STOP PRESS!!! Buster flew DJ!!!

[Buster Hyman]

Well, being time for a trip to SYD, I thought it was about time I saw, first hand, what DJ has brought to our skies. This is only personal opinion of course and if you don't agree, then fine, but try not to take it personally.

The first positive report I can give, is that there was no monkey business onboard by the FA's! Whether this was a management requirement, or just the crews' choice on board, it seems to be a wise move.

On the down side, the groundstaff were woefull. Very unprofessional PA's (laughing whilst stuffing up names), no idea about delays or updates in the gate and only randomly gave delay info at check in.

Baggage delivery was timely and no problems at all. Flight's were smooth (weather permitting) although, to the guys that landed DJ832 yesterday, man that was the hardest I've ever hit bitumen on 34 at Tulla!!! :uhoh:

Being over 6 feet tall, the seating sucked big time. Reminded me more of an interstate bus than a passenger jet, but I guess I was just over pampered at AN & QF!:rolleyes: However, does this mean that the term; "Glorified bus drivers" can now be used????;) :p ;) :p ;) :p

For the record, I think I'll stick with the rat.:sad: :{

[airsupport]

So, what you are really saying is, you finally got to try one of the Virgins, and you couldn't handle it. ;) :D :p

[Sid Departure]

No. I think what he is saying is, that me misses his dear ol' Ansett:{ :{ :{ :{

[Ralph the Bong]

A lot of us miss Ansett, mate. I flew on DJ a while ago and I thought much the same as BH posted above. The kids working check-in would have seemed more at home working at McDonalds but they did try hard. Cabin crew, very eager to please and adequately professional in doing their duties. I felt that they lacked the slickness that the Ansett cabin crews had, but I dont intend this as a negative appraisal. I would pick DJ every time over QF where I could as the last time I travelled I QF, I encountered a level of rudness from ground staff that defies belief. I had lost the ticket for the return sector and I asked QF staff if I could travel. They said yes(bruskly) and issued another ticket and then demanded(very bruskly) a replacement fee of $85. I told them(politely but firmly) that this amount was excessive. The CSO then said she couldnt care less if I travelled or not and to pay up or move away from the counter as there were people waiting. I asked to see her manager who then came out and loudly berated me for losing the ticket. I told her that I felt that the attitude of both her and the CSO lacked 'customer focus' She (the manager) told me that I could try another airline. When I pointed out that QF was the only carrier that served the destination , she said (victoriously) "looks like you're stuck then". I asked if I could get a refund If I found the lost ticket. A sneering "Nah" was the reply. As I walked away from the counter with new ticket and minus $85 (CSO and Manager beaming triumphantly), the CSO yelled out to me in front of several other would be travelers "Oh Mr. Bong, if you find your lost ticket and try to travel on it, we will call the police and have you charged with fraud". Fcuking unbelievable...(the port was SYD)

[luna landing]

Mr Departure,

He, and so many thousands more do too.

Regards.

PS. It's hardly a replacement.

[BLO MOI]

Ralph the Bong,

You should email a complaint Re. the Ground Staff you refer to..
P..s Poor I reckon, and as the threat of jobs being axed looms, it would be nice if the right (read. wrong) people got the chop!!
As a White Rat employee, and with Virgin currently having 40% market share on the routes in which they compete with us (that's from Commercial), we need all the help we can get.
Not sure whether it's a complacency issue, or if the counters are already understaffed and you've copped their frustrations, but either way if you're in the Customer Service industry, that's what u do!

[Buster Hyman]

Yeah, thanks airsupport! I'm not as fit as I used to be.:{

In fairness Ralph, I suppose they have only been at it a short time compared to the incumbents at the time. I'm sure there are many stories of AN CSO's or any other Dept. that have a few horror stories! Geez, I'm probably in one or two!! :}

I haven't flown QF domestic for at least 15 years, but even back then, I felt priveledged to be on "their" plane!:hmm:

If DJ are up to 40%, then good on them. If QF have lost ground to them, I guess the staff may have to wake up & smell the pre packaged lunch boxes and lift their game. AN taught us that there are no "guaranteed" jobs in this industry and the sooner QF staff learn this, the better for them!

[Beech Boy]

Compare apples with apples:

Virgin does not offer the same range of service levels that Qantas does and nor do you pay the same price either.

As a recent first time traveller on Virgin, all staff that I encountered where courteous, eager to assist (new!), entertained our kids (new) – the face painting was a delight, no baggage delays and where on time – exactly what was needed. Between SYD and PTH, next time I will be bringing a packed lunch though.

