Flight test: V Australia premium economy

Lounge access Alaska Airlines lounge at LAX for Velocity Gold members.

Aircraft condition Still like new, as you would expect, given the airline has been flying for less than two years.

Comfort Premium economy is all about the leg room. At 184 centimetres tall, I can fully extend my legs under the chair in front and, when slumped down in the seat, my knees remain free of the seat in front of me. I can never sleep in standard economy seats but manage a few solid hours in this class.

Console/entertainment 26.9-centimetre screen, USB port and highly effective noise-cancelling earphones. Excellent range of on-demand movies, television shows and games. I use the text chat function to communicate with my girlfriend in economy.

Service Drink orders are taken and delivered individually. Crew are pleasant, if not overwhelmingly friendly.

Food and beverage Differs little from standard economy fare. The mild chicken curry is bland and the rice overcooked. Breakfast — scrambled eggs and processed bacon — is much the same. The accompaniments (salad with dinner, fruit and yoghurt with breakfast) are better. Four wines and a good range of other alcoholic beverages are offered.

Amenities Neat little wallet contains fold-up toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, eye-mask and socks.

Flight frequency LA to Sydney six times a week, to Melbourne twice a week. Premium economy return seat is currently $2529 (standard economy is $949).

Online Vaustralia.com.au.

Tested by Craig Platt, who flew courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission.