Flew to and from SYD/LA 3 times over the past 6 weeks and chose the VA/DL option as I was connecting on to Minneapolis. On every occasion the VA1 and VA2 flights were delayed, flying yesterday on VA1 it was delayed 2-1/2 hours missing my DL connection in LA. It appears VA use the VA2 aircraft incoming from LA to turn it around straight back to LA at 9.30am as VA1. Would you not think that if it was operationally critical to get VA2 into Sydney on time or early that you would ensure it gets out of LAX every night on time, after all the plane sits on the ground all day. Overall probably will never fly them again, the LAX transfer, bus, dodgy boarding terminal at LAX plus what appears to very regular delays doesn’t work for me. Seems they are still just a budget point to point airline in fancy clothes. As a business traveler I need to make those connections, not sitting around an airport unnecessarily for 4 hours due to airline delays. Will fly QF or DL metal in future.
Serious whinge! An airline never wants to depart late for fun. There are many many things that delay the aircraft. On a long haul, this could be as simple as headwinds. Let alone, connections from other cities. It also could be maintenance related, or crew or anything else. I’m not saying you should not be upset, but invariably you may get delayed on QF from time to time as well. If you skip them both, then you can start flying the American group of airlines. I have never had a significant delay on any of VA flights, and same with QF. The people who are running this business lose a lot more when a flight is delayed than people who are inside it (in my opinion), so if a delay is inevitable, they are behind the scenes trying to fix it to minimise disruption.
Serious whinge! An airline never wants to depart late for fun. There are many many things that delay the aircraft. On a long haul, this could be as simple as headwinds. Let alone, connections from other cities. It also could be maintenance related, or crew or anything else. I’m not saying you should not be upset, but invariably you may get delayed on QF from time to time as well. If you skip them both, then you can start flying the American group of airlines. I have never had a significant delay on any of VA flights, and same with QF. The people who are running this business lose a lot more when a flight is delayed than people who are inside it (in my opinion), so if a delay is inevitable, they are behind the scenes trying to fix it to minimise disruption.
Sorry if i’m Not being helpful
I don’t disagree with your comments, I do a lot of travel globally (am Platinum with QF and Diamond with DL) and while occasionally delays do happen for the reasons you mention - but 6 times on 6 flights is unheard of. First time I’ve used VA in a long time and that was my experience. Checking the flight apps (flight aware etc) it’s been a long time since VA1 got out of Sydney and into LAx on time. On board service was very good but reliability also matters. I’m sure delays cost them a lot of money, a huge line of unhappy pax at the Delta counter trying to rearrange connections can’t be good for business or profitable flights.
I am not normally one to subscribe to these sort of whinges. However checking Flightaware on VA1 and VA2, I can see it has been quite some time that the flights have actually run on time. Comparing that to QF11 which is running mostly on time. However QF12 looks a bit spotty. Presumably due to late JFK arrival
And unfortunately, sometimes the really long turnarounds (like the full day in LAX that QF and VA both have) do little to improve operational reliability. Most of this time is used for planned offline maintenance, so many of the smaller mechanical issues that cause unexpected delays don't become known until the aircraft is powered up by the operating crew, like a flight on a normal turnaround.
LAX has serious terminal upgrades which will take a number of years to finish and with that construction of skyrail tunnels has caused all airlines to be delayed.I think it is unfair to say its a VA issue as they are the no.1 product across the pacific.
LAX has serious terminal upgrades which will take a number of years to finish and with that construction of skyrail tunnels has caused all airlines to be delayed.I think it is unfair to say its a VA issue as they are the no.1 product across the pacific.
I've travelled BNE/SYD-LAX-JFK on VA /DL 4 to 5 times a year for the last 4 years and I've only once arrived late into LAX missing my DL connection to JFK. Wasn't helped by being deplaned at a remote stand somewhere near SFO(!) and bussed to TBIT either.
VA annoy me on some of their digital and domestic experiences but regardless, I'll deal with it - you cannot beat the VA J product and service across the Pacific IMO
Could VA2 be intentionally delayed to collect delayed domestic us transit passengers to avoid over night accomodation costs? Any one know if the flight has mainly point to point passengers? No excuse but an explanation.