Having travelled domestic and international on Qantas for many years– for the price of the ticket, and comparing it to other international and domestic operators – the service (?) is not what I would consider that great, not bad, but there are others that do it a whole lot better. I can sympathise with the “Bong”, you get the feeling that the Qantas staff are there to do a job, not necessarily one which is customer focused. Send them an email Bong.

[amos2]

Well, I think all of the above just confirms what we have all known for some time...aviation in Oz is the absolute pits!!

Which is why I travel by other means these days!! ;)

[leftfrontside]

Now that you have opened the Pandoras Box BH I must put my 2c in.

Having walked in a specific year in the late '80's and having the privilege of trawling the world on many airlines re travel AND BEING TRUE BLUE unfortunately QF is the last fanny (can I use that Woomera - please)of an Airline (if you can call it that) that I travel on.

IT IS THE PITS from top to bottom.

Now to totally screw me BA whom I have been a loyal "Executive Miles" member for many years tells me that I am about to become a QF Frequent Flyer-DO I HAVE NEWS FOR THEM It's all bad.

I would sooner walk, row a boat, drive a car or ride a bike than travel with that mob-DJ for me.

Declaration: The writer owns shares in the mob-but that's whoring, purely money making. :hmm:

[Mr. Hat]

Bong mate - get on the phone and find out who is in charge of those 2 losers. People have just lost their jobs at QF and you have idiots like that staying on. I'm sure amongst those that have lost their jobs there are some that could be a little more tactful. Take note people - you don't want fools like that in your company. Over here in GA if I spoke to someone like that my boss would choke the living f out of me. Instant dismissal mate, no questions asked.

As for VB v QF. I couldn't care less - I go on the net and find the cheapest possible fair so I have more money to spend on my holiday. The good looking girls are just a bonus.

Friendly yet professional. The laughing over the pa is a bit silly. Schools out we're on a jet. I know everyones excited and thats good.

Even better Bong pvt msg me and give me some more details and when I get a chance I'll get on the blower

:mad: :mad: !!

[Plazbot]

Mr bong do not worry, someone will recoop that $85 with no track shortening tomorrow.

[TIMMEEEE]

You pay for service and thats what you should get guys.

Over the years whenever I have payed for something and been treated poorly or didnt get the required level of service I put my complaints in writing to the CEO/GM or whoever is in position to effect a rapid response.

I have received letters of thanks from many companies together with written assurances and occasionally refunds/certifcates for further services free of charge.

We all have complaints guys but we Australians seem loathe to put pen to paper and let the big bosses know exactly what goes on at the coal face.

If no one informs the bosses as to what is going on this behaviour will proliferate and continue.

Stopnote : My sister was treated not poorly, but incompetently by an airline in Oz after misplacing her bag and the taxi wanting her to foot the bill for home delivery!
How about a reply VB.............it's been six weeks and she's still waiting!!!

[Ralph the Bong]

Yeah, I was going to write a letter,but then I decided not to. Why? Simple. At the time (10 months ago), DJ had about 20% of the market. Looking at the big picture, the interests of the general public, in terms of airline competition, would be furthered by these two Bozos remaining at their post; their presence would certainly make travellers at least consider travelling DJ. The best action was not to act. Not only that, but, given the political lobbying that Dixon and Jackson made to ensure that Ansett was well and truely sunk, why should I now make efforts to deliver to them a competitive advantage? Not unless they pay me for it. Do Jackson and Dixon do anything for free? Not likely. Why should I spend 1 1/2 hours of my time typing a letter, printing it of, finding the address of the complaints dept, walking to the post office...I dont work for QF! It would be more productive for me to spend the time mowing the lawn. If QF want to improve their efficiency through my efforts, then they can fuggin'well pay me for it. Perhaps as a consultant. I think $5000 is a nice, round number...:)

[Skinny Dog]

I work for neither. QF is kind of boring in the same way people buy Commodore or Falcon cars, just an old reliable, somewhat moribund product. VB is a least trying to be different and affordable so I am not surprised at the 40% figure above and likewise would not be surprised if they get close to 50% in the future. My company is talking about switching its business travel to VB for economic and other reasons which should be a real concern to QF and a warning sign, if the trend continues. :8

[Freek Flyer]

I dunno,

I travelled by interstate bus to melbourne for easter and I must say that the bus company could teach the airlines a few things about seats! I thought they were more comfortable and had more room than virgin and qantas!

