The Airline: Virgin Australia

The Flight: VA7 Brisbane to Los Angeles

The Equipment: Boeing 777 300

Time & Date: 10:55 on  28/8/10

Overview:

Thanks to the launch of two new airlines into the Australian market, there’s never been a better time to fly to the US. In 2010, both Delta and Virgin Australia threw down the gauntlet to Qantas and United, which have dominated the much-prized Pacific routes for years. But as travellers have discovered, it’s not just cheaper fares which are on offer. As a result of the GFC, competition among the Pacific carriers is hot and heavy for the few passengers who are still travelling. And some of the airlines have pulled out all the stops to get their hands on those precious dollars. Having flown across the Pacific to the US in business class with both Qantas and United in the past, we thought we would give Virgin Australia a go. Long before we’d even booked the tickets, we’d heard the anecdotes and read the reviews, but as we know from experience, one person’s fabulous flight can be another’s nightmare.

Check In:

The only thing which let the airline down pre-boarding was the lack of a private lounge for business class passengers to use. It’s a minor point, perhaps, but something they really need to address if they are going to continue luring passengers away from their competitors. Check-in was seamless, however, as was boarding, and once we were settled into our seats (2 H and K, front row on the left as you stand at the front of the plane) we had a few minutes to take stock of our surroundings before the champagne was passed out - a nice glass of Moet, no less.

The Service:

The flight attendants are much as you would expect of any of Sir Richard’s airlines; they are young, attractive and enthusiastic. Other innovations include a fully-stocked bar at the back of main business cabin, where you can relax and be waited on or help yourself. And there’s the oft-discussed female-only loo complete with lovely Bulgari toiletries. Although one Aussie businessman wasn’t impressed by the bathroom segregation - I overheard him complain to a flight attendant - as a female passenger I can report back that having a female only designated place was a welcome breath of fresh air.

The Food:

So far so good, but when you are stuck on a plane for nearly 14 hours, food tends to takes on a high level of importance. After takeoff we were served the first of two main meal services, which was dubbed lunch/dinner depending on whether you wanted to stay in Australia’s time zone or flip over to the US. The menu was an appetising read; Thai style fish cakes served with a sweet chilli and lemon myrtle dipping sauce, vegetable bisque, barramundi with tomato concasse, and serendipity vanilla bean ice cream were just some of the choices. And it tasted as good as it sounded. Alternatives for anyone who wanted to sleep first and eat later, however, included a range of lighter options and snacks which could be ordered on demand at any time. The wine list was also impressive, with top drops from McLaren Vale, Mudgee and a Sangiovese from Cienega Valley, California.

The Seat and Entertainment:

The plane is a new B777-300 ER with a three class configuration - economy, premium economy and business - and in the business cabin, the seats run 2-3-2 across. The decor is rich with lots of purple.  The inflight entertainment system was top notch, with plenty of choices to wile away the hours, and even the addictive computer game Bejewelled as an option. But the primary reason people spend on a long haul business class seat these days is to get some shut-eye, and here V Australia didn’t fall short. Although the seat isn’t super-wide, it converts to a fully lie-flat bed; when you are ready to seriously relax, all you have to do is call one of the flight attendants so they can make you comfortable. This involves making the ‘bed’ with a proper quilt, and handing out cotton pyjamas and thongs.

The Verdict:

All in all, the flight was virtually faultless; the crew couldn’t have been more attentive, and overall, time passed quickly. The chipper attitude and youthful approach for which Branson’s airlines are famous might not appeal to everyone, particularly when travelling at the pointy end of the plane, but there is no doubt that Virgin Australia is taking on its competitors head-on.

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