What are people’s views on the plan by VA to make US style announcements of veterans onboard their aircraft? While I have the deepest respect for veterans I can’t help being a little uneasy about it. I can imagine it feeling awkward for both Australian veterans and passengers. In fact I’ve heard a few veterans on radio saying they’d be a bit embarrassed. It just doesn’t seem to be the ‘Australian way’ of doing things. Also, I wonder if having a VA crew member touting for applause doesn’t undermine the dignity of our veterans. What do others think of this plan?
It’s lip service, and it’s awkward. I absolutely hate travelling in the US where everywhere you go you have to thank veterans, it feels like you’re being - for want of a better word - conditioned. My grandfather would have hated everything about it,
I’m not one for saying “I’ll never fly with x again”, but to avoid 30 seconds of awkwardness, I will likely actively avoid Virgin.
It will certainly add to the priority boarding lane queue here in Townsville where half the population are serving or have served. Overall It doesn’t bother me, I was fourth generation in the ADF and my son is fifth and if they offer it as a perk for priority boarding etc then I don’t have an issue but I think the announcement is over the top and not required. I would however highlight one point that has been overlooked, Dept of Defence always advise any current serving member to never identify themselves as such when travelling, for obvious reasons, so a welcome SGT ??, and thanks for your service from the cabin crew is not ideal.
I think it helps promote respect for people who put their lives up to protect the country. But so do police etc. I’m indifferent about it there’s pros and cons. But there’s so much negativity surrounding this already - if you are in service and don’t want to be acknowledged then don’t, I think it’s just trying to establish a small token of appreciation which personally I think we should be doing more for defence personnel. I don’t think VA have anything to gain by doing this. I don’t mean this in a personal attack, but if the thought of acknowledging service men and women repulses you to actively avoid Virgin you may wish to reconsider your priorities in life!
The poll would have been of more value had a 'Neutral' option been included. There are many who are undecided on the matter, some who may see pro's and con's, as well as those who simply don't care.
As Australians, I don't think this sort of lip service is warranted nor expected. It seems really awkward. I mean, if VA was a government run airline, then I'd kind of get it, but its not even that.
One could argue further about this cause, should supermarkets do the same for veterans (express queue, discount), what about at restaurants, other service providers?? Can of worms right here...
The real point is not that it's awkward for the rest of us but that it's awkward for the veterans. Many (most?) of them in Australia/NZ neither seek nor want this sort of recognition. I am grateful for their service, as we all should be. Let's leave it at for their sake.
Do US airlines really do this? I fly US domestic regularly and the only thing I can recall is priority boarding for active military in uniform. Maybe there are some other not so visible benefits provided?
Do US airlines really do this? I fly US domestic regularly and the only thing I can recall is priority boarding for active military in uniform. Maybe there are some other not so visible benefits provided?
Yes. Round of applause and everything - though mileage may vary. While it's fine to respect veterans of course, the Americans make it like some sort of cult.
vbarberini
vbarberini
Member since 16 Oct 2012
Total posts 39
What are people’s views on the plan by VA to make US style announcements of veterans onboard their aircraft? While I have the deepest respect for veterans I can’t help being a little uneasy about it. I can imagine it feeling awkward for both Australian veterans and passengers. In fact I’ve heard a few veterans on radio saying they’d be a bit embarrassed. It just doesn’t seem to be the ‘Australian way’ of doing things. Also, I wonder if having a VA crew member touting for applause doesn’t undermine the dignity of our veterans. What do others think of this plan?
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xtfer
xtfer
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 14 Mar 2017
Total posts 159
It's lip service.
Dredgy
Dredgy
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Apr 2017
Total posts 181
It’s lip service, and it’s awkward. I absolutely hate travelling in the US where everywhere you go you have to thank veterans, it feels like you’re being - for want of a better word - conditioned. My grandfather would have hated everything about it,
I’m not one for saying “I’ll never fly with x again”, but to avoid 30 seconds of awkwardness, I will likely actively avoid Virgin.
GBRGB
GBRGB
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 21 Jan 2014
Total posts 295
It will certainly add to the priority boarding lane queue here in Townsville where half the population are serving or have served. Overall It doesn’t bother me, I was fourth generation in the ADF and my son is fifth and if they offer it as a perk for priority boarding etc then I don’t have an issue but I think the announcement is over the top and not required. I would however highlight one point that has been overlooked, Dept of Defence always advise any current serving member to never identify themselves as such when travelling, for obvious reasons, so a welcome SGT ??, and thanks for your service from the cabin crew is not ideal.
aklrunway
aklrunway
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2011
Total posts 180
I agree with the comments here - awkward. I agree with Qantas' stance on it all
Dan22
Dan22
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 07 Aug 2013
Total posts 167
I think it helps promote respect for people who put their lives up to protect the country. But so do police etc. I’m indifferent about it there’s pros and cons. But there’s so much negativity surrounding this already - if you are in service and don’t want to be acknowledged then don’t, I think it’s just trying to establish a small token of appreciation which personally I think we should be doing more for defence personnel. I don’t think VA have anything to gain by doing this. I don’t mean this in a personal attack, but if the thought of acknowledging service men and women repulses you to actively avoid Virgin you may wish to reconsider your priorities in life!
kimshep
kimshep
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 11 Oct 2014
Total posts 412
The poll would have been of more value had a 'Neutral' option been included. There are many who are undecided on the matter, some who may see pro's and con's, as well as those who simply don't care.
gardermoen
gardermoen
Member since 09 May 2011
Total posts 16
As Australians, I don't think this sort of lip service is warranted nor expected. It seems really awkward. I mean, if VA was a government run airline, then I'd kind of get it, but its not even that.
Brassy
Brassy
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 15 Apr 2016
Total posts 36
Semi retraction/apology just posted on VA social media. Further consultation forthcoming....
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 287
The real point is not that it's awkward for the rest of us but that it's awkward for the veterans. Many (most?) of them in Australia/NZ neither seek nor want this sort of recognition. I am grateful for their service, as we all should be. Let's leave it at for their sake.
Lmpf1963
Lmpf1963
Member since 29 Aug 2015
Total posts 4
I approve the priority boarding. Not sure about the announcement
aggie57
aggie57
QF
Member since 04 Apr 2014
Total posts 136
Do US airlines really do this? I fly US domestic regularly and the only thing I can recall is priority boarding for active military in uniform. Maybe there are some other not so visible benefits provided?
Dredgy
Dredgy
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Apr 2017
Total posts 181
Yes. Round of applause and everything - though mileage may vary. While it's fine to respect veterans of course, the Americans make it like some sort of cult.
David
David
Member since 24 Oct 2010
Total posts 1,020
FWIW, we've now published an article on this with its own poll, at https://www.ausbt.com.au/should-qantas-virgin-acknowledge-members-of-australia-s-armed-forces
LatteLaptopLoon
LatteLaptopLoon
Member since 25 Oct 2017
Total posts 18
I’m sure the poor guys would feel embarrassed from all this attention. Give an airfare discount if you really cared Virgin.