Harrison_133
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Tried out Bonza today, so I thought I’d compile some thoughts on the experience.
It was a pretty full flight. A couple of vacant seats here and there. Most people seemed to be fare paying passengers, and a lot were Sunshine Coast locals who were excited to try the new airline in their backyard. They were taking photos, they knew all the names of the planes, there was definitely a buzz around Bonza.
It’s early days and it was clear they have some things to iron out. Boarding commenced only to have everybody stand on the tarmac for 15 minutes because the crew weren’t ready. They also had trouble scanning the boarding passes on the app, so they had to print hard copies for a lot of people. I had already asked for one at check-in and they happily obliged (see Qantas, it’s not that hard). I also found it odd they only used the front door for in both Maroochydore and Avalon. The flight eventually departed 40 minutes late.
Prior to boarding, they announced the flight had limited catering and people should stock up on items from the airport. The cabin crew explained they didn’t have time to re-cater the aircraft during the turn around without delaying the flight further. They still had a decent selection of snacks and drinks available at reasonable prices. I purchased an Anzac biscuit and lemonade for $5.85. The onboard ordering system worked very well. My items were brought to my seat within a few minutes. All Bonza staff, ground and cabin crew, were fantastic. You could see how genuinely proud they were of the Bonza brand.
The 737 MAX is a quiet aircraft. “Sheila” still had the LOT Polish Airlines insignia on the bulkhead near the entryway, larger overhead bins, and USB ports and universal outlets at all seats. My only gripe was the padding wasn’t that great. I did have a bit of a sore behind by the time we reached Avalon.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. I would have no hesitations flying Bonza again. For a low cost carrier I think they have a great product, and if I had to choose between Bonza and Jetstar, I’d go straight to Bonza.
It was a pretty full flight. A couple of vacant seats here and there. Most people seemed to be fare paying passengers, and a lot were Sunshine Coast locals who were excited to try the new airline in their backyard. They were taking photos, they knew all the names of the planes, there was definitely a buzz around Bonza.
It’s early days and it was clear they have some things to iron out. Boarding commenced only to have everybody stand on the tarmac for 15 minutes because the crew weren’t ready. They also had trouble scanning the boarding passes on the app, so they had to print hard copies for a lot of people. I had already asked for one at check-in and they happily obliged (see Qantas, it’s not that hard). I also found it odd they only used the front door for in both Maroochydore and Avalon. The flight eventually departed 40 minutes late.
Prior to boarding, they announced the flight had limited catering and people should stock up on items from the airport. The cabin crew explained they didn’t have time to re-cater the aircraft during the turn around without delaying the flight further. They still had a decent selection of snacks and drinks available at reasonable prices. I purchased an Anzac biscuit and lemonade for $5.85. The onboard ordering system worked very well. My items were brought to my seat within a few minutes. All Bonza staff, ground and cabin crew, were fantastic. You could see how genuinely proud they were of the Bonza brand.
The 737 MAX is a quiet aircraft. “Sheila” still had the LOT Polish Airlines insignia on the bulkhead near the entryway, larger overhead bins, and USB ports and universal outlets at all seats. My only gripe was the padding wasn’t that great. I did have a bit of a sore behind by the time we reached Avalon.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. I would have no hesitations flying Bonza again. For a low cost carrier I think they have a great product, and if I had to choose between Bonza and Jetstar, I’d go straight to Bonza.
