Qantas Launches New Domestic Experience

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by Kelvin R

To me it seems like the majority of improvements are aimed more at trans con sectors in an effort to bring them inline with International services.

Actually, I think they're designed to be in line with what Virgin is planning to offer Trans-Con.

Qantas is just trying to keep up. Food is easier to implement than seats and IFE.

[Ash W]

Qantas has had an enhanced domestic product on flights to the west for a number of years, so hardly trying to keep up.

If anything it is an extension of this onto shorter routes.

[Jack B]

Despite the fact many Australians seem to love to bash Qantas, it really is true that when you look at its domestic product against those of other foreign airlines, it really is head and shoulders above the rest. Take a look at the domestic offerings within the US!

[Ash W]

Quite true Jack. We in Australia have been spoilt for years and years, but still complain about how crap it is. Maybe if people were to go off shore and sample what else is out there they may begin to understand the real value of what the likes of Qantas do.

I have been living in Europe for the past 4 years and have flown about 60 return trips around Europe, all on full service carriers. Based on that I can say that what Qantas offers on similar length flights around Australia is MILES ahead of what is on offer around Europe in both business and economy class.

The airlines I have flown are: BA, Iberia, SAS, Croatian, BMI, Aer Lingus (yes no longer full service), Air France, SAS, Cyprus Airlines, Alitalia, Air Malta, Austrian, LOT and Malev.

Of those airlines NONE (except Cyprus on their A330's) offer any IFE what so ever on their short haul (3 hours or less) routes. Qantas at least has a video and music on most of their compareable length flights. Meals on most of the carriers is non existant at any time of day in economy, most just have a drink and a small snack.

The best of them for me in business has been SAS, followed by Iberia. Cyprus was good, but the route I flew them on was more like a SYD-PER flight so a step up again. But by comparision I have been on BA flights of the same length (LHR-Athens) and it was CRAP.

As for the US, well the less that is said about their standards the better I say.

We really are lucky to have what we have...

[Craig Murray]

The recognition of FF's in economy was in place early last week. I flew BNE-SYD and was addressed personally after presenting my boarding pass at the gate and again once walking through the door of the aircraft.

A nice touch. Thank you Qantas!

[Kelvin R]

If that is what they mean by personal recognition I have been having this for the last 2 years. I thought they meant something else but perhaps I am mistaken? Or is it just being extended to other FF?

[Craig Murray]

I assume it is now being extended to all FF regardless of status.

[Robert S]

Originally Posted by Craig Murray

The recognition of FF's in economy was in place early last week. I flew BNE-SYD and was addressed personally after presenting my boarding pass at the gate and again once walking through the door of the aircraft.

Just out of interest, how are we defining this being "addressed personally" business?

Last time I flew Qantas (at Easter and I'm not a FF member), I was addressed as "Mr S....".

Whenever I fly DJ (and I am a Velocity member), it's always "Welcome back Robert!"

As for the overall change, I notice there are no changes to the "lunch" offering in economy in this revamp... had my whinge on that previously, so won't repeat it... http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost....7&postcount=17

[D Chan]

Originally Posted by Ash W

Quite true Jack. We in Australia have been spoilt for years and years, but still complain about how crap it is. Maybe if people were to go off shore and sample what else is out there they may begin to understand the real value of what the likes of Qantas do...

Agreed. You may be surprised to hear but I flown Cathay SYD-HKG return last month and I honestly thought the food is not as good as those offered by Qantas (Business) domestically

[Andrew M]

Originally Posted by Jack Brownbill

Despite the fact many Australians seem to love to bash Qantas, it really is true that when you look at its domestic product against those of other foreign airlines, it really is head and shoulders above the rest. Take a look at the domestic offerings within the US!

As a whole yes, but Virgin America has a beautiful first class product, although the white will need a lot of upkeep to ensure it lasts.

I guess this poor "new domestic experience" now gives Virgin a good chance of delivering something bigger and better to compete with Qantas.

Still not sure how using old A330's will do that though