Maleth confirms end of P&O partnership

[CarlaMarie]

10 hours ago, doog442 said:

 

How many flights does this impact? Not many in the big scheme of things although I accept the industry is playing catch up at this point in time.

 

My point is that you're trying to get the point over that it's acceptable for people who've booked PE for example to be shunted down to economy on what is a regular basis. Perhaps you've lost the context of the thread? Its also not acceptable to see the continued delays to Maleth flights which in turn are leading to delayed ship departures where shops and the casinos can't open,loss of revenue etc.

 

Of course it happens as explained above but this isn't an ordinary situation as threads like this don't appear that often.

 

If it's acceptable as you say then let's just see if P&O use Maleth again? Of course they won't as they'll consider the product to be unacceptable, not that they'll admit it of course.

 

Is it a risk travelling long haul ? absolutely but in 30 odd years of long haul travel I'm probably struggling to see such a sustained failure. It doesn't help hearing first hand of those who've suffered as a result, we're on Arvia and have spoken to spoken to those treated like cattle and the delays....and nothing appears to be changing. I'm hearing Maleth cabin crew are going sick rather than face some of these flights which is upsetting but compounds the situation.

 

So to reiterate, in the context of the package offered by P&O the situation for those affected is entirely unacceptable. I know you've worked in the industry so would expect a little empathy rather than simply pointing people towards the small print and basically saying tough.

 

 

 

I don't think this thread is allowing a proper discussion, furthermore posts here have been discussed on the Trip Advisor thread. 

 

I do agree that there appears to be a consensus amongst some who have worked in the industry that the passengers should accept what is going on and simply claim for compensation. That they too should be grateful for having an included flight with what they deem to be a cheap Caribbean cruise.

 

I don't see how that is an acceptable attitude to have, and nor is it the point of this thread.

[jeanlyon]

15 hours ago, carlanthony24 said:

That is life. What ever airline you book you are not guaranteed that plane, same company. So you say its wrong the Dreamliner goes tech 8hrs before the holiday then they need another aircraft to get you out? If companies were refunding left right and center we would never have a holiday since all companies would be bankrupt.

Absolutely right.  So you are booked on the Dreamliner with eg 24 seats in premium economy and they change the aircraft to an Airbus with 16 seats in premium economy.  8 passengers will have to travel in ordinary seats, so they get their PE money back, but still go on holiday.  

[Yorkie69]

Apologies but a week into the cruise and this is the first time we have had any time with internet to update on how things planned out on our flight from Gatwick. As you know, we were 6.5 hours late to depart and arrived into Antigua 21:00. We were told on the plane by the pilot that the delay was indeed known by all parties the previous day as the plane needed maintenance in France and bad weather meant it had to put back the flight time.It was decided to not tell passengers and just ensure we were at the airport in case any time could be made up. It wasn’t and the plane was still in France at 1pm. We were told that a P and O rep would meet us at the airport and explain and apologies, they weren’t and the delay was not acknowledged by any staff on the ship, frustrating many of us. We went to reception on the first day to explain our frustration and was told the flight liaison officer would contact us. After a further two days and no one contacting us we again returned to reception to be advised that the flight liaison officer had left a message on our phone, they hadn’t. We again were told we would be contacted. On day five, with still no contact to discuss our flights we were told again we would be contacted that day but we refused to move until the manager responsible had come to see us. Ten minutes later we had our flight delay invoice/details. We have been given a free meal in the Epicurian too for the poor way the whole episode was dealt with. For balance, the cruise has been amazing so far and all the staff have been as excellent as ever. I do feel that the reception staff have been told to fob people off with regards to the flight issues as it seems most people complaining are getting similar statements around a manager contacting them but having to keep chasing up the issue. You can see the smile disappear whenever anyone says “Maleth Aero” at reception! One week

left before the flight back and we just hope that the delay isn’t as severe.

The flight itself was ok but the plane is poor. My seat had tape around the 1970’s orange valour head rest to keep it together! The cabin staff were very good and drinks and food were ok.

I hope all those that are flying to the Caribbean don’t suffer with Maleth (the Flight liaison Officer stated the contract will not be renewed) as it was like flying a poor Ryanair flight long haul.

[doog442]

11 hours ago, CarlaMarie said:

 

I don't think this thread is allowing a proper discussion, furthermore posts here have been discussed on the Trip Advisor thread. 

 

I do agree that there appears to be a consensus amongst some who have worked in the industry that the passengers should accept what is going on and simply claim for compensation. That they too should be grateful for having an included flight with what they deem to be a cheap Caribbean cruise.

 

I don't see how that is an acceptable attitude to have, and nor is it the point of this thread.

