SYD - LAX Flight

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civinod

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Jan 27, 2011
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Hi All,

Just did a J leg of this route.

Not a fanboy of this product. Only took it because couldn't get QF.

The seating is dated to say the least. The staff are friendly enough.

Food leaves a lot to be desired. The steak was dry and overcooked. Breakfast Croque Monsieur was absolutely disgusting. Some soggy bread with the content drowned was not my idea of a good time.

Had a few drinks at the bar (nice idea) but how about some decent beer. Pure Blonde and VB were the only ones available. Some lame excuse about catering getting it wrong.

Perhaps JB should fly SQ or Etihad to experience business class.

The great pretender in my book. I would class it as more like Premium Economy.

SQ rules in my book.
 
Sounds like I'll be glad to be flying Y in October. As glad as you can get anyway. Actually I'd still go J if someone else was paying...

What were the seats like? Just wide barber's chairs?
 
I am a pretty small frame was just ok for me.

Anyone larger good luck at least you will feel snug!!
 
Are you referring to business class or economy?

Although SQ business seats can be very wide, there are IME no width issues with any VA lay flat (if sloped) product.
 
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I thought it was quite adequate. The seats could do with a tad more padding, but its far better than being in Y. The steak was good given its an onboard meal, though avoid the pancakes. Drink options were also quite good. It does sound like their was a stuff up with the beer as the menu has better options which were available on my flight.
 
Agree, the J seating on the 777s are showing their age. Soon to be replaced if you listen to Galley FM. In my experience the service is generally reasonable - I can only think of one occasion where I had less-than-wonderful service. I don't eat steak or drink beer, so I have no idea what either are like - the wine selection is drinkable without being amazing, but the (vegetarian) food has always been a highlight of VA longhaul J for me - VA and EY are the two airlines where good vego food is an expectation rather than a surprise for me.

We're all entitled to our opinions, but I don't think it's fair to say VA J is a premium economy grade product.
 
Multiple flights in J to LAX from BNE in the last couple of years and I am kinda mystified as to some of the issues mentioned.
I like the seat a lot. Way better than the skybed for comfort. 60+ inches of pitch means no issues with cramp, better still row 5 is the ultimate in privacy. I rate the seats better than Etihad, but not as good as SQ.
Never had an issue with the food, nor the drink.
Service has been spot on for every single trip.
You can now access the new lounges in TBIT.
The kicker though is price as I can usually get a return J for around $1000 cheaper than QF J.
The difference can be used to grab a big suite at the Intercon for the week.
 
Having recently flown the reverse leg my opinion is the service is cough.. the seat is no wider then the j seat on a 737 with very little padding. the service and food left a lot to be desired, and the idea of having 3 seats in the middle row is very strange.. hence the reason the price is $1,000 less then Qantas..the old adage applies, "you get what you pay for"
wouldn't fly with them again.
 
, and the idea of having 3 seats in the middle row is very strange.. hence the reason the price is $1,000 less then Qantas..the old adage applies, "you get what you pay for"
wouldn't fly with them again.

3 seats in the middle - Emirates J 777 has the same for a start - sloping too! Don't think they have any plans to change it either.
 
Multiple flights in J to LAX from BNE in the last couple of years and I am kinda mystified as to some of the issues mentioned.
I like the seat a lot. Way better than the skybed for comfort. 60+ inches of pitch means no issues with cramp, better still row 5 is the ultimate in privacy. I rate the seats better than Etihad, but not as good as SQ.
Never had an issue with the food, nor the drink.
Service has been spot on for every single trip.
You can now access the new lounges in TBIT.
The kicker though is price as I can usually get a return J for around $1000 cheaper than QF J.
The difference can be used to grab a big suite at the Intercon for the week.

I agree - I think it's a pretty good product for the price.

I was somewhat annoyed by my last trip where the FA managed to muck up both of my meal orders, spill a drink on my neighbour, and complete ruin my Shure earphones.

The only thing I wish they'd make easier is the alleged airside connection at LAX from Delta flights... still haven't managed to sort that one out! Has anyone used it?
 
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The only thing I wish they'd make easier is the alleged airside connection at LAX from Delta flights... still haven't managed to sort that one out! Has anyone used it?

I've used it several times - has worked out just fine for me? I haven't used it since VA moved to TBIT, but I can't imagine it's any different..?
 
I've used it several times - has worked out just fine for me? I haven't used it since VA moved to TBIT, but I can't imagine it's any different..?

Thanks! How does one arrange it? I've never had Delta offer it to me - I would have no idea where to do? I know this is a silly question...
 
Thanks! How does one arrange it? I've never had Delta offer it to me - I would have no idea where to do? I know this is a silly question...

Assuming you arrive in to LAX on your Delta flight at T5, the transfer is available in the evenings near gate 50B - look for the Virgin Australia stand. ISTR that it departs every 30 minutes. If you arrive in to LAX T6, there is an underpass where you can walk to T5 for the transfer.

Again, I don't know if this is still the same since the move to TBIT - but I assume it is.
 
Assuming you arrive in to LAX on your Delta flight at T5, the transfer is available in the evenings near gate 50B - look for the Virgin Australia stand. ISTR that it departs every 30 minutes. If you arrive in to LAX T6, there is an underpass where you can walk to T5 for the transfer.

Again, I don't know if this is still the same since the move to TBIT - but I assume it is.

I'm guessing there's nothing similar from T3 (VX) to TBIT (VA) on departure heading back to Australia?
 
Confirming there is no airside shuttle to/from TBIT from any other terminal for VA passengers.
When you arrive on Delta from other US cities you have to exit the terminal then make your way to TBIT (walk or take the free landside shuttle) for the VA flight to Australia.

This means you have to go through security which wasn't required in the past as you were airside. Ensure you allow extra time for this.
 
Now I'm confused - is there or isn't there an airside connection?

Does seem too good to be true!
 
Confirming there is no airside shuttle to/from TBIT from any other terminal for VA passengers.
When you arrive on Delta from other US cities you have to exit the terminal then make your way to TBIT (walk or take the free landside shuttle) for the VA flight to Australia.

This means you have to go through security which wasn't required in the past as you were airside. Ensure you allow extra time for this.

How long would you recommend between delta arrival and VA to Sydney departure.
 
That entirely depends on whether you will walk to TBIT or wait for the landslide shuttle (that has to do a whole lap of the terminals) and how many people are lining up at security.

Don't risk it is my opinion. Leave plenty of time.

TBIT is brand new and if you are Gold or Plat Velocity FF you have access to the beautiful Star Alliance lounge.
If not, there are bars and food options in the terminal.
 
That entirely depends on whether you will walk to TBIT or wait for the landslide shuttle (that has to do a whole lap of the terminals) and how many people are lining up at security.

Don't risk it is my opinion. Leave plenty of time.

TBIT is brand new and if you are Gold or Plat Velocity FF you have access to the beautiful Star Alliance lounge.
If not, there are bars and food options in the terminal.

Having not been to LAX and will be doing this transfer in October I would like to know what you or others would consider plenty of time. I'll be travelling with a slow walker ( my mum). Im tending towards walking as I dont know the airport at all I would hate to get on the wrong bus etc.
 
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