May 4 - Inaugural BNE-BDB flight

[Virgin Bart]

Hi all

Just booked myself onto the inaugural BNE-BDB flight - 4 May 2013. Pretty excited as I've been waiting for this route for a while from VA. I'm also on the immediately return service BDB-BNE. My first inaugural flight and something I've been wanting to try for a while.

I'm slightly worried about the 'turnaround' in BDB, although I can only assume that it shouldn't be too bad. If worse comes to worst (read: can't check in online) I'll beg the Lounge angels at BNE to print out my BP.

I'm not expecting much in the way of fanfare, although I guess they commemorate it in some way?

Anyone else planning to getting on this flight? The home page of the VA website still isn't showing BDB, I had to use the "change flights" option on the second page, and it's 0100 EST so I can only assume I'm the first ever person to book onto a BDB flight using VA! ... Only an AFF could get excited about that...

Now to book my [slightly longer] MEL-BNE-MEL positioning flights.

 

[93D]

Ive just booked on the Inaugural to Bundy, doing the same thing book separate and just going do to web checkin. Did you have problems with seat selection?

Dom

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Assuming it's an ATR pig, I'd rather drive to BDB.

Enjoy it regardless!

 

[Virgin Bart]

It is indeed an ATR.


Yeah mate I booked on two separate bookings, will either check in online or at the Lounge.


No seat selection for me either, though I've yet to fly an ATR with VA operated by Sky West, so that may be standard.

 

[MarkD]

Turn around will be fine, not like the flight can leave without you, being same aircraft.
FWIW, I did the inaugural Gladstone flight, exactly as you are doing for BDB, and had no problems at all.

 

[grubbidok]

Assuming it's an ATR pig, I'd rather drive to BDB.

Enjoy it regardless!

ATRs aren't so bad. Just avoid seat 5. That propeller swinging that closely to your head can be very unnerving.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

ATRs aren't so bad.

Everything is comparative. ATRs aren't so bad compared with ebola. ATRs aren't so bad compared with a night of opera. ATRs aren't so bad compared with a tooth abscess.

ATRs compared with anything else suck big time!

 

[Greggsy]

ATRs compared with anything else suck big time!

How about Dash 8s??

 

[elbarto]

I'm assuming that you've been able to book BDB-BNE?? It's not brining anything up at the moment, but BNE-BDB is fine.

 

[93D]

Yep no problems booking the return this morning, had to change it on the side under modify search. Flights just had to be booked separate.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

How about Dash 8s??

Only been on a Dash 8 once and I actually didn't mind it. The FA was great, the ride was OK but slow and it was the easiest way to go CNS-HTI.

I can't really compare but the Dash-8 seems in my limited experience to be better than an ATR but YMMV.

 

[93D]

Sorry to drag up an old topic, but Bundy starts tomorrow. I'm off on the inaugural with an immediate turn, no lounge access for me so will hopefully have some photos later tomorrow afternoon of any/if any fanfare at the gate or onboard.

Dom,

 

[Virgin Bart]

Hey Dom, I'm on the same two flights and I'm happy to guest you. PM me your number if you wish.
I warn you I'm doing a once-a-year night shift tonight so I won't be very talkative tomorrow haha. Will get to BNE at about 11:45, from MEL.

 

[lukenet]

A few years ago I got QF gold on almost purely on Dash8's flights.. 10 SC per flight = a lot of flights.. But yet, really like QANTAS Link, I got to know the FA's well and I was always looked after really well..

 

[Virgin Bart]

Live shots!

 

[Virgin Bart]

Will post up details later.

 

[Major]

Blue sky all the way...a great day to fly

 

[93D]

Top: First landing into BDB
Second: Gifts given by BDB council
Third: First flight certifcate

 

[93D]

First: Landed back into Brisbane VA1702
Second: Certificate for VA1702
Third: On the ground in BDB
Fourth: Taxing to Bay50 in BNE

Great day trip and nice to meet Virgin Bart

Dom,

 

[Major]

Were there many on this flight ?