That TA forum is full of wannabe flight experts fuelled by Avios, best ignored in my experience. Helpful on occasion but mostly expert in  derogatory comments. I can see we have our very own representative on there who quite frankly is boring me silly.

[doog442]

Looking further on that TA thread I see that our very own carlanthony24 has been commenting and lifting posts from here including mine, taking them totally out of the context of this particular thread and having a collective laugh at our expense and others misfortune.

 

What a despicable and underhand thing to do Carl. 

 

There is a massive difference between commenting on a world wide air travel forum that covers hundreds of thousands of flights from all corners of the planet to a situation effecting P&O Caribbean cruises, a tiny sector of the market. Especially where people on here are trying to get information and seek reassurance for their future holidays.

[carlanthony24]

37 minutes ago, doog442 said:

Looking further on that TA thread I see that our very own carlanthony24 has been commenting and lifting posts from here including mine, taking them totally out of the context of this particular thread and having a collective laugh at our expense and others misfortune.

 

What a despicable and underhand thing to do Carl. 

 

There is a massive difference between commenting on a world wide air travel forum that covers hundreds of thousands of flights from all corners of the planet to a situation effecting P&O Caribbean cruises, a tiny sector of the market. Especially where people on here are trying to get information and seek reassurance for their future holidays.

I literally haven't I have been saying what I do on here. If you think that I am sorry. But I describe it how I see things. Like I do on here. Its not just affecting P&O though like I have said. I am reassuring people that they are safe that people do not seem to think that are they go through the same vetting process like any other airline operating in the UK/Europe.

 

I laugh at the people who don't think they are and have no understanding what goes on. Toilets flooding can happen anywhere. People who seem to think they should get refunds for a holiday just for a change of aircraft. The same things people say here and on other sites as well. People don't like when facts get in the way at times.

 

We were arguing about this yesterday and you said you're daughter works for BA they should know these things happen. Like I said to you before BA have a much larger fleet to accommodate the changes compared to the likes of TUI who do not so no wonder its like for like you did not mention that.  

 

Like my last post on that site people complained last year about flights being delayed last year thinking they know better than pilots who did not take off in the snow..... 

 

The one guy on that site literally kept putting stuff then deleting the comments and having comments removed because he kept spreading misinformation when challenged over it and still does. I will let you figure out which one that is.

Edited February 3 by carlanthony24

[carlanthony24]

From 1st Post posts have been put up on that site but nothing out of context.

 

I'm not the only to say these things either on this thread FYI. People have had to adapt and just expect aircraft's that would be top notch. Realistically never going to happen. People flew TUI few weeks back maybe longer and expected P&O to give them compensation for IFE being broken. Nothing to do with P&O they can't help if that happens. 

Edited February 3 by carlanthony24

[carlanthony24]

"I really don’t get how hard it is for people to understand they are not guaranteed that aircraft or company even after the examples I gave. Even the person saying Daughter works for BA. Well she should know things are not guaranteed. Then tried to say BA don’t do this they swap like for like. Forgets to mention they have a bigger fleet compared to Tui."

 

"Makes me laugh they think that they should get a refund every time it happens of the holiday. 🤣" Its true. This I discussed the other day with you

 

What I put on the other site. Quoted from here. Nothing out of context. Like we discussed couple days ago. Agree to disagree on things. You said its not normal practice but it is for the smaller carriers like TUI because they don't have enough aircraft's to go around. Heck its even normal for BA to get other carriers to help out. Air Belgium for instance to operate long haul flights. Finnair helped out this year with BA flights. Titan helping TUI and Jet2. I don't know how you think its not normal when its been like this for a while.

Edited February 3 by carlanthony24

[jeanlyon]

7 hours ago, carlanthony24 said:

"I really don’t get how hard it is for people to understand they are not guaranteed that aircraft or company even after the examples I gave. Even the person saying Daughter works for BA. Well she should know things are not guaranteed. Then tried to say BA don’t do this they swap like for like. Forgets to mention they have a bigger fleet compared to Tui."

 

"Makes me laugh they think that they should get a refund every time it happens of the holiday. 🤣" Its true. This I discussed the other day with you

 

What I put on the other site. Quoted from here. Nothing out of context. Like we discussed couple days ago. Agree to disagree on things. You said its not normal practice but it is for the smaller carriers like TUI because they don't have enough aircraft's to go around. Heck its even normal for BA to get other carriers to help out. Air Belgium for instance to operate long haul flights. Finnair helped out this year with BA flights. Titan helping TUI and Jet2. I don't know how you think its not normal when its been like this for a while.

Well said.  All absolutely correct.  People want compensation for everything these days.

[Presto2]

Re flights and the pressure on airlines. Last Saturday we flew with TUI. The cabin attendant told me that out of the whole crew on the Dreamliner only 2 were from Manchester and they had all been pulled from here there and everywhere to staff the plane .. including the one of the pilots. I think the industry is struggling across the board and doing what it can to keep things going.

