I’m gonna throw it straight out there – I think Virgin Australia’s new Business Class is better than Emirates Business Class. I know I know, it’s a wild statement, especially considering the Emirates business class is regarded as one of the best in the world alongside the likes of Singapore Airlines and Qatar.
I wasn’t really sure if this was something you would all want to read about, but after flying on VA’s business class twice now, I just had to tell you more about it and how you can upgrade yourself to business for much cheaper than paying for it outright!
So, are you ready for my Virgin Australia Business Class review? Let’s go!
The thing is, flying Virgin Australia business class was a dream.
Not in the sense of ‘zomg I’ve totes always dreamt of flying VA in Biz’, but more that the journey was so bloody dreamy.
It was so easy, the staff were so nice, and the product itself is so beautifully classy and sophisticated.
I first flew with Virgin Australia in their new business class back in November when I moved to Sydney.
I actually bought an economy ticket, and then upgraded it (#treatyoself) using their UpgradeMe bidding platform.
I think the upgrade cost me about $450 (£250), which was so worth it considering Perth to Sydney is a 4-5 hour domestic flight.
Pre-boarding Experience with Virgin Australia
The On-Board Business Class Experience
The cabin and seat itself was all black, silver, and purple.
Everything looked brand new, and just generally really classy.
It was insanely comfortable, and even though I was flying during the day I happily angled the bed so it was almost laying flat so I could chill out and watch a coupla films on the huge widescreen TV.
It felt pretty private, and the 1-2-1 configuration means everyone has direct access to the aisle, so no climbing over people (*cough* BA).
And then came the food. Probably some of the best airline food I’ve ever had (yes, even better than Emirates, and up there with Cathay Pacific who I still think serves the best airline food). I mean, just look at it!
To start I had the delicious Chicken fattoush salad…
How Virgin Australia’s Business Class Compares to Others
Every time I’ve flown with Virgin Australia the staff have been absolutely amazing, and definitely up there with Singapore Airlines’ staff. From the check-in staff right through to the on-board staff.
Even when I’ve flown economy on VA they’ve been incredible too. I flew from Sydney to Perth on Christmas Eve last year, and despite being stuck on a plane all day, the staff made the experience so much more enjoyable.
New Business Class is Only Available on Certain Planes
If you want to test out VA’s new business class, make sure you check which plane you’re booking as some of the planes still have the old (rubbish) business class.
To have the chance to experience the new business class for far cheaper than buying an outright business ticket, book an economy ticket with Virgin Australia, and then use their UpgradeMe function to bid on an upgrade.
I just put in the lowest amount (you could choose between $450-$1500 for my particular Perth – Sydney flight) and 48 hours before the flight they confirmed my upgrade bid had been successful.
It’s safe to say I arrived in Sydney last November ready to start my new life feeling relaxed, happy, and excited for the future, and then arrived back in Perth ready to take on Asia! But, more about that trip coming up over the next coupla weeks… 😉 stay tuned!
Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of Content Marketing at Amazon by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.
Awww hell yiiiiis to bidding for Business Class flights! I used that trick to get a flat bed from K.L to Seoul for only £45 (WHUT) – I'm surprised more airlines don't do that to fill up empty seats rather than kick off passengers because of overbooking *cough* United *cough*.
How did you resist the urge to take those salt & pepper shakers though?! They are too cute! x
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The aeroplane geek in me loves reading airline reviews! We flew Qantas to Australia and I was really impressed with the food and wine but not the seats. Virgin Australia looks like it covers both!
I haven't flown with either airline although I have experienced business and upper in a few other airlines (I think the best was Qatar Airways' food) and I have to say, if the food and service are good (and you feel like you have your own private cocoon) it definitely wins me over!
This is serious goals for me! I feel that flying business or first will somehow cure my ridiculous fear of flying 😂 I love the bidding platform, that is safely noted 👌🏾
Love the colours on Virgin Australia and those little Sydney Opera House salt and pepper shakers! The food looks fantastic two. However, I was upgraded on Emirates once and I thought their service was fantastic – although this was a long time ago so maybe things have changed.
Vanessa // SkyClub