| Welcome to Yanks Down Under! You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customising your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| Airline Reviews | |
|---|---|
| Topic Started: Jun 3 2010, 01:59:54 AM (2,278 Views) | |
| Jennie | Jan 22 2012, 10:41:52 PM Post #41 |
Chinwagger
|
I just flew V Australia last week coming back from the US. They do indeed now have codeshare flights with Delta so it should be pretty easy to get to LA to get on the Sydney or Melbourne flight, though right now the connection at LAX is still annoying because you have to change terminals (but at least it's airside so you don't have to go to through security again!) But they are supposed to be moving all VA flights to the Delta terminals in April so things will get better - and Delta SkyClub still allows you to buy day passes at the door ($50 or $25 if you have Delta's Amex card) so taking a shower is a definite possibility. The only problem I had was that Delta charged me for baggage when I checked in at Detroit even though my ticket was completely booked on VA and I was supposed to receive VA's baggage allottment (two free bags at 23 kg/50 lbs each). Their current computer system doesn't completely recognize the new codeshare stuff and I'm still waiting for a refund. VA was great for the trans-Pacific flight. Flight attendants were so nice, food was fine, plenty of entertainment to choose from. Cabin lighting was even cool. And the bathroom was twice the size of any other airplane bathroom I've ever been in. USB port in the seat but no actual plug for laptops, and no footrest, but other than that I really liked it. I've flown Etihad a few times too, but I don't think they cross the Pacific. If you're going to Europe though, I highly recommend them. Seats are comfortable with a footrest, USB port and plug. Meals and entertainment were great. Plus they have an agreement with VA now so you can earn/use Velocity points with them. |
 |
 
|
| pottiemouth | Jan 27 2012, 01:17:19 PM Post #42 |
|
Piker
|
I usually fly Qantas on all trips US/Australia related, and have actually had little to complain about each time. That said, I am easily entertained by the massive movie selection on Qantas, so they could totally hold a ritual sacrifice in the aisles and I'd barely look up from my screen. I flew V Australia/Delta LAX<->SYD for Christmas this year, and my only gripe is the customer service at the V Australia counter in Sydney. Because I had a ~2 hour connection in LA before transferring to US Airways (Terminal 1 complete with massive Holiday security line - egads!) for a cross-country flight, I made a point to carry on my luggage (spending about an hour preparing pint size toiletries, scaling down shoes to take and cramming everything into a single regulation-sized carry on - not to mention shipping all of my Christmas gifts weeks in advance so I wouldn't have to check them in my luggage). When I got to the counter, the lady was insistent on weighing my carry-on (which is new to me - I'm used to weighing checked bags, but not carry-on). Anywho, I was about 1kg over the limit, so she made me check my bag, and was an absolute witch about it, too. She also gave me a middle seat, despite the fact that I arrived in line 3+ hours early for check in (they don't allow you to select seats before then). I'm convinced I must've slept with her boyfriend at some point, because the vendetta was obvious. An the icing on the cake - the boarding process was an absolute unorganized mess - they piled everyone into the boarding area and then just made it a free-for-all to get on the plane (no boarding by rows, etc.). By the time I took my middle seat, I was ready to punch someone in the face. In-flight stuff barely registers with me - I feed then peace out on some Lunesta until breakfast is served. Then I feed again. It's quite primal actually. My return leg was on Delta and they were surprisingly pleasant to deal with. Of course, I spent an entire day catching up with folks in sunny LA, so maybe that skewed my perspective a bit. I do have to say that the Customs folks in Sydney are some of the best people on planet Earth. I purchased an embarassingly pricey handbag over Christmas and declared it (and had actually prepared to pay the customs fee for it - no worries - still cheaper than buying in Aus), but the kindly older customs gentleman just gave me a comically scolding Wilfred Brimley on "Our House" type of look and then ushered me through saying, "We'll just round that down to $900, dear." I also have a tendency to gush over the quarantine dogs, and the handler people are always way more patient with that than they probably should be. Of course, they get to spend all day hanging out with cool dogs, so that probably puts them in a decent mood. |
