BRUTALLY HONEST | Virgin Australia 13h Overnight Flight to Los Angeles in Economy Class

Austrlia's second-largest airline doesn't operate many long-haul flights. But are the ones they do operate any good? Join me on this 13h flight to Los Angeles and find out!
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-- SOCIAL MEDIA --
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-- FLIGHT INFORMATION --
Airline: Virgin Australia
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Registration: VH-VPF
Flight Time: 13h 00min
Seat: 35A
From: Sydney Kingsford Smith
To: Los Angeles International
Date: February 2020
-- EQUIPMENT INFORMATION --
Cameras used: Canon G7X Mark II, GoPro Hero 8 Black, DJI Osmo Pocket
Additional equipment: GoPro Suction cup, Joby Bendipod
-- PRICE BREAKDOWN --
Total Price: USD 863.35
Total Routing: LAX-SYD-LAX
Booked through: Delta Website
Cost includes: Economy Class Ticket including two checked bags and free seat reservations
Booking made: January 2020
-- VIDEO BREAKDOWN --
00:00 - Expectations for this flight
04:44 - Getting to the Airport
05:11 - Boarding
06:23 - Seat and Amenities
07:58 - Taxi and Take Off
09:21 - Lunch Service
11:08 - Inflight
12:51 - Breakfast Service
13:39 - Landing
14:28 - Deboarding
15:25 - Conclusion
-- COLLABORATION DISCLAIMER --
This video does not contain product placements. The airline was neither involved nor informed about the production of this Tripreport. The ticket fare was paid by ourselves.
-- CONTACT US --
info(at)simply-aviation.com
COPYRIGHT 2020
www.simply-aviation.com

[@sleepyemployee92]

I love the little *pat pat* that David gives the pillow and blanket in each of these videos.

[@eviltemptress10]

And the bread roll poke... love it lol

[@nisargshukla]

PURE ASMR

[@BinkBricks]

I do as well.

[@rilo5270]

@@nisargshukla ik right

[@munenex]

The 777 GE 90 spool up and take off roar- expectation met.

[@pham3383]

Next video,a350 roar whrn take off,expectation exceeded

[@epic_flightsimmer6340]

@@pham3383 GE90 >RRXWB

[@jayd1426]

Epic_Flightsimmer my favorite is the RB211

[@epic_flightsimmer6340]

@@jayd1426 Nice and y do u hate Air India so much

[@my_adventures67]

I’ve flown on this exact route, Sydney to Los Angeles, I absolutely underestimated how good it was at the time and it was a very very impressive flight. My only regret of the flight, I had a whole row of seats to myself, and I didn’t take advantage and keep them all to myself. In regards to Virgin Australia and Covid-19, they’ve suspended all international flights, and Qantas has done the same, and cut 60% of domestic flights.

[@Akry_RBLX]

@@_w_w_ delta sucks

[@ziauddinkhan5699]

LOVED the grin on your face as the aircraft came in to land. P. S. The review was, as usual, top notch.

[@elerinsmile]

David, you face as that airplane flew by is priceless!😄😄😄

[@paulsz6194]

Good, fair review. The Weiss ice cream bars at 10:55 are awesome ice cream bars!

[@lachlantrainvideos]

I flew virgin to LA in 2012. Only time I’ve ever been overseas. Loved the flight.

[@GenkisTravels]

Awesome review. Food looked pretty good, hope Virgin Australia can survive these times. Hope to do a trip report on them one day.

[@chrismckellar9350]

Virgin Australia has suspended its short and long haul international services until June 20 and has suspended 60% their Australian domestic services due to Australia closing its boarders to all non Australian citizens and permanent residents.

[@yourbrother3838]

Rip

[@drevildog1]

Great report. Actually one of the flights you reported had the menu on the IFE program. I think that's an even better idea than a cardboard menu.

[@connorbaviation178]

USB port (Expectation met) Old Cabin (Expectation met) Good legroom (Expectation met) Wings (Expectation not met) Aw man!

[@paulsz6194]

I’ve heard red bull gives you wings, though...

[@Dylan-xv3hp]

They need to make budget cuts somewhere!!

[@connorbaviation178]

I guess you have to pay for the safety package...

[@cosmicviewer477]

What a smooth take-off! You can tell those pilots have lots of experience.

