April 8, 2010 at 7:53 am
http://www.theage.com.au/photogallery/travel/hostie-hopefuls-grin-and-bear-it/20100406-rozz.html
By: *ALLIANCE - 9th April 2010 at 17:16
No doubt the SQ crews are efficient if its an at-seat service you want, but its all rather clinical. On the other hand, if you bother to get up and talk to the UA crews when you need something (as opposed to just sit in the seat and expect them to be waiters/waitresses), the UA crews have all been excellent and friendly.
I agree that as good as the SQ cabin crew service is, it can be a little robotic. This, im sure is down to the stringent training they have been through. They are probably scared to offer anything other than a “Singapore Airlines rules of how to be a perfect flight attendant which you must follow to the letter” service. I have come across a few who have been a bit more relaxed, but its certainly not the norm. At least the customer is getting a very consistent service, and a good one at that. Its all a matter of personal opinion.
As for getting up to chat to U.S based airline cabin crew. Not anymore. I once spent a good 2hrs chatting to two UA crew in the rear galley of a 777 on an overnight ORD-LHR. Very nice, and a credit to there employer. Had a right laugh with them. I was going to go and sit down after 10 mins as not to disturb them from there duties, but they insisted a stayed and chatted a bit longer. They said these night flights were really boring so it was nice to chat to a stranger with an interest in flying (granted, this would never happen on an Asian airline). Nowadays, on a U.S airline ive found they dont even like you getting up from your seat, never mind chatting to them in the galley. I guess the FAA makes the rules for them but i find it very knee-jerk. Its a shame really.
By: Skymonster - 9th April 2010 at 16:04
Long haul so far this year I’ve done:
UA LHR-LAX-LHR (Jan)
SQ LHR-SIN-LHR (Feb)
UA LHR-SFO-LHR (Mar)
Based on my experience on these six flights, I’d take UA crews over the SQ crews if I had a choice. No doubt the SQ crews are efficient if its an at-seat service you want, but its all rather clinical. On the other hand, if you bother to get up and talk to the UA crews when you need something (as opposed to just sit in the seat and expect them to be waiters/waitresses), the UA crews have all been excellent and friendly.
Andy
By: Arabella-Cox - 9th April 2010 at 11:57
I’ll have to take a flight on a US carrier to experience the service for myself, only ever having been on British, European or Asian airlines.
That said, I experienced appalling service in a restaurant at LAX once. The waitress thought I was a nuisance for having the temerity to order some – shocking, as it turned out – food.
By: *ALLIANCE - 9th April 2010 at 11:08
Oh yea they are the best. So attentive. A million miles away from those “gum chewing” American cabin crew.
I think its down to the level of respect people treat each other with in Asia. High standards of customer service are the norm.
Mighty pleasing on the eye too 😉
By: Grey Area - 9th April 2010 at 07:31
Moderator Message
It’s too early in the day for handbags at ten paces.
Take it to PMs, please, chaps.
Cheers
GA
By: Bmused55 - 9th April 2010 at 07:17
That is a somewhat arrogant statement I think.
By: steve rowell - 8th April 2010 at 23:57
Surely a matter of opinion?
Yes true..but as you’ve stated in many a thread ..you have limited travelling experience do you not??..better judged by seasoned world travellers i think :rolleyes::)
By: Bmused55 - 8th April 2010 at 14:34
Surely a matter of opinion?
I have had excellent service onboard with Monarch and Excel. Very friendly crews and despite the very unreasonable and monopolising demands from several passengers (some chav family) on board one Excel flight, the FA’s continued to smile and be very attentive.
By: Arabella-Cox - 8th April 2010 at 12:59
It depends which Asian airline you are on in my experience. Recently, I have found SIA excellent, and Cathay Pacific rather poor.