QantasLink review by Stuart 2013-12-10

Is the service provided on Qantas Link (regional service) different from when travelling interstate? Our experience would suggest so. A recent holiday to Broome (November 5 - 8) on a new 737, we delighted in the fit out of the new aircraft, but were left appalled at the food and beverage service offered. The mid morning flight (to Broome) indicated lunch and we were offered a pizza sub (no choice) and a coffee. Later they gave out apples, and then ran out half way down the aircraft. On the return flight (1pm), we were handed a chicken and avocado sandwich (no choice) and a coffee. The sandwich was of dubious quality and left us wanting a little more for lunch on a 2.5 hour flight. After having travelled on 3 separate occasions with Qantas this year, we were shocked when comparing the food offered on the regional flight, as compared with going to Tasmania and South Australia. The interstate flights left us singing the praises of Qantas for the quality of airline food and beverages they provided. When going to Adelaide, we paid less for the flight (than Broome), travelled the same flight time, but the regional service was sub standard in comparison. After complaining to Qantas, I received (after 4 weeks) a standard email apology and indicated it had been passed to the appropriate manager. There was no direct answer to my concerns. We've always supported the Australian carrier; however our most recent experience has left us thinking that maybe the opposition might be worth a look next time. EDITORS COMMENT: Qantaslink is a regional service and the difference in food and beverage is probably the biggest give away of this. Despite this the offering on Qantaslink is better than most regional carriers around the world - on a similar flight else where you would get nothing or have to pay for it. The service offered by Qantas between capital cities in Australia is referred to as a cityflyer service and it is here that you do get the better food and beverage options.