Well – first it was the flight from hell as anyone knows who has traveled on very old F100s. The last two rows actually rattle your brain, and also have the ability to throw any drinks at you due to engine tremors.
My client booked me a fully flexible ticket in case the meeting I was attending finished early (it did). I opted for the cheapest seat up to Port Hedland in Western Australia, and the frequent flier seat on the way back. The grand total for a return flight (2 hours each way) was over $1300. Yep, could have gotten a cheap return ticket to the UK for virtually the same amount – and I wasn’t even leaving the state I live in. Getting my frequent flier ticket changed was another $100 – what’s the point in stumping up over $800 for one leg, only to be told there’s an extra fee??
Qantas and Virgin charge totally ridiculous amounts for traveling within our own state, and have now cut services in half, cancel a lot even when you’ve gone through security – and continue to fly the most shitty planes to get you there. If you are unfortunate to be in the last three rows, don’t expect any sleep as all you can see are the engines, and you have to sit in a window seat that is so curved towards your body they should provide painkillers, a drink and an apology.
Australia has a lot to answer for regarding such flights as they are normally stocked with mine workers who aren’t generally small. They rip us off no end…
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Sorry Greg, FF meant 'fully flexible' in this case- though i am a Frequent Flier' too- i heard on the news recently that there will be some kind of government investigation into the amount we pay to fly intrastate- with airfares with Emirates and the like, return, being offered to the UK and back at pretty much the same price, you can hopefully understand mine (and many others!) Attitude towards Qantas and Virgin!! Both still use those decrepid F100s which should have been retired many, many years ago…
I hope things improve for you!
So do i! Thanks Gregg, next flight at the moment is BC Emerites to the UK for 10 days, i hope (touch wood) that all will be well…. please let there be no kids in BC, as i'm leaving mine at home with my partner!!!
Well… for comparions… Virgin Australia's seats on an F-100 are still wider than those on comparable flights flown by United, Delta, or American….