MORE Onboard Service Cutbacks to save money update

[Darren Wheeler]

Indeed. As much as they may not like it, the J pax do subsidise the rest of the upper passengers.

it would be intersting to know if BA are making an similar cuts to WT & WT+.

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Indeed. As much as they may not like it, the J pax do subsidise the rest of the upper passengers.

it would be intersting to know if BA are making an similar cuts to WT & WT+.


After 18 months of booking J's for both business and pleasure - minus one D for New Year I got a good deal on a Z for next week. Do I feel guilty ? Like Hll I do - J and D suit when I NEED the flexibility and a CDC the other end but not for next week - as the day after I arrive home from SCO I am off on another J [:w]



As for BA cuts - nothing that I am aware off. I would be suprised if they cut the pre-dining drinks service as that is one of their main sales pitches. Plus after supper liqueres are now available in WT+ and WT - on request.

quote:If he was waiting outside Revivals how would he have overheard the conversation given that there is a long passageway leading up to where the staff generally are?

The limo drivers usually wait by the receiption desk, not outside, and staff do talk to each other, so it's not a crazy source of information. It did seem like a rather unlikely way to save money, but the limo drivers are usually fairly well informed about things.

[Scrooge]

Late to the party but a couple of points.

Yields, VS are never the cheapest option on the routes where there is more than one other airline.

Cuts, leave PE the hell alone, it's the cabin that generates the most money per sq ft, with BA slowly improving the WT+ cabin why downgrade the service.

Just so we are clear, I fly in Y, with that said, I have no issues with the cuts, in fact, start charging for booze in Y, it will raise revenue and lower costs.

quote:Originally posted by DanV
quote:If he was waiting outside Revivals how would he have overheard the conversation given that there is a long passageway leading up to where the staff generally are?

The limo drivers usually wait by the receiption desk, not outside, and staff do talk to each other, so it's not a crazy source of information. It did seem like a rather unlikely way to save money, but the limo drivers are usually fairly well informed about things.


Quite true, I should think limo drivers also talk to lots of people and their rumour mill is one of the best. Whether it means one of the most accurate is another story.

Scrooge - your comment on PE is totally right, let's recall that per sq ft PE makes most margin for VS, so to tinker negatively with it is simply stupid shoot in the foot activity.

Mind you, the sun is hot in Palm Springs, the cocktails are flowing, what do I care [:w].

'"in fact

Just flown in Y to Las vegas on May 2nd, the above cuts were seen but also noticed that the wine glass is missing off the tray and the tray iself looked a lot smaller, pathetic even. The vie wipe was given as were the pretzils.
Flying home yesterdays in W, noticed no pretzils or vie wetwipe but the wine glass is still on the PE tray.

I think it may be false economy to remove the wine glass as wine was still offered in the standard plastic glasses and i am convinced the pour is a lot larger than the old glass anyway so they are going to spend a lot more on vino if that is the case.

The crew member lost from the A340-600 flights has gone from UC, they were know as the floater (possibly not the best name). It meant they could chop the UC cabin into 4 with 2 crew serving each side. Now without the 'floater' 1 crew member takes each row meaning service takes much longer on a full flight! So unless the FSM chips in Virgins crew cutback hits UC passengers, not sure where the logic is in that as from my experience UC passengers are the first to vote with their feet.

Now being realistic on a flight with less than a full load losing a 'floater' could work, can Virgin not plan this given they know the loads? I hate to think what my next full load flight back from JFK this week is going to be like?

[HighFlyer]

Thanks for the update LordPercy.

Thanks,
Sarah

To answer previous questions posted:

Shaving gel and razors were removed from the J essential items about a month ago, to save money.

The crew member that has been taken off each aircraft is mainly in the Upper Class cabin: one on the LGW/MAN B747, one on the A340-300 and A340-600. On the LHR B747 we have lost one in the Premium cabin.

VSCSS

Wondered where the razor and shaving foam had gone when the FSM came round on Thursday....

Now I know.

Once these things go, they rarely get added back.

As a regular PE customer, it is noticable when the crew are down on numbers.

Is it not possible to have people on standby, utilise them when loads are higher, and stand them down when loads are below a certain threashold ?

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
it would be intersting to know if BA are making an similar cuts to WT & WT+.


No sign of any cuts. BA is in discussions with the unions over cabin crew T&Cs which may have an impact on crewing, particularly at senior grades.

As well as the 50% off mileage redemptions and 2 for 1 in Club World promotions, there have been (positive) changes to the Executive Club and ba.com, and some onboard improvements (increase in main course options in Club World and improvements to First).

Recessions may be hell for airlines, but sometimes they can be great for regular passengers.

quote:Originally posted by ukcobra


Is it not possible to have people on standby, utilise them when loads are higher, and stand them down when loads are below a certain threashold ?



Yes you can have crew on standby but they still need to be paid for being on standby and istbc but I believe they can still be hours barred too

when we flew PE in April, there were no papers available either way (LGW to MJB)

As long as the cuts don't impact UC, they can serve dog food down back for all I care.

GJ

quote:Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes
As long as the cuts don't impact UC, they can serve dog food down back for all I care.

GJ


Before any of our non-regulars believe anything different. This is from GJ.

quote:Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes
As long as the cuts don't impact UC, they can serve dog food down back for all I care.

GJ


Dont they already!

alex[}:)]

In my recent experience, the food was better in PE than UC.

quote:Originally posted by ukcobra
In my recent experience, the food was better in PE than UC.


I've never tried but if the choice in UC looks grim could you ask to see the PE menu?
I suppose if everyone did it they would soon run out - but if ukcobra is right VS would soon get the message![:w]

[RichardMannion]

We'll see soon - but I'd agree with what UKCobra said about the PE food being better in the past couple of years, but then I'm hardly an Egon Ronay as we know from me rating BA due to the box of Krispy Kremes in the Club Kitchen.

Once, when in PE and they only had a cheesey vegetarian pasta left, explained I dont eat cheese. IFS found something more appealing from Y

On the breakfast run, we each gave a knowing smile when she went to pass me a ham and cheese croissant. With out requesting, promptly returned with a couple of plain croissants requistioned from UC [:w].

Good service [y]

quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion
We'll see soon - but I'd agree with what UKCobra said about the PE food being better in the past couple of years, but then I'm hardly an Egon Ronay as we know from me rating BA due to the box of Krispy Kremes in the Club Kitchen.


We have Krispy Kreme Friday at the Clinic best eaten hot, microwaved for 20 secs exactly - before you say anything don't knock it until you've tried it![y]

[Scrooge]

quote:Originally posted by Jacki
quote:Originally posted by ukcobra
In my recent experience, the food was better in PE than UC.


I've never tried but if the choice in UC looks grim could you ask to see the PE menu?
I suppose if everyone did it they would soon run out - but if ukcobra is right VS would soon get the message![:w]


Yes and I have a couple of times.

[Decker]

quote:Originally posted by Jacki
We have Krispy Kreme Friday at the Clinic best eaten hot, microwaved for 20 secs exactly - before you say anything don't knock it until you've tried it![y]


Best eaten free and hot when in line with the 'Hot doughnuts now' sign illuminated. [:)]

quote:Originally posted by Decker
quote:Originally posted by Jacki
We have Krispy Kreme Friday at the Clinic best eaten hot, microwaved for 20 secs exactly - before you say anything don't knock it until you've tried it![y]


Best eaten free and hot when in line with the 'Hot doughnuts now' sign illuminated. [:)]


That reminds me I must send a letter to Weight Watchers, they seem to have missed KK's off their 'eat as much as you like' list![:D]