Can I just say your commitment to providing travel content speaks volumes. I really enjoy your videos, and if I may be bias, enjoy seeing a fellow Adelaidean on TH-cam 😁
Thanks for the memories Adam! Im still decompressing from my trip to QLD after 4 weeks! Great weather in Cairns compared to when I was there... I notice VA crew have the flexibility to tailor the meal service so my ADL PER flight was different from yours, which is a far longer one than yours, no pre dinner bar service. Even on a short ADL MEL flight, I've had different style service on different flights.
Wow - that's really interesting about crew being able to tailor their service. I guess it means the service really is personal and sometimes memorable. :)
Great video again. Looks a decent flight and value for the money. Think I’d do it as well although I am always intrigued that airlines cannot seem to present meals nicely - it might have tasted nice but it did look as if it had just been dumped into the bowl. They could have used ice cream scoops for the mash (for example) so it sat better than the chicken next to it. Looking forward to the train trip - always wondered about doing it myself for a day trip (we went through Warnambool a month ago for a holiday in Port Fairy just down the road)
Thank you! I guess with most Australian domestic flights being relatively short, meal presentation might not be a priority compared to getting the meals out as quick as possible. Interesting observation. I really enjoyed the trip to Warrnambool so hopefully the video can do it justice. ☺️
@@FromtheWindowSeat true. I used to fly the old Virgin often enough that I had lounge access ( I liked them much better than Qantas lounges) but not since the pandemic and Administration.
A very good report. Photography amazing.The VA lounge in my home port Cairns was closed when in receivership and unfortunately hasn't reopened. It was a great lounge with amazing staff and views. VA's business class is a bargain. Always above expectations with service, food, seating and then there's the value for money paid. My airline of choice.
I have to say Virgin has been a lot easier to deal with than Qantas during the pandemic, Virgin I think are Australia s best domestic airline, just need to bring back the complimentary snacks for the economy passengers to be complete.
I’m sorry but Virgin has had very close to $5000 of my family’s money for over 2 years and will not refund I’m sure there are heaps more They the airline and people who run it are Thief’s
@@robertcleveland2038 that's unfortunate, would love to say you would have better luck with Qantas but you won't. Hope you get what's owed to you returned
Another piece of gem from the blogger Mr. Adams. Highly informative and amazing Video 👏👏. Keep waiting for more videos. A lots of love ❤️❤️ from India.
Some advice for the future if you want to film planes if you go to the Qantas lounge at the top next to the escalator there is a little window that you can see the tarmac from and it also has history and artefacts from cairns airport
Great Video Sir ! I will be travelling with Virgin Australia next March on two flights 1 in economy and 1 in business class. I think I made the right choice...:):):) Qantas prices were very high...:(:(:(
Another great review. I love Cairns but Cairns airport is disappointing that it doesnt have views outside, except from the Qantas lounge. I have yet to fly in Business Class on Virgin. Good to see the seat and food served. Very cool they gave a pre-dinner drink and snack. Decent sized meal too.
Thank you! Yes, the lack of windows is disappearing although someone suggested to me it might be related to reducing risk during cyclones, but I don’t know if that’s true. The Virgin onboard experience was great. 😃
Good video, as with all yours. I often use VA Business Class, plus occasionally Rex. Given VA, QF and Rex all use the same B787-800s I don't know why people still use QF, unless of course the boss is paying and they're chasing their FF points. But there must have been a bargain going around last year cos the fares are now considerably more. VA's cheapest oneway now in Business CNS-ADL is $519, still so much better value than QF at $937.
That 15 Departure from YBCS tends to get the uninitiated to react. Ive seen funny comments from there like ; "UH OH we are going back" to looks of distress! You can get lucky there sometimes arriving and fly the 33 approach which is very scenic up the valleys from south of Cairns.
