THE ROUTE
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Sydney to Perth.
THE PLANE
Airbus A330-200 – there are six in Virgin Australia's fleet, with business class refurbishment to be complete on all aircraft by October.
LOYALTY SCHEME
Virgin's Velocity Frequent Flyer.
CLASS
Business class, Seat 2H.
DURATION
The scheduled flight is five hours 10 minutes, though an on-time departure and favourable tailwinds get us there early.
FREQUENCY
Four times daily from Sydney, with five flights direct from Melbourne and three ex-Brisbane.
BAGGAGE
Business class passengers can check in two items of baggage weighing up to 32 kilograms each, facilitated at a Priority Check-in counter.
THE SEAT
Virgin Australia will soon roll out new business class suites, with over two-metre (80-inch) fully-flat bed-seats in a 1-2-1 configuration guaranteeing passengers direct aisle access and maximum privacy. I have no issues with the current design, however, with 24 seats in a 2-2-2 configuration offering ample legroom from a generous 152.4-centimetre (60-inch) pitch and almost horizontal capabilities.
COMFORT FACTOR
A turn-down service with fluffy pillows and duvets is available for those who want to sleep; my flight is in the afternoon, however, so I'm satisfied with snuggling under a blanket at near-full recline to enjoy the in-flight service.
SERVICE
Oh, how I love to be greeted by name with a glass of French bubbles! VA's service is exemplary: friendly, intimate and attentive throughout the flight. As I am continuing on to an international flight, I also appreciate advice on how to transfer on arrival at the domestic airport.
ENTERTAINMENT
Keen to squeeze in a movie or two, I'm pleased to discover Virgin Australia's Red entertainment system operates gate to gate. There are 15 movie choices, including new release and documentaries, viewed on a substantial 38.1-centimetre (15-inch) seat-back screen. I have issues with the pause button on the remote, however, while the touch-screen requires a heavy hand to operate. USB connectivity and in-seat power are also available, handy for charging hand-held devices which can be used throughout the flight.
FOOD
The service and meal components of VA's business upgrade is already in place, with a choice of a light "express" meal or three-course a la carte menu designed by Luke Mangan. I opt for the a la carte, delivered restaurant-style to my seat (no trolley service), with my delicately marinated barramundi fillet perfectly complemented by Margan Family Hunter Valley chardonnay. Snacks such as kalamata olives and pink salt potato crisps are also available throughout the flight if you are still peckish.
ONE MORE THING
Business class and premium economy passengers can bypass long security lines with Sydney Lounge Premium Entry, located kerbside with a dedicated screening point leading directly into the lounge.
THE VERDICT
This may have been my smoothest, most stress-free check-in and security clearance ever, with the dedicated entrance for business class passengers a real bonus. My domestic flight was as comfortable as any international business service I have enjoyed, and if the upgraded meal service is anything to go by, the roll-out of the highly anticipated business suites promises great things.
Tested by Julie Miller, who flew courtesy of Virgin Australia.
