V-Flyer

Return leg back to Melbourne QF455 1730 - flight time 1 hour.

Tried out train to airport rather than taxi considerably cheaper at $12.20 rather than $35 cab fare. Checked in at 1640 Kiosk and offered earlier flight, but declined as was in no hurry, and selected seat 25F on a 737-800. Proceeded through security and browsed the shops on the way to the gate. Noticed that Krispy Kreme donuts airside was doing a roaring trade selling by the box load! More about that later.

Flight was delayed by 15 minutes due to late incoming aircraft. Boarding commenced, not be seat row number but free for all not clever on a single aisle aircraft. Once again boarded an aircraft without having to show any form of ID or speaking to airline personnel. Having only just moved here from the UK I find this odd.

Eventually everyone was aboard - and although most of the three plus three seating had only two per three seats - there was a distinct lack of overhead bin space. The reason for this Krispy Kreme donuts. I have since found out that until two weeks ago they did not have an outlet in Melbourne, but even though there is one it is way out in the suburbs - and everyone seems to want donuts.

Anyway back to the TR. Pushed back and taxied to runway but take off delayed by ten minutes due to heavy traffic but took off to the south saving minutes on the flying time - according to first officer. IFE switched on as soon as seat belt sign switched off - news programme followed by comedy show. The audio was not working properly so I just listened to radio. In flight service consisted of snacks - a pack of rice cracker snacks and a pack of mixed nuts and pretzels (which oddly enough said on the back that it was produced in a factory handling nuts! I would have thought it would have to be.) The napkin doubled as a tablecover and then cleverly opened up as a rubbish bag which speeded up the collection of rubbish. A drink from the bar was offered I had a nice Flinders Bay red.
The headphones were not collected in so I continued to listen to radio until we had parked at the gate. Deplaning took five minutes or so and was out and in a cab within 10 minutes of landing.
Crew were a freindly bunch although older than the trip up.
Overall I would give these two Qantas flights 8/10. As mentioned in the previous report I am trying Virgin Blue on the same route in 4 weeks - so will see what they have to offer.