Another BA one!
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Another BA one!
Yeah, you've guessed it! I travelled BA (unfortunately) SYD-BKK-LHR and really want to know why it is acceptable for the crew to disappear for up to 9 hours, no drinks offered, self service in the galleys etc, etc....? I would love to know why it is just BA? BA= Bloody Awful? Crew with attitude and with no customer service training whatsoever!
I have requested my company avoid using them for my trips as it makes for such an arduous journey.
I have requested my company avoid using them for my trips as it makes for such an arduous journey.
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I have to ask how much experience you have of the competitors and in what class you were travelling. I can think of 7 majors on long haul who were consistently worse as far as Eco travel is concerned, although in the back its never a case of whos best but whos the least worse so to speak.
Up front BA longhaul has always been rather good since the beds were introduced.
Up front BA longhaul has always been rather good since the beds were introduced.
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My experience of the LHR-BKK-SYD route was nothing short of a nightmare, no diabetic meal, accused of being on a staff ticket even tho I was a full fare paying passenger and treated like Sh*t by the purser for daring to complain.
Upshot was I had nothing substantial to eat for the 11 hour flt, was v dehydrated, hungry and it took me a couple of days to sort out my blood sugar after.
Did I get an apology for their treatment after they realised their mistake...NO! ...they just kept out of my way instead and because I new the FO on the flt they made comments that they had felt let down that I had complained!
As a full fare paying passenger do I not have a right to complain when the service falls short? why should I accept poor service, I bet none of the CC would. Not to mention the risk they presented to my health.
Now I check to make sure they've loaded the meal when I board the plane, if not I tell them thye either load one or spend 30 minutes off loading my bags and put men on another flt at their expense..hotel if need be....their call! but I will not tolerate that poor quality of service or abuse ever again on a BA flt!
Upshot was I had nothing substantial to eat for the 11 hour flt, was v dehydrated, hungry and it took me a couple of days to sort out my blood sugar after.
Did I get an apology for their treatment after they realised their mistake...NO! ...they just kept out of my way instead and because I new the FO on the flt they made comments that they had felt let down that I had complained!
As a full fare paying passenger do I not have a right to complain when the service falls short? why should I accept poor service, I bet none of the CC would. Not to mention the risk they presented to my health.
Now I check to make sure they've loaded the meal when I board the plane, if not I tell them thye either load one or spend 30 minutes off loading my bags and put men on another flt at their expense..hotel if need be....their call! but I will not tolerate that poor quality of service or abuse ever again on a BA flt!
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manintheback- I have extensive experience as a frequent flyer (30+ longhaul flights/year) and the best airlines for decent customer service are Singapore, Thai, Jal and ANA.
When I talk of customer service, I refer to simple things like being offered a drink more than once on a 12hr flight! Singapore/JAL etc do the usual pre-meal drink, main meal and then there is obviously a crew rest period, BUT the remaining crew are still in the cabin. Half way through the flight the drinks trollies come out and snacks are offered before the other crew go for rest and then another meal about 2 hrs before landing.
BA longhaul ( and I'm not talking transatlantic hops!) offers dire customer service, but the crew don't really care because they're all asleep... "resting" from what? Why do I travel BA? Because I'm not in charge of booking my seats, BUT I have made a request that BA not be considered for any flight over 7 hrs!!
PS a Health Warning to anyone travelling BA longhaul (over 7 hrs)....Actually, just disturb the sleeping crew because you are the customer!
When I talk of customer service, I refer to simple things like being offered a drink more than once on a 12hr flight! Singapore/JAL etc do the usual pre-meal drink, main meal and then there is obviously a crew rest period, BUT the remaining crew are still in the cabin. Half way through the flight the drinks trollies come out and snacks are offered before the other crew go for rest and then another meal about 2 hrs before landing.
BA longhaul ( and I'm not talking transatlantic hops!) offers dire customer service, but the crew don't really care because they're all asleep... "resting" from what? Why do I travel BA? Because I'm not in charge of booking my seats, BUT I have made a request that BA not be considered for any flight over 7 hrs!!
PS a Health Warning to anyone travelling BA longhaul (over 7 hrs)....Actually, just disturb the sleeping crew because you are the customer!