[@brianlau172]

8:40 Wow, looks like United and Delta headed to LA too! And I saw a Qantas A380 taxiing out a little later during the takeoff, likely part of the party heading to LA! Interesting how all of them seem to leave Sydney in the middle of the day and arrive in the US early morning.

[@M_O1997]

Great work! Really enjoyed.

[@gulfaviation]

The new explanation style in the vloge is so nice david , very nice & keep it up bro

[@inomad]

My favorite 777 economy seating configuration was 2-5-2.

[@prashantparmar2433]

It’s so good that you vlog on economy class , rather than showing business or first class vlog . You are doing a good job, love your vlogs 🙏🏽

[@FrazAKhan]

Good 1 David, love your vlogs

[@B737900ER]

Great to see you are back in front of the camera :)

[@hamzasaj]

Amazing Review David!!!!

[@ForeLeafTravel]

Did the same exact thing as you (Delta to Sydney and Virgin Australia back). Delta is just so good at keeping their product consistently somewhere between good and great, whether it's a short haul or long haul. One issue I had with the VA seats was, there was a gap between the seats and the wall. A few times while I was sleeping my head ended up in the gap. I don't know if that was the difference between a 200 and a 300, but it made things a little more uncomfortable for sleeping. I enjoyed my flight on Virgin Australia, but it felt like it was stuck about 10 years in the past with everything. The one thing I noticed they did considerably better than Delta - the blanket! It didn't feel like a thin blanket you would get at a Red Cross facility in an emergency. It was a real blanket. Small victories, I guess?

[@AussieMeganB]

I know it’s been a year but I just thought I’d add that the full menu is included in the back of the aviation magazine in the seat pocket and while there isn’t a plug at your seat the cabin crew will happily charge anything you like. Based on doing the long haul to lax and back at least once a year for a decade.

[@robbie1984L]

VA did a cabin refresh a couple of years ago that included the economy cabin.

[@JaydenWong]

I love the hot snacks VA serves on long flights, that little hot dog and chips is almost what you get in cathay business but better presentation, great vid David!!

[@tomjordan378]

Virgin Australia never fails my expectations!

[@tdb7992]

I hope you enjoyed your time here in Australia David. I'm a fan of yours from Melbourne. Glad you were able to visit before Coronavirus closed down our borders to foreigners. I hope you and your family back in Austria are safe and healthy. I think our Australian airlines tend to be a lot better than ones you find in the other English speaking countries.

[@davefrommelbourne1237]

Hopefully this service survives. Thanks for the video David 👍🦘

[@andrewstephens4492]

A true aviation geek ! lol... points to the landing aircraft mid video...... great !!! :)

[@shanthandevulapally]

I seriously appreciate u David.although there is virus spreading all over world.ur continuing ur passion of travelling.thank you for the video.stay safe.love from india 🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@jaegiarmoses3671]

My dad took this flight and said it was one of the best he’s ever flown

[@brianlau172]

GE90 on startup is music to my ears :)

[@Serge0587]

Definitely I prefer Virgin Australia than Delta. The service was excellent. Exceded my expectations. Thank you so much, David! Please take care on this pandemic times. Greettings from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

[@KronesianLTD]

I've used Virgin Australia twice over the Pacific, LAX-SYD, LAX-MEL and MEL-LAX twice. No complaints, it was a great experience.

[@natalleaf]

Maybe the music in the lavatory for long haul flights is to stop people from falling asleep on the toilet haha! Great video

[@brianlau172]

I really hope for the best with Virgin Australia’s situation. Unfortunately, since SFO is my local airport for long haul flights, my only options are sadly limited to Qantas or United (both following the standard of cramped 3-3-3 economy Dreamliners) to Australia, unlike the huge plethora of different airlines and aircraft types that LAX gets to Australia. I’d like to connect in LAX to try it out someday (although my family probably wouldn’t approve of doing that over putting up with the 787 economy class). Of course, this is assuming Virgin Australia stays alive and can restart these flights after the Coronavirus pandemic eases up.

[@altacalifornia2580]

SFO is also my local airport for long haul flights, and I also want Virgin Australia to fly here

[@Slicer400]

god bless you sir! stay safe and have safe travels!