Hi Adam, great video as usual - I'm so glad your next video is going to be a train video - some of us incorrigible AvGeeks are also RailGeeks as well! Question: Is there any reason for the price differential? I mean VA and QF are pretty similar in terms of their service - I've flown them domestically on multiple services, and I didn't see a huge difference (unless things have changed recently). Is there something that distinguishes QF on this route, so that they can charge more?
Qantas does have the advantage of having a lounge (albeit a Qantas Club) in Cairns which VA does not. However, I think the main reason for the difference is that since Virgin Australia 2.0, VA has offered a lot more competitive business (ie reasonably priced) business fares. I think their business fares used to be quite a bit more. Whereas Qantas has just kept theirs at the same level.
That's bloody good value! The only thing I'd say in QFs favour is if you're flying SYD-CNS they do have a widebody A330 flight in the morning and the J class on that is absolutely stunning. That'd be worth the extra for... or at least worth paying points for. Definitely wouldn't want to do the ADL-CNS route on an E-jet though... that's not what you expect when booking QF on a transcontinental route.
Sadly, in the nine months since this video came out, prices have doubled on both airlines. Oh well. Must say though, the Virgin business class product looks more like premium economy. Thanks for the video!
Absolutely agree on the value versus Qantas. Lamenting the fact that Virgin no longer fly direct between the Sunshine Coast and Adelaide though. My nonagenarian mother flew Virgin Business class on that leg a couple of times. Now only Jetstar direct as a very poor alternative.
@@FromtheWindowSeat Said mother also appears in your Great Southern Rail video from December 2021. She was in Car A, Seat 1, and has a cameo in the Parliament House kitchen tour. I can be seen lurking at the 2:56 mark on the platform waiting for the train to leave. Small world!
Nice one Adam, I wouldn't do this flight in Economy with VA, Business class just looks too apealing on a flight that long. Great video, looking forward to seeing some more reviews!
Adam two things. First, I think you will find Virgin does have a lounge at Cairns and secondly, 737 800 seating config with VA is 6 business classes, not 8?
Hi Gordon. I believe Virgin permanently closed their Cairns lounge in 2020. VA has eight business seats on their 737-800s. www.seatguru.com/airlines/Virgin_Australia/Virgin_Australia_Boeing_737-800_Business.php
I found them listed here but on closer inspection perhaps they're freight only: www.cairnsairport.com.au/assets/FlightSchedules/WeekForecastSchIntArr.pdf
Just a wild out of the box guess (don’t live up there). Could the lack of windows be a potential cyclone protection for any people that didn’t get out before it hit? To preserve the integrity of the building and those that sought refuge in it? Just a guess of course - it just might be a crpy design as wel 🤣
Cairns Airport is soulless and sterile despite the upgrade. For a tropical holiday destination I would have expected lots of tropical plants in the terminal to give it a more welcoming feel. There is very little natural light and the airbridge is accessed by way of horrible concrete walkways. Not impressed at all. The luggage area is more like a warehouse. Cairns is such a lovely city but this crappy airport is not a nice introduction. Bring in a new design team......perhaps from Changi in Singapore!
For business, you’d expect something other than cheese and crackers with the meal. A bit of cake, fruit salad, whatever. And sometimes there’s weird choices like a frittata with a bunch of baked beans. Who wants to eat beans on a flight? I tried one to have a taste and it’s reasonable but it’s just the wrong type of thing comfort wise. Lounge food is also very patchy…gluey pasta, limp salads, average soups like overly tomato-y Minestrone … Could be way better. Maybe menus could be curated by one of the many talented chefs we have in Australia…
@@FromtheWindowSeat we’ve been flying on it monthly- lounge and flight experience has gone downhill massively since start of year . Cabin and ground crew is always lovely tho
I have flown Virgin domestic a few times now...and after flying Virgin economy class, I won't fly with anyone else, unless there is an emergency and need to fly to Sydney at the last minute. Qantas isn't too bad, will leave their cheapy brand alone, unless I am desperate. Virgin staff were very attentive on my flights...I really can't complain at all. Might one day take the plunge and fly business class.
