.

 

[brad330]

Thanks for the great report! Would you be able to share what route this was?

 

[RooFlyer]

Very nice side-by-side; thanks.

QF dom J service for me is more mature and reliable than VAs (admit to being about 6 months out of date for QF).

VA is 'trying hard' and gets the points on detail, but I might go back to QF on overall points.

How lucky we are to have such choice. Compare to the USA or 'Euro business'.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Thankyou for this comprehensive report.
I have yet to try anything other than the golden triangle and transcons on VA J.
From what I have tried I think VA is better transcon and QF better on the short hops, each by a fair margin over the other. I'm not a fan of the 737 sadly.

 

[samh004]

That's a very informative review

 

[Joshua]

Business class to me on Australian domestic flights is a waste of money with the exception of east coast to and from PER. For shorter flights, I reckon the main users are highly paid corporate types including consultants, plus the higher ranked public servants and all parliamentarians along with company directors and sports 'stars.'

That said, from the above it looks like VA goes further than QF. One wonders how many QF flyers know this, or whether the latter group is 'loyal' because of their company's travel policies.

Let us not forget people connecting onto international flights. Also I know or have met enough people who would be willing to book J for work or leisure. It all depends on how much things are worth to you.

I've seen VA J as being less consistent but I agree there are little things that QF equally could add.

 

[jetlagger]

Thanks for the review.
So it seems there is a little more attention to detail on VA catering.
Equally so, I've found service on QF J a little more refined as a point of difference.
I recently also had some impressive catering & service on US AA domestic J
despite the general consensus.

 

[dk4]

Thanks for the comments, and to address some of them in general - yes, I think that; aircraft type, seat and service style, all play an important part in rating the domestic Business Class experience. (Not to forget the various ground level experiences as well.)

But in the air, rating on board "service style" is just such a personal thing. I would add though, that there is a distinct and noticeable difference between the staff styles on each airline. But, as someone who just wants to pick away at some food and have their glass regularly refilled without too much fuss, I find that the CSMs and CSs are generally able to adapt to suit my needs on both airlines.

As for seats, well again personal opinion, but when it comes to comparing 37-40" pitch (Premium Economy style seats) QF does/did have a big winner with their fabric trimmed, four button adjustable, Millennium seat.

And as for aircraft type, as I like window seats, access is important to me - so an empty seat next to me &/or a bulk head in front, makes me happy. And although I do find the service on a single aisle aircraft to be more personal and intimate, as you deal directly with the CS or CSM, I can appreciate why aisle sitters prefer wide-body aircraft.

Business class to me on Australian domestic flights is a waste of money with the exception of east coast to and from PER. For shorter flights, I reckon the main users are highly paid corporate types including consultants, plus the higher ranked public servants and all parliamentarians along with company directors and sports 'stars.'

I see that you joined AFF in June this year, so you may not know all the "tricks", but while not as generous as their counterparts in the USA, there are still (IMO) "cost effective ways", to sit in J on Australia's domestic airlines.

 

[sjd]

Business class to me on Australian domestic flights is a waste of money with the exception of east coast to and from PER. For shorter flights, I reckon the main users are highly paid corporate types including consultants, plus the higher ranked public servants and all parliamentarians along with company directors and sports 'stars.'

(cough) Status run JASA (cough)

 

[smit0847]

What routes were these?

 

[Major]

A very good comparison, and I agree...it's the little things that count

 

[brad330]

I have a feeling its CNS-SYD as its about the only 3hr route with a 763 operating