Rumour: Next phase of VA "meals for all" to start tomorrow [14-Apr-2015]

[kevrosmith]

Flew CNS-SYD in Y on Flexi fare this morning. Talking with the crew about the Flexi breakfast I received (who at VA still thinks that a white chocolate muffin is an acceptable meal at 6am?) and the CSM seemed to indicate that the next phase of meals/snacks for all on a wider range of routes may start tomorrow (14-Apr).

They seemed to indicate that on longer routes (such as to CNS), a more substantial meal would be provided for all Economy pax regardless of fare purchased. I showed them some photos of QF economy box meals from recent flights.

Wasn't sure if it was only that announcement is due tomorrow or whether it's going to start simultaneously.

 

[yohy?!]

can't come soon enough - if i see another parmesan biscuit and salsa dip i may murder someone

 

[Milefest]

Interesting, will have to see what they're serving this friday, I think I'm becoming a banana bread connoisseur

 

[Demon_fan]

That would be great. I've flown MEL-PER a few times and appreciate the meal. Then on Monday I flew MEL-CNS and no meal. Both flights are similar to distance so it would make sense if they both had meals.

 

[jpk]

+1

I really wish they would standardise across the entire network on this.

 

[va7378fe]

I fly tomorrow (Wednesday), so it'll be interesting to see what's happening, if anything!

 

[Grimace1]

Has anyone flown today? Interested to see what the changes are

 

[kevrosmith]

No media announcement today, which I would expect before changes actually occur (surely?!?). Guess it's a wait-and-see. I fly Friday night SYD-CNS so will be listening out for any change to the on-board announcement. Might get a chance to query the CSM as well.

 

[jackthomas]

According to a cabin crew friend of mine, they will be very similar to the QF Dinner boxes...
Boxes in the VA colours but sounds like the contents will be very limited and quite LCC.

 

[jaspon]

I fly tomorrow (Wednesday), so it'll be interesting to see what's happening, if anything!

Spoke to cabin crew today, the roll out is tomorrow 15th, free snack ( of varied shapes and size depending on flight time) on all domestic flights, the inflight menu will still be available to purchase other snacks / sandwiches etc

 

[Deleted member 29185]

No media announcement today, which I would expect before changes actually occur (surely?!?). Guess it's a wait-and-see. I fly Friday night SYD-CNS so will be listening out for any change to the on-board announcement. Might get a chance to query the CSM as well.

All my BNE-CNS-BNE flights this year have been in J so I've not really noticed the flexi meal, but I do have the first of a string of BNE-CNS (or VV) flexi sectors coming up (starting on Saturday) so I wonder if (like other "meal" routes) the flexi "meal" will now be exactly the same as the new saver snack?

 

[VulpesVulpes]

Flew today BNE-MEL saver ticket - snack
Flying tomorrow MEL-BNE Saver ticket - Will see what I get

 

[jpk]

Virgin Australia gives free food on domestic flights

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Virgin Australia gives free food on domestic flights

Mr Hassell used two words that VA have often struggled with.......premium and consistent.

Time will tell. There's also wine and beer in the PR pic, but from the text it sounds like that is still a buy-on-board unless you just happen to be flying in the happy two hour time slot. (which I usually do not)!

 

[Jurahn]

can't come soon enough - if i see another parmesan biscuit and salsa dip i may murder someone

+1 to this. Anything would be better than the pathetic 2 crackers and a matchbox-sized piece of cheese that we received when flying Flexi fares MEL-OOL and OOL-MEL last year.

 

[YSSY]

Interestingly, our union has prevented us company flying Virgin because it wasn't a full service airline, now with the food on all routes, I don't see the problem. I've been pretty happy with Virgin Australia on my flights except for the nasty little Fokkers up to Karratha...

 

[blackcat20]

Problem is, snacks are not 'meals'. A tiny bag of dry fruit is pathetic on a 7pm(ie dinner time) flight.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Problem is, snacks are not 'meals'. A tiny bag of dry fruit is pathetic on a 7pm(ie dinner time) flight.

That is part the problem. The other problem is that flexis have been "enhanced". Even the tired old boring flexi wrap seems like a lavish banquet in comparison to a muesli bar.

 

[blackcat20]

That is part the problem. The other problem is that flexis have been "enhanced". Even the tired old boring flexi wrap seems like a lavish banquet in comparison to a muesli bar.

And even a Flexi can't get a can of coke...

 

[OzEire]

Why do airlines even bother to supply a snack/meal/drink on short flights?


Its nice to get something for nothing*

A snack/meal/drink service gives the appearance of staff "looking after" pax in flight

It gives bored pax something to divert their attention away from the tiny uncomfortable seat or wandering thoughts^ about their ticket purchase

Having tray tables down keeps many pax seated# for safety~



*Paid for in the ticket price/justifies a higher price far in excess of the service cost
^regrets
#subdued
~so they don't bother the crew