No entertainment on Virgin BNE-MEL flights

[Jude Starr]

Do any of the Virgin aircraft serviceing the BNE-MEL and return route have entertainment. Every few months I do a weekend trip and never seem to get a plane that has any entertainment on board; no screens, no music, nada. If it weren't for my trusty iPad I would go....but it got me to thinking if they don't do entertainment at all on that route, or if I am just really unlucky with my bookings.

 

[Mollycram]

Didn't have any on my Mel-Syd today either.... I haven't flown DJ or years so no idea if this is the norm.

 

[lovestotravel]

Virgin doesn't believe in on-board entertainment! All their new aircraft come with nothing!

They plan to have streaming WiFi of stored content such as movies/tv/music etc on aircraft at some stage next year but you will need to use your own iPad/tablet/device

They have talked about having Samsung Galaxy Tablets for hire on flights, but that rollout is so slow it's almost a joke and they won't be carrying enough for each flight

It's far from idea and not really what a premium airline should be doing


Consider flying Qantas, where you always get something, either via an overhead screen or seat back IFE with heaps of content on the newer 737-800's of which there are about 18 flying in Australia with another 10 more to come over the next 15 months....

 

[Jude Starr]

Well, I have an ipad that I always travel with, so that's OK...still better than paying extra for fares and having to deal with Qantas. Would be nice to have the IFE on Virgin, but no biggie and certainly not enough to make me change to another airline. I was just curious, is all.

 

[medhead]

It depends on your seat number and aircraft. All the aircraft that used to have live 2 air still seem to have it, but not in business or rows 3 and 4. I was offered an iPad on row 3 this morning.


Sent from the Throne

 

[mella2007]

Yes it does depend on the aircraft as Medhead mentioned. I've had Live to Air on Mel/Syd numerous times as well as other destinations and of course in J you get the pre loaded tablet.

 

[mannej]

Out of interest, does anyone think that Personal IFE is overkill for the Golden Triangle?

It is nice, but how does it compare with similar length routes elsewhere?

 

[mella2007]

Out of interest, does anyone think that Personal IFE is overkill for the Golden Triangle?

It is nice, but how does it compare with similar length routes elsewhere?

It doesn't bother me in the slightest if I don't have it up to 3 Hours. A flight i took from HKG to KUL had it, but mine didn't work, so I just ate and fell asleep and read a bit.

 

[markis10]

They have talked about having Samsung Galaxy Tablets for hire on flights, but that rollout is so slow it's almost a joke and they won't be carrying enough for each flight

Believe the Tabs are on every flight now, for the 737s there are 15 for J and flexi fare passengers, content is very limited at this stage while the streaming trial is awaiting certification.

Most of the fleet has the RC SAT2200 which has the capability to deliver broadband connectivity for passenger use, don't be surprised to see that as part two or part three of the IFE picture, it won't be free though.

 

[eastwest101]

I agree with the OP, in my experience there does not seem to be many VA Live2Air aircraft around anymore, I think the odds of getting a LTA aircraft on VA are about the same as getting a QF B738 with seat-back IFE screens, very very low at the moment.

 

[markis10]

I agree with the OP, in my experience there does not seem to be many VA Live2Air aircraft around anymore, I think the odds of getting a LTA aircraft on VA are about the same as getting a QF B738 with seat-back IFE screens, very very low at the moment.

Way better odds with DJ with over 30 aircraft left from the old fleet, most have LTA.

 

[dk4]

I've had Live to Air on Mel/Syd numerous times as well as other destinations and of course in J you get the pre loaded tablet.

So, do they offer tablets for hire on any 'longer' (nonLTA) flights in economy?

 

[seanpodge]

I flew SYD-MEL on DJ in January and it had the live Foxtel IFE. Not bad, particularly since it was live rather than some video played on a loop.

Out of interest, does anyone think that Personal IFE is overkill for the Golden Triangle?

It is nice, but how does it compare with similar length routes elsewhere?

I think it's pretty superfluous. For me, it comes just behind what font the safety card is written in in the list of priorities for a flight that, by and large, is a glorified bus ride. It seems nice, but I'd rather that they spent the money elsewhere or just made the fare cheaper.

Have done a few flights in the US, China and Europe recently of comparable length. Europe (LH and TK) were just a few small drop down screens showing flight path. US (UA and US) had nothing except of one UA flight with had wifi (although I wasn't willing to pay up). Chinese airlines usually don't even bother with communal screens. The only flight I remember with IFE in China was on a CA A330 (PEK-HRB). It had the old style cinema screen playing a recording of some Chinese TV show. Stuck with my iPad.

Didn't feel like I was missing out on any of these flights since I have an iPad, which I often use even when there is personal IFE. Then again, I did the UA840 in May with no personal IFE and thought it was fine! :shock: