Airline review: Air Vanuatu economy, Sydney to Port Vila

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Airline review: Air Vanuatu economy, Sydney to Port Vila

It's a short and friendly flight to one of the happiest places on earth, but it could be a bit dull of you don't BYOD.

By Annie Dang
Updated
Air Vanuatu offers friendly, no-frills service.

Air Vanuatu offers friendly, no-frills service.

THE ROUTE

Sydney to Port Vila, Vanuatu.

THE PLANE

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Boeing 737-800.

THE LOYALTY SCHEME

Qantas Frequent Flyer (through partnership).

Passengers arrive at Port Vila airport after a flight from Sydney.

Passengers arrive at Port Vila airport after a flight from Sydney.Credit: Annie Dang

CLASS

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Economy, 4B.

DURATION

Just under three and a half hours.

FREQUENCY

Air Vanuatu flies from Sydney to Port Vila six days a week, and from Brisbane three times a week (with a once-weekly non-stop service to and from Espiritu Santo). Air Vanuatu operates a direct service from Melbourne weekly at peak periods of the year.

THE SEAT

There are 170 seats (162 economy seats and eight business class seats) and 29 rows on board the Boeing 737-800. The seats are laid out in a 3-3 configuration and have a decent amount of leg room. The seat widths are 16.5 inches (41.91cm) in economy and 20.5 inches (52.07cm) in business . Seat pitches are 30 inches (76.2cm) in economy and 39 inches (99.06cm) in business. Seats in rows one and two are allocated to business class passengers, while row three are economy seats with extra leg room.

BAGGAGE

Economy-class passengers are allowed up to 23 kilograms of checked baggage and one carry-on item of no more than seven kilograms. Business-class passengers are allowed up to 30 kilograms of checked baggage and two carry-on bags not exceeding seven kilograms. The airline allows passengers travelling together to pool their baggage allowance if they all check in together at the airport.

ENTERTAINMENT

There are no personal screens on this flight. An overhead LCD TV is fitted for every four rows, making it a little hard to see, especially for those who are short-sighted, like me. And if you are within distance of a screen, don't expect to watch the latest Hollywood release. You're most likely to be watching in-flight informational videos on what to see and do in Vanuatu – on repeat. For some, this could become tedious. My advice, BYOD (bring your own device), be that a laptop, tablet, or phone, or maybe even a book. Or you can have a read through the in-flight magazine, listen to the in-flight audio channels or have a quick snooze.

COMFORT

There is a surprising amount of leg space, enough so that during meal service chairs don't have to be returned to the upright position. The seats are comfortable enough to pass the next two or so hours sitting down. It's a mid-week, mid-morning flight, which could account for the plane not being at full capacity. After take-off, passengers help themselves to vacant rows, with the middle seats mostly remaining empty.

SERVICE

For a short flight, the service is efficient and friendly. The smiling cabin staff are polite and cheery, much like the vibrant aqua blues of their uniform, reminding you that you're heading to one of the happiest places on earth. Food service is efficient but not rushed, and passengers are patient waiting for the trolley to roll down the cabin aisle. Within half an hour, food service is over and you're left to enjoy the pleasant flight to Port Vila.

FOOD

The food in economy is simple and enough to fill you up. Meals options include beef pie or cheese and ham panini, with fruit, a cookie and a beverage. Food service is efficient, which is perfect for a short flight. The airline does offer specific meal requirements for health or religious reasons, which is fantastic for travellers who are gluten or lactose intolerant. Passengers will need to advise the airline or the travel agent when booking. Meal options are also available when you book online.

ONE MORE THING

Air Vanuatu temporarily suspended flights ahead of Cyclone Pam, which caused damage to Port Vila's Bauerfield International Airport in March 2015. The airline resumed flights to the Vanuatu capital on March 16, 2015. In April, Air Vanuatu signed a new code-share agreement with Fiji Airways. The agreement will see seven flights a week between the two island nations and offer their customers code-share access to flights to and from Port Vila, as well as interlining capability from each airline's gateway points.

THE VERDICT

There were no frills on this short but decent flight. From take off to touchdown, it was pleasant and relaxing. The seat was relatively comfy, but comfort doesn't matter much for a flight that is less than three hours. As you disembark, island-themed songs – both catchy and upbeat – play over the main speaker, drumming in the fact you have just arrived on "island time". You might also find yourself in the mood for a pina colada poolside once you get to your hotel.

Tested by Annie Dang, who flew courtesy of Air Vanuatu (airvanuatu.com) and Vanuatu Tourism.

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