Ps it was a great flight!

[doog442]

9 hours ago, carlanthony24 said:

"I really don’t get how hard it is for people to understand they are not guaranteed that aircraft or company even after the examples I gave. Even the person saying Daughter works for BA. Well she should know things are not guaranteed. Then tried to say BA don’t do this they swap like for like. Forgets to mention they have a bigger fleet compared to Tui."

 

"Makes me laugh they think that they should get a refund every time it happens of the holiday. 🤣" Its true. This I discussed the other day with you

 

What I put on the other site. Quoted from here. Nothing out of context. Like we discussed couple days ago. Agree to disagree on things. You said its not normal practice but it is for the smaller carriers like TUI because they don't have enough aircraft's to go around. Heck its even normal for BA to get other carriers to help out. Air Belgium for instance to operate long haul flights. Finnair helped out this year with BA flights. Titan helping TUI and Jet2. I don't know how you think its not normal when its been like this for a while.

Again you're taking me and others completely out of context. You're not even quoting me in some of that post. Of course it's normal for other airlines to help out on occasion but this particular situation with Maleth, their issues and the number of flights impacted with holidays pertinent to this thread and P&O isn't normal or acceptable under these circumstances, especially for those who booked PE and with the expectation of having a decent carrier as P&O have previously provided.

 

Do you think P&O think it's acceptable? As I said the proof will be when they drop Maleth like a stone in March and pretend they never existed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jeanlyon]

52 minutes ago, Presto2 said:

Re flights and the pressure on airlines. Last Saturday we flew with TUI. The cabin attendant told me that out of the whole crew on the Dreamliner only 2 were from Manchester and they had all been pulled from here there and everywhere to staff the plane .. including the one of the pilots. I think the industry is struggling across the board and doing what it can to keep things going.

Ps it was a great flight!

Happy Days, remind me of my flying career.  Constantly going out of hours because of delays etc.  I once did 21 hours with the other girls, because they only sent the Flight Deck, an engineer and a spare part!  

[Presto2]

8 minutes ago, jeanlyon said:

Happy Days, remind me of my flying career.  Constantly going out of hours because of delays etc.  I once did 21 hours with the other girls, because they only sent the Flight Deck, an engineer and a spare part!  

Apparently the pilot was from Gatwick which made us smile hoping if he knew the way to Manchester.  Those cabin crew didn't half work hard on both flights. Bet they hit their steps .

[carlanthony24]

18 minutes ago, doog442 said:

Again you're taking me and others completely out of context. You're not even quoting me in some of that post. Of course it's normal for other airlines to help out on occasion but this particular situation with Maleth, their issues and the number of flights impacted with holidays pertinent to this thread and P&O isn't normal or acceptable under these circumstances, especially for those who booked PE and with the expectation of having a decent carrier as P&O have previously provided.

 

Do you think P&O think it's acceptable? As I said the proof will be when they drop Maleth like a stone in March and pretend they never existed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m not though it’s what has been said. Previously. I have quoted just without quotation marks. “You even said P&O would not admit” They have you can look back through the thread to find the answer. I think if you started to look back from the start you may disagree with others. P&O have already said it’s not acceptable and have tried to rectify it. Who knows in the future if they will need to use a Maleth again. 

Edited February 3 by carlanthony24

[terrierjohn]

2 minutes ago, doog442 said:

Again you're taking me and others completely out of context. You're not even quoting me in some of that post. Of course it's normal for other airlines to help out on occasion but this particular situation with Maleth, their issues and the number of flights impacted with holidays pertinent to this thread and P&O isn't normal or acceptable under these circumstances, especially for those who booked PE and with the expectation of having a decent carrier as P&O have previously provided.

 

Do you think P&O think it's acceptable? As I said the proof will be when they drop Maleth like a stone in March and pretend they never existed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whilst I can sympathise with passengers who suffer delays for whatever reason, I don't really think that complaints about not having inflight entertainment or PE seating, and wanting compensation, over and above the refund of any premium paid, is realistic.

Complainers seem not to appreciate the benefits that dedicated charter flights offer, far cheaper flight costs and a guarantee that sailing would be delayed if there are flight delays.

Others have commented that the alternative to Maleth would have been either arranging your own flights, which would have needed overnight accomodation to guarantee you made the cruise, or a complete cancellation of your cruise.

In hindsight P&O probably would not have chosen Maleth, but I suspect the fallout would have been even more negative had they cancelled cruises.

