Flight test: V Australia economy class

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This was published 14 years ago

Flight test: V Australia economy class

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V Australia Boeing 777-300ER.

Sydney to Los Angeles.

Economy, seat 28A.

32 inches between rows of seats; 18.9 inches between armrests. Claimed to be "the most generous economy crossing the Pacific" but we're talking the difference of an inch.

Three rows of three, so average families are split.

Two pieces of checked-in luggage weighing a total of 32 kilograms and carry-on of seven kilograms.

13½ hours.

Perfect.

The airline proposes "a fresh approach to long-haul international travel" but economy passengers are still in the departure-lounge doldrums (except for gold Velocity members).

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777s have voluminous cabins that, psychologically at least, lessen the squish factor. Add the marginally larger seat size and it's possibly as comfortable as economy ever can be. Tray tables don't crease the gut, armrests lift, headrests have those little wings for some head support.

The RED back-of-seat system is as good as you'd want: hundreds of options for viewing, audio and games. There's a USB port for MP3s or holiday snaps.

Virgin crews are always friendly and fun but on this flight they seemed somewhat at sea during meal service and out of sight in between. One passenger ended up returning her spent meal tray to an attendant. It was probably teething troubles for a new crew.

The two meals were par for the course but nothing special. The big shock is you get only one alcoholic drink and thereafter you pay. There's also a lame "self service" at each galley, rendering the aisles busy and having everyone playing the "excuse me"' game when squeezing out of seats.

Pillow, blanket, socks, earplugs, entertainment guide all present and correct. No in-flight magazine or bathroom amenities pack (bring your own toothbrush).

Daily from Sydney and Melbourne.

vaustralia.com.au.

On board V Australia


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