The Flight

Sydney to Los Angeles

Thanks to the launch of two new airlines into the Australian market, there’s never been a better time to fly to the US. Earlier this year, both Delta and V Australia threw down the gauntlet to Qantas and United, which have dominated the much-prized Pacific routes for years. Sir Richard Branson’s latest airline, V Australia was the first to join the party in February and was followed in July by the world’s biggest airline, Delta. 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 V 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.

Before The Flight

Our outbound flight to Los Angeles was from Brisbane, not Sydney, and 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 Equipment

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, and 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.

Food and Wine

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 Everything Else

With full stomachs, it was time to get down to the business of being entertained, or sleeping. 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.

Conclusion

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 V Australia is taking on its competitors head-on, and I for one will be looking forward to my next flight.