I went MEL - SYD Monday afternoon. Roughly 30 pax. There were a few people lined up at the check in counter so I used the self serve. Hardly any seats available, so I was a bit confused as I did not wish to sit too close to anyone if possible.
I was able to find a friendly, helpful staff member who said that there were actually heaps of spare seats as only about thirty were booked on the flight and that the busy seat map was from prior to when all the cancellations started. I had one entire exit row to myself.
Anyway, terminal was deserted apart from the people for this flight.
On board there was an announcement that a water and biscuit would be served. When the cart came down however, I was quietly offered a wine or beer. I assume everyone was, as they had plenty of bottles in the tray. They were the little glass ones, instead of the normal plastic ones we generally see on domestic.
I did wonder if they were left over from the long international flights..
The crew were absolutely lovely and genuine. The flight had an eerie, yet kind of caring atmosphere to it. Very hard to describe.
My first VA flight for quite a while. I hope it will not be my last...
The person wearing the full white "hazmat" type of suit did give me a little chuckle too. I would say there is less chance of catching anything at the airport or on the flight at the moment than there is at some of the supermarkets I have been too in the last couple of weeks.