FlightAware Link:
Where did I fly on this flight?https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHYQR/history/20230524/0020Z/YMML/YPAD
Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800
Booking the Flight & Cost of the Flight
I had originally booked this flight in economy class and only paid the choice fare, which cost $109. I paid $175 to upgrade to business class upon checking in at the airport. I booked the flight on Virgin Australia's fairly easy-to-use website. A economy class ticket from Melbourne to Adelaide on Virgin Australia would start from $99 for their 'Lite' fare, which is just the base fare, everything will cost to add on, such as bags and seat selection. A 'Choice' fare includes these items, from $109. A 'Flex' fare is $325, whereas a Business Class fare costs $349.
Operating Aircraft This flight was flown by Boeing 737-800 VH-YQR, named Nobby's Beach. This aircraft was just shy of 10 years old when this flight occurred, and was first delivered from Boeing to Virgin Australia in June 2013 with its original registration being VH-YFP. It was temporarily withdrawn from service during the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned to service with Virgin Australia in May 2021, with whom it is currently operational today, with its new registration. This aircraft is powered by two CFM56-7B26 engines. The aircraft had been very well looked after and was in very good condition. Cabin The cabin on this Boeing 737-800 was very clean and well maintained. The feel and look inside the cabin evoked that of a fairly young aircraft. The flight appeared to be very full. This features the Boeing Sky Interior, and the mood lighting was good. Seating For this flight I was in seat 2F. There are 176 seats in total onboard this aircraft. There are two rows (1-2) in business class in a 2-2 configuration (eight business class seats total), the seats are made from leather with a seat pitch of 37 inches and a seat width of 19.5 inches. In Economy class, seats are in a 3-3 configuration. In the 'Economy X' section (rows 3-5, 13 and 14), seats have a width of 17 inches and at least 32 inches of legroom. The remaining economy class seats feature a seat pitch of 30 inches and a seat width of 17 inches. Depending on the fare ticket booked some seats need payment to book as opposed to others. Business class tickets include seat selection. The seat was very comfortable with an incredible amount of leg room and width. Inflight Customer Service Virgin Australia's flight attendants provided the service. They had smiles on their face and served all of us up front with a passionate attitude. The flight attendants were very upbeat and carried out the service professionally. They even ensured priority treatment for us. Inflight Entertainment There was a safety card and air-sickness bag on hand in the seat pocket, but no inflight magazine. Virgin Australia does not provide any seatback or overhead TVs. There is an app for the airline for streamimg in flight entertainment purposes. There was inflight Wi-Fi, which is free for use for business class passengers. I was surprised to see no inflight magazine, the vast majority of airlines usually have one nowadays. The safety card was eye catching; as it should be. I was glued to the window for the majority of the flight, as well as surfing the internet as well. Photos
Virgin Australia lounge in Melbourne Airport's terminal 3
The operating aircraft taxiing to gate 1 at Melbourne Airport's terminal 3, having just landed from Sydney as flight VA816
View whilst boarding
Business class seats
Amazing legroom!
Seat 2F
Taxiing for takeoff
Takeoff from runway 34
Cabin inflight
Inflight meal - choice of risoni salad with roast pumpkin or cajun chicken sandwich on toasted turkish bread (my choice), accompanied by metal cutlery, cheese and crackers, chocolate and a choice of beverage
Inflight at 38,000 feet
Descending into Adelaide Airport
Landing on runway 05
Taxiing to the gate
Stopped on gate 16
Views whilst disembarking
VH-YQR will shoot back to Melbourne as flight VA218
Final Verdict
I was originally meant to travel in economy class, but I am glad I decided to upgrade at the last minute and try out Virgin Australia's business class product on their Boeing 737-800. The seat was very comfortable with a lot of legroom, the staff were fantastic from the beginning and the inflight catering was incredible. It does feel quite private despite a fully occupied cabin. I hope to get the chance to try Virgin Australia's business class again.
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