Over the last few months I've flown a bunch of VA flights in J: most commonly MEL-SYD, SYD-CNS return.
On almost all of these I've been offered Aussie sparkling pre take-off (the first time it was a real surprise!) This was often brought out on the tray together with juice and water.
However on my last flight in J to MEL the hostess told me they don't do alcohol pre take-off. Really... that's obviously not right?
I’ve had a heap of J flights on VA in recent months and it’s a mixed bag. I have noticed on the pre midday flights that no sparkling was offered, but it’s also happened on the odd occasion after midday. Perhaps it’s dependent on the cabin crew? I don’t understand why they don’t just make this standard. For VA offering a maximum of 8 guests 1 glass of sparkling pre take off is a small gesture that keeps the punters happy! Especially if QF are only offering still or sparkling water in J
VA offering sparkling wine as a PDB (and throughout the flight provided they have catered enough) in J on non-Coast to Coast flights is standard, has been for a few months now. If it wasn't an option as a PDB then SOP hasn't been followed and feedback should be provided to VA as you haven't received the full business class offering.
I've had it on morning flights before (which is great seeing as the bar in the lounge doesn't "open" until 11).
The plot thickens... I took two east coast business class flights just before Easter and pre-take off sparkling wine was NOT offered. I decided to ask, pointing out that on other VA east coast flights it had been offered, but the FA told me that shouldn't happen.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on
What's the story with pre take-off 'Champagne'
vbarberini
vbarberini
Member since 16 Oct 2012
Total posts 37
Over the last few months I've flown a bunch of VA flights in J: most commonly MEL-SYD, SYD-CNS return.
wjhu
wjhu
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 11 Jan 2011
Total posts 22
Be thankful you aren't flying QF: on domestic J flights now the only choice for pre-flights is atill or sparkling water!
rob1984
rob1984
Member since 23 May 2011
Total posts 33
It is offered on flights departing after 12noon. Was your flight before then?
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 282
The usual Qantas generosity...
vbarberini
vbarberini
Member since 16 Oct 2012
Total posts 37
Yes, the flight to Mel departed at 14:00.
sid
sid
Member since 07 Jan 2011
Total posts 206
On international flights many airlines limit the offer of drinks because they have to pay taxes if opened on the ground.
deegee93
deegee93
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 27 Jan 2017
Total posts 37
Never had anything other than water or juice offered but I can recall other passengers asking for and receiving sparkling.
brettepi
brettepi
Member since 10 Jul 2017
Total posts 86
normally the pilots prefer to keep it all to themselves
New Mint
New Mint
Member since 24 Feb 2012
Total posts 66
I’ve had a heap of J flights on VA in recent months and it’s a mixed bag. I have noticed on the pre midday flights that no sparkling was offered, but it’s also happened on the odd occasion after midday. Perhaps it’s dependent on the cabin crew? I don’t understand why they don’t just make this standard. For VA offering a maximum of 8 guests 1 glass of sparkling pre take off is a small gesture that keeps the punters happy! Especially if QF are only offering still or sparkling water in J
Fenoglio
Fenoglio
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 23 Oct 2014
Total posts 9
You should fly Japan Airlines: real champagne pre-flight in premium economy as well as J...
nix584
nix584
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 10 Jan 2012
Total posts 108
VA offering sparkling wine as a PDB (and throughout the flight provided they have catered enough) in J on non-Coast to Coast flights is standard, has been for a few months now. If it wasn't an option as a PDB then SOP hasn't been followed and feedback should be provided to VA as you haven't received the full business class offering.
vbarberini
vbarberini
Member since 16 Oct 2012
Total posts 37
The plot thickens... I took two east coast business class flights just before Easter and pre-take off sparkling wine was NOT offered. I decided to ask, pointing out that on other VA east coast flights it had been offered, but the FA told me that shouldn't happen.