This flight will soon be history so I am really glad I had the opportunity to experience Virgin Australia’s short lived return to long haul services. Virgin Australia under the ownership of Bain Capital does not have any widebodies so they used a B737 to fly between Haneda and Cairns. It might not sound too appealing to be stuck on a B737 for 7 hours and 45 minutes, but that was what I did. Business Class on this aircraft was not flat-bed but a recliner. Thankfully, the aircraft was not even 30% full but that is probably the reason why this route has since been pulled.
Check-in at Haneda Airport was a breeze and so was the premium security clearance.
No lounge access were provided for Business Class or elite passengers at Haneda Airport but thankfully, my Priority Pass got me into the Sky Lounge. Despite the name, it was actually a windowless dungeon!
Although there were only 50 passengers in the waiting area, boarding was still called by groups. Premium passengers and elite members were welcomed onboard first.
Dining on the flight was nothing to write home about but was adequate for the journey.