[Winifred 22]

I just wonder out of all the people wading in with such negativity on this topic are actually personally  impacted by the choice of airline. Probably very few  and the rest just like a bit of drama. I know nothing about airlines or how they work so am encouraged  to read the comments on here from folk who still or have worked in the industry and seem to know what they are talking about as opposed to some who just seem to be oblivious to  the current difficulties.  

[molecrochip]

Just wanted to update, I've heard from various separate sources now that Maleth will be operating their last long haul flight for P&O on 22 March, and won't be back in the Autumn.

Edited February 3 by molecrochip

[Presto2]

14 minutes ago, molecrochip said:

Just wanted to update, I've heard from various separate sources now that Maleth will be operating their last long haul flight for P&O on 22 March, and won't be back in the Autumn.

Thanks for that info. I know when we booked we were told who was providing the flight for next year when I asked so I guessed then that P&O already know the line up for next year. (I think you yourself have already told us many pages back). 

[doog442]

1 hour ago, carlanthony24 said:

I’m not though it’s what has been said. Previously. I have quoted just without quotation marks. “You even said P&O would not admit” They have you can look back through the thread to find the answer. I think if you started to look back from the start you may disagree with others. P&O have already said it’s not acceptable and have tried to rectify it. Who knows in the future if they will need to use a Maleth again. 

 

I think things are getting lost in translation. You're simultaneously posting on what is a very large and busy world wide travel forum on TA , where in my experience the so called experts are extremely quick in putting people back in their box. Perhaps there's a bit of forum bleed coming over in your posts when in fact if framed slightly differently they could be more helpful and a little more empathetic to those impacted on here.

 

The TA thread in question is sadly typical. It starts with new posters asking for genuine advice and within a few pages ridicule rains down on them from all corners you included . Cruising is a divisive topic anyway without a load of people wading in because folk have the temerity to have a cruise at the end of a long haul flight. Hence me stating context.

 

If you were to look at many of the travel forums on TA, Maldives, Mauritius etc flights are often discussed in the decision making process just as on here. Many people won't fly Air Mauritius for example despite going direct, some people simply couldn't care less.

 

So flights are actually important to some people and are part of the holiday process. To pretend they're not and simply sweep the current situation under the carpet with 'the rules and regs ' patter is slightly disingenuous for some folk. Additionally compensation isn't always the answer if you cannot physically fly for 8 hours with a small seat pitch having been bumped down to Maleth economy. 

 

So I think by now everyone accepts the bottom line, which on this case is Maleth for 4 flights a week or whatever but it doesn't have to be the norm going forward although the earlier view that's it's better than a cancelled holiday but not for everyone.

 

One of the issues is people do have expectations nowadays and why not if that means IFE or flying on aircraft that aren't routinely delayed. On the other thread on here P&O have admitted some kind of culpability by compensating a customer with a meal in the Epicurean , a small gesture but finally realisation that they just can't dissolve themselves from any sort of responsibility as they're selling a package.

 

You and others will continue to disagree however if P&O get labelled as using a poor airline for their long haul flights I can't imagine the damage that will do, especially as it's reached the national press. I say poor airline , trust me I've had some awful flights on BA and Virgin so I'm hardly making out they're the Mecca of flying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[doog442]

33 minutes ago, molecrochip said:

Just wanted to update, I've heard from various separate sources now that Maleth will be operating their last long haul flight for P&O on 22 March, and won't be back in the Autumn.

 

Excellent 👍

[jeanlyon]

and if the airline they choose goes bust as has happened before, they will then have to look around for whoever has capacity.

[molecrochip]

Not saying done deal but will leave this link here: https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/norse-atlantic-attracts-charter-interest-after-antarctica-flight

 

There has also been interest, suspected to be Virgin, to aquire a significant interest.

[jeanlyon]

14 hours ago, molecrochip said:

Not saying done deal but will leave this link here: https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/norse-atlantic-attracts-charter-interest-after-antarctica-flight

 

There has also been interest, suspected to be Virgin, to aquire a significant interest.

they look smart.  

[jake 26]

18 hours ago, molecrochip said:

Not saying done deal but will leave this link here: https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/norse-atlantic-attracts-charter-interest-after-antarctica-flight

 

There has also been interest, suspected to be Virgin, to aquire a significant interest.

That looks promising. Similar sized Dreamliner fleet as TUI

[molecrochip]

26 minutes ago, jake 26 said:

That looks promising. Similar sized Dreamliner fleet as TUI

Like I say, no guarantee until announced but smart money appears to be here.

 

Some consider them to have the most cost effective premium cabin in the sky.

 

Aviation has been shook up and some leisure routes are flying completely full in economy and premium but struggling to sell lots of business seats. It’s been suggested that Virgin are interested in taking a stake in Norse as they need more leisure seats and this could be an easy way of getting cheap/quick access to high load leisure configurations without having to change the config of their existing planes.