Sounds familiar. I find the long haul international routes are a real Russian Roulette. Sometimes you get an attendant that is so good you feel like nominating them for an award. Other times, yoiu swear never to fly them again. Even in Business, these days I board with very low expecations to avoid disappointment.
ok, i just did 4 flights with Singapore Airlines. I didn't expect such fantastic service. i first flew with them in 1982, and even then i thought they were amazing. i haven't flown qantas for years, but even then i was less than impressed, i'm sad to say.
Fly Qantas? - only if there is no other possible way, including driving. Shorthaul: Virgin, and usually cheaper too - Important to me, since I'm often spending clients money. Longhaul: (in order) - Emirates, Singapore, Cathay, ANZ - don't laugh, the Kiwis do a good job, and Lauda, when they were alive. Qantas rates with BA in my book, pretty much near the bottom of the list of airlines that I'd actually fly on.... There are plenty of those that I'd not set foot on - specially those aircraft driven by people who think their next life as a grasshopper will be better... Much prefer to fly with a captain who appreciates that he's going to get to the accident before me and needs next months salary for the Porker payment and school fees.. Qantas has a good safety record for sure, but they have had a couple of bl**^y close calls - the 19th hole at Bangkok, being the obvious one. There have been others. When the Q management finally get pi$$ed off with the unions, the maintenance will go to bucket shops in SE Asia & China - then the fun will begin..
last time I enquired they were the only airlines to insist on their own independant inspection team at Boeing to ensure build quality when buying aircraft, this is significant and a reason I like to fly QANTAS whenever possible as an ex-LAME I like to think I will see my destination, doesn't matter how nice the marguerittas are in 1st class
[QUOTE I like to think I will see my destination, doesn't matter how nice the marguerittas are in 1st class[/QUOTE] My feelings exactly! - at least with the white rat you will likely get there. Lots of airlines on my "don't go there" list - I read too many NTSB reports. We do some of the best airline maintenance in the world in Oz, will be a pity to see more go OS.
Actually I always found Qantas excellent in BC but crap in economy which cheeses me no end since it's just a matter of the staff attitude. Jetstar is an absolute crock - I think I've been booked (unwillingly) on around a total of 5 hours flying time but have racked up around 12 hours in delays with the classic comment from a staff member of why I hadn't been advised of a 4 hour delay before I arrived at the airport of "that's not a service we provide...". I haven't been able to ascertain exactly WHAT service they do provide.
I've only flown Qantas a couple of times INT and both occassions I was really impressed with the service. I too really liked Lauda, The hostesses wore tight black jeans and the service was fantastic. The chef cooked my steak to perfection. Ash would be really impressed. Domestically I fly Virgin, thier wbsite is user friendly and the flights are cheap. Just went to Sydney and back for $220. Its only an hour flight so would much rather save a few dollars. My last trip to Germany was with Cathay Pacific and I was really dissapointed. The service was crap and what I payed for the ticket would not use them again. The plane was full but still no excuse. Malaysian and Singapore were also good. In conclusion I think a lot of it comes down to the crew on board.
FWIW: Drop the u after the Q. I know it goes against all rules of 'proper English' but then again, it is an acronym as you so rightly point out, not a word.
Yep, and it is Queensland And Northern Territory Air Service. And of course there is a fact that 'Rainman' reminded us off - their safety record - although a few passengers who have experienced near misses and emergency landings might beg to differ And it might not last for too much longer, either http://www.smh.com.au/news/travel/cracks-found-in-14-qantas-jets/2008/02/19/1203190812849.html Bugger...that'll teach me to post as I read - sorry, it appears the Qantas thing has been pointed out by others too
Singapore Airlines are excellent! Haven't flown Emirates, but hopefully will one day as I have heard really good things about them - and a friend is now flying for them too.
Hahaha, thanks for the laugh!! Hehe - yep, always a good incentive Yep, think I'll be taking long cruises instead Ah....actually, forget that - if it doesn't sink, you more than likely come back sick.... Hmmmm - a drive around Australia sounds good
Oh, and on the recent HK to Melb. trip, they, QANTAS, ran out of beer! Not that i was drinking it, but the guys near by were pretty pissed off [as opposed to just pissed] about it. Thats QANTAS forya Ciao, M [AirFrance was good though!]
Little bit more for your enjoyment...... Alessia is one hot chick! http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=uKc82J_yptw Ciao, M