So, you’re probably reading this and thinking why someone in their right mind would complete a TR for SYD-MEL? Well, this was my first test of ‘Virgin Australia’. Sure, I’d flown DJ before, but that was pre-rebranding and was keen to see how the hard product was, as well as the much raved-about Lounge at MEL. With this in mind it was decided that QF would get my business SYD-MEL, with DJ getting a run for MEL-SYD, the following day.
Fare
QF was booked as a Red-e-deal for $95, while the DJ flight was a ‘Saver’ bought on a sale fare of $69.
Check-InFor the QF flight, this was actually going to be my first test of the NGCI system using my very new QP card. I walked up to the pole at SYD T3 expecting something to go wrong, but soon enough, card was presented, booking retrieved and within 5 seconds a text message sent to my phone. Impressive! As I was travelling without checked baggage, a quick walk through security and I was in the QP. Advance seat selection on-line was a bonus. For DJ, I simply checked in at The Lounge. Throughout the terminal at MEL I could see the DJ purple priority lanes (check-in, lounge, security and the gates) and thought it presented an excellent image for the company.
Lounge
I’m quite a fan of the QP at SYD T3, although the fact I generally travel at off peak times (weekends) might explain something, particularly with lack-of crowding. This was a morning flight so breakfast was still available, and for a person who prefers ‘cold’ breakfast to ‘hot’ breakfast, I was reasonably happy for the spread of fruits, yogurts and cereals. I did see something resembling a pancake machine but upon returning, realised it had vanished. Staff seemed to be not overly enthusiastic.
In contrast, I was very impressed with the new DJ lounge at MEL. For my first visit, I was welcomed at the entry and checked in for my flight. For a mid-afternoon flight, food selection was adequate, with a range of make your own sandwich ingredients as well as soup and small nibbles (chips, nut mix, popcorn). What really stood out was the bar! An excellent selection of beers, with BeezNeez being a personal standout, however, for a regular user, the lack of spirits would become frustrating. Full marks to DJ for this facility, with some outstanding design concepts and use of space, particularly the furnishings and showers, as well as fantastic staff, who were the best Virgin staff on the trip.
Fleet
No new additions for either QF or DJ on this trip for me, with QF providing one of the ‘classic’ 763’s and DJ a 738. One observation I did make was that the 763 really is showing its age, with panels shaking and vibrating (and one even loose) upon landing. Despite this, I still found the QF seat to be much more comfortable over the DJ leather, which was quite stiff to sit on. I found pitch to be very similar on both carriers.
Staff
People do seem to like to whinge about QF staff but I could honestly not fault the staff on this flight. They were all well presented, welcoming and attentive, serving the cabin very efficiently. In contrast, the DJ staff were simply not as polished. The service was not completed, in part due to a strong tailwind leading to an early arrival into SYD. I don’t fully know the process, but serving Flexi’s first and then starting again to offer buy-on-board didn’t seem to be an efficient way of operating.
Food
A bit of a flop! QF was a ‘refreshment’ flight, meaning an ANZAC cookie and can of Coke – nothing special there! DJ were quite rushed in service, and the famous pie was not available, so it was only a packet of M&M’s for me!
IFE
QF only had the projectors running showing sitcom ‘Modern Family’ which was entertaining enough for me, followed by the iPod coming out to pass the rest of the time. DJ had the Live2Air system running complimentary which meant SkyNews followed by some Rugby on Fox Sports. I look forwad to seeing what DJ choose as their new IFE option.
Summary
I didn't find DJ to be overly different in the air to when I last travelled with them in January. In contrast, I found ground service to be much better in terms of general presentation (signage, prioirty lanes) and lounge facilites. I think I might have got lucky with QF having a good crew; I have had different experiences in the past. For today, QF takes the points, however, DJ deserves an honourable mention, and I do look forward to trying them again soon, possbily on a longer flight (A330 to Perth?)
Fare
QF was booked as a Red-e-deal for $95, while the DJ flight was a ‘Saver’ bought on a sale fare of $69.
Check-InFor the QF flight, this was actually going to be my first test of the NGCI system using my very new QP card. I walked up to the pole at SYD T3 expecting something to go wrong, but soon enough, card was presented, booking retrieved and within 5 seconds a text message sent to my phone. Impressive! As I was travelling without checked baggage, a quick walk through security and I was in the QP. Advance seat selection on-line was a bonus. For DJ, I simply checked in at The Lounge. Throughout the terminal at MEL I could see the DJ purple priority lanes (check-in, lounge, security and the gates) and thought it presented an excellent image for the company.
Lounge
I’m quite a fan of the QP at SYD T3, although the fact I generally travel at off peak times (weekends) might explain something, particularly with lack-of crowding. This was a morning flight so breakfast was still available, and for a person who prefers ‘cold’ breakfast to ‘hot’ breakfast, I was reasonably happy for the spread of fruits, yogurts and cereals. I did see something resembling a pancake machine but upon returning, realised it had vanished. Staff seemed to be not overly enthusiastic.
In contrast, I was very impressed with the new DJ lounge at MEL. For my first visit, I was welcomed at the entry and checked in for my flight. For a mid-afternoon flight, food selection was adequate, with a range of make your own sandwich ingredients as well as soup and small nibbles (chips, nut mix, popcorn). What really stood out was the bar! An excellent selection of beers, with BeezNeez being a personal standout, however, for a regular user, the lack of spirits would become frustrating. Full marks to DJ for this facility, with some outstanding design concepts and use of space, particularly the furnishings and showers, as well as fantastic staff, who were the best Virgin staff on the trip.
Fleet
No new additions for either QF or DJ on this trip for me, with QF providing one of the ‘classic’ 763’s and DJ a 738. One observation I did make was that the 763 really is showing its age, with panels shaking and vibrating (and one even loose) upon landing. Despite this, I still found the QF seat to be much more comfortable over the DJ leather, which was quite stiff to sit on. I found pitch to be very similar on both carriers.
Staff
People do seem to like to whinge about QF staff but I could honestly not fault the staff on this flight. They were all well presented, welcoming and attentive, serving the cabin very efficiently. In contrast, the DJ staff were simply not as polished. The service was not completed, in part due to a strong tailwind leading to an early arrival into SYD. I don’t fully know the process, but serving Flexi’s first and then starting again to offer buy-on-board didn’t seem to be an efficient way of operating.
Food
A bit of a flop! QF was a ‘refreshment’ flight, meaning an ANZAC cookie and can of Coke – nothing special there! DJ were quite rushed in service, and the famous pie was not available, so it was only a packet of M&M’s for me!
IFE
QF only had the projectors running showing sitcom ‘Modern Family’ which was entertaining enough for me, followed by the iPod coming out to pass the rest of the time. DJ had the Live2Air system running complimentary which meant SkyNews followed by some Rugby on Fox Sports. I look forwad to seeing what DJ choose as their new IFE option.
Summary
I didn't find DJ to be overly different in the air to when I last travelled with them in January. In contrast, I found ground service to be much better in terms of general presentation (signage, prioirty lanes) and lounge facilites. I think I might have got lucky with QF having a good crew; I have had different experiences in the past. For today, QF takes the points, however, DJ deserves an honourable mention, and I do look forward to trying them again soon, possbily on a longer flight (A330 to Perth?)
