Once we got past the recurring issue of my Velocity account name "Dr..." not agreeing with the booking name "Ms..." all went swimmingly. The nice Virgin customer service person who resolved the conflict over the telephone so I could proceed with my online check-in informed me that at long last they are taking steps to upgrade their booking system to accept titles other than "Mr/Ms/Miss".
The flight attendants were all helpful and good-humoured, and the aircraft was very comfortable. In its favour were leather seats with fully retractable arm-rests (so one could stretch out across an entire row of three seats if so fortunate to have them all vacant) with gaily coloured alternating red, purple and grey headrests. I can readily recall several painful experiences trying to sleep on international flights where the arm-rests would only lift up so far and you had to be a bit of a contortionist and sadist to attempt to stretch out in these circumstances.
Having packed my trusty thermos of coffee (a brilliant and now somewhat antique small Kathmandu open-necked thermos with a screw lid which has a secret compartment for a teabag etc), I was delighted to discover that Virgin are now offering complimentary tea, coffee and newspapers, served with a smile.
Last year I had to travel to Queensland for family reasons, and there weren't many flight options, but using my Velocity points and a small amount of cash I was able to obtain a bargain deal on a Virgin 'Premium Economy' seat up the front of the 'plane. This was a great experience - a large plush and comfy leather seat and complimentary food, drink, water and entertainment, not to mention attentive flight attendants! This section of the ‘plane has now morphed into “Business Class”, but if you get the opportunity, it is well worth trying as a pleasant alternative to regular economy.
Melbourne being one of the few major cities in the civilised world not to have a train link to the airport, it is always a vexed issue regarding the most efficient and cost-effective form of transport to and from the airport. Taxis are very expensive, and the Skybus service (http://skybus.com.au/) is very good ($28 return) but getting a connecting train home from Southern Cross Station in the city can be a problem if arriving in very late at night or in the early hours of the morning. Long-term parking at or near the airport is another option. A couple of years ago the prices went up dramatically for the long-term parking at the airport, rendering it less cost-effective, but over recent years a number of commercial operations have spring up which provide either outdoor or indoor parking for your vehicle and 24 hour shuttle buses to and from the airport.
A firm called Busy Beaver Airport Parking (http://www.busybeaverairportparking.com.au/) regularly places discount vouchers in letterbox drops, and I decided to make enquiries as a late-night arrival back into Melbourne was going to be problematic re suburban train connections. Their discount voucher was not applicable as a public holiday was included in the relevant period, but the regular price of $52 (outdoor) for five days was very good value and cheaper than Skybus for our travelling group.
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