Recently, we flew from Brisbane to Nadi on Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737-800, in their classic business class cabin. If you’re flying soon, or interested in the experience, this flight review is for you.
Virgin Australia, has now introduced a new business cabin, namely amongst their Boeing 787 Max’s. We were originally scheduled to fly this cabin, however had a change at the last minute back to the 737 - very much my personal preference!
Check In Experience
At Brisbane International Airport, Virgin Australia have both self-service and standard check in counters. It wasn’t too busy when we arrived and self-service check in was easy. At bag drop we were assisted by the VA ground crew who were lovely and accomodating. Then it was through the yellow gates and down to security.
Flying a premium cabin, our boarding passes were marked with Express Pass for security, which meant this was even easier, not that it mattered too much, the airport was relatively quiet at 7:30am. Unfortunately, Brisbane is still very much behind with dinosaur security machines requiring laptops, tablets AND liquids to be removed… at least clear bags are provided for liquids.
Lounge Access
Virgin Australia no longer operates any international lounges, however thankfully Priority Pass gave us access to the Plaza Premium lounge at Brisbane International Airport, which has recently moved. Rather than being upstairs, it’s now located down by Gate 77, where it is evident of its use once as a VA lounge.
Inside was a good selection of juices, ice water, alcohol, and soft drinks. On the menu for breakfast was an assortment of pastries including croissants and danishes, and hot food including beans, roast potatoes, sausages, bacon, Hokkien noodles and boiled eggs. There was also toast and a variety of condiments, although no gluten free bread or dairy free spread was available.
In the cold section was yoghurts, parfaits, fruits, cheese platters and a variety of toppings such as chia seeds, pepitas, and granola. And for the cheese board, standard olives, tomatoes, strawberries and crackers.
There is no internet offered in this lounge but the airport wifi is relatively fine in the area for downloading movies, finalising emails etc.
Boarding
Virgin Australia always offers a seamless boarding experience, especially so for the premium cabin. It’s nicer to see this part of Brisbane International Airport (Gates 69-79), have somewhat built in aero bridges, so the whole plane isn’t lining up in a stuffy metal tube. Once on board, we were offered juice or sparkling wine, despite being 9am, of course I happily obliged and enjoyed a wine. Given the gate, we had a long taxi to the runway, which was just nice to sit and enjoy this classic VA business cabin. Our crew were just lovely, big thank you to cabin manager Connie and flight attendant Kate.
One of my favourite things about this cabin is being at the front of the plane, but not for the reason you might think. If you’re an AV geek you’d appreciate it too, listening to all the calls and preparation and being able to see how the cabin is run and maintained. Midway through our flight the first officer even popped out for a chat in the forward galley, with three of the other crew congregating to chat. Just such a fun and different feel to other areas of the aircraft.
Seat & Amenities
I was surprised to see the seat donned with a bottle of water, blanket, pillow and take home amenity kit, given the 3 hour flight time, but it is still a short haul international route. This aircraft does fly domestically, so I wasn’t expecting anything different from the cabin, but the amenities were a nice touch.
The front of the cabin has a lavatory, nothing to speak of, for the exclusive use of business class, which is only 8 people maximum, so it’s not very busy and far more easily kept clean.
On board, there was also wifi available on this flight, free for business class, and starting at $9.75 for 30 minutes throughout the aircraft. Surprisingly, speeds were fast out of Brisbane and for the first 1.5 hours, then we hit a rough patch and the wifi went offline.
In-flight Catering
Meals are offered in business class on Virgin Australia, both domestically and internationally. On the menu was a sticky soy karage chicken with rice, or a creamy pumpkin gnocchi with a side of chorizo. I was disappointed to hear there isn’t a vegetarian option, however did overhear the gnocchi could be made vegetarian as the chorizo was just a side dish. Despite this initial let down, the beautiful VA crew went above and beyond, as they always do, to ensure I had something to enjoy. I opted for the chicken, to enjoy the rice and greens, which was nicely complimented with artichoke and hummus, as well as some fruit the cabin manager had brought for herself - bless her.
Snacks on board are always great. With cakes for everyone, as well as packaged goodies like nuts, crackers & cheese, and chips. Drinks are always plentiful and the selection for such a short flight is great, from hot drinks like teas and coffees, to alcohol including wines and bourbon, soft drink, water, and juice too.
Arrival in Nadi
If you’ve been to Fiji before, you’ll know at the airport we’re usually greeted by locals in traditional dress, singing, it’s a beautiful experience to be welcomed to, especially for your first time.
Arrival is seamless once you’ve filled in your arrival card, easy to do on the plane. With priority tagged bags, the wait wasn’t long for them to come out and carry on to security. Compared to other receptions, security is a simple scanner you can manually push your bags through.
Moving through the arrivals hall you’re greeted by all of the arranged transfers from hotel and resort transfers to private transfers.
Overall, Virgin Australia’s business class product is perfect for this short hop to Fiji. A great option for a quick getaway or extended family holiday. Reach out today to book your Fijian adventure.
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