A lecture? It’s a brief acknowledgment of country. Unfortunately they don’t often name the traditional owners and country (eg Kaurna land) so it becomes a bit generic.
Can I just say your commitment to providing travel content speaks volumes. I really enjoy your videos, and if I may be bias, enjoy seeing a fellow Adelaidean on TH-cam 😁
Wow - that’s wonderful to hear. Thank you! ☺️
Outstanding trip report and perfect editing.
Thanks so much!
Thanks Adam , I so enjoy your videos the attention to detail is great . 👍
Thank you Alex. Great to hear that! 🙏
Great reviews and heaps of smiles from you throughout the vid makes it all the better!
Thank you kindly!
Great video, very detailed and nice of you to include recommendations. You’ve earned a subscriber
Thank you!
Great video + great views🇦🇺✈️👍
Many thanks!
@@FromtheWindowSeat w
Welcome mate. Well deserved🍻
A brilliant 👏 review Adam ... you never disappoint well done mate
Thank you! Appreciate that.
Amazing video! Looks like a solid business class product
Thanks you! Yes, I’d recommend it. 😃
Great video again. Keep up the quality videos.
Thanks so much! ☺️
Really well made video!
Thank you!
The landscapes, clouds and aerial shots of Adelaide were amazing! Great definition/clarity. Excited to see a Victorian train journey next 😁
That’s great to hear. Thank you! 😃
That’s REALLY good value for Business Class! I think Virgin has it all over QANTAS as far as Business Class travel is concerned.
Cheers!
Thanks for the memories Adam! Im still decompressing from my trip to QLD after 4 weeks! Great weather in Cairns compared to when I was there... I notice VA crew have the flexibility to tailor the meal service so my ADL PER flight was different from yours, which is a far longer one than yours, no pre dinner bar service. Even on a short ADL MEL flight, I've had different style service on different flights.
Wow - that's really interesting about crew being able to tailor their service. I guess it means the service really is personal and sometimes memorable. :)
Another good video, can wait to see your Bonza reviews when they launch.
Thank you!
Great video again. Looks a decent flight and value for the money. Think I’d do it as well although I am always intrigued that airlines cannot seem to present meals nicely - it might have tasted nice but it did look as if it had just been dumped into the bowl. They could have used ice cream scoops for the mash (for example) so it sat better than the chicken next to it.
Looking forward to the train trip - always wondered about doing it myself for a day trip (we went through Warnambool a month ago for a holiday in Port Fairy just down the road)
Thank you! I guess with most Australian domestic flights being relatively short, meal presentation might not be a priority compared to getting the meals out as quick as possible. Interesting observation.
I really enjoyed the trip to Warrnambool so hopefully the video can do it justice. ☺️
@@FromtheWindowSeat true. I used to fly the old Virgin often enough that I had lounge access ( I liked them much better than Qantas lounges) but not since the pandemic and Administration.
Hi Adam enjoyed video I'm like you I love looking at the landscape and the clouds. The food looked very tasty
Hi Maureen. Glad to hear that - thank you!
A very good report. Photography amazing.The VA lounge in my home port Cairns was closed when in receivership and unfortunately hasn't reopened. It was a great lounge with amazing staff and views. VA's business class is a bargain. Always above expectations with service, food, seating and then there's the value for money paid. My airline of choice.
Thank you so much! Yes, VA's business class seems such good value. Pity the VA lounge closed.
great vid mate
Thank you!
Just discovered your channel.....and glad I did! P.S- so glad Crystal Versace won RPDR UK! You have been happy with Ella Vaday too!
Yay and welcome! 😁 I loved every one of the top three so would have been happy with any of them! 🥳
I have to say Virgin has been a lot easier to deal with than Qantas during the pandemic, Virgin I think are Australia
s best domestic airline, just need to bring back the complimentary snacks for the economy passengers to be complete.
Yes, I’ve heard quite a few people say that. Particularly given the crazy phone wait times for Qantas.
