The one thing that Virgin Australia has always been known for is its superb staff. No matter where - the terminal, the cabin or on the phone, Virgin Australia excels.
It is, quite simply, in the airline's DNA.
And we put that to the test on not one but three recent flights and the result was the same...charm, charm and more charm.
We flew Perth to Adelaide in March and again in April and then onto Melbourne to take train trips.
At every touchpoint the service was exceptional. We were not guests of the airline and paid our own fares.
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We had lounge access as I am a Virgin Platinum flyer.
The Perth and Adelaide lounges are excellent without being over the top. Great staff and an excellent selection of food that hit the mark.
Both are very well appointed with soothing decor.
For simplicity, this review covers VA flight 714 PER-ADL on April 10, 2022, but all three flights were identical in experience.
Our aircraft was an A320 operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) and is based in Perth.
The flight boarded on time and the only delay we experienced was the next leg from Adelaide to Melbourne of 30 minutes - minor considering the chaos that was felt across the network of all airlines due to COVID related staff shortages over the school holiday period.
Once seated in our exit row seats 12A and 12B the crew spent time on the safety drill of operating the exit rows. There was clearly care to ensure everyone understood what their role would be and we were asked to have the safety card out and in front of us as the procedures were explained.
The legroom in our exit row was great for my 194cm frame.
Once airborne out of Perth the cabin crew were on their feet and the service carts appeared.
There was no doubt the crew were really enjoying their work and we were pleasantly surprised by the selection available. Of course, it helps if the offering includes some of your favourites and it is also clear the airline has gone to considerable trouble to pick the "winners" in the food and drinks stakes.
Virgin Australia economy menu
As we had breakfast in the lounge we opted for Morish Premium Savory Nibbles ($7.50) which were a mixture of cashews, macadamias, pretzels and almonds and cheese and crackers ($5). Our beverage choice was Yarra Burn Premium Cuvee ($12).
The crew were efficient without being rushed and always charming delivering with a smile.
All in all a great travel experience and great value. We paid $249 each for the Perth to Adelaide sector. We paid $139 for the Adelaide to Melbourne sector. These fares were last-minute purchases in the peak holiday season over a weekend.
Normal everyday fares are lower.
The Perth and Adelaide lounges are excellent without being over the top. Great staff and an excellent selection of food that hit the mark.
Both are very well appointed with soothing decor.
For simplicity, this review covers VA flight 714 PER-ADL on April 10, 2022, but all three flights were identical in experience.
Our aircraft was an A320 operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) and is based in Perth.
The flight boarded on time and the only delay we experienced was the next leg from Adelaide to Melbourne of 30 minutes - minor considering the chaos that was felt across the network of all airlines due to COVID related staff shortages over the school holiday period.
Once seated in our exit row seats 12A and 12B the crew spent time on the safety drill of operating the exit rows. There was clearly care to ensure everyone understood what their role would be and we were asked to have the safety card out and in front of us as the procedures were explained.
The legroom in our exit row was great for my 194cm frame.
Once airborne out of Perth the cabin crew were on their feet and the service carts appeared.
There was no doubt the crew were really enjoying their work and we were pleasantly surprised by the selection available. Of course, it helps if the offering includes some of your favourites and it is also clear the airline has gone to considerable trouble to pick the "winners" in the food and drinks stakes.
The crew were efficient without being rushed and always charming delivering with a smile.
All in all a great travel experience and great value. We paid $249 each for the Perth to Adelaide sector. We paid $139 for the Adelaide to Melbourne sector. These fares were last-minute purchases in the peak holiday season over a weekend.
Normal everyday fares are lower.
