In Reply to: QANTAS v GARUDA posted by Nick on Friday, 13. August 1999 at 10:27 Bali Time:
Nick, I have to agree with you TOTALLY ! Have alternated each year between Qantas and Garuda ex Sydney. Each time I have used Qantas (reluctantly) as I am a Frequent Flyer and safety aspect etc., I have been very disappointed. The last straw was when I travelled with them in March and have vowed NEVER again to Bali with Qantas. Not only is it ridiculous that all there flights to Bali are evening flights but my flight was delayed by 5 hours out of Sydney, which meant I arrived in Denpasar at approx 4am Sydney time. The flight from hell ! As you said they cringe if you ask for anything except if you know a crew member BOY...you are treated like royalty while the rest of the passengers starve and die of thirst !!!!! I watched in disgust in March as we finally boarded the delayed plane and then sat on the tarmac for another hour and the only passenger allowed to have a drink was this guy who new someone and they were all over him! I'm going again in December and have booked with Garuda and will continue to fly Garuda each and everytime I go to Bali without blinking an eyelid. For your info I did complain to Qantas and they sent me 4 vouchers for the Qantas lounge ..big deal ! I have written back and complained again about the measly compensation they offered. I really think more people should write in and complain because as I've said before the service is NON-EXISTENT. I have a 7 year old so you can imagine the state he was in after being stranded at the airport for 5 and half hours, then 6 hours flying time etc.. As I said it's just NOT WORTH IT !!! Fly GARUDA ..without a doubt !
(As you can also see I'm quite passionate about this topic !!)