:ugh:

:\

cheers all

[Beech Boy]

"The best action was not to act"

HMMM?? IMHO this is rarely a good path to follow - if you are worried about the time it would take - I think you have spent as much time writing your post as it would take to phone or e-mail.
Reasons to complain:
1. You could have the satifaction of initiating some very needed remedial staff training as to the fact that they (Q) are in a service Industry.
2. You could get your $85-00 back.

Even Mercenaries do the biz for not much money don't they? But your choice is your right:D

[dunerider]

I to also out of interest elected to fly with DJ not to make a comparison as such although that is what you end up doing.
I thought the new terminal space was a big improvement, although the queues were rather long. The ground staff were
friendly and effective although not as efficient as they could be.
The aircraft was obviously new and I liked the leather seats. In flight service is what you pay for. I also found the PA's initially amusing but they begin to grate on you and the flight was only one hour in duration. Obviously the plan is to have F/A's there only for a short time thereby keeping their enthusiasm up. I suppose this is definitely working in the short term if the market share percentages are accurate but in the longer term who knows. At least now there exists some credible opposition to the other mob who for too long have had things their own way and on their own terms. I flew the return leg on QF and the crew were rather mature and the whole product was stale. The catering was a waste of time and a huge downgrade from yesteryear. I would much prefer to buy my own from the Virgin cart, at least I had some choice. Maybe I am viewing things in this way because I did have the opportunity to fly into Australia in first class and the comparison is then not a fair one. I believe Virgin will continue to increase their market share and a period of stability will hopefully enable DJ to instill some more professionalism into their operation.

[Woomera]

Love em or hate em, they have certainly changed the face of aviation.

Middle daughter just rang to say that she and a mate had just scored $99 seats each way PER to MEL in the current seat sale.

They like I subscribe to the QF and DJ email alert thingy, pops up on her screen at work quick phone call to matess, cuppla keystrokes later they're on the flight.

How cool is that.

25 somethings, good well paid jobs, smart and sharp as tacks, not short of a quid or afraid to spend it, are going to MEL for a few days, to hang out with some friends and revisit old haunts, eat drink and be merry.

There is a whole new demographic out there with a buck to spend and are more concerned about the destination than how they get there and in what.

"Hey Dad what are those little wing thingies sticking up at the end of the real wing, are they there for advertising or something?":D "Yes honey" is the safest answer. :}

If they hadn't spent the money to go to MEL it would have gone to Margaret River instead, coz it was gunna get spent, win lose or draw.

Nearly the same travel time, arrive somewhere different.

These guys are the big travellers of the future, get their attention and it isn't all that hard to hold it.

Go QF Go DJ.

[amos2]

Yeah!...I think you're right W.

Not like the old days is it?

Then again, I think the old days are gone aren't they?

Unfortunately! :(

amos2 slinks off, somewhat depressed, to go fishing. :rolleyes:

[Buster Hyman]

Well, we can lament the passing of "the good old days", and get stuck into the NWO whilst we're at it I suppose.

Big W. For their sake, I hope they're short! Not like me...:sad: PER-MEL...I just couldn't do it now, boy do I miss the AN blue business class seats!:{

Oh well, time to let go of the old girl...we won't see her like again..:( (Starting to sound a bit like EWL there!:ok: )

[Woomera]

Buster.
My daughter 5'0"cute as a button, doesn't take prisoners, matess gorgeous blonde 5'9", they hunt as a pack.:uhoh:

amos me old

I keep saying, our generation had the very best of Australia, but they are now gone.

Fishing sounds good. Sound of aircraft going over is a ****** spooks the trout.:{

[Mr. Hat]

Yes 99 dollar fares to anywhere are a bargain really. Its made people look at going somewhere different for a change. I'm catching up with a mate I haven't seen for 5 years as a result. Will be unreal:) :)

[amos2]

You're probably right W!

I've got this private jetty, you see.

And the daily SYD/ADL goes right over the top!

And I shakes my fist and say's...sod off you lot!! ;)

[bentwings]

TIMEEEE said
Over the years whenever I have payed for something and been treated poorly or didnt get the required level of service I put my complaints in writing to the CEO/GM or whoever is in position to effect a rapid response.
Right On. Find out the name and HQ address of the CEO and send courteous, detailed, letter. He or she is proud of their organisation and values direct feedback from customers much more than middle level management reports which always say that everything is lovely and getting better even when water is lapping around their ankles.
1. Slow insurance payout from NRMA. Letter to (then) CEO resulted in cheque within two days via courier to my home.
2. Poor service from Myer 'Formal Wear' department. Letter to CEO Fletcher resulted in immediate investigation by Myer Stores' manager, apology, and $50 voucher.
3. Sick after quick meal at McDonald's on way to strip. Letter to Australia CEO Russo resulted in urgent call from district manager, thorough hygiene investigation of restaurant, and heap of food vouchers.
Always deal with the top. By definition any discourteous, non-caring people stay at the bottom.
BW

[Rich-Fine-Green]

DJ seems to have the right idea & the right formula - up to now.

