Virgin Australia

BNE-LAX-BNE. Chose V mainly to avoid the Brisbane-Sydney connection that most airlines wanted to send me on. Flight out leaves mid-morning (10-ish) and 3 hours in they are trying to get you off to sleep - quite bizarre really but plenty of people looked like they were getting some shut-eye - I got none all trip. However I was quite happy to watch and play with the RED entertainment system which was magic - loads of new films doco's games and music. Flight back much better leave midnight quick food service and off to sleep for a few hours at least. Seats on the 777-300 seemed quite wide compared to other planes I have flown internationally. We chose middle section (3 across) so we wouldn't need to climb over strangers to get to the loo. Seat cushions were a little solid to sit on and I used a cushion to alleviate the (literal) pain in the bum. Food both ways was OK at best nothing special. The highly promoted snack bar was a poor joke. A few packs of chips cans of Pepsi and a bottle or two of water. It actually took me a few trips around the galley area to work out where it was. Service from crew was efficient-ish without being overly friendly or even mildly attentive. They seemed to be around when needed - meal times landing seat belts on time etc but disappeared outside those times. Getting a coffee on the return leg was one challenge too far... All in all I would fly V again if the price was right. Pros - new planes entertainment system seat width. Cons - food attention to detail by staff and seat base comfort.

Recently flew V Australia to Dublin (with Etihad from Abu Dhabi) in Premium Economy. I was surprised at the price very inexpensive compared to other premium options. Flew SYD to AUH in 777-300 nice cabin with access to two toilets pretty amazing for only 40 pax. The staff were exceptional possibly some of the best inflight staff I have experienced for some time. Could not do enough for you and were attentive for the whole 14 hours (was the same for return leg). The seat was particularly comfortable and was able to manage 8 hours sleep. The food was ok not as good as Qantas premium and the inflight entertainment was great good choice and a plus with the noise cancelling headphones. Overall would rate this product very highly and have no hesitation in flying with them again.

Melbourne-New York-Melbourne. I flew Premium Economy and was happy with the seat width pitch and comfort. Good amount of recline so I managed some sleep. LA to NY leg was with Virgin America - in Economy. Seated in exit rows as part of Premium Economy fare. Flight NY to LA on return leg was with Delta - poor service cramped seats. VA crew attentive although tend to disappear after meals are served. However when requested service was treated courteously and respectfully.

Dublin-Sydney (Abu Dhabi-Sydney) with V Australia. Had booked through Etihad so it was a codeshare arrangement. The difference between the first leg (Etihad) and second (V) was huge with V Australia winning all the way. Staff were more professional large Economy seat in the Boeing 777. A somewhat enjoyable 14 hour flight compared to the cramped 7 hour flight from Dublin. The only real drawbacks - I ordered a vegetarian meal and the dinner and breakfast were exactly the same bags/duty free parcels were incredibly slow to reach the baggage carousel.

LAX-MEL-LAX. I arrived at check-in 3 hrs early at MEL the seat I was supposed to have not only changed but ended up in the middle section. After a lot of time at the service desk I was accommodated to a window seat. Ground staff make everything happen in a hurry to move passengers as quickly as possible through the lines. At the beginning of the trip the pilots announced that Melbourne’s runways didn't open until 6am causing the airline to delay boarding at LAX and then also have us sit on the plane for 45 mins prior to takeoff. As previously stated here by another customer extensive announcements during the ride were constantly being made. The seats are decent and the food edible. Neither of those were anything above budget airline standards.

SYD-LAX - flight was delayed over 2 hours waiting for 4 passengers to arrive from Melbourne. Many passengers missed their connecting flights in the US. There was a lack of communication waiting around without updates. Cabin crew were grumpy and didn't respond to call button. Food average. Arriving in LAX we waited 30 mins for bags with one missing. Flight from LAX-SYD was delayed 2 hours flight attendants were much nicer although food still average. Only positive was the in-flight entertainment.

SYD-LAX Premium Economy and Business class coming back. Seats were fine in Premium Economy food quite good. Service ok but when I pressed my attendant button no one came. Not good. Return flight in Business. Not the best Business class I have flown. When fully reclined people have to step over your seat which meant my feet got kicked a few times. Annoying. Service rubbish. Not offered drinks - actually had to ask for wine with my meal! Maybe I was just unlucky with the staff serving me.

SYD-LAX-SYD Economy. On time good quality (and tasty) meals great service from flight attendants who were very friendly and helpful. Nice modern plane (B777-300ER) which felt very roomy seats were comfy with plenty of legroom RED entertainment system was excellent with lots of movies music and TV shows. Coloured LED mood lighting made it a very pleasant experience too.

MEL to LAX Premium Economy. Priority check in and boarding are great. Cabin crew very friendly and attentive to needs but could spend more time visible and in/around the cabin. Seats were hard and very uncomfortable. They must fix this asap. But in PE there is lots of leg room and space to stand and stretch. I didn't get my preferred seat which was disappointing (defeats the purpose of selecting a seat at booking time). Food was average – I couldn't see any difference in an Economy meal to what was served to us so I'm doubting the value for money if you cannot get a decent quality feed in this cabin. Bar service was a bit confusing about whether spirits were self serve and it's difficult to get to the bar if you're not sitting in an aisle seat. IFE touch screen did not work on outbound so I had to use the remote control very difficult to navigate. No WIFI.

Travelled SYD-LAX return. Best Business Class I have traveled in. Lots of space in Buss Cabin Flat beds with mattress overlay doona and pyjamas extremely comfortable. Excellent attentive but relaxed service and best airline food yet tasted. Staff young and attentive. Bar works well even with silly congregating restrictions. Initially dreaded entry of two families with 4 kids under 12 on return journey. Children well supervised by parents and staff provided appropriate support and assistance throughout flight. V Australia now my preferred airline to USA.