V-Flyer

Having enjoyed a few days of relatively ok weather (it was bright blue sun on the day we were leaving typically!), it was time to head down to Melbourne. This is a 2.5 hour flight from Coolangata, so we decided to splash out the extra AUD35 on 'Blue Zone' seats - these are exit row seats with about 39-39 inches of leg room. You can't check-in on line, as they are blue zone seats, but they only sell the exact number available, so that isn't a problem.

Arrived at the airport about 1.5 hours beforehand - think minimum check-in is 30 minutes here, even with luggage. The airport is being rebuilt and currently has 4 terminals (one is a 'shed' for Tiger Airways which is a relatively newish airline). The other 3 are basically a domestic one and an international one - having dropped off bags and checked in at the desk (you can't use the self-service kiosks again as they are exit row seats), we headed through security. There is not a lot through here, some cafes and fast food places and a newsagent - other shops are coming. The other option is there is an open air bar landside which could be nicer in the warm weather!!

Boarding was called and we had a short walk to the plane (even with the rebuild they are not putting in airbridges, which may be annoying when it rains there!). There were only 6 blue zone seats on this flight, as there was one over wing exit only. The leg-room was great, and definately worth the extra money. I would also say that these are much better than premium economy seats - you do get drinks / meals /lounge access but they have roughly the same leg room as economy seats and cost a lot lot more (and lounge access is only AUD 35 anyway).

The flight was fairly unremarkable. There was the option to pay for TV again or to pay for a film as the flight was over 2 hours. On flights over 2 hours, the TV is normally approx AUD10, but on this flight it is charged at AUD5 and the films were AUD 10 each. I opted for the TV and watched an episode of Doctor Who and Bergerac. Had lunch on the plane - diet coke and a chicken ceasar salad wrap. The prices aren't too bad, and the quality was good......lots of people were paying for food and drinks as well.

The only downside on this flight was a child in the row in front of us across the aisle. He was a little terror, whose parents did little to control him during the flight. I felt sorry for the man in front who would have felt the chair being kicked, table bounced etc all the way from OOL to MEL! He also screamed from the time the seat belt signs came on for landing till we were on the ground as he just didn't want to sit down.

All in all a very good flight from Virgin Blue.

My comments are:

1. Pay for Blue Zone if you want to splash out (add on The Lounge if you want as well) - Premium Economy just doesn't seem that worth it

2. I really love that you can watch TV from gate to gate - not having to turn it off ages before you land!

Thank you for the TR!