Even though I checked in relatively late for this flight, I managed to obtain an upgrade!

Carrier

Virgin Australia 737-800

Flight Number

DJ834 departing 11am, 1 December 2011

Duration

One hour and 30 minutes

Class

Premium Economy, Seat 3E

Configuration

3-3 in economy class

Check In Experience

For the first time in my life I checked in 20 minutes before the flight and I was impressed by the coordination and understanding of the Virgin staff in my harried state.

I was taken through the 'Flight Boarding' queue and made it to the gate I thought I was supposed to be at, only to find that it had changed last minute and I, along with several others were very close to boarding a plane to Brisbane instead of Melbourne!

The flight was delayed so, regardless of how late I was, coupled with waiting at the incorrect gate, I was still early to board my flight!

On Time Service

The flight departed approximately twenty minutes late and arrived into Melbourne approximately ten minutes late.

Cabin/Seat Condition

The seats were spacious in Premium Economy and very well taken care of.

Food & Beverage

I brought food onto the flight with me this time around, so didn't sample anything off the menu.

Entertainment

Always a fan of the variety of Foxtel channels on offer with Virgin Australia, I settled down to watch the "Rachel Zoe Project" and Kathy Griffin's reality offering.

It really does add to the flight experience when you can just escape in some mindless reality television!

Service

The cabin crew were lovely as always and, with several children on the flight, much more patient than crew I've seen on other flights.