And unfortunately, sometimes the really long turnarounds (like the full day in LAX that QF and VA both have) do little to improve operational reliability. Most of this time is used for planned offline maintenance, so many of the smaller mechanical issues that cause unexpected delays don't become known until the aircraft is powered up by the operating crew, like a flight on a normal turnaround.
QF have a dedicated hangar for the A380s, and though it was built primarily for scheduled maintenance - it can also handle a myriad of other issues and it’s staff are effectively dedicated to a maximum of two A380s.
VA don’t get anywhere near that level of service for the 777, meaning that should any issues arise they may have to wait hours before they get any attention.
Unfortunately VA will never be able to provide the same level of reliability compared to their competitors (and partners) as it won’t make sense to have dedicated facilities in LA for them.
Flew to and from SYD/LA 3 times over the past 6 weeks and chose the VA/DL option as I was connecting on to Minneapolis. On every occasion the VA1 and VA2 flights were delayed, flying yesterday on VA1 it was delayed 2-1/2 hours missing my DL connection in LA. It appears VA use the VA2 aircraft incoming from LA to turn it around straight back to LA at 9.30am as VA1. Would you not think that if it was operationally critical to get VA2 into Sydney on time or early that you would ensure it gets out of LAX every night on time, after all the plane sits on the ground all day. Overall probably will never fly them again, the LAX transfer, bus, dodgy boarding terminal at LAX plus what appears to very regular delays doesn’t work for me. Seems they are still just a budget point to point airline in fancy clothes. As a business traveler I need to make those connections, not sitting around an airport unnecessarily for 4 hours due to airline delays. Will fly QF or DL metal in future.
I just flew QF via DFW to go to Minnesota and for left waiting for 7 hours in DFW due to 30 min delay on QF 7 and 0 care factor of QF staff. Apparently being in business doesn't improve the service level at all
There are and have been massive terminal and runway works both of recent times and currently underway that greatly effect flights at LAX. I’ve traveled with VA multiple times and always left on time. I also agree with Mitch VA has the best product and that’s proven with the best business class award over the last two years.
I certainly hope that my VA1 flight on the 24th won't have any serious delays, I have a connecting DL flight to JFK departing at 7.55am. Fortunately I'm only traveling with carry-on but there's still a risk I might miss the connection.
What's the procedure with missing a connection (even once checked-in), who is responsible for ensuring I get on another flight VA or DL?
Isn't QF also an airline with poor timekeeping out of LAX?
It might not just be the late QF12 connection from New York, but also how runway works can mean delays in being able to get into the air.
Probably unpopularity with high revenue business travellers, (lack of) connections to other Oz cities and the Sydney curfew are reasons that flights leaving LAX during the day are generally not offered but I'd prefer a 19.00 or even 20.00 hrs arrival in an Australian city to the current 'same same' timetables.
crwilkins
crwilkins
Qantas
Member since 02 May 2016
Total posts 29
Flew to and from SYD/LA 3 times over the past 6 weeks and chose the VA/DL option as I was connecting on to Minneapolis. On every occasion the VA1 and VA2 flights were delayed, flying yesterday on VA1 it was delayed 2-1/2 hours missing my DL connection in LA. It appears VA use the VA2 aircraft incoming from LA to turn it around straight back to LA at 9.30am as VA1. Would you not think that if it was operationally critical to get VA2 into Sydney on time or early that you would ensure it gets out of LAX every night on time, after all the plane sits on the ground all day. Overall probably will never fly them again, the LAX transfer, bus, dodgy boarding terminal at LAX plus what appears to very regular delays doesn’t work for me. Seems they are still just a budget point to point airline in fancy clothes. As a business traveler I need to make those connections, not sitting around an airport unnecessarily for 4 hours due to airline delays. Will fly QF or DL metal in future.
mspcooper
mspcooper
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2013
Total posts 442
Serious whinge! An airline never wants to depart late for fun. There are many many things that delay the aircraft. On a long haul, this could be as simple as headwinds. Let alone, connections from other cities. It also could be maintenance related, or crew or anything else. I’m not saying you should not be upset, but invariably you may get delayed on QF from time to time as well. If you skip them both, then you can start flying the American group of airlines. I have never had a significant delay on any of VA flights, and same with QF. The people who are running this business lose a lot more when a flight is delayed than people who are inside it (in my opinion), so if a delay is inevitable, they are behind the scenes trying to fix it to minimise disruption.
