Although the collaboration with Luke Mangan has ended, the airline still strives to provide quality inflight meals.
For economy class travelers, the airline does not provide complimentary meals. Instead, you can purchase an array of items from their onboard menu.
In December 2022, the menu offered fresh food choices like wraps and sandwiches for AUD$12 or noodles for AUD$8. Cocktails ranged from AUD$13-17, with beer and wine starting at AUD$12.
They also cater to specific dietary needs such as Halal, Gluten-Free, and Vegan/Vegetarian options.
THE LOUNGE MELBOURNE
Virgin’s fare between Melbourne and Sydney was $500 cheaper than Qantas’s.
The Melbourne lounge, which had undergone a facelift in 2020 and reopened in November 2020, provided a limited self-service option due to the pandemic.
It offers all-day dining options, with breakfast served until 10:30 am, the Wake Up coffee station, and the Wind Down wine bar.
The lounge can seat up to 500 people, making it one of the biggest in the airline’s network.
Unfortunately, the food offerings at the time were all pre-packaged/single-serve options.
For breakfast, I had scrambled eggs and coffee, which tasted like hospital/canteen food.
MELBOURNE TO SYDNEY
This was my first experience with the airline’s domestic business-class product.
Before takeoff, I was offered a choice of juice or water.
Ten minutes after take-off, Karen, the cabin manager, offered me a choice of a Turkish Pide or quesadilla, and I went for the quesadilla.
Although the food was average, Karen’s service was exceptional.
BRISBANE TO DENPASAR
I flew this route in December 2022 to connect with Malaysia Airlines to Manila.
Unfortunately, lounge access wasn’t available at Brisbane International Airport.
On the ground sparkling wine or water was offered by the cabin manager.
Ten minutes after take-off, I ordered some white wine, and shortly after, the cabin manager took meal orders.
However, I wasn’t given a choice of hot meals; instead, I was served chicken.
(The options were mustard chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables or gnocchi with creamy mushroom sauce.)
The meal tray included bread with zaatar-seasoned cream cheese and a walnut cake for dessert.
The inflight meal was decent but not outstanding. It satisfied my hunger.
The meal service lasted for around 50 minutes, and there were no additional services provided throughout the six-hour flight.
Although it wasn’t an issue for me, the cabin manager offered the gnocchi to the two people sitting opposite me after serving me.
I assume they were either airline staff, top-tier frequent flyers, or acquaintances of the cabin manager.
The situation was awkward, but the cabin manager looked after them well, delivering alcohol and snacks to their seat regularly.
CONCLUSION
Despite the absence of complimentary meals in economy class, the airline offers a variety of purchasable items that cater to many passengers’ needs.
Additionally, the crew’s practice of plating meals in the galley before serving them adds a level of care and presentation that enhances the overall dining experience.
While there are areas for improvement, especially in meal variety and availability, the service provided by the crew often compensates.