Virgin Australia acknowledgement of veterans

16 replies

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?

Poll: Should VA make announcements of veterans onboard?

xtfer

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 14 Mar 2017

Total posts 159

It's lip service.

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.

Last editedby Dredgy at Nov 05, 2018, 12:02 PM.

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

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

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

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

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.

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...

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

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

Member since 29 Aug 2015

Total posts 4

I approve the priority boarding. Not sure about the announcement

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

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Apr 2017

Total posts 181

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.

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

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.

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