crwilkins
crwilkins
Qantas
Member since 02 May 2016
Total posts 29
I don’t disagree with your comments, I do a lot of travel globally (am Platinum with QF and Diamond with DL) and while occasionally delays do happen for the reasons you mention - but 6 times on 6 flights is unheard of. First time I’ve used VA in a long time and that was my experience. Checking the flight apps (flight aware etc) it’s been a long time since VA1 got out of Sydney and into LAx on time. On board service was very good but reliability also matters. I’m sure delays cost them a lot of money, a huge line of unhappy pax at the Delta counter trying to rearrange connections can’t be good for business or profitable flights.
Grannular
Grannular
Member since 31 Mar 2014
Total posts 272
I am not normally one to subscribe to these sort of whinges. However checking Flightaware on VA1 and VA2, I can see it has been quite some time that the flights have actually run on time. Comparing that to QF11 which is running mostly on time. However QF12 looks a bit spotty. Presumably due to late JFK arrival
feka742
feka742
Member since 24 Jun 2016
Total posts 9
And unfortunately, sometimes the really long turnarounds (like the full day in LAX that QF and VA both have) do little to improve operational reliability. Most of this time is used for planned offline maintenance, so many of the smaller mechanical issues that cause unexpected delays don't become known until the aircraft is powered up by the operating crew, like a flight on a normal turnaround.
Mitchd31
Mitchd31
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 30 Jul 2015
Total posts 10
LAX has serious terminal upgrades which will take a number of years to finish and with that construction of skyrail tunnels has caused all airlines to be delayed.I think it is unfair to say its a VA issue as they are the no.1 product across the pacific.
aklrunway
aklrunway
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2011
Total posts 180
In your opinion
BJ01
BJ01
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 07 Dec 2015
Total posts 57
Unfortunate, absolutely. Systemic, I suggest no.Â
I've travelled BNE/SYD-LAX-JFK on VA /DL 4 to 5 times a year for the last 4 years and I've only once arrived late into LAX missing my DL connection to JFK. Wasn't helped by being deplaned at a remote stand somewhere near SFO(!) and bussed to TBIT either.
VA annoy me on some of their digital and domestic experiences but regardless, I'll deal with it - you cannot beat the VA J product and service across the Pacific IMO
paulkaz
paulkaz
Member since 01 Mar 2011
Total posts 32
Could VA2 be intentionally delayed to collect delayed domestic us transit passengers to avoid over night accomodation costs? Any one know if the flight has mainly point to point passengers? No excuse but an explanation.
whoppersandwich
whoppersandwich
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 11 Dec 2017
Total posts 125
QF have a dedicated hangar for the A380s, and though it was built primarily for scheduled maintenance - it can also handle a myriad of other issues and it’s staff are effectively dedicated to a maximum of two A380s.
travelingbob
travelingbob
Member since 31 May 2018
Total posts 2
I just flew QF via DFW to go to Minnesota and for left waiting for 7 hours in DFW due to 30 min delay on QF 7 and 0 care factor of QF staff. Apparently being in business doesn't improve the service level at all
DownSouth
DownSouth
Member since 23 Oct 2014
Total posts 5
There are and have been massive terminal and runway works both of recent times and currently underway that greatly effect flights at LAX. I’ve traveled with VA multiple times and always left on time. I also agree with Mitch VA has the best product and that’s proven with the best business class award over the last two years.
Rohit
Rohit
Member since 06 Jul 2017
Total posts 17
You are being a little harsh. On pacific route, VA beats both QF and DL handsdown.
cssaus
cssaus
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
Member since 29 Jan 2011
Total posts 81
I certainly hope that my VA1 flight on the 24th won't have any serious delays, I have a connecting DL flight to JFK departing at 7.55am. Fortunately I'm only traveling with carry-on but there's still a risk I might miss the connection.
What's the procedure with missing a connection (even once checked-in), who is responsible for ensuring I get on another flight VA or DL?
Traveller14
Traveller14
Member since 17 Sep 2015
Total posts 73
Isn't QF also an airline with poor timekeeping out of LAX?