AusA380
Mar 7, 12, 3:30 am
Had to squeeze in a couple of meetings today, one in Melbourne in the morning and the other back in Sydney (home town) in the afternoon, so I decided to try out VA new domestic J Class (as a full rev pax).
Generally very impressed, can see it is still work in progress, but definitely on the right path.
Major problem from my perspective was no Gluten Free meals options. Some confusion between Lounge staff info and reservations. I will need to investigate this further if I go to PER later in the year. Flight staff did what they could - breakfast flight down (0600 ex Syd) offered fruit salad and a Gluten Free cookie and on the lunch time flight (12noon ex MEL) offered cookie and some potato chips. Fortunately I managed to get some more substantial GL food at the respective Lounges before departure. This will need to be sorted out - lots of passengers with gluten free needs.:td:
Flight down was on one of the new aircraft and it looked great. On the return, older craft (still red), with new J seats, but was surprised that the hinges for the table are already showing rust type marks.
Minor issues - surprised that in J Class in the morning no Financial Review is available and on both flights staff forgot to return suit coat - fortunately easy to get to so not a problem.
Service otherwise excellent and staff attentive and retained that Virgin friendly manner.
Seats ok (still seam to lack lower back support in my opinion).
Getting on and off the plane a breeze.
Given the schedule I had today - worth while options - arrived relaxed and fresh for important client appointments in both cities.
In MEL arrived at gate 11 (haven't used that for a long time) and was surprised how tacky that part of the terminal looks.
Aircraft ex MEL had an issue with the APU, which extended the delayed departure, however Pilot was excellent with his explanation before push back of what was going to happen and the process, noise impact, loss of aircon etc.
MEL Lounge looks great.
Generally very impressed, can see it is still work in progress, but definitely on the right path.
Major problem from my perspective was no Gluten Free meals options. Some confusion between Lounge staff info and reservations. I will need to investigate this further if I go to PER later in the year. Flight staff did what they could - breakfast flight down (0600 ex Syd) offered fruit salad and a Gluten Free cookie and on the lunch time flight (12noon ex MEL) offered cookie and some potato chips. Fortunately I managed to get some more substantial GL food at the respective Lounges before departure. This will need to be sorted out - lots of passengers with gluten free needs.:td:
Flight down was on one of the new aircraft and it looked great. On the return, older craft (still red), with new J seats, but was surprised that the hinges for the table are already showing rust type marks.
Minor issues - surprised that in J Class in the morning no Financial Review is available and on both flights staff forgot to return suit coat - fortunately easy to get to so not a problem.
Service otherwise excellent and staff attentive and retained that Virgin friendly manner.
Seats ok (still seam to lack lower back support in my opinion).
Getting on and off the plane a breeze.
Given the schedule I had today - worth while options - arrived relaxed and fresh for important client appointments in both cities.
In MEL arrived at gate 11 (haven't used that for a long time) and was surprised how tacky that part of the terminal looks.
Aircraft ex MEL had an issue with the APU, which extended the delayed departure, however Pilot was excellent with his explanation before push back of what was going to happen and the process, noise impact, loss of aircon etc.
MEL Lounge looks great.