Had my first Rex experience yesterday - ZL367 BNE-SYD - scheduled 5pm departure which actually left at 7.46pm. So not a great start... but they did hand out refreshment vouchers, which in addition to the vouchers they usually give for biz pax at BNE due to lack of lounge meant we had $50 to spend between two of us, which went towards drinks that were nicer than we would have found in an airline lounge, so not a total loss.
Once onboard, things improved. We were on an ex-GOL aircraft which had the brand new biz seats (same as Virgin's new seats) but with vast legroom and impressive recline - seemed like around 50" seat pitch. Very nice, but also very space inefficient.
Service was incredibly friendly and proactive. Pre-departure beverages (OJ or still/sparkling water with lemon) were a nice touch. Meal choice was roast chicken or a fairly elaborate sounding salad, both described in detail. I had the chicken, which was genuinely delicious, washed down with Phillip Shaw No.19 sauvignon blanc, which was a decent drop (and several refils offered). Good quality, warmed bread roll on the side. Dessert was a small but delicious lemon cake, plus a small chocolate.
Presentation in cardboard and paper is a bit different, but felt well executed and still relatively premium. Quality and flavour was very impressive - notably better than QF or VA domestic biz meals from last year or two. Colour me impressed (on time performance notwithstanding) especially on a ticket costing less than VA or QF did in coach. Would I fly them again - yes, but the lack of alternative flight options or backup aircraft to adapt to delay situations like this would make me pause.
