A controversial decision from Virgin Australia to give military veterans special boarding and in-flight privileges has received mixed opinions from passengers.
The move, backed by prime minister Scott Morrison, would see Australian ex-servicemen honoured in a similar way to those who fly in America.
Thousands of Australians have expressed their disapproval and campaigned to boycott the airline completely if the new system is adapted.
A controversial decision from Virgin Australia to give military veterans special boarding and in-flight privileges has received mixed opinions from passengers
While some were happy to comply with the US-style concept, others were convinced it was a politically-driven stunt designed purely to boost Mr Morrison’s popularity.
If the plan goes ahead it would see veterans offered priority boarding and thanked during the airline’s in-flight announcements, according to news.com.au.
Former military personnel and regular flyers alike have taken issue with the move, saying it failed to offer any meaningful acknowledgement such as discounted fares.
Many also believed it excluded emergency workers and who thought they too should be eligible for hero-status recognition.
The move, backed by prime minister Scott Morrison, would see Australian ex-servicemen honoured in a similar way to those who fly in America (stock photo)
Thousands of Australians have expressed their disapproval and campaigned to boycott the airline completely if the new system is adapted (stock photo)
‘With all due respect to the many veterans out there, the government needs to focus on mental health support, don’t put veterans through rigorous assessment to get funding/pensions, more older vets support,’ someone shared to Twitter.
‘Hey Virgin Australia if I have a choice …I won’t fly you. Some of my friends are returned service people and they know this is not about them but a cheap stunt by you and the prime minister,’ another said.
Qantas has received pressure to follow in Virgin’s footsteps and offer similar perks, however announced it would not be following suit.
Several people were happy with current orders of business and saw no need for Australian airlines to start behaving like those in America.
Many believed it excluded emergency workers and who thought they too should be eligible for hero-status recognition
‘I fly Virgin. This puts me off. I live in Oz not USA. This is a mistake,’ one flyer said.
Another agreed, writing: ‘Virgin Australia we are Australians… Not Americans, your American tokenism is not wanted or welcomed. #HelloQantas.’
Many fliers argued being publicly acknowledged would actually be highly distressing unwanted attention for veterans, who often preferred to blend in.
‘Sorry – no way would I support service men and women boarding first or applaud them. This may even trigger issues for them. Respect and good manners for all passengers,’ someone added.
Several argued it was a token move from the airline and attention would be better focused on providing better mental health support for veterans and their families.
Several argued it was a token move from the airline and attention would be better focused on providing better mental health support for veterans and their families
‘I think donating to an org that helped with their mental health on their return would have been better. Getting on quicker just means you wait on board longer. Our soldiers & their families need mental health support first,’ a flier wrote.
Mr Morrison said it was about ‘nurturing the respect for our veterans’ which he claimed was ‘brought home for me really heavily during the Invictus Games’, Brisbane’s Sunday Mail reported.
‘We acknowledge the important contribution veterans have made to keeping our country safe and the role they play in our community,’ Virgin Australia chief executive officer John Borghetti said.
‘Once the veterans have their cards and lapel pins, they will simply need to present them during the boarding process to be given priority boarding and be recognised on board.’
Several people were happy with current orders of business and saw no need for Australian airlines to start behaving like those in America