PER-SYD
Flight: VA556
Aircraft: A330-200 (VH-XFD)
Seat: 2A (J)
Departed: PER 03/08/2018 10:55 (10 mins late) AWST
Arrived: SYD 03/08/2018 16:44 (11 mins early) AEST
Duration: 3h 49m
Because I wanted to try the full suites experience to the UK, which isn't available from Perth, I decided to take the trip from Sydney. Some might consider this silly, but I really enjoy flying in "The Business" with
Virgin Australia, so didn't seem too ridiculous to me (but most definitely a little over the top).
I bought this flight at Freedom fare rates using a promo code, and during a triple points offer. So it cost around AU$550-600, and I then upgraded to business using one of my Velocity Platinum complimentary upgrade vouchers. I earned 11,649 points on this flight, so more than enough for another freedom-business upgrade in the future
.
Perth Airport was lovely and quiet on arrival. No cars/queues anywhere, and my Ola driver (Uber alternative) dropped me off with plenty of time to spare before the flight. I used the priority check-in desk so I could get a fragile tag attached to one of my checked two bags, as I was talking some gifts with me to the UK.
The VA lounge was very pleasant, and I had some hash browns and sausages for breakfast, along with a couple of barista made coffees.
On boarding I was welcomed and offered a pre-departure drink. I went with the sparking wine.
The flight crew made an announcement that take off was to be from the secondary runway, as apparently the main runway was out of service.
I encountered some issues with the IFE (same problem as I had on a previous flight!) where every ~10mins the playing video would exit to the main menu. It also happened at exactly the same time to others in the cabin. Unlike the previous flight where I had this issue, the cabin crew acted promptly when I notified them, and they reset the IFE in some of the seats, and the problem was soon resolved!
Drink and nuts were offered after take off:
Meal service was great. Had the poached chicken with goats cheese and couscous starter, followed by the Barramundi and sweet potato curry main. The Pinot Gris was suggested to me to have with the fish, which I enjoyed.
The orange cake dessert and coffee were also spot on:
I watched The Shining on the IFE, and continued to enjoy a few more drinks. Absolutely fantastic service throughout the flight! These VA domestic sectors really outdo a fair number of other airlines international business class.