Virgin Australia Business Class - Meals, Menus & Service

[Bagpuss]

Lol if you think QF's 717's are FIFO jets then you need to experience some of the true FIFO fleet. In WA the QF A320's are just jetstar aircraft in disguise and the Fokkers aren't great either. VA's A320's are also shocking and I'd say the most uncomfortable seats I've ever flown on.

VARA’s A320’s, with the exception of VH-YUD (which is ex Skywest) are ex Tiger and no internal refit conducted so are just Tiger in disguise.

As a side note it looks like VH-FNP (ex Skywest) has been sold.

 

[henrus]

VARA’s A320’s, with the exception of VH-YUD (which is ex Skywest) are ex Tiger and no internal refit conducted so are just Tiger in disguise.

VH-YUD has Recaro artificial leather slim seats with the top reading pocket so I assume that it got newish seats sometime either when it was operating for BA or before delivery to VARA.

All the others do have the Tiger seats however in the process of the TT to VA conversion, 3 rows were removed reducing the capacity from 180 pax to 162 pax which in the process increased seat pitch from 29" to 31".

Qantaslink on the other hand hasn't removed any seats meaning 180 pax in the exact same layout as Jetstar with the exact same seat pitch.

 

[QF WP]

Right, back on topic.

VA1398 BNE/ADL yesterday morning.



Trying to remember what it was - now that I look at it again, a corn fritter. The tomato relish (I’ll call it) made the dish, with wilted spinach a nice flavor combination.

The yogurt and muesli was nice, but it had been whipped and therefore dry - needed the tea to help it slide down.

I’d definitely eat again

 

[AIRwin]

VA1398 BNE/ADL yesterday morning.

View attachment 247749

Looks like I'm not the only one to watch Kylie on a recent flight (also to ADL)...

 

[HS-TQE]

VARA’s A320’s, with the exception of VH-YUD (which is ex Skywest) are ex Tiger and no internal refit conducted so are just Tiger in disguise.

As a side note it looks like VH-FNP (ex Skywest) has been sold.

FNP is owned by Orix Aviation Systems.

I'm surprised they were able to sell (or lease) that unit considering that A320 has had a distinguised history since 1993 being leased to multiple operators before ending up with Skywest (and eventually repainted into VA regional).

I'd be surprised if VA/Bain are able to sell YUD down the track, as that's the only single unencumbered 'owned' Airbus unit, but reliability has been reported to 'not been the best'.

 

[JessicaTam]

[mod hat]
As @QF WP said ...

Back on topic please.
[/mod hat]

 

[Jurahn]

Flew CBR-BNE in J this week. Breakfast offering was Cornflakes. Pretty bad IMHO.

CBR-MEL thIs morning, breakfast offering was cornflakes or a muffin. Cabin supervisor said it was a non-catered flight. 6/8 in J, Y looked pretty full too.

 

[Muppet501st]

Pie yesterday evening 17:00 CNS-BNE, was ok.
Ravioli was the other option.

 

[hydrabyss]

Pie yesterday evening 17:00 CNS-BNE, was ok.
Ravioli was the other option.

View attachment 248048

It's a shame they where no combined into a ravioli pie.

 

[Mr H]

Pie yesterday evening 17:00 CNS-BNE, was ok.
Ravioli was the other option.

View attachment 248048

That's what happens when you outsource your catering to the Gabba.

 

[Bagpuss]

Pie yesterday evening 17:00 CNS-BNE, was ok.
Ravioli was the other option.

View attachment 248048

Excatly the same offering Brisbane to Perth yesterday

They also ran out of sparking wine on the flight. I have no idea who was consuming it all

 

[BNEFlyer]

That's what happens when you outsource your catering to the Gabba.

I wish the Gabba food outlets had something as nice as that!

