Virgin Australia Business Class - Meals, Menus & Service

[Lemon_Party]

VA 474 BNE-PER on 11/08/17



The asparagus wasn't available so they improvised with some of the fennel salad. The chipotle dressing on the prawn was too overpowering - even for a spicy food fan like me. Cheese plate is always a winner.

Of the wines the grant burge pinot gris wasn't up to much but the petaluna chardonnay was quite good and I also enjoyed the st hallet shiraz. Oh and the tawny after coffee but at that point it was definitely time to sleep. No mattress pads on the evening flights though, only overnights I was told.

 

[indigo1]

Thought I'd post my experience up to thank all those that helped answer my questions pre-flight!

I flew VA684 PER-MEL and there were only 5 of us in J, so service was very good, with drink refills plentiful! Pre-flight was offered champagne also asked for a glass of water and was offered still or sparkling. A basic ammenity kit was handed out. Took a while after take off before post-departure beverages were offered (despite seat-belt light turned off quite early). The prawns were huge and delicious. It is interesting to compare my trout, with the previous posters....the "broth" on my plate ruined the sweet potato unfortunately. The desert was probably the nicest GF dish I have ever had on and off an aircraft (not that I am GF and had many GF offerings), it was outstanding. I actually really enjoyed the Pinot Gris!

Was really impressed by the product!

 

[sww199]

Looking for some recent feedback particularly from anyone who has done MEL-ADL (12.05pm) and ADL-SYD (6.20pm) (or similar) up at the front on the 737-800. I hope in turn to provide some relative feedback too as I am flying in both 1A and 2A so can offer an opinion on which is the "better" seat.

Should I keep standards low given it's the 737 product not the A330 (and relatively short flights)? Should I expect pre-flight drinks on both legs, and any chances of sparkling wine (most reviews I see only show OJ or water).

The MEL-ADL leg will let me test out the premium exit. Any other tips for "maximising" the experience?

I know I only need to wait a week or so but I am somewhat excited & impatient as I've never tried VA's domestic J product

Cheers

 

[serfty]

No pre departure bubbles unless a coast to coast service.

Maybe the less preconceptions you have the better?

 

[lbz_freerider]

I've booked some Rewards business class tickets for the family from Brisbane to Hobart. Do they have different kid friendly meals or do they have the same options?

 

[toowongman]

I've booked some Rewards business class tickets for the family from Brisbane to Hobart. Do they have different kid friendly meals or do they have the same options?

Same for everyone. However snacks should be loaded as well for business class (they call it the "Pantry") which has things like chocolate popcorn etc. They can always get you something from the Y menu for no extra charge. If you need special food, take it yourself.

 

[KCMil]

Just got off a rare VA flight after having changed carriers last year. And was advised by the flight manager that there are significant catering changes starting from next week, wed I think she said. The best news is the offering of sparkling wine in business on ALL J class services, about time. Most changes are in economy with more substantial food, she said there is even going to be a premix coughtail available for purchase and spkling wine for purchase in economy. Things being offered will be fresh cut fruit packs, breakfast bars, and the one that caught my ear was lunch not being those stodgey wraps or sandwich things that both VA and QF seem to love, but changing to things like carrot / cellery sticks with dips. As long as the serving sizes are decent this will be a winner with me. And may help sway me to do a few more VA flights.

 

[sww199]

catering changes starting from next week, wed I think she said.

Will be flying VA J next Wednesday too, keen to see if so.

Today on VA223 MEL-ADL

Choices were red curry w/duck or a curried cauliflower soup w/chicken. Just a water bottle at my seat before take off (no personal pre-flight drinks service) although appreciated the bottle, and also was glad because I could see that nobody was seated next to me.



I went for duck. Tasty enough. Serving size was perfect for the short flight. If I had to be critical, would be nice if there were more "greens". Bread was warm and real butter. I quite like the crockery on VA.

Impressed and looking forward to the next flight which will be a dinner time service.

Other items of note: Premium Exit in MEL was quick and VA lounge quite comfy and quiet.

 

[clipped_wings]

I am flying in both 1A and 2A so can offer an opinion on which is the "better" seat.

Should I keep standards low given it's the 737 product not the A330 (and relatively short flights)?

Any other tips for "maximising" the experience?

