[QF009]

As you might know NZ crews its flights to PVG exclusively with cabin crew members based in PVG. Initial feedback about the service rendered by these crew members and their general competence was negative but they've since improved substantially.

As for the FA in my aisle...
- She spoke immaculate English.
- She was attentive, warm, and very friendly.
- She paid great attention to securing the cabin properly for take off and landing
- She went through the safety demo perfectly (for some reason it was manual)
- She knew where the exits are, and could very well have rescued the lot of us in the event of an emergency.
- She kept her balance during severe turbulence.
- No request seemed to be too much trouble for her.

BUT... in the ultimate test of all...

She did not know how to open Veuve Cliquot bottles!!

More details in my upcoming trip report, to be written when i get home....

[Evan]

A calamity worse than global warming !

Something must be done, strongly worded complaints to NZ mangment, quick re-training required urgently.

[NM]

I assume you educated her in the appropriate manner ... and then insisted that she practised many time during the flight .

[simongr]

Oh My God - Wont somebody think of the Children????

[QF009]

Originally Posted by NM

I assume you educated her in the appropriate manner ... and then insisted that she practised many time during the flight .

Her colleague in the opposite aisle had an already opened bottle and they played Veuve ping pong - passing the bottle back and forth. It was actually rather amusing to watch. Let's just say they underestimated how thirsty for the bubbly stuff their pax (well ok... me at least) got on that flight. Then the flight manager saw what was going on and opened a few bottles herself.

Thankfully the rest of the booze were screw tops... NZ flights offer a great range of wines!

[JohnK]

Originally Posted by QF009

BUT... in the ultimate test of all...

She did not know how to open Veuve Cliquot bottles!!

That is totally unacceptable. I would write to Air NZ and ask for a refund of the airfare paid....

[straitman]

Originally Posted by JohnK

That is totally unacceptable. I would write to Air NZ and ask for a refund of the airfare paid....

Unlike TT who cancel the flight and give you back your money to find your own way home before even opening the drinks.

[JohnK]

Originally Posted by straitman

Unlike TT who cancel the flight and give you back your money to find your own way home before even opening the drinks.

I have never flown Tiger so cannot comment. I was going to give them a try in SE Asia on my next trip so their performance in Australia in the next 3 months is going to influence my decision.

Cancelled flights and airfare refunds are not going to help me get to my destsination at very short notice....

[straitman]

Originally Posted by JohnK

I have never flown Tiger so cannot comment. I was going to give them a try in SE Asia on my next trip so their performance in Australia in the next 3 months is going to influence my decision.

Cancelled flights and airfare refunds are not going to help me get to my destsination at very short notice....

See tonights news for the info on TT to which I was referring

[QF009]

Originally Posted by JohnK

That is totally unacceptable. I would write to Air NZ and ask for a refund of the airfare paid....

Indeed. I could forgive them if it was a less significant omission like not serving any food (main purpose of which is to soak up the booze anyway) or missing out on the safety demo altogether... but the thought of a flight sans bubbly...

Oh actually... it was an award redemption...