October 2026 | VA909 | SYD to BNE
First of four flights in a return trip to Vanuatu via Brisbane.
VA is still stuck in the dark ages when it comes to online check-in for international flights, which is making things increasingly complicated now that they are closing airport check-in counters. Fortunately in Sydney the priority desk was still open and the lovely agent was able to check us in and tag bags all the way to Port Vila. There was also an international connections desk, I presume that was for people part-way through a journey rather than at the start but from the sounds of it basically all the desks are eventually going to go.
The priority security line was not in operation however wasn't required so early in the morning and there was no trouble finding a seat in the lounge.
Boarding at Gate 43 was via stairs and only used the front door, a bit annoying given some light rain but otherwise fine. To help speed things up the PDBs were held until everyone had boarded, our CM then came around to introduce herself and offer orange juice or water.
Once in the air (a few minutes later than scheduled) breakfast orders were taken 1AC, 1DF, 2AC, 2DF with the choices being scrambled eggs with shakshuka, chorizo and pita or crumpet with spiced apple and mascarpone. I chose the scrambled eggs and an orange juice. An announcement was made after takeoff noting no hot beverages would be served and this applied to the Business cabin too, due to cruise time being shorter than usual. Didn't bother me but some other passengers seemed disappointed.
It was a nice breakfast although the tray does look a little sparse! Something on the side to replace the usual cheese and crackers would be nice.
Service afterwards was pretty limited due to how quick the flight was. It was nice to see the curtain divider installed, although many (myself included) were making jokes about it at the start it does seem to work well, it attaches magnetically to the back of the seats in Row 2 and hopefully makes things easier for the crew!
