The flight was due to leave SYD at 07:30 so I set off from my Circular Quay hotel at about 5:45am to allow myself plenty of time (I hate rushing for flights).
I'd previously seen something on this forum regarding Virgin Blue recognising VAA FC memebership. Benefits include being able to check in at the Business desks; this was a god-send as the queues at the Econ desks were truly hideous. I asked if there were any window or aisle seats, but was told there were none, and I was given a middle seat in row 19
. I was checked in, in 90 seconds, and through security in 2 minutes. I'd read that my Au card gave me access to the VBlue lounge, and sure enough I was in with no problems in a couple of minutes. The lounge is large, plenty of seating, a fairly comprehensive buffet, newspapers and decent coffee all available. A nice commuter lounge.
The flight was called on time, and as I arrived at the gate I asked at the desk if there were any aisle or window seats, and having handed over my boarding card, was given a replacement with a seat in.... 2B! Result. A premium economy seat with extra legroom.
Boarding was excellent, the stewardess greeting each and every passenger with a big smile, and then wishing each and every passenger (including some children) a pleasant flight - and using their FIRST NAME every time. God, I wish certain LHR-based carriers with a similar name would go to SYD and take notes. It was a masterclass in how to run a plane.
Arrived on time into MEL, and my bag was on the carousel in under 90 seconds.
Some days it all just goes right
!
) It's a shame that VS no longer offer the years secondment to DJ. I'm looking forward to travelling with them again in June.