[@jeckotv7483]

Finally thanks for flying virgin Australia

[@simpleaviations9476]

Nice to see you flying on an airline from my country, virgin australia is about to close down due to the COVID-19 pandemic 😭😭😭 Hope you’ve had a great time here in Sydney and great video, as always 👍🏾

[@Miftahjaya96]

i like purple mood lighting

[@Teroso2_1]

I flew Virgin Australia back on 2014 from Brisbane to LA, they used to have a drink service before the main meal. Seems like they cut that out though.

[@greatairline8693]

Hello i'm very happy your upload video always!! please keep up always thank you!!

[@inflightaviation757]

I flew on Qantas from there to LAX on their A380

[@lrg3834]

I'll take that over a 10 abreast economy class 777-300ER any day, any time. FULL marks for Virgin Australia!

[@benslife5406]

Your intro and outline of expectations at the beginning is great, well thought out. I feel that audio commentary during the video would give us a better insight. I know live commentary is not usually an option but in post this could work.

[@RashadKhanAviation2023]

Amazing! :)

[@AviationRailAdventures]

Oh the sound of GE90s music to my ears

[@justanaturalcarguy4031]

@@AviationRailAdventures umm its gone??

[@gw78787]

Nice video!! Excellent looking food service!

[@luccasmarcucci4493]

Your trip reports are just stunning. Keep up the awesome work. My best regards to you and your channel / business. GOD bless you and your family, and channel.

[@kirabouwerviraltyd]

Your face at 18:07...every avgeek's moment of joy 😊👍🏾👍🏾

[@nicholasgerken9934]

I would be more than happy to fly with them on long haul economy. Looked very comfy and seems to have been excellent value.

[@urbanexmaster9071]

Awesome

[@bboyjunyor]

Seems to me like you booked the "Economy seat" but got the "Economy suite" :D NIIICE! :D

[@CaptravelsAviation]

Nice review. My older sister and my mom visited Sydney a few summers ago during a trip home to the Philippines (I'm from Chicago)

[@Agent44996]

When one of my relatives came over from the US he flew Virgin Australia in economy and he said it was awesome and would love to do it again.

[@maxflyman5435]

First time I have ever seen a hot dog "slider". :) Another great report.

[@Anonymous-mn9rs]

The darkness and light let me feel when i land in Dubai airport OMDB

[@olesatthewheel8479]

Every video should be brutally honest. That was what alienated me from this channel. But I’m back now and I’m really enjoying the vids!

[@kejmat]

Nice review. VA really is a wonderful airline. If you get the chance try their international product in business class. Absolutely sensational.

[@xr6lad]

I flew this route Melbourne - Los Angeles at decade ago in Premium Economy. Was very impressed with the width and recline of the seat back then. Funny back then we did get full breakfasts as people flying in do not general stop for breakfast or are able to get into their hotel until afternoon so it's a crock of shite that an expectation is some small handout and only one full meal on a 13 + hour flight. Lastly not having a menu card is a very dangerous thing as many people have allergies; someone announcing something over a speaker does not cover that.

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

I find the newer seats less comfortable than the older ones so for me its a plus.

[@kimsmith5663]

With reference to menu cards, they are in the entertainment system for you to read.

[@michaeldunne7139]

Impressive food, well highlighted in your report

[@brucemcabee5042]

Hope you get to come down again once this is all over and get to fly around Australia a bit more and showcase the place. I do imagine the London to Perth flight by Qantas would be on your list of flights you would like to do.

[@carloslambert9548]

Dockweiler Beach is a great plane spotting site at LAX!

[@gautamjain5378]

What was in the amenity kit?

[@MileHigh_Aviation]

Excellent video

[@Aaronw2]

Air NZ also plays music in the lavatories on wide bodies

[@davidlazarus67]

On long flights the lack of power points in economy is a serious error. You can at least power your own devices if necessary. It can more than make up for some other features being lacklustre.

[@timduggan1962]

I am typing this on 21 March, 2020. I should mention that I am a retired airline pilot. As such? There are certain perks, but to be honest? (AFTER the pandemic is over) I prefer to pay full-fare and build miles for THOSE "perks"...because the uncertainty of flying Non-Rev just isn't worth the anxiety.

[@juliensvideography]

great video , liked

[@efg