I’m sorry but Virgin has had very close to $5000 of my family’s money for over 2 years and will not refund I’m sure there are heaps more
They the airline and people who run it are Thief’s
@@robertcleveland2038 that's unfortunate, would love to say you would have better luck with Qantas but you won't. Hope you get what's owed to you returned
Another piece of gem from the blogger Mr. Adams.
Highly informative and amazing Video 👏👏.
Keep waiting for more videos.
A lots of love ❤️❤️ from India.
Wonderful feedback - thank you! :)
Some advice for the future if you want to film planes if you go to the Qantas lounge at the top next to the escalator there is a little window that you can see the tarmac from and it also has history and artefacts from cairns airport
Oh cool - thanks! Will have to check it out.
Always enjoy your videos. When are you coming to Perth?
Thank you! Hopefully in late May. :)
Great Video Sir ! I will be travelling with Virgin Australia next March on two flights 1 in economy and 1 in business class.
I think I made the right choice...:):):)
Qantas prices were very high...:(:(:(
Thank you! Yes, Virgin is almost always better value than Qantas. ;)
Another great review. I love Cairns but Cairns airport is disappointing that it doesnt have views outside, except from the Qantas lounge.
I have yet to fly in Business Class on Virgin. Good to see the seat and food served. Very cool they gave a pre-dinner drink and snack. Decent sized meal too.
Thank you! Yes, the lack of windows is disappearing although someone suggested to me it might be related to reducing risk during cyclones, but I don’t know if that’s true. The Virgin onboard experience was great. 😃
Good video, as with all yours. I often use VA Business Class, plus occasionally Rex. Given VA, QF and Rex all use the same B787-800s I don't know why people still use QF, unless of course the boss is paying and they're chasing their FF points. But there must have been a bargain going around last year cos the fares are now considerably more. VA's cheapest oneway now in Business CNS-ADL is $519, still so much better value than QF at $937.
Thank you! Yes, fares have certainly increased considerably … although VA still offers better value for money, as you say.
Can you make videos of top places to visit in Adelaide any time you go there next.
That 15 Departure from YBCS tends to get the uninitiated to react. Ive seen funny comments from there like ; "UH OH we are going back" to looks of distress! You can get lucky there sometimes arriving and fly the 33 approach which is very scenic up the valleys from south of Cairns.
Ah - I see, yes I can understand why people might react like that. The 33 approach sounds wonderful! :)
Hi Adam, great video as usual - I'm so glad your next video is going to be a train video - some of us incorrigible AvGeeks are also RailGeeks as well! Question: Is there any reason for the price differential? I mean VA and QF are pretty similar in terms of their service - I've flown them domestically on multiple services, and I didn't see a huge difference (unless things have changed recently). Is there something that distinguishes QF on this route, so that they can charge more?
Qantas does have the advantage of having a lounge (albeit a Qantas Club) in Cairns which VA does not. However, I think the main reason for the difference is that since Virgin Australia 2.0, VA has offered a lot more competitive business (ie reasonably priced) business fares. I think their business fares used to be quite a bit more. Whereas Qantas has just kept theirs at the same level.
That's bloody good value! The only thing I'd say in QFs favour is if you're flying SYD-CNS they do have a widebody A330 flight in the morning and the J class on that is absolutely stunning. That'd be worth the extra for... or at least worth paying points for. Definitely wouldn't want to do the ADL-CNS route on an E-jet though... that's not what you expect when booking QF on a transcontinental route.
Yes, fair point. Widebody is hard to beat! 👌
Sadly, in the nine months since this video came out, prices have doubled on both airlines.
Oh well.
Must say though, the Virgin business class product looks more like premium economy.
Thanks for the video!
Yes, airfares have certainly skyrocketed. Thanks for watching!
Absolutely agree on the value versus Qantas. Lamenting the fact that Virgin no longer fly direct between the Sunshine Coast and Adelaide though. My nonagenarian mother flew Virgin Business class on that leg a couple of times. Now only Jetstar direct as a very poor alternative.
