QANTAS: Trumpets how prepared it is for Easter – given previous holiday disasters

With an undoubted memory of its recent holiday disasters, lack of staff, cancellations and passenger disruptions, Qantas has issued a media release to assure everyone that it is prepared. With the busiest Easter long weekend expected since 2019, darn tootin’ they need to be.

How has Qantas prepared?

Like all good public relations releases, this one bends various facts to suit its trumpeted purposes. Since Easter last year, Qantas has had to employ or re-employ a huge number of staff – 3,500 apparently to come close to 100% of its pre-pandemic performance. The release reads like this has just been for this Easter.

However, it is taking some practical steps. More aircraft (20) and employees (20% above regular in reserve) will be on standby to reduce potential disruptions. Aircraft on standby include Airbus A330, A320s, a Boeing 737, some regional aircraft, and six brand new A321neo aircraft that have joined the Jetstar fleet since last easter.

Qantas makes the valid point that it has much improved its on-time performance over the last seven months, scoring the best performance of any domestic airline. It’s partners have also recognised the need to staff up. They, including Airservices Australia air traffic controllers and airport security staff, will have extra workers on staff during peak periods.

A lot of flyers!

Qantas and its cheap model Jetstar will transport 620,000 (601,000 last year) people domestically and internationally over the 5 days of Easter, with Thursday being the biggest day by passenger volume at 120,000 travelling on roughly 1,200 flights.

Hopefully, the horror security screening queues and delayed luggage of last Easter will be avoided.

Before you travel

At the risk of echoing Alan Joyce’s unfortunate comments about passengers not being match fit for the return to travel last year, the release reminds us all to:

• Check-in online using Qantas and Jetstar apps for domestic flights.
• Arrive early – 1-2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 2-3 hours for international
• Observe baggage limits for cabin and checked baggage – use those domestic scales before you leave for the airport

2PAXfly Takeout

I will be one of those 620,000 travelling on Qantas this Easter, so I hope that all goes well. Either way, you will hear about it here first.

Are you travelling this Easter?