V Australia Flight

V Australia flies out of Terminal 3 at LAX - same terminal as Virgin America and Alaska/Horizon. The terminal was decorated with balloons and lots of photo ops. They have redesigned the check in area in it has very retro fell to it. The staff was pretty nervous and there were some computer issues but they did get everyone checked in and with a slight delay before take off we did manage to get in the air.
The interior of the aircraft is extremely comfortable and very well laid out. The color scheme is basically based around different shades of plum and teal (although I think Kirk referred to economy class as being pink and blue).
I was flying in Premium Economy although I did spend some time in both other classes of service - economy and business class.
Business Class - lie flat beds (6'2" long), Welcome drink served in Riedle glassware, Eat whenever/whatever off of a pretty extensive menu, PJ's, doonas, Noise cancelling headphones, massage function available in your seat, very nice amenity kits (slippers, eye mask, tooth brush, toothpaste, mouthwash, ear plugs - very attractive case as well)seat to seat chat, 12.1" screen on your entertainment system, work station with full power, USB and reading light, self service bar with 6 bar stools and full compliment of drinks and snacks. 2 - 2 -2 configuration with privacy curtains around each section.
Premium Economy - leather seats (very comfortable), foot rests, pretty good recline, wonderful amenity kits (same as business class), seat to seat chat, work station with full power, USB and reading light, noise cancelling headphones, welcome drink, food - a couple of options for both dinner and breakfast, alcohol included, great self service bar with drinks and snacks, 10.6" screen. 2 - 4 - 2 configuration
Economy - I did go back and sit in an economy seat just to get a feel for the leg room, recline, etc. They were not bad and with a 3 - 3 - 3 configuration they felt more spacious then some of the competition. 9" screen, alcohol is not included but available for purchase - you do get one free drink with dinner, self service refreshment kiosk available, USB port but no power workstation.

Some of the most striking things about the aircraft and the flight were the mood lighting - I know it sounds a bit tacky but it was really wonderful and created a great atmosphere. The mood lighting changed from area to area - business class even had "stars" come out at night! It really was a very nice addition - not something you noted conciously but it definitely added to a very warm feeling.

The entertainment system is probably the most striking feature. I talked to several passengers and they all thought that it was absolutely the best. The main difference between the three classes of service was the size of the screen. The movie selection was amazing - very current and a lot of options, you also have several TV show options, wonderful music options - and the ability to create your own playlist for the flight, lots of games and a great kids section that includes kid movies, TV and games. You can use the USB port and plug in your own IPod, MP3 or whatever and play it thru the system as well. In business and premium economy you can also do seat to seat chat - kind of fun! The best part is the majority of the functions were touch screen so no more controller tucked into the arm of your seat.

The last most striking feature was staff. If you have read any of Richard Branson's books you know that Virgin has a bit of a different atmosphere for its employees and really tries to create a very positive and unique work environment. I think this definitely came thru with the staff on the flight and in the terminal. They also are trying to add a bit of fun to the long haul flight experience - you just have to watch the safety video and the pre flight videos to see they want you to smile and relax and enjoy the experience.

I did try to talk to several "paying" customers just to get their impression, etc. The only real negative that I heard that we all need to be aware of is that V Australia does not have interline agreements with most of the US carriers (Northwest/Delta is really the only one right now) so if your clients are flying in on other US carriers they have to pick up their luggage and get it to terminal 3 and as you all know that is not always the easiest at LAX. I talked with a women that was very upset that she had to pick up her two suitcases and her skis and get on and off a shuttle bus to get from American to V Australia.

All in all I was extremely impressed with the whole operation and would not hesitate to book a client and recommend V Australia. They will be flying into Brisbane beginning in April and then adding Melbourne in September.

Sydney - day one - really crazy day here in Sydney - four cruise ships here in town. I just talked to Grant from AWE and he told me over 8500 people off the ships! The Rocks Market was just absolutely jam packed and it was the busiest I have every seen Sydney.

I am off on AWE's Blue Mountians High Country Eco Tour tomorrow - so will give everyone an update tomorrow evening.

If you have any questions about the V Australia experience please shoot me an email - rhonda@indigojourneys.com