Carrier
Virgin Australia 737-800

Flight Number
DJ1413 departing 08:50 - 6 September 2012

Duration
Three hours and 15 minutes

Class
Economy, Seat 8F

Configuration
3-3 in economy class

Check In Experience
Check-in was a breeze with only a short line to contend with and I was glad to have checked in online the night before so that my window seat was guaranteed.

I did a silent cheer when my luggage recorded the lightest in at least two years at 17kg with my mother's actually weighing in heavier for a change!

We headed through security alongside a buck donning a tight white dress keen for the airport bar, no doubt to drown his embarrassment, before bumping into friend, football legend and television presenter Jason Stevens and his gorgeous wife Rebecca who were en route to Port Macquarie to film "Sydney Weekender".

On Time Service
The aircraft arrived approximately 20 minutes late meaning that we departed just over 45 minutes later than scheduled with the captain apologising and promising to try and make up time in the air.

Cabin/Seat Condition
The seats were in good condition and, after all my years of flying, I only just noticed the coat hook on the side of the seat backs. Whilst it seems like a great idea, I did wonder if it would annoy the person in front of you if you actually chose to use it.

The air conditioning vent above me was broken, which made for a chilly flight however, we were lucky to have a spare seat next to us so that our bags had a seat of their own and my mother and I didn't invade each other's space so soon in the trip...we did have four days together after all!

Food & Beverage
I snacked on cheese and crackers and enjoyed a complimentary cup of tea but managed to resist Luke Mangan’s chunky beef pie this time around.

Entertainment
My heart skipped a beat (and not in a positive way) when I realised that there were no  screens on this aircraft. All I wanted on my three hour flight to Cairns was a movie escape and I was very surprised to find that on such a long flight that this was not an option.

We were able to purchase a Digiscreen for AUD$15 however and, because the one’s offered on this aircraft in particular didn’t offer the dual headphone option to share (as advertised in Voyeur magazine), the flight attendant gave us another Digiscreen complimentary.

Added bonus, we got to keep the noise cancelling headphones and nifty case that they’re provided in as well!

Service
The flight attendants on this flight went above and beyond to make our flight to Cairns comfortable and enjoyable.

From providing the additional Digiscreen free of charge, to offering advice about where to go and what to see in Cairns, I was, as always very impressed with the Virgin Australia service.