Virgin Australia Business Class - Meals, Menus & Service

[henrus]

Being a set/seasonal menu, what I would like to see is the ability to pre-select your meal preference before boarding (surely that would make catering more efficient too?)

That's actually a great idea. Would certainly be better as you get what you want and cut down on waste plus it might even put pressure on the Q to roll out a similar system like they had on the international flights.

 

[ozstamps]

Tiger#2 have found a way to not embarrass themselves for serving a paper box with a cookie and pretzels in Biz Class.

Serve nothing at all! ZIPPO.

Just checked in for our ADL-SYD flight 425

Got told at check-in that due to a plane change there was NO catering on board for ADL-SYD.

Asked how hard it was for staff to use some nous and basic common sense and secure something from a terminal food vendor for the 3 or 4 biz pax seeing they had 30 mins advance notice at least. Muffins are not exactly hard to source.


Told ''we do not do that Sir.''

So I said - well I assume that have WINE or beers etc loaded. Agent checked and replied - nothing we can offer - despite the Penfolds bar being immediately opposite the gate.

The fact the Virgin lounge has cases of chilled booze on hand 50 metres away escaped the genius minds in charge there in ADL.

The SYD plane was supposedly a tail change from a PER origin plane for one yet to arrive from SYD.

Tiger#2 have already won the race to the bottom.

 

[Mattg]

VA1217 CBR-BNE 25/3
12.20pm departure

I was looking forward to trying the new business class menu, but sadly a catering truck broke down in Brisbane this morning and our flight wasn’t catered. Instead I got another of the dreaded snack boxes.

Hopefully this is just a temporary teething issue.



Crew were very apologetic, even though it obviously wasn’t their fault.

 

[Inlander]

Scotch is back in business

Downgraded from Black Label to Red Label?

Strictly blended no single malt LOL

 

[Inlander]

VA1217 CBR-BNE 25/3
12.20pm departure

I was looking forward to trying the new business class menu, but sadly a catering truck broke down in Brisbane this morning and our flight wasn’t catered. Instead I got another of the dreaded snack boxes.

Hopefully this is just a temporary teething issue.

View attachment 243510

Still beats the dreaded snack basket pass around I got in USA pre covidt in First class

 

[Mattg]

Still beats the dreaded snack basket pass around I got in USA pre covidt in First class

Yeah, those were awful!

 

[milehighclub]

I was looking forward to trying the new business class menu, but sadly a catering truck broke down in Brisbane this morning and our flight wasn’t catered. Instead I got another of the dreaded snack boxes.

I find it really interesting that they were able to cater from the old provider. Some sort of truck managed to get to the aircraft and I doubt VA would have both providers at the ready today.

 

[Mattg]

I find it really interesting that they were able to cater from the old provider. Some sort of truck managed to get to the aircraft and I doubt VA would have both providers at the ready today.

I guess they must have had a few spare snack boxes left over, and were able to load them onto the flight without needing a catering truck.

 

[Bagpuss]

Tiger#2 have found a way to not embarrass themselves for serving a paper box with a cookie and pretzels in Biz Class.

Serve nothing at all! ZIPPO.

Just checked in for our ADL-SYD flight 425

Got told at check-in that due to a plane change there was NO catering on board for ADL-SYD.

Asked how hard it was for staff to use some nous and basic common sense and secure something from a terminal food vendor for the 3 or 4 biz pax seeing they had 30 mins advance notice at least. Muffins are not exactly hard to source.


Told ''we do not do that Sir.''

So I said - well I assume that have WINE or beers etc loaded. Agent checked and replied - nothing we can offer - despite the Penfolds bar being immediately opposite the gate.

The fact the Virgin lounge has cases of chilled booze on hand escaped the genius minds in charge there in ADL.

The SYD plane was supposedly a tail change from a PER origin plane for one yet to arrive from SYD.

Tiger#2 have already won the race to the bottom.

Issues on 1 day were bound to happen. No different to when they introduced BoB in Business and someone was told they had to pay for a coke.

Unsurprisingly Ozstamps affected.

I doubt cabin crew have any authority to whip out a credit card etc. and source from a terminal. That also sets a precedent which wouldn't end well.

 

[milehighclub]

I guess they must have had a few spare snack boxes left over, and were able to load them onto the flight without needing a catering truck.

This did cross my mind that perhaps Gate Gourmet has a supply of left over boxes, or VA does in the airport, but if they have changed to Gate Gourmet, they would be responsible for all the loading of the aircraft now. That includes lavatory supplies, PPE now due to COVID. I also see that you had a drink. For OHS reasons, I'd almost guarantee it that no airline caterer will load an entire aircraft via the stairs and by hand.