I know I only need to wait a week or so but I am somewhat excited & impatient as I've never tried VA's domestic J product

Cheers

I am excited for you! Our first J flight was a domestic upgrade and I totally immersed myself in all the hype. I know it's not the sector you mention, but the experience is hopefully similar. We arrived at the Sydney Premium entry like nervous school kids. The dedicated check in option is heavenly and everyone treated us with respect and courtesy. We like to dress smart casual and I truly believe it makes a difference - at least that has been our experience each time.

I don't want to start another dreary thread on that topic though.....so back to my thoughts on the flight. Our most recent SYD-MEL CSM offered us water, wine, snacks, magazines and the nicest conversation all the way down to Melbourne.
The J cabin was 4/8 but she just made us all feel so special and important. Every passenger was given wonderful treatment. I reckon 2A/B are the best seats. There's more legroom but loads of privacy. MEL-SYD was packed, and a totally different attitude from the Cabin Crew. Husband is Platinum and I am Red. And yet, they offered him everything last - and totally ignored him all flight. Not even a "Welcome back Mr ****" So I guess it really does depend on the mood of the crew on each particular day.

SYD-ADL was great, no complaints. SYD-BNE is awesome, food is always yummy. I can't comment on any other flights, but I will definitely post a review from our Y+ trip next month and our J experience on the A330 SYD-HKG next April.

Hope you have a blast flying Business!

PS - my only tip is this: Say YES to everything!

 

[sww199]

Hope you have a blast flying Business!

PS - my only tip is this: Say YES to everything!

Thank you very much. It was a great trip (shame it was so short). I found the cabin crew to be friendly but probably the most impersonal of the J crew I've experienced lately (QF and BA). That's fine, they were professional, and perhaps given the quick flying time and need to have everyone fed and everything packed away relatively quickly stops them from coming around and checking in on people. Although, as I said, a request for a drinks top up was quickly looked after. After experiencing QF J a few years ago on the same segment I really can't pick them apart on any major details, it was certainly a premium experience with VA. I'd actually say with the Premium Entry in SYD and Premium Exit in MEL they might have an advantage depending where you are flying them out of..

 

[llamaesque]

Just got off a rare VA flight after having changed carriers last year. And was advised by the flight manager that there are significant catering changes starting from next week, wed I think she said. The best news is the offering of sparkling wine in business on ALL J class services, about time.

Wow. I'll hold off using my complimentary upgrades for now then. Can some kind soul confirm if/when these changes have started?

 

[serfty]

... significant catering changes starting from next week, wed I think she said. The best news is the offering of sparkling wine in business on ALL J class services, about time. Most changes are in economy with more substantial food, she said there is even going to be a premix coughtail available for purchase and spkling wine for purchase in economy. Things being offered will be fresh cut fruit packs, breakfast bars, and the one that caught my ear was lunch not being those stodgey wraps or sandwich things that both VA and QF seem to love, but changing to things like carrot / cellery sticks with dips. As long as the serving sizes are decent this will be a winner with me. And may help sway me to do a few more VA flights.

I just boarded a flight in CNS and a lady in row 2 cheekily asked for bubbles when offered water/juice.

The answer confirmed what KCMil posted.

From Wednesday 6th there will be "champagne"* and minor meal changes for J and economy service much as outlined.

* she said champagne but let's wait and see from where the bubbles are sourced.

 

[serfty]

CNS - MEL 1pm lunch flight. ..

Duck Red curry ... was quite good.

 

[serfty]

MEL - PER 6pm Sch flight

No menu available but it was duck red curry, ocean trout or vegan.

I went the ocean trout and seriously it was the best inflight dish I have had i the last two years! Yum!

 

[serfty]

Starters was a prosciutto dish. .. it was a nice prelude.

 

[johnnyfive]

DUD-BNE. As part of the new catering a HOT breakfast is now offered on this route. Cold muesli and banana bread used be the the usual spread. This chorizo omelette was delicious! As an aside, the J meals passed security and boarded just before passengers through the main gate. Now that's fresh!

 

[zig]

PDB Sparkling being served today.

 

[kevrosmith]

PDB Sparkling being served today.

What route was this on?

 

[serfty]

What route was this on?

Look upthread to KCmil's recent posts.

From Wednesday bubbly was to be available in all business cabins.

 

[kevrosmith]

Look upthread to KCmil's recent posts.

From Wednesday bubbly was to be available in all business cabins.

Yeah, I had read that - I just wanted to confirm it was actually a non-PER route.