Virgin Australia is the nation’s second largest carrier. As a formerly devoted oneworld frequent flyer, I had no use for them as I wouldn’t earn any points. Things have changed, so it was time to finally try Virgin Australia business class.
The flight cost around AU$350.00 which I thought was quite reasonable. Interestingly I was also able to earn Avios on the flight by crediting it to the Qatar Airways programme, so that was also a nice additional bonus.
Virgin Australia Business Class
Due to my late running Malaysia Airlines service, I thought I was going to miss this separately booked flight. In the end I made it to the gate minutes before boarding started, after one of the most remarkable connecting flight experiences of my life.
VA932 – Brisbane to Sydney (BNE-SYD)
8 March 2026
Boeing 737-800 – VH-YWE – Dreamtime Beach
Seat: Business Class 1A
Departure: 09:05 Arrival: 11:40
Cheerily greeted at the door to the aircraft, I quickly stowed my cabin bag and took my seat in the front row. There are just two rows of business class offered on the Boeing 737 at Virgin Australia.
A Welcome Drink and Safety
While people were boarding, I had a look at the safety card. Everything is presented in rather large graphics, meaning it spread over four pages, rather than the more common one sheet that you flip.
Time for Breakfast
Once everyone was on board, we had the safety demonstration and took to the sky. It seemed the crew member took breakfast orders by status, as she went to people in an unusual order. I elected to have the breakfast, which comprised of scrambled egg, baked beans, potato and bacon, with a coffee to wash it down.
Overall Thoughts
Colour me impressed! Virgin Australia business class is very good. With me being a lover of the food, the whole breakfast presentation was elevated to my eyes, and luckily also very tasty.
Cabin crew are very informal, particularly in their use of language. Whenever the lead was speaking to passengers (some of which are regulars as she recognised them from a previous flight) it was pretty amusing – just the words being used and so on. Far different to the overly formal style I am used to hearing. I’ll be flying with them again, for sure!
What do you think of Virgin Australia? How do they compare to the competition? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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I’ve been a loyal Virgin flyer for many years and was a gold member until recent changes in status credit awards. Luckily my partner still is. Honestly whilst I love business flights when I can get them, I’ve found that getting Economy X seats have much more leg room than certainly the front rows of J and I’m not paying an arm or leg for it. Long haul I might think different but as Virgin only flies single body planes, you’re stuck for more space. I long for the days of flying to LAX, HK in the 333. Anyway great review and lived tha had had such a great experience. I never find a bad flight with Virgin.
Very fair, as the prices can be really expensive overall, so often it’s better just to take something a little less spacious. It doesn’t matter all that much on a short flight anyway, but I certainly enjoyed it. Thanks for the kind words!
Great review of Virgin Australia Business Class! I appreciate the honest take on how it delivers solid comfort and friendly service without trying to compete with long-haul luxury products. The insights on seating, dining, and the lounge experience were especially helpful for setting realistic expectations. It seems like a strong option for domestic travel where value and convenience matter more than full premium frills.
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!