Helicopter Pilots Get It Up Quicker
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Had similar on BA LAX - LHR after Virgin bumped me due to tech problems, vowed never to travel long haul with them, (BA), again and haven't yet in 9 or 10 trips... complained to BA and Virgin - received nothing from BA despite follow up letter, standard response within 48hr from Virgin followed a week later with apology and hefty compensation in the way of rewards miles.
Why does class make a difference? Because a pax pays their own way and can't afford first or upper they should gat lower standard of service and safety checks through the flight?
PW
Why does class make a difference? Because a pax pays their own way and can't afford first or upper they should gat lower standard of service and safety checks through the flight?
PW
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Traveller5,
ALL airlines are the same on long "overnight" flts.If you want the crew trundling up & down with trollies all night........fine! But they've got to have the lights on to do this.Most people want to sleep for at least a few hours.It's difficult enough in economy,even without bright lights on.Last time I flew back from far east on such a flt,most of the people around me were complaining that the lights were still "ON" 3 hours into the flt.
I have never seen any airline switch the lights on mid way through a long overnighter back from far east to do a drinks round!!
Ever heard of a call bell? If you press it....most often a crew member will come over to see see what you would like.You can even order a drink!! It's quite amazing........
Sometimes, when I have been feeling rather energetic,I have actually got out of my seat and taken a stroll to the galley.(I have been told this is a good thing to do, in general, on a long flt....something to do with dvt or some such nonsense)
Once I got to the galley,I found the so called "disappearing" crew.They were all in there with loads of goodies and drinks.Tea & coffee was on,bars were open,sandwiches,crisps,cakes,chocs....even some pot noodles were on offer.I chanced my arm and actually "asked" for some of the nice things.
Blow me....if it wasn't handed over without hesitation and I even had a nice chat for 10 mins or so with a couple of the nice ladies.
It was incredible.I,like you,only thought that what they brought to my seat was all that was available for the entire flt!
You won't believe this....but I went back a couple of hours later........and they let me have MORE. 'Twas indeed a miracle!
This time I asked the nice ladies about why some of the crew were "resting"..surely they had not worked for long really?
Apparently they had already been down to Austrailia from London and had gone though a few time changes in the last few days,including 3 overnight flights and only had one night in Sydney so their body clocks were a bit "all over the place".
Phew,did I feel silly.I thought that all cabin crew were able to turn their "clocks" on and off like a switch on a robot.....,whenever they wanted.I didn't realise they were normal people just like me!!
Anyhow...it's something to do with some legal CAA twaddle that they have to be awake and a bit "bright eyed" in case something goes wrong with the nasty plane when it comes into land,and they might have to do some emergency things or other?
The pilots have to do the same thing too,they told me!!
Wow!!
ALL airlines are the same on long "overnight" flts.If you want the crew trundling up & down with trollies all night........fine! But they've got to have the lights on to do this.Most people want to sleep for at least a few hours.It's difficult enough in economy,even without bright lights on.Last time I flew back from far east on such a flt,most of the people around me were complaining that the lights were still "ON" 3 hours into the flt.
I have never seen any airline switch the lights on mid way through a long overnighter back from far east to do a drinks round!!
Ever heard of a call bell? If you press it....most often a crew member will come over to see see what you would like.You can even order a drink!! It's quite amazing........
Sometimes, when I have been feeling rather energetic,I have actually got out of my seat and taken a stroll to the galley.(I have been told this is a good thing to do, in general, on a long flt....something to do with dvt or some such nonsense)
Once I got to the galley,I found the so called "disappearing" crew.They were all in there with loads of goodies and drinks.Tea & coffee was on,bars were open,sandwiches,crisps,cakes,chocs....even some pot noodles were on offer.I chanced my arm and actually "asked" for some of the nice things.
Blow me....if it wasn't handed over without hesitation and I even had a nice chat for 10 mins or so with a couple of the nice ladies.
It was incredible.I,like you,only thought that what they brought to my seat was all that was available for the entire flt!
You won't believe this....but I went back a couple of hours later........and they let me have MORE. 'Twas indeed a miracle!
This time I asked the nice ladies about why some of the crew were "resting"..surely they had not worked for long really?
Apparently they had already been down to Austrailia from London and had gone though a few time changes in the last few days,including 3 overnight flights and only had one night in Sydney so their body clocks were a bit "all over the place".
