Virgin Blue
South Pacific Based Discount Carrier
When 20% of an airline’s destinations contain the words ‘Coast’ or ‘Bay’, you know it has to be Australian. From hubs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Virgin Blue serves nearly 30 domestic destinations, the majority of which are within sight of an ocean.
Although VB has broken the cardinal rule of discount carriers by using two types of aircraft – B737s and Embraers – elsewhere, it adheres to the low-cost philosophy with gusto. You want to check your bags? Well, that’ll be US$6. Use the Lounge? Cough up US$20. Extra legroom? US$20-35, depending on flight time. How about a beer? US$5, please. There’s even a sneaky optional US$7 ‘Ticket&Baggage’ insurance. Premium Economy and Corporate fares have all this included but prices tend to be as much, if not more, than the full-service carriers.
On-board, attendants are friendly, and there is pay-per-flight (of course) live satellite TV. Practically the only freebie is the in-flight magazine; the disturbingly-named Virgin Voyeur! Search!
Although VB has broken the cardinal rule of discount carriers by using two types of aircraft – B737s and Embraers – elsewhere, it adheres to the low-cost philosophy with gusto. You want to check your bags? Well, that’ll be US$6. Use the Lounge? Cough up US$20. Extra legroom? US$20-35, depending on flight time. How about a beer? US$5, please. There’s even a sneaky optional US$7 ‘Ticket&Baggage’ insurance. Premium Economy and Corporate fares have all this included but prices tend to be as much, if not more, than the full-service carriers.
On-board, attendants are friendly, and there is pay-per-flight (of course) live satellite TV. Practically the only freebie is the in-flight magazine; the disturbingly-named Virgin Voyeur! Search!
Virgin Blue Route Map
Updated 7/1/09
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