However, are they doing the right thing by delving into qasi-club lounges & prefered seating?.

Their success is mainly because they are different.

I hope DJ is not tempted to morph further towards full-service and become just another carrier.

[Metro Boy]

Bentwings, what were you doing stripping??

[bentwings]

MB,
1.Had to after Macca's exited the wrong way!
2. Sad day today; attended Noel Lovell's funeral at Ararat, VIC.
Noel went in on final last Saturday at Lethbridge VIC in his KR2.
~500 at the service in Ararat Soaring Club's hangar. Vale Noel.
BW

[Sperm Bank]

I assume that you gentlemen when refering to the "good old days" are indeed refering to flying or some other aspect of the aviation industry.

THE "GOOD OLD DAYS" saw us ALL getting ripped off blind by the then 2 majors. Flying literally was for the elite and high income earners.

The "good old days" had some of the worst CRM principles God could ever have imagined. Some of those are still present at QF today according to some of the lads I have spoken to.

The "good old days" are as neanderthal as some of the thinking that goes on here from time to time.

All I can say is thank god the good old days are a thing of the past and but a figment of our imaginations. We are flying around in brand new a/c, our family and friends can travel for a fraction of the cost which would have otherwise restricted most if not all of alot of peoples travel plans of late.

Sorry lads but the "good old days" sucked big time and along with millions of others, I don't miss them one iota!

[Buster Hyman]

:hmm: Hmmm...

You make some valid points there Sperm bank, but don't confuse your perspective with those of others.

Ripped off blind. Well, yes. Prices were high, so was the service, schedules had plenty of downtime for maintenance & most people I know, genuinly enjoyed their work & company. Depending on the relative timing of the "good old days", interest rates were a lot higher than they are now. My point is that everything is relative.

CRM . Well, you've got me there. I'm not a pilot & can't comment on that, but, they did bring all the aircraft back didn't they? Skill or luck is not my call though.

Neanderthal. Well, I suppose so. With any luck, these current good times, you describe, may never be considered Neanderthal. Again, it's all relative.

Brand new aeroplanes. Yes, I'm sure you love your 738's or whatever you fly, just as I loved my shiny new "3" crew 762's! :) I still see my 762's every single day & it reminds me of better times.

As I said, I don't dispute your perspective & your points are all valid. My rose coloured glasses have indeed faded somewhat, but I still remember good times, good stories & good friendships. We were just a small part of the big picture, but I loved coming to work, every single day. I'm glad you seem to enjoy your role now & hope you remember the great times like me, or even EWL;)

Cheers.:ok:

[nickmelb]

flew with virgin in oct to tassie, bag was broken by their guys. Staff were courteous about it all, gave me a reference number and told me to contact them in a few weeks. I did call them a few days after i got back to melbourne, and Im still waiting to hear from them!!! This was in October!!!! I have called them about 6 or 7 times and they keep saying that they will get back to me.....still nothing!!!!!!:( :( :(

ive given up will fix the bag myself i think!

[Wirraway]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,170-669601,00.html

May 05, 2003

Virgin to launch airline in US
By Nic Hopkins

SIR Richard Branson expects to have a Virgin-branded domestic US airline flying within six months, much earlier than expected, as part of a plan to have a network of low-cost carriers operating in strategic markets around the world.

Sir Richard said the start-up, which has the working title V America but may be called Virgin Red to distinguish it as a sister airline of Australia’s Virgin Blue, would probably launch with eight jets. He indicated that it would fly the east-west corridor on routes “longer than some of the short-haul operators in America”.

The billionaire entrepreneur told The Times: “I would hope we would launch in the next six months. We’re getting it together at the moment. It will be a low-cost airline, but high quality, with seat-back videos and leather seats.” He added: “We haven’t settled on a name yet, but it will be something like V America or Virgin Red.”

Virgin hopes to grow the airline organically for two to three years before taking it to market. It would be the Virgin group’s third budget offshoot, following Virgin Blue and Brussels-based Virgin Express.

Sir Richard said: “Once it’s up and running we’ll have Europe pretty well covered, as well as America, Australia, and there are some other continents we’re thinking about." A team from Virgin has been working on the US project since the start of the year and is modelling it on the low-cost business pioneered by Southwest Airlines. Start-up costs are expected to be about $15 million (£9 million).

