mad_atta

I don't think serfty was disagreeing with your post so much as pointing out that in his view it was an FA service failing rather than a catering failing. Clearly the OP feels differently however!

True - they have even posted a copy of that exact menu, so I think they're doing an OK job of managing expectations.

serfty

There was an option to have 'chicken' with the carrot soup - this information was not passed on to the OP.

ozstamps

Sadly that is 100% correct.

No mention of that, or dessert etc. Very poor. As there was no menus, unless you are clairvoyant, no-one would know.

It is hardly a strenuous work day they had to be so slack. I asked the crew on way over or way back if that was their day and they said the 1 flight was it, but the FLIGHT DECK CREW flew back on the turnaround - strange.

MEL-World

This link clearly outlines the level of service on a VA overnight flight and seems reasonable for a 4 hour journey.

I guess the original post comes down to the point that the OP did not have a meal in the Lounge before departure, was not offered a menu or the option of chicken added to the Carrot Soup.

Was breakfast offered during the flight - the original post does not mention this?

If the above is all true, the rant seems just a little OTT.

shillard

You will only truly be at peace, when you realise that there IS NO CARROT.

bl5965

I understand your frustration with this, but what you experienced is 'normal' for the flight times (in terms of catering, maybe not service) - I have flown this route multiple times in 'the business' as well.

The full 3-course menu experience is provided with all transcon A330 flights EXCEPT the overnight departures leaving Perth, where a light supper and breakfast is provided instead. I too was offered the carrot soup after departure, and took the continental breakfast before landing. I was fully expecting this as I had browsed the 'overnight' menu on their website beforehand. The late afternoon flights from Perth do still have the three-course dinners.

As other members have pointed out, this is because most people won't take a 3-course meal so late in the night, on such a short flight (it's faster going west to east) where sleep is a priority. Unfortunately it seems in your case you were not able to have dinner previously and was unaware of their 'overnight' menu. So I guess if you submit a complaint, there's not much they will do except offer an apology etc, and I wouldn't expect anything to change in regards to catering

Would it be nice to have the option of a three course dinner on an overnight flight? Definitely! I might have taken it up on a few occasions. But realistically, I know the demand is not there and it's not a feasible option unless many people also complain. It would be good if the ticket prices reflected that though..

serfty

Were you offered the 'Chicken'?

Please see post #32 - It's quite possible the FA was trying to minimise the effort they would need to put in for that flight ...

bl5965

No I wasn't offered the chicken unfortunately.

This was in 1A on a 737 (subbed for A330 PER-MEL), and the guy in 1C was sleeping shortly after takeoff. FA leaned across him and whispered to me if I wanted supper, and after I said yes, she went to get the tray, minus chicken.

It would have been too much effort to clarify things - I couldn't get up with the tray table out, literally everyone else in the cabin was sleeping (I was the only supper taker), and I decided I'd just eat and wait for breakfast in about 90 minutes

serfty

Hmmm ... maybe the FA's have found another use for 'the Chicken' ...