|
|
|
| NurseJules | Jan 27 2012, 02:29:52 PM Post #43 |
True Blue Mate
|
That's a bummer to hear about your recent experience with V Australia...I've flown them the last 4 or 5 times back to LA and have nothing but praise. I did notice on the way home this time in LA they were also being very very strict about carry on weight. I even made the comment to the gal at check in ad she said, yes they were recently being told to crack down a bit harder with it. Bit strange about your seat selection though. My partner and I were able to pick our seats via the website before we flew. I'm pretty sure this is a newer feature since Virgin has re-branded themselves, so maybe you flew before they offered it? I'm a big believer in giving a company feedback both positive and negative. If you feel like the check in lady in Sydney was less than helpful, drop Virgin a note to let them know as well as about the boarding process. The last 3 flights I've flown they've offered a feedback form at the end of the flight...they seem like a pretty customer service orientated company, I'm sure they would love your feedback. Either way, I'm a Virgin Australia girl now. Gave up on Qantas many many years ago. |
|
|
|
| Jennie | Jan 27 2012, 02:48:59 PM Post #44 |
|
Chinwagger
|
Ah yes, the weight limit for carry-on with VA is a pain. Luckily they never weighed mine but maybe that's because I checked in with Delta on my first flight and there didn't seem to be any scales at LAX when I got on the actual VA plane. The boarding process was a bit crazy though - however, I think that's mostly LAX's fault since terminal 3 sucks for boarding such a huge plane. They did board by row but the announcements were so incredibly quiet that no one really heard and everybody just rushed forward. When I re-checked my luggage at Melbourne to get on my flight to Adelaide, it was actually a kilo over since I had put my boots in there (came from 5° in Michigan to 90° in Melbourne!) and the woman at the counter didn't say anything, nor did she ask to weigh my carry-on or purse (which was actually heavier than my carry-on anyway...) They do have seat selection 14 days before flights now (for all but Saver fares, I think), but since I'm a Velocity member, I just made sure aisle seat was selected in my preferences online and I've always been given one. Actually, my seat was selected for me when I bought the ticket 3 months in advance. I'm still a little confused about how everything works with them because of the different fares and the domestic/international differences. But they do seem to be getting better so I look forward to all of the coming changes! |
|
|
|
| pottiemouth | Jan 27 2012, 03:05:20 PM Post #45 |
|
Piker
|
I'm Velocity, also, but even when I called in November to try and select my seat, I was told it was only available at the counter upon check-in. And the boarding debacle for me was in Sydney. Everything was smooth sailing for me in LA, despite that leg being on Delta (color me surprised there!). In short, I'm only criticizing the crappy Sydney team of V Australia for this flight - they were just disorganized and potentially out to get me for reasons unknown. :) |
|
|
|
| Jennie | Jan 27 2012, 10:07:13 PM Post #46 |
|
Chinwagger
|
I was also pleasantly surprised by Delta while in the US! The flight attendants were so friendly and I got out of paying for luggage even though I used my Velocity FF# instead of my Skymiles FF# with my Delta Amex card while on a side trip to Virginia. I had never had good experiences with Delta before now. |
|
|
|
| josetann | Jan 28 2012, 10:18:56 AM Post #47 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
Well, might as well add our experience. First was our flight from Nashville to LA on American Airlines. Check-in people were friendly. They weren't able to check our bags all the way through to Melbourne (because we didn't have a visa for China or some-such), but were able to check them through to Beijing. We had to give up our stroller, they don't gate-check large strollers anymore (ours is a two-seater). Bummer, that would have come in handy. Can't remember much about the flight itself, so it must not have been that bad (I think it was delayed a bit, maybe an hour or so?). Gosh, LAX was HORRIBLE! Well, maybe not THAT bad, but it's pretty rough on someone who's never been there before. There's no signs anywhere directing you to the international terminal. We had to ask a few times, were pointed in a general direction, and kept going until someone pointed exactly where we should be (next to a certain pillar, and wait for a certain bus). Took quite a while for that bus to show up. Told the driver we were