STOP PRESS!!! Buster flew DJ!!!
Evertonian
Thread Starter
STOP PRESS!!! Buster flew DJ!!!
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!!!
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!
However, does this mean that the term; "Glorified bus drivers" can now be used????
For the record, I think I'll stick with the rat.
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!!!
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!
However, does this mean that the term; "Glorified bus drivers" can now be used???? For the record, I think I'll stick with the rat.
Guest
Posts: n/a
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)
Last edited by Ralph the Bong; 28th Apr 2003 at 19:35.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Vic
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!
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!
Evertonian
Thread Starter
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!
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!
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!
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!
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Not the beach
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: in a suitcase
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
!!
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
!!
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!!!
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!!!
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mercenary: The world's 2nd. oldest profession..
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...
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Australia
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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. 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!
cheers all
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!
cheers all
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Not the beach
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"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
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
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Oz
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Dunnunda & Godzone
Age: 74
Posts: 4,275
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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?" "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.
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?"
"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.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Wybacrik
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.