AlwaysOnTheRoad

I flew SYD-HKG yesterday on the A380 that coincidentally was involved in the QF 32 incident.

Well before take off, 30 minutes, I told the flight attendants that the seat side controller did not work - no control of lights, seat, etc. The manual override for the seat did work. They tried to reset many times and eventually told me they would do a hard reset after take off.

After take off. Hard reset does not work. I move from 3A to 4F and... the IFE does not work. In fact, the IFE did not work for any of the F seats - and perhaps a few other seats.

To add to the excitement, two men, Asians, diplomatic couriers, refuse to allow their very big and heavy diplomatic bag to be relocated for take off. Stand off and they were close to being off loaded.

More yelling after take off - now about the IFE.

End state. Staff handled it as well as anyone could. Purser provided 400 AUD duty free credit for those affected - or at least that was what I got.

Real question. Why this type of electronic/computer problem with a well established aircraft.

Himeno

I had no issues on OQA on QF2 LHR-SIN last November... Maybe there was a bug in the update when they uploaded the new IFE programs?

globalflyer11

Well waiting in SIN to join QF1 and have been told the IFE on the inbound aircraft is cactus. Given an allowance to buy a book at the newsagent just show your BP. I wonder is it the same aircraft??

dddc

Nope, it's VH-OQL if I've found it right! Was this for all cabins? What amount did you get? I wonder if it varied by class?

Granlor

We had an IFE problem on Nancy in 2010 - multiple, multiple resets and a lot of passengers with heavy fingers causing problems with those seated in front of them. There were no fights and staff handled the situation well but no compensation as far as I know. I was just glad the engines were working!

madrooster

I was on VH-OQL LAX-SYD dep 29/01, arr 31/01 and IFE was working fine.

I've noticed a few of the A380s have had broken chillers here and there more frequently lately too, alongside more and more unserviceable stickers showing up in the cabin in the galley areas...

Lonely Flyer

Last year we had no avod going to or coming from BNE-LAX-BNE.

I complained and got a complete brush off from Qantas. That is why I am mainly now accruing to VA

justin_krusty

I got $350 voucher back in late 09 for no IFE or lights in my section of a 744, LAX-BNE, in Y as a gold. It was a long 15 hours...

LHR/MEL/Europe FF

interesting scenario! I suppose the men couldn't really be charged (diplomatic immunity?) and from a safety perspective they were in a private space/cabin, so unlikely to impede anyone's safety except their own (although one wonders what they are instructed to do in an evac? leave the bag behind?). And I suppose if QF refused them travel they would lose a very big account to another airline.

globalflyer11

First got an allowance of S$75. Interesting as we were awaiting pushback the CSM was in the middle on announcement about how hard they were working to solve the problem when the Captain interjected and said its no good and the system would to be replaced when we got to LHR.

redslert

Last and first time I had broken IFE was at least 2 years ago on 747 LAX->SYD in PE.
Got a $400 voucher in the mail.
Didn't care much as I just sleep being an evening flight.

I'm surprised first class got the same amount, although it is just SYD->HKG

dddc

I know the T&Cs only promise to get you from A-to-B, maybe via C, but there are some of us that choose airlines when there is a choice based on routing, service and IFE amongst other factors. If the IFE isn't working then some sort of compensation should be awarded, and a voucher to buy a novel doesn't cut it for me. (a kobo, kindle or similar and then a few e-novels maybe!! )

LHR/MEL/Europe FF

there is more to your contract with the airline than simply the Ts&Cs.

The TCs cover the actual flight (for example what happens when things go wrong with the flight itself) . Other 'soft' elements, such as seating, food, IFE, ground services and even FF points are all in a more general contract that you have with the airline relating to your total journey. They are advertised, and the airline has an obligation to provide those to you. Sometimes those benefits will conveniently be covered by consumer legislation, other times they are conveniently covered by 'PR' (the airline will just give you compensation because they want to retain you), and in some cases i guess - if you really wanted to - you could take the airline to court if they were being really stubborn.

Broken IFE and a simple voucher to buy a magazine? I would think you have a good case for more compensation than that - but in all likelihood the airline would send you a voucher or something if you pursued the matter once you got home.

AnonymousCoward

Travelling on a diplomatic passport doesn't give you diplomatic immunity - you need to be granted this (accredited) by the country you are visiting. Travelling on a diplomatic passport usually means you don't get troubled at airports, and your diplomatic bag isn't checked. I've done a work with MSPs who are outsourcers for national governments, and I've seen diplomatic passports issued to field engeering type people, just to get replacement laptops and other spare parts out to embassies/trade missions etc in foreign countries.

AndDee

I'd be wanting more than $400AUD in a gift voucher if it was a paid First seat!

I'd probably also move back to business for a bit to watch some TV and then come back to First to sleep.

I'd also be asking them to serve me the F champagne in J as well, providing I was in the first few rows