going on Air China, he let us know which stop we wanted. We get there...and there's no directions saying which way to go to check in. Walked in one place, nope not it. Walked up the street a bit, go in another building, eventually find a mob of people. Yep, that's it! So...check-in took a while, but was hassle-free. Had to call over someone to get us in correctly, because some of the passports weren't showing in their system as having the correct visa I suppose. But the other person knew what to type in and that was that. They asked if we had any checked luggage, explained that we checked it in at Nashville and had to pick it up in Beijing (and re-check it to Melbourne). Five or so minutes later and they arranged to have it checked all the way to Melbourne. Not sure exactly how, I know they talked to a lady and gave her five tags that said "Transfer" on them, she had the expression of "oh man!" but not upset...maybe she was going to be on the flight and would have to find our luggage in Beijing? I dunno...we missed having our stroller in Beijing, but most definitely did NOT miss having to deal with the other four checked items. Oh...they did have us sitting separately on this flight, but they fixed it...they set it where it'd be one adult, empty seat, then one child...and repeat for the other. Flight was not full, so while technically we were separated, it was almost guaranteed we'd have extra room. This worked out perfectly. Nothing too memorable about the first flight. Meal was served late, or early, dunno which timezone they were going by. All the meals had rice, I remember that. Beijing airport...was confusing simply because of how huge it was. Was sent to the wrong line twice, third time was a charm (there's a special line at the very far left which is for people wanting to leave the airport for the day, but don't have a visa because they won't be staying long). Found the right place to use the atm and hop on the subway/train, and had a great day in Beijing. Coming back we were sent to the domestic departures area (even though we made it clear we were going to Melbourne, Australia). Of course, we were in the wrong area and were directed to the correct place. Lines, lines, and more lines. Had a long wait for our flight, got boarded, and only then did I notice that not a single one of us were seated with each other. So there was some initial confusion, flight attendants fixed everything and we were seated together in the middle row. Seats had entertainment screens, could watch regular tv (one had Harry Potter on a loop and looked to be popular) or watch something on-demand (plenty to keep the kids entertained). More rice meals. Melbourne was pretty non-eventful. Customs was a breeze (we declared some packs of tea and lollies, they asked about the tea, and that was it). Thought our stroller might be lost, but it was waiting in the oversized luggage area. Took a while to find where the rental car area was, but otherwise, piece of cake. |
|
|
|
| JenbeTas | Feb 12 2012, 03:12:50 AM Post #48 |
Hippie Wannabe sailing the deep blue sea
|
Just had my first experience with Jetstar from Singapore to Darwin. I'm simply going to say one thing....$7 for a blanket???? Really??? I know that's not much money but now you have to pay to keep warm??? |
|
| |
|
|
|
| TerritorianTori | Feb 12 2012, 05:51:50 AM Post #49 |
It couldn't happen here
|
It's been ages since we flew Jetstar and I don't recall having to pay for a blanket, but honestly it doesn't surprise me.  (are you still in Darwin??) |
 South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd | The Big Bang Theory | Doctor Who | Pet Shop Boys | Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys I don't do Facebook, sorry. | |
|
|
|
| JenbeTas | Feb 19 2012, 07:42:26 PM Post #50 |
|
Hippie Wannabe sailing the deep blue sea
|
Someone on the flight asked them if we have to pay for the seatbelts soon. LOL The ship came in to port only for a bit, then I got off and went home so unfortunately, no. I didn't have much time in Darwin this trip but I really hope I can catch up with you next time!  On a side note since we're talking about Jetstar at the moment, I flew them from Darwin to Singapore yesterday and experienced my first aborted landing at what had to be the very last minute.....and having to calm down the poor panicked lady next to me who could barely speak English and didn't understand what had happened. Apparently there was a plane in the way on the runway and the captain didn't feel comfortable landing so back up we went. It was a good terrifying minute before he announced what was going on. First thing he said was, "Sorry for that little bit of excitement there....." EXCITEMENT? I nearly crapped myself. LOL. I am sure that was a common safety practice and the captain said as much when he made the announcement but still....GAH!!!! Add the horrible noise those engines make on an airbus..... |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Cimexus | Mar 14 2012, 12:07:52 PM Post #51 |
|
Chinwagger
|
Hehe, yeah go-arounds are perfectly normal. If you fly often enough you will have it happen sooner or later - often it's simply due to weather (e.g. strong side winds right before touch down, visibility that suddenly reduces to less than acceptable minimums etc.) Doesn't suggest that anything's gone wrong or is unsafe etc. |
|
|
|
| JenbeTas | Mar 15 2012, 07:18:19 PM Post #52 |
|
Hippie Wannabe sailing the deep blue sea
|
I forgot to mention that I discovered this when I got home. Jetstar pilot "was texting during landing." This is the same flight I was on a few weeks ago. And this: Jetstar plane nearly hit city: passenger And this one: Pilot pressure caused errors There seem to be quite a few of these stuff ups by Jetstar. I'm not a fan of their service to begin with. I just don't have a choice when the company is paying. But I won't be getting back on another Jetstar flight. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| janders1957 | Mar 18 2012, 04:52:10 AM Post #53 |
True Blue Mate
|
Well United Airlines has done nothing to improve my opinion of them. Danni was packing bags last night for her flight here today, when she gets an email at 10pm informing her that her flight is canceled. That was it, no explanation, no phone number to contact anyone, nothing. Spent an hour trying to get hold of someone with UA down there before finally calling a USA number. Got the run around, but finally managed to schedule a later flight into LAX with a connecting flight to SFO. She has a mere hour in between to clear customs and figure out how to get from the Int. to domestic terminal. And that change in flights, they charged her hundreds, don't know the exact number. She's not exactly in the best of moods over this. When she checks in at Sydney, she's going to see if she can't get a later connecting flight. Failing that, I'm going to call UA and raise holy hell, demanding someone meet her at the terminal and assist her in getting to the domestic terminal, with her luggage. The least they could do... Anyone run into this sort of FUBAR before? Do we have recourse to demand any financial comp, or maybe bitch our way into an upgrade for our flight back to SYD? Less than 24 hours notice on a cancellation on an international trip? It's not like a trip to the next town to shop or something.... |
|
|
|
| DanTTU | Mar 29 2012, 04:48:42 AM Post #54 |
|
Piker
|
For those of you traveling from the states and are central time zone or the east avoid LAX and go DFW. It would also be good for those in the rockies as well I would think but anyway Qantas has direct service outbound to Brisbane and back from Sydney from DFW. I belive it is 5 days a week but come June it will be 7. It cuts the trip down with the LAX layover as well. What used to be a 24 hour trip is now about 16. I will say this about Qantas. On one trip I had my bags delayed and when I arrived in Sydney no bags! It took me a short conversation and the rep handed me a form, I cleared customs and walked into the Qantas office and had AU $200 for clothes or whatever I needed to function after the long trip. Try having a US airline outside of Southwest do that for you! As for service on board I like Air New Zealand best but Qantas has been good to me and since I can go basically from my door step in Texas to Australia in 14 to 16 hours I will take the big red roo! I believe I will be going back and forth either as a proffessional or some combo of business/grad school/seasonal worker several times a year so that is huge making multiple trips. My take. |
|
|
|
| Lauren | Mar 29 2012, 03:27:37 PM Post #55 |
Chinwagger
|
I have for years flown with Continental and when the merge with United started it seemed *ok* but not great. A lot of the great qualities of Continental were going down the tubes. Of course it didn't help that I went from Platinum status to Silver status in a years time but still! I flew United from SFO to SYD in December and I was lucky that I was only delayed 3 hours and had a HUGE layover in SYD because I was flying Virgin Australia (or V Australia) from SYD to PER. I only have enough points for a small domestic ticket and once I use those I'm done. When we were looking at tickets for my trip this Saturday, I looked at United to go all the way from SEA - PER and you can imagine my surprise when the ticket came up as $8,000!!! For economy!!!!!!!! What a joke. In the end it was easier for my boyfriend to book it for me from Australia by calling Virgin Australia and I now have a ticket all the way through without having to stress about my bags and changing airlines and I can for sure tell you that we didn't pay $8,000 for it! I don't have much to comment on for Virgin yet but I'll update after my trip! Safe travels to everyone!! |
