V-Flyer

Time to start the slow process of heading back to the UK. Having been in Melbourne for a couple of nights catching up with friends and having dinner on the Melbourne Tram Car restaurant, it was time to leave. Our original flight was cancelled whilst we were en route to Australia, so when we were called we were offered one either 30 minutes before or after our original booking time (don't you love the bus type service on this route).

We got the bus out to the airport and then checked in at the self-service kiosk. They have separate bag drops for those who have checked in on line (no queue) or those who check-in at the airport (long queue).....typically we were in the latter. Changed seats at the kiosk to one with a spare one next to us.

Went through security - fairly quick compared to the UK. The Qantas domestic pier that we were travelling from doesn't have any big name fast-food restaurants. There were a couple of cafe/bar type places but they were rather grubby and the furniture needed a bit of repair....ok for a diet coke. Wandered down to the gate and got window seats - was interesting to watch the plane being turnarounded after it arrived before we boarded. The ground crew seemed not that efficient - they obviously working on a low cost airline model of working!

Boarding was called, and very few people seemed to get up....fingers crossed seat next to us is free. However, by the time we got down to row 28 we realised that that person was already seated there!! In the end the flight was full. There are 3 fixed rows of business class on the plane, which seemed a bit excessive for such a short flight.

There was free TV / radio on the flight - through screens throughout the cabin rather than seat-back TV. There was a 'lunch service' on this flight. This consisted of a ham and cheese sandwich with pickles, and a free non-alcoholic drink. The service was efficient and the sandwich was tasty and nice to be free.

All too soon it was landing time.....in cloud yet again.....but a good view of Sydney, the opera house and bridge from the L side of the plane.

Overall, I would use Qantas again on a domestic route if they were priced cheaper than Virgin Blue as you get free luggage, free food and soft drinks.....and a wopping 125 BA Executive Miles for the flight!

quote:Originally posted by gingerflyer
Boarding was called, and very few people seemed to get up....fingers crossed seat next to us is free. However, by the time we got down to row 28 we realised that that person was already seated there!! In the end the flight was full. There are 3 fixed rows of business class on the plane, which seemed a bit excessive for such a short flight.


Thanks for the TR [y]. I've flown this route a few times and yes, while it's short, there are many business fliers between MEL-SYD. Some of the flights are operated by 767s and 332s with many more business seats, and they are often full too!

Thanks for the TR!