Agreed. I was booked Adelaide to Sunshine Coast with VA in December but they cancelled the direct flights so booked me via Sydney instead. 😒
@@FromtheWindowSeat Said mother also appears in your Great Southern Rail video from December 2021. She was in Car A, Seat 1, and has a cameo in the Parliament House kitchen tour. I can be seen lurking at the 2:56 mark on the platform waiting for the train to leave. Small world!
@@angelovendicatoreboycott-c2242 wow. There you go. 😄
Nice one Adam, I wouldn't do this flight in Economy with VA, Business class just looks too apealing on a flight that long. Great video, looking forward to seeing some more reviews!
Thanks Aidan! Yeah, it's definitely worth it for a flight this long. :)
Adam two things. First, I think you will find Virgin does have a lounge at Cairns and secondly, 737 800 seating config with VA is 6 business classes, not 8?
Hi Gordon. I believe Virgin permanently closed their Cairns lounge in 2020. VA has eight business seats on their 737-800s.
www.seatguru.com/airlines/Virgin_Australia/Virgin_Australia_Boeing_737-800_Business.php
Flights to Kong Kong? Are you sure?
I found them listed here but on closer inspection perhaps they're freight only:
www.cairnsairport.com.au/assets/FlightSchedules/WeekForecastSchIntArr.pdf
One thing I don’t like about Cairns airport is the lack of windows!
Agreed!
Just a wild out of the box guess (don’t live up there). Could the lack of windows be a potential cyclone protection for any people that didn’t get out before it hit? To preserve the integrity of the building and those that sought refuge in it? Just a guess of course - it just might be a crpy design as wel 🤣
Cairns Airport is soulless and sterile despite the upgrade. For a tropical holiday destination I would have expected lots of tropical plants in the terminal to give it a more welcoming feel. There is very little natural light and the airbridge is accessed by way of horrible concrete walkways. Not impressed at all. The luggage area is more like a warehouse. Cairns is such a lovely city but this crappy airport is not a nice introduction. Bring in a new design team......perhaps from Changi in Singapore!
@@xr6lad ahh yes I never thought of that. Could be.
Any relation to Alan? ;)
Afraid not. Ha!
8:43 "Fried rice with rice"... What's that like??
Oops - I think that one slipped through! :P
For business, you’d expect something other than cheese and crackers with the meal. A bit of cake, fruit salad, whatever. And sometimes there’s weird choices like a frittata with a bunch of baked beans. Who wants to eat beans on a flight? I tried one to have a taste and it’s reasonable but it’s just the wrong type of thing comfort wise.
Lounge food is also very patchy…gluey pasta, limp salads, average soups like overly tomato-y Minestrone …
Could be way better. Maybe menus could be curated by one of the many talented chefs we have in Australia…
Fair call. I think service has improved since I made this.
@@FromtheWindowSeat we’ve been flying on it monthly- lounge and flight experience has gone downhill massively since start of year . Cabin and ground crew is always lovely tho
@@Lilducktator oh right. Sad to hear that. 😞
RU PAUL😁😆😆😆
Good spotting … that must mean you’re a true fan too! 😜💁♀️🥳
Cairns to Adelaide in 3 hours?
The exact time was two hours and 58 minutes but you have to add the taxi time etc.
@@FromtheWindowSeat
Yep, I actually would've thought it was longer.....oh well, my bad, should've consulted my RNC's and done the calcs myself...... 😁
I have flown Virgin domestic a few times now...and after flying Virgin economy class, I won't fly with anyone else, unless there is an emergency and need to fly to Sydney at the last minute. Qantas isn't too bad, will leave their cheapy brand alone, unless I am desperate. Virgin staff were very attentive on my flights...I really can't complain at all. Might one day take the plunge and fly business class.
That's good to hear.
I might have to change over to Virgin from QANTAS. At least on Virgin you don't get a lecture about Aboriginal Land rights
A lecture? It’s a brief acknowledgment of country. Unfortunately they don’t often name the traditional owners and country (eg Kaurna land) so it becomes a bit generic.