I've just completed my first two flights on QF - JNB to SYD in First and SYD to CNS in Business. The service on both flights was very good but the overall "experience" was let down with what seemed to be a complete lack of any pre-boarding for First/Business/Elites. Both flights were announced in the lounge and despite leaving almost immediatley I was met by a mass of bodies all being processed by the gate staff. As both flights were 747 it was a bit of a pain.

If QF do not offer pre-boarding would it not be better to delay the announcement in the lounge until general boarding is almost complete?

Most of us know that you have an extra 4 or 5 minutes AFTER the Qantas Club announcement is made before you have to start moving. And since we have a sensible carry-on policy, there is no need to get on first in order to stow everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink - I have never found a situation where there is no room to stow anything.

Dave

What is the situation with QF and pre-boarding?

Since the demise of AN I have done a bit more QF domestic travelling (about 20 or so flights in 02), and pre-boarding seems very inconsistent.

Sometimes, there is a call for business & OW emer/saph. But other times, it is just a general call.

Is there a policy on this?

What would make sense is that when the flight is full, they have pre-boarding, and when it is say <75% full, they just have a general call.

However, I have found no pre-boarding on full cityflyer flights on a number of occassions, which doesn't fit this policy.

Mmm.... Interesting (for some I guess)...

MD

There is OFFICIALLY no pre-boarding.

Carry-on storage space is not an issue, there is plenty of room for everyone. So there is no need to get elites and J's on first.

Elites will generally be in the lounge, and in some locations (MEL in particular) it takes a while to get from the lounge.

Generally, if you know the airport and can judge when to leave the lounge AFTER the call is made, you get there and can walk straight on.

Priority boarding is a big wank, IMNSHO, I would ratgher spend the time in the lounge rather than sitting in a narrow steel cylinder.

Dave

"Is there a policy on this? "

The normal policy, I believe, is that there is no pre-boarding for flights QF400 and above and that there can be for flights QF1-399.

On the international services which may offer it, I don't see the need for it anyway. The lounges are often good at announcing the flight from the 1st and Qantas Club lounges when economy boarding is nearly complete, such that you can swarm down to the gate , get on the plane and be away.

"What would make sense is that when the flight is full, they have pre-boarding, and when it is say <75% full, they just have a general call."

Those that would be eligable for pre boarding would tend to be eligable for lounge access. Which is better, to wait in a pleasant lounge or to sit on a plane.

QF boarding is pretty efficient and unlike the US carriers , I have never seen a problem getting carry on luggage stored.

Dave

Yeah, what he said (which is pretty much what I said).

Dave

Yeah. Looking at the times, I was probably writing my post as you were sending yours .. Well great minds think alike....or do fools seldom differ. I lose track

Dave

Or even an aluminium one?

That's what I thought. It is just a bit annoying to arrive at the gate a find you are at the back of a line of 300+ pax! Now that I know the score I can hang back for a bit longer in the lounge before making my way to the gate.

Yesterdays flight to CNS on the 747-200 was completley full. I'm not sure what the total seats are on this 2 class service but it seemed a lot!

As an aside - is "lunch" on this route normally just 3 slices of cold beef and some cheese and crackers or was there a limited catering service given it was New Years Day? No compalints about the wine though. A very nice Margaret River Chardonnay. It help clear my rather big hangover.

LHR T4 has a separate queue for F/J pax.

Preboarding is also available on request, if you have an infant.

Depends what class you are booked in. Did you receive lunch in a "box" or on a tray?

Dave

Talk about a footshot on MY part.

This morning, QF408 and QF 412 (opposite gates) had staged boarding - "Rows 40 through to 57 at this time. Business class and OneWorld Emerald and Sapphire may board at their leisure. All other passengers will be given a further boarding call shortly."

Dave

Originally posted by thadocta:
"And since we have a sensible carry-on policy..."

In my mind Qantas' "sensible" carry-on policy is draconian and absurd for business travelers with work to do in-flight. My laptop eats up at least half my weight allowance and it's all downhill from there. Reasonable limits are good, but the single-bag, 15-pound rule seems a little harsh.

Sounds pretty reasonable to me - at least we can alsways find bin space withint spitting distance of our seats.

I presume you usually fly business class? If not, no room down the back to do any work anyway. If so, they are a bit more flexible when it comes to what you can and can't take on board.

Dave

How much more stuff do you need to take on as hand luggage? The hand luggage allowance is for taking on that which you will actually need in flight.

As pointed out, unlike the dire US carriers, there is rarely any issue with finding space in the overheads since the carrying on of everything including the kitchen sink is disallowed

Dave