Hi all

Flew some segements last week MEL-LAX-JFK - have to say I was a little disappointed with the overall service (in Y).

Most noticeable was that there was no longer any greeting for plats - no 'hello', no 'nice to see you on board' - nothing... I thought maybe it was just the crew on the first flight, but then got nothing again on the LAX-JFK. Is this just me or is it now the new policy?

Secondly, the food is now getting really bad. First noticed this on a recent SYD-HNL flight, but on these sectors to the States it was almost inedible. The breakfast rolls were stale (how difficult is it to load a fresh roll on a weekday flight??). I commented to the crew on arrival into JFK that the meals were bad and they agreed, said they personally wouldn't (actually they said 'couldn't') eat them. I think that's a fairly bad indictment of the food. It would only cost a few cents more to make the meals better.

Noticed too that there is no more hot towel service (either on the MEL-LAX or LAX-JFK).

That being said, the service was still really good. Friendly crew, quick response to call bells etc.

However - once again I am amazed at the QF trolley dance that happens with the meal service!! I flew AA across the pond and they served 195 meals and drinks within 20 minutes (8 crew, two trolleys, one each for meals and drinks). QF still taking best part of two hours. Then - there is some sort of religious procession of trolleys up and down the aisle in between meals... no idea why (well I do, I guess they are taking new trolleys from the forward galley), but AA doesn't have to do it. Not that there is a problem with any of this, just I don't know why they have to beat themselves up with all this extra work. (2 hours to serve meals is bad.)

And the AA meal to London was really good compared to the QF food. Lots of meat in the dish, good 'fresh' salad (chlorine washed of course, but tasty with lashings of ranch dressing), good desert.

Anyway, will see what the return brings.

Regards

LME etc etc