Sir Richard would not reveal which companies Virgin is seeking to tie-up as partners. However, under US law it will be restricted to 25 per cent voting control and less than 50 per cent ownership of the new airline. It is understood that there has been strong interest from banks looking to invest in the start-up.

[Buster Hyman]

As I mentioned on a similar thread, George W. is playing such a big part in this, that it's being named after him....Virgin Bush!!:eek: :eek:

Isn't it funny how the Yanks can limit foreign ownership with a huge market & we can allow 100% foreign owned airlines in, to the detriment of the incumbents. Sorry, not trying to inflame or create another argument, what's done is done, but what sort of "free trade" agreement will we end up with once our International Man of Steel finishes his globetrotting?:sad:

[nickmelb]

wow imagine that....next they will be able to compete against the star alliance/one world alliance offering round world 'low cost' airfares.....

theres a thought!!!

[Buster Hyman]

As I said, 15 years since I flew QF domestic, but I'll be flying on Wednesday morning to CBR! Drop me a PM if there's anybody out there operating QF814!:ok:

Looking forward to comparing the service!;)

[tobzalp]

I flew virgin once and once only. A cheapie to the olympics(old terminal days) The aircraft seemed ok but I agree with the page 1 comments about the staff. Very dodgy. They were all eye candy but far from professional. I have 2 friends who are hosties with the company and I assure you that it is not the size of their IQ that got the the gig.

Point 2 (ties in with another thread here). Qantas is suck also. I always chose to fly the qantas BA code share flight brisbane, singapore london whenever i went to europe because i found the BA aircraft fit me quite well (i am am 6'5") as the pitch config allowed me to stretch out under the seat in front perfectly to be dead straight in a real reclined pose. Since they have substituted the aircraft and the cabin crew (I have the utmost respect for the flight deck guys as they are always on the ball) I have sucked in my 450000 frequent flyers and gone to singapore arlines. The staff are excellent right from the gate at brisvegas to where ever. The food is always adequate plus and the inflight entertainment with the seatback screens makes the many qantas flights I have suffered a very poor distant second.

Goodness me even AirCanada was better than qantas and that is saying something.

[QF skywalker]

The staff are excellent right from the gate at brisvegas

Errrr, your bagging QF but saying that the gate staff for SQ at brisvegas were great............news flash....guess who does the checkin and arrivals/departures for SQ at BNE ??? YES - QF

[The_Cutest_of_Borg]

"Qantas is suck also"?!!!??!

hmmmmmmm

So, anyway, Buster... how is your sister, Misty?

I still recall your pride at her achievements at the Olympics!

Such a penetrating swim as I recall... :ok:

[Buster Hyman]

Cheers Locutus!

Yes, I still fog up just thinking about her achievements. Last I heard, she was desperately looking for a husband, so she could adopt his name! Go figure?:confused:

Roll on Athens!:}

[Buster Hyman]

Well, what can I say!

CBR hasn't really changed at all since I last visited there! What a joke.:rolleyes: As for the rats service, surley check in staff, no legroom, worn out 734's, old crew...yep, same old rat!:hmm:

I guess I'd better get used to it.:(

[Buster Hyman]

1 week out, CBR-MEL return, best available fare, results are:

QF - $832.58 (Return via SYD)
DJ - $319 (It was $300 yesterday!)

I guess you don't need a slide rule to figure this one out!:rolleyes:


:( God I miss the $8 return fare I used to get!:(

[tobzalp]

holy old thread bumping batman!

[Buster Hyman]

:D Well, why waste bandwidth!:ok:

[redsnail]

I flew with Virgin Blue on Mon and Thurs. No complaints, aircraft clean, good leg room for "lo-co". FA's professional and courteous.

More legroom than easyJet and Ryanair (the lo-co's that I am familiar with), also they have inflight audio entertainment. EasyJet and Ryanair definitely don't have that.

Price was about $10 dearer than QF but I could fly at much more convenient times.

[Buster Hyman]

Well, it seems that the dreaded Friday night out of CBR syndrome has struck at DJ too! 3 counters open and a decent queue, however, 15 mins isn't a bad wait I suppose. Very pleasant check-in staff offered me the exit, which I happily accepted. Flight was pleasant enough, no shennanigans!

All in all, as much as my opinion counts, I think they are doing well nowadays.

Good luck to them.:ok:

[Buster Hyman]

Well, the return was a different story. Better get used to it I suppose.

Saw a former AN load controller pushing trolleys on the departures level. Had a good bitch session & then moved on.

Oh well.