I guess that is why I am surprised you have something and more interested at the logistics of it, because for me, and seeing what happens with catering, it just doesn't quite line up. Shame it had to happen today for you though.

I doubt cabin crew have any authority to whip out a credit card etc. and source from a terminal. That also sets a precedent which wouldn't end well.

Could not agree more. This is opening a huge can of worms. But, I don't think it would have been to difficult to hand out a voucher at the airport given they already knew. I wouldn't want a flight to be delayed for catering for a reasonably short flight, but a voucher would be nice to get something before it.

 

[AIRwin]

I also see that you had a drink. For OHS reasons, I'd almost guarantee it that no airline caterer will load an entire aircraft via the stairs and by hand.

From the lounge?

 

[Stealthflyer]

Issues on 1 day were bound to happen. No different to when they introduced BoB in Business and someone was told they had to pay for a coke.

Unsurprisingly OzSamps affected.

I doubt cabin crew have any authority to whip out a credit card etc. and source from a terminal. That also sets a precedent which wouldn't end well.

It's not just the credit card, it's also the industry's really strict food safety rules. I remember watching a doco once on SQ's food safety processes - it's so involved!

 

[Must...Fly!]

For OHS reasons, I'd almost guarantee it that no airline caterer will load an entire aircraft via the stairs and by hand.

A dozen snack boxes up the stairs is not a problem. I presume the aircraft didn't need any other services. Rubbish is taken up and down the stairs all the time.

 

[tallie]

Has anyone that has flown J today seen the sparkling wine return to pre departure?

 

[henrus]

For OHS reasons, I'd almost guarantee it that no airline caterer will load an entire aircraft via the stairs and by hand.

Nope, that was the logic behind the snack boxes and 100% pre-package economy snacks. They could be loaded by the cleaning company, had a long shelf life and they could restock the onboard supply when needed.

 

[milehighclub]

Nope, that was the logic behind the snack boxes and 100% pre-package economy snacks. They could be loaded by the cleaning company, had a long shelf life and they could restock the onboard supply when needed.

Yes, I was fascinated how they were using Air Services Australia to cater the flights.

A dozen snack boxes up the stairs is not a problem. I presume the aircraft didn't need any other services. Rubbish is taken up and down the stairs all the time.

I don't disagree that things come on/off by stairs. I was referring to all the stowages - the aircraft would've been delayed in this case while they changed trucks.

Anyway, just find it very interesting.

 

[AIRwin]

Yes, I was fascinated how they were using Air Services Australia to cater the flights.

ATC?

 

[peterdwise]

I flew J class CANB-MEL-PERTH today. New menu not available CANB-MEL because VA does not have a catering facility in Canberra and it was the first flight - understandable. Got the usual cereal, juice, etc. But new menu available for MEL-PERTH. I chose the lamb and rosemary pie with a pumpkin and feta smash, served with an antipasto plate, cheese & crackers and chocolate cake (exactly as in the photo). Really impressed - a restaurant quality light meal. Staff really happy to be serving it too! I think VA can give Qantas serious competition in J class given the fare difference, particularly if they turn wifi back on.

 

[QF WP]

Has anyone that has flown J today seen the sparkling wine return to pre departure?

I have two flights in J on Monday AM - BNE/MEL and MEL/ADL, but I'm pretty sure they won't be offering me sparkling. But I'll be posting photos. So will get breakfast on BNE/MEL and snack on MEL/ADL. Looking forward to my first interstate flights in 14 months.

 

[sudoer]

MEL-SYD 6:30pm this evening.

Was booked Elevate + J upgrade on the 7:30 dep, but arrived very early so asked whether fly ahead was possible. Ticket desk happily moved to the 6:30pm flight, which was next available. They told me catering wasn't assured due to the move, as did the J FA when taking orders for meal service.

In 1A I was the 4th pax of 8 (full J cabin) to be asked for my order. They'd already run out of the Lamb & Rosemary pie - I think 2 of 3 pax before me had nabbed the only two loaded (!) so I had no option other than the quinoa, haloumi and sundried tomato salad. I believe that ran out before the whole cabin had been served also, so it seems VA are going very light on catering. The FA was offering others Y snacks without charge.



Quite a light portion for a dinner service. The haloumi had been cooked then refrigerated again, so returned to a rubbery texture.

Was surprised to find Green Beacon Wayfarer as one of the two beer options - the other option was Pure Blonde. Even though Green Beacon is owned by Asahi it's pleasing to see VA pick something a little different which isn't often seen interstate. Assume this is a new change as I hadn't seen Green Beacon on board previously (but also don't fly VA much)