Virgin Airways - MEL - CNS (Cairns)
FLIGHT 1293: MELBOURNE - CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
Refreshingly honest best describes Virgin Australia's approach to domestic business class—they don't pretend to be something they're not. On Flight 1293 from Melbourne to Cairns, aboard one of their ten Boeing 737-8 aircraft (yes, the rebranded 737 ‘MAX’ 8 that most passengers would rather ignore), the airline delivers where it matters most: service and sustenance. Our nearly three-hour journey began with the familiar dance of departure delays—twelve minutes late off the blocks—yet we touched down in tropical Cairns a respectable fifteen minutes ahead of schedule.
The aircraft itself, a mere two years old, represents Virgin's commitment to maintaining a modern fleet, even if the MAX moniker carries unwelcome baggage for nervous flyers. Those genuinely concerned might take comfort in knowing that the 737 MAX now ranks among the most scrutinised and monitored aircraft in commercial aviation—a silver lining to its troubled introduction.
Settled into seat 2C, the business class experience reveals its domestic limitations immediately. The nearly 50cm (19.5-inch) seat width and a bit under 1m (38-inch) pitch provide adequate comfort without approaching international standards. Storage proves thoughtfully arranged with bins flanking the seat and behind the forward seatback—practical touches that matter on shorter sectors. Virgin's candid approach to onboard amenities deserves applause. No entertainment system? They tell you upfront. Patchy WiFi? They warn you accordingly. Yet paradoxically, the WiFi performed flawlessly throughout the flight—a pleasant surprise that allowed for productive airtime.
Where Virgin Australia truly excels is in the galley. The scrambled eggs with chicken sausages defied every expectation of airline breakfast fare. Rarely does one encounter genuinely edible scrambled eggs at 35,000 feet, yet these were exceptional—fluffy, well-seasoned, and accompanied by quality sausages and crispy potatoes. The mandatory glass of bubbles elevated the experience appropriately, followed by a comprehensive beverage service that continued throughout the flight. An hour post-breakfast, the crew circulated with snack baskets offering crisps, nuts, and chocolates—a thoughtful touch that demonstrates Virgin's understanding of passenger needs on longer domestic sectors.
The Melbourne Virgin Lounge provided a civilised pre-flight experience. Spacious and uncrowded during morning hours, it offered a proper breakfast spread including sausages, scrambled eggs, toasted sandwich fixings, and cereals. The only notable omission? Baked beans—a breakfast staple that would have completed the offering perfectly.
The Seasoned Traveller's Verdict
Virgin Australia Flight 1293 exemplifies honest domestic business class service. While the hard product—seating, entertainment, amenities—clearly reflects domestic rather than international standards, the soft product excels. Exceptional catering, attentive service, and realistic expectations create a thoroughly satisfactory experience. For discerning travellers seeking value over pretension on Australian domestic routes, Virgin delivers genuine comfort without inflated promises. Sometimes, getting the basics brilliantly right trumps flashy features that disappoint.