Phew,did I feel silly.I thought that all cabin crew were able to turn their "clocks" on and off like a switch on a robot.....,whenever they wanted.I didn't realise they were normal people just like me!!
Anyhow...it's something to do with some legal CAA twaddle that they have to be awake and a bit "bright eyed" in case something goes wrong with the nasty plane when it comes into land,and they might have to do some emergency things or other?
The pilots have to do the same thing too,they told me!!
Wow!!
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When I fly to Oz i usually fly Malaysian, generally in business but sometimes in the back. The service is always good back or front. As I pay for my own flights, wife always travells with me, I can usually get a deal in business with Malaysian but never on BA or Qantas. I accept that i'm not getting a flatbed but that doesn't bother me, although they are due in Malaysian this year.
If I travel in the back I won't fly BA or Qantas because the seat pitch is lousy compared to Malaysian.
If I travel in the back I won't fly BA or Qantas because the seat pitch is lousy compared to Malaysian.
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BA Longhaul - got upgraded to Club (upper deck) in Jan flying BOM-LHR ... although it was a night flight, the crew were always at the back of the cabin if you needed anything (often only one of the two, but nonetheless), they served the food in cabin, with the lights off - so those who wanted to sleep could, and everyone else had a multitude of personal lights turned on for them.
As I see it, they were excellent.
Jordan
As I see it, they were excellent.
Jordan
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As per Captains brief - Cabin crew are there for your comfort and PRIMARILY your safety. They are not there to check on you every hour for 10,11,12+ hours in case your drink has run out. If you want something, ASK for it. Or, as Mashie said (but a lot more eloquently) Get off your arse and go and get it!
I never ceased to be amazed by people who think because they(or their employer) have paid for a flight they should be waited on hand and foot.
I never ceased to be amazed by people who think because they(or their employer) have paid for a flight they should be waited on hand and foot.
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quote: Pilotwolf
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Why does class make a difference? Because a pax pays their own way and can't afford first or upper they should gat lower standard of service and safety checks through the flight?
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er, well yes I think most do indeed expect a better standard of service in Business to Economy!
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Why does class make a difference? Because a pax pays their own way and can't afford first or upper they should gat lower standard of service and safety checks through the flight?
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er, well yes I think most do indeed expect a better standard of service in Business to Economy!
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Agreed, lighting up the cabin four hours into the flight for a drinks round may not be welcome.
But I do remember a LH overnighter, back in Coach, where cabin crew were doing the rounds every half an hour or so, checking with those pax who were awake reading et all whether they needed anything and fetching the same.
But I do remember a LH overnighter, back in Coach, where cabin crew were doing the rounds every half an hour or so, checking with those pax who were awake reading et all whether they needed anything and fetching the same.
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yet again someone makes a reasonable point, (i.e. the crew weren't in the galley), and gets attacked with poor sarcasm (Mashie Niblik) showing they haven't read the original post properly or oblique references that he should have travelled business class if they want reasonable service.
Is anyone going to answer the original question? (where were the crew?)
Is anyone going to answer the original question? (where were the crew?)
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Excuse me chucking in my dime, but I find this thread interesting, especially as we are currently reworking our longhaul service product. It is very hard to know what to do for the best on night sectors. Lights on and crew clattering through the cabin are undesirable to some, but a demonstration of high service to others.
My personal preference is to get lights out as quick as possible and get the crew in the galleys. Once that is done, it is vital that crew regularly patrol the cabin and ensure that the perception exists that they are happy to cater for pax needs, either at the seat, or on visits to the galley. This can sometimes be easier to ask them to do than for them to achieve...
My personal preference is to get lights out as quick as possible and get the crew in the galleys. Once that is done, it is vital that crew regularly patrol the cabin and ensure that the perception exists that they are happy to cater for pax needs, either at the seat, or on visits to the galley. This can sometimes be easier to ask them to do than for them to achieve...
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My experience of bmi longhaul is that after a meal and lights out one of the cabin crew comes round every 30 minutes or so with some OJ and water on a tray for anyone who wishes to take one. Hence those sleeping are not disturbed unnecessarily, and waking pax get the opportunity to see that the CC aren't skiving, so everyone is happy. It would appear to also give a number of the crew a chance for a break as they weren't all involved at the same time.
'nough said
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Last time I flew long haul on BA - Feb 2004 - from JHB-LHR the crew seemed to be coming and up and down with orange juice/water every 30 mins or so after lights-out. When we hit turb at the seat-belt sign went on they were out in a flash making the cabin secure - I was wondering at the time how they kept going all that time. It was all very impressive - and I've never had the feeling on this or any other BA flight of being left alone or not seeing cc for extended periods of time.
amowf
ps. the getting out and getting your own drink is fine as long as you've got an aisle seat...otherwise you tend to be stuck...
amowf
ps. the getting out and getting your own drink is fine as long as you've got an aisle seat...otherwise you tend to be stuck...
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My experience of bmi longhaul is that after a meal and lights out one of the cabin crew comes round every 30 minutes or so with some OJ and water on a tray for anyone who wishes to take one.
A rather more undesirable experience was on a 6-hour overnight flight (no timezone change), departing at midnight. A light snack was served soon after takeoff, followed by lights out. Fine. But at 4am the lights came on and a big breakfast was served. Breakfast was all over in 45 minutes - then they turned the lights off again. Wierd, wierd, wierd.
I've found BA longhaul very good. As mashieniblick says, walk down the back, and they're always at least one of them there.
But crews do vary a lot, don't they.
Compare with America West:
Trolley comes round: "Jer wanna drink?"
radeng, "If you please, a club soda"
"Waddyer mean, if yer please? Are taking the piss out of me?"
or when delayed,
'Come up to the desk for re-routing'
'What's your final destination tonight, sir?'
'London Heathrow'
'Oh sh*t!'
But crews do vary a lot, don't they.
Compare with America West:
Trolley comes round: "Jer wanna drink?"
radeng, "If you please, a club soda"
"Waddyer mean, if yer please? Are taking the piss out of me?"
or when delayed,
'Come up to the desk for re-routing'
'What's your final destination tonight, sir?'
'London Heathrow'
'Oh sh*t!'
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GwynM,
I suggest it is YOU that has not read the origional post.Where does it state.....as you did.....that the "crew were not in the galley"?
I think you will find the poster was referring to the crews "disappearance" as in from the passenger cabin.
Bearing in mind this is a Boeing 747 we are talking about as opposed to a cruise liner,were do you think that the crew would be if they were not in the galley? Other than the flight deck or locking themselves in individual toilets for 9 hours,there IS nowhere else that they would,or could be!
You may have been confused by the posters "self service" comment.Once the main service has been done and the 1st half of the crew start their rest break,the "on duty" crew generally set up lots of drinks,snacks etc on the counters in the galley so that folks can wander up and help themselves if they so wish.If there is something else you want that is not "on display",then you only have to ask.The crew WILL be in the galley 'cos there is no other place they physically can be!
All airlines,including BA, come around periodically with juice and water for those that are awake.If you happen to be sleeping for long periods,perhaps you can get the "impression",as I think the poster has, that you haven't seen the crew for some considerable time.Again....that is what a call bell is for particularly if you are in a window seat.
Yes my post may have been "poor sarcasm",but given the general peevishness and petulance of the origional post, that had very little or no substance in terms of details,I thought at the time it deserved an equally ridiculous reply.
I suggest it is YOU that has not read the origional post.Where does it state.....as you did.....that the "crew were not in the galley"?
I think you will find the poster was referring to the crews "disappearance" as in from the passenger cabin.
Bearing in mind this is a Boeing 747 we are talking about as opposed to a cruise liner,were do you think that the crew would be if they were not in the galley? Other than the flight deck or locking themselves in individual toilets for 9 hours,there IS nowhere else that they would,or could be!
You may have been confused by the posters "self service" comment.Once the main service has been done and the 1st half of the crew start their rest break,the "on duty" crew generally set up lots of drinks,snacks etc on the counters in the galley so that folks can wander up and help themselves if they so wish.If there is something else you want that is not "on display",then you only have to ask.The crew WILL be in the galley 'cos there is no other place they physically can be!
All airlines,including BA, come around periodically with juice and water for those that are awake.If you happen to be sleeping for long periods,perhaps you can get the "impression",as I think the poster has, that you haven't seen the crew for some considerable time.Again....that is what a call bell is for particularly if you are in a window seat.
Yes my post may have been "poor sarcasm",but given the general peevishness and petulance of the origional post, that had very little or no substance in terms of details,I thought at the time it deserved an equally ridiculous reply.