|
|
|
| Christine9192 | May 3 2012, 01:17:59 PM Post #56 |
Yacker
|
My first round-trip to AU was Qantas & it was ok...other then the 8 hour layover in Cali. Then on the flight from Cali to Sydney...my headphones didn't work...they moved me to a new seat...still didn't work. Changing from an international flight to a domestic...again just awful experience! Then the jetlag lasted for a week...it was just awful! Flew back to AU...tried Air New Zealand. The trip was great. Loved the Auckland Airport & I didn't fly through Sydney. Service was excellent & the flight crew were extremely nice. Flew back to the states again...flew with V Australia. What a major mistake! I was charged $600 for my 2nd suitcase from Brisbane to Sydney. Again, Sydney Airport was the worst ever. From Sydney onto Honolulu, Cali & then Portland, OR. YUCKO! From here on out I am sticking with Air New Zealand! This next trip I'm going to fly into the Gold Coast Airport instead of the Brisbane Airport. 30 minute drive home instead of an hour. NICE! |
|
|
|
| canaussie | May 3 2012, 06:43:19 PM Post #57 |
True Blue Mate
|
Curious about this statement. Did you book your flight from Brisbane to Sydney separately? Then Sydney to the US? Or was it Brisbane to the US via Sydney? I'm flying V Australia in June ... Virgin Australia (Virgin Blue) typically only allows 1 suitcase for a domestic flight.....UNLESS....you book an international flight, in which case you are allowed 2 suitcases and any leg that is domestic allows the 2 suitcases because it is on an international ticket. This was something I made sure to find out before booking with them. I've flown Air New Zealand a few times - last one being in January - I agree Air New Zealand is good for all the reasons you said...we just hate that extra leg of an already long flight. Oh...and....on our flight over to the US, the plane was old, the seats were falling apart and I came off that flight with 4 insect/bug bites on my leg - for which I still need to lodge a complaint for. On the way back to OZ, I'm not sure how it happened but my daughter and I ended up in Premium Economy in the space seats that were fantastic! IF I could get those seats every time I wanted to go home, I would fly Air New Zealand and put up with the extra long travel time. I've also flown Qantas and for the most part have had no major issues...I have sat in a seat with no entertainment system though. |
|
Paula (dual Canadian/Australian) married to an Aussie since 1999 and mummy to an Aussie since 2000 | |
|
|
|
| Christine9192 | May 3 2012, 07:07:33 PM Post #58 |
|
Yacker
|
I booked my flight Brisbane to US...via Sydney. I paid the money & when I got to Sydney they said that I was charged WAY too much & I should be able to get a refund. When I did return to the states...I called & they said that I got charged because it was the kind of flight that I booked. I didn't read the fine print. What a mess. I've found that with ANZ the flight usually aren't full & am able to find 3 seats to myself & am able to lay down & sleep. NICE! The Qantas flight seemed so humid & I was drinking a ton of water, but I still got so dehydrated. It's always an adventure isn't it??? ~ Christine |
|
|
|
| Lauren | May 4 2012, 12:57:10 AM Post #59 |
|
Chinwagger
|
Canaussie - I really liked flying V Australia from Seattle to Perth. The only draw back I see is that unless you pay extra you can't have your seats preassigned which can be a bit of a pain. I flew the new 777's with in seat direct TV. I felt like I had plenty of room and had no problems. I also thought they had really good customer service. We will continue to book through V Australia. Only draw back is having to go through LAX. I'd rather go through SFO which I'm hoping to make happen when I move to Perth in a few months. Of course for all of us WA people we now have the option to fly United Emirates direct Seattle to Dubai, stay overnight and then direct from Dubai to Perth. Apparently those are all brand new 777's also. Not sure that I'll do that. I liked the V Australia route plus I nearly have status with them. 
|
|
|
|
| Christine9192 | May 4 2012, 02:45:52 AM Post #60 |
|
Yacker
|
Lauren...to funny! You said "WA people"...I wasn't sure at first if you meant Western Australia or Washington State. I was giggling sooooo hard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · General Chit-Chat · Next Topic » |
5:21 PM May 22