On our first ever overseas trip as a family my brother organised business class tickets as a Christmas treat (and an obvious reward for being a brilliant big sister for the last 30 years!). We were unsure what to expect and I must admit that I was a bundle of nerves leading up to the trip. I couldn’t believe that a small family from Sydney’s West were going to experience such an opportunity!
Our experience with Virgin Australia domestically has always been exceptional. Management have an eye for detail that certainly appeals to both the new generation, the X generation and even Baby Boomers alike. They’re hip but classy, with a certain edginess that makes them stand out from the rest. I was expecting the same from Business but it was oh so much more.
Boarding the plane via the business cabin was a rush. Moving to our seats and meeting our personal assistant for the flight, Angela, was surreal. *Cue pinching* Miss N loudly stated to her brother “My gosh….we have a slave!” Blushing, I explained that not quite. I was in heaven when Angela said “now kids, for the next 10 hours you talk to me if you need anything. Let mum relax”
Our pre-take off drinks arrived. Hot towels to freshen up. Breakfast orders for the morning and then the most exquisite lunch menu. How could we ever go back to Economy?
Once our plane ascended and levelled out, the seat belt lights were turned off. Immediately the kids asked if they could turn their seats into beds. I was worried that this would disrupt those around us but Angela assured me that what we did with our seats would have no impact on those in front or behind us. Go for it kids!
Blankets and pillows were soon produced and the kids reclined to watch a movie with their Virgin supplied noise canceling headphones. Those headphones became my best friend! I didn’t hear boo from either Master R or Miss N for a solid 90 minutes!
At some point lunch was produced. Entree, main, cheese platter and then dessert. Real silverware. Real china. It was like eating out in a fabulous restaurant! The kids were a little picky about what they would eat, but again our hostess smoothly adapted a few pieces of the menu to provide them the perfect meal finished off with Serendipity Chocolate Ice Cream.
Master R roamed the cabin at times, moving to the bar area with T to pace a little and stretch his legs. A few hours in and Miss N watched another movie before falling asleep. My big bag of tricks (colouring books, craft, lego and play doh) was ignored for the entire trip. The iPad stayed packed away.
It wasn’t until about 2-3 hours before our descent into LA that a gentle nudge from our hostess woke me for breakfast. With the kids fast asleep I enjoyed my breakfast in peace before waking them so their seats could be lifted for landing.
How does one accept anything but Business class after this ride? Wow! It was amazing and I feel extremely blessed to have a wonderful little brother who gifted us this opportunity.
One day ill travel business class!! Looks like such a better way to travel then cramped economy!
Having flown with Virgin from Sydney to LA last year (economy) I can vouch for their service, even in lowly economy. I suspect the comfort of being able to lay down to sleep would make all the difference – what an amazing opportunity!
We’re usually economy flyers Kirsty so it was such an amazing experience. All that extra room was so, so good