 

[Jurahn]

MEL-HBA Saturday afternoon, flight was delayed due to slightly late arrival of inbound flight, then only one or two gate staff having to deal with getting multiple wheelchair passengers off said flight, and then (eventually) a wheelchair passenger and some other pre-boarders on to our flight. J offerings were a salad or something toasted (panini?) with some roast vegetables - sorry, can't remember exact details, it had been an absolute zoo at the gate, flight was packed (J was full too), and we were about 40 minutes or so late in departing, had been a long day, 4.5 hour layover in MEL and just wanted to get home! Neither option appealed to myself or the gentleman sitting next to me, the only other thing on offer was a tiny pack of cheese and crackers. Cabin supervisor advised no hot drinks available due to the short flight time, which was disappointing as these were readily provided on the previous CBR-MEL flight, which is a shorter flight.

Don't drink alcohol, so can't comment on that, but a number of other J pax seemed to be enjoying the wine.

 

[Astro]

SYD-MEL on a mid morning flight. I assume it was the lunch menu. This one is a very nice light salad. Smoked Salmon & Faro? salad. You dress the salad yourself which I think is a good idea. Service was excellent. I may look at Virgin's offering through rose coloured glasses at times but the J offering for the price is really good.

Often people would say "I would never pay $1000 for business class for a short flight!" How about for $299? I've paid more for economy so why wouldn't you.

 

[sudoer]

I may look at Virgin's offering through rose coloured glasses at times but the J offering for the price is really good.

Agree. Without considering prices I would say VA's J catering since relaunch has, on average, tasted and presented better than Qantas' offering over the same time period - not to mention the inclusion of spirits. The only issue I have with VA J food is how repetitive it is - but then again QF has fed me a pie or sausage roll on about 4 of my last 5 flights so....

 

[Astro]

Agree. Without considering prices I would say VA's J catering since relaunch has, on average, tasted and presented better than Qantas' offering over the same time period - not to mention the inclusion of spirits. The only issue I have with VA J food is how repetitive it is - but then again QF has fed me a pie or sausage roll on about 4 of my last 5 flights so....

We agree.

This was Qantas J offering on an afternoon flight. It was this Chicken Pie or a salad. Tasty but I think the VA presents better.

 

[PlaneCrazy]

Evening flight SYD-PER (pumpkin gnocchi). Other option was chicken curry and for some reason they also had one tandoori burger loaded. This was preceded by a small pack of "bird seed".

Unfortunately no snack service nearing end of flight. I've seen crew offer round a selection of snacks on a tray post main meal on a short flight previously. Some chips with a G&T went down a treat. Surprised they don't include this in their regular service offering for longer flights!

 

[dk4]

Evening flight SYD-PER (pumpkin gnocchi). Other option was chicken curry ...

Here's the chicken, as presented on a 3hour+ scheduled service. (IMO fantastic flavours, the right amount of moisture and not swimming in juices/gravies like some airlines do).

Note this wasn't a PER-transcon, so there is no antipasto side plate.

I found the new cheese and crackers better than the ones they had last meal rotation (especially as there are now equal pieces of cheese to crackers).

Unfortunately no snack service nearing end of flight. I've seen crew offer round a selection of snacks on a tray post main meal on a short flight previously. Some chips with a G&T went down a treat. Surprised they don't include this in their regular service offering for longer flights!

Pantry is available on all flights, some "leaders" proactively offer it (which is what you have seen before) and some grudgingly get something for you, if you specifically think to ask, (these are the type of FA who, when you disembark, pretends to look away, so they don't have to say goodbye - as your punishment for getting them to do their job!)

Chips, kit-kats, tim-tams all in the current cycle.


I am a big fan of the new serviettes this cycle, really nice feeling fabric, that hasn't been starched to death yet.

 

[Stealthflyer]

SYD-ADL dinner: gnocchi with a pinot. Nothing to write home about. I liked the addition of broccoli.
I’m glad the pre-lift off sparkling is back.

 

[ole nimeton]

ADL-SYD lunchtime flight. Tandoori chicken burger (other option was a cauliflower/quinoa salad. Burger was pretty tasty. Sparkling wine, juice, water offered before take off.

Good service in the Adelaide lounge beforehand too, was pretty quiet and menu has been updated with new sandwich/salad options.