MEL-PER J --- Virgin or Qantas?

[Duffa]

So Mrs D and I are travelling to the land of Cove in two weeks, to watch her nephew play for Ireland in the mixed rules footy game.
Having a few points to burn thanks to recent cc promos we are embarking on our FIRST EVER domestic J travel.
I've booked us outbound on a Saturday morning Virgin flight and back on Qantas, Monday late afternoon.
I'm asking members for their opinion/predictions on which experience we will prefer? And of course, any tips!

 

[Moopere]

I'm asking members for their opinion/predictions on which experience we will prefer?

If you have booked a VA 332 flight then imho you will far prefer this flight over the competition. However, if you're stuck on a 73H, even in J, its not a fun ride for 4.5 hours.

 

[Duffa]

If you have booked a VA 332 flight then imho you will far prefer this flight over the competition. However, if you're stuck on a 73H, even in J, its not a fun ride for 4.5 hours.

Thanks Moopere. Looks like the VA is indeed on the 737-800 but I see also that the QF 332 may have crummy seats, no better then Y+. I hope not!

 

[Duffa]

If you have booked a VA 332 flight then imho you will far prefer this flight over the competition. However, if you're stuck on a 73H, even in J, its not a fun ride for 4.5 hours.

I wonder how either will compare with SQ Suites??!

 

[Moopere]

Thanks Moopere. Looks like the VA is indeed on the 737-800 but I see also that the QF 332 may have crummy seats, no better then Y+. I hope not!

Any chance you can change your departure time without messing up the rest of your plans? The difference between J in the 332 and the 73H is night and day. Whilst its always arguable I've heard it said many times that VA J transcon on the 332 is the best in the country.

Usually the bulk of the transcon flights are 332 with a smattering of 73H to fill in the gaps at less busy times (I'm guessing) so a change of flight/time might well work in your favour. There is no difference in price or points so aim for the best

 

[Princess Fiona]

So Mrs D and I are travelling to the land of Cove in two weeks, to watch her nephew play for Ireland in the mixed rules footy game.
Having a few points to burn thanks to recent cc promos we are embarking on our FIRST EVER domestic J travel.
I've booked us outbound on a Saturday morning Virgin flight and back on Qantas, Monday late afternoon.
I'm asking members for their opinion/predictions on which experience we will prefer? And of course, any tips!

As Moopere states the VA J "Experience" in the 737 isn't real flash. There is no inseat power. Having said that the trans-con crew are by and large much more professional and consistent than those on the golden triangle.
QF J is overall more consistent from a crew perspective. I'm not a huge fan of VA catering but there is a fairly extensive menu on the Coast to Coast service. I like QF catering for the most part.

My own tip would perhaps have been to do the trip in reverse ie QF over and VA back as that would have given you access to the MEL J Lounge on the outbound.

Enjoy your trip and let us know what you think

 

[Duffa]

Any chance you can change your departure time without messing up the rest of your plans?

Looked at all the Sat flights and they are all 73H. Friday, which we can't do, are all 332! Go figure.

 

[Duffa]

My own tip would perhaps have been to do the trip in reverse ie QF over and VA back as that would have given you access to the MEL J Lounge on the outbound.

At this late stage, the booking arrangements were the only availability which met our timing needs. .
Will keep in mind your suggestion for MEL J lounge! Thanks!!

 

[cove]

Now Duffa I get back from Los Angeles by November28th if all goes to plan. What date is that match on in Perth?
A 737 into the head wind makes its way quite slowly from MEL to PER. The QF lounge in MEL is quite nice.

 

[dk4]

As Moopere states the VA J "Experience" in the 737 isn't real flash. There is no inseat power.

I was on one the other day that had it up and running, centre console next to my leg. (1F)

 

[Princess Fiona]

I was on one the other day that had it up and running, centre console next to my leg. (1F)

VA? I've never been on a VA 738 with inseat power, didn't think they had any. QF definitely do but not VA AFAIK.

 

[Duffa]

Now Duffa I get back from Los Angeles by November28th if all goes to plan. What date is that match on in Perth?
A 737 into the head wind makes its way quite slowly from MEL to PER. The QF lounge in MEL is quite nice.

Match is 22nd November. Not many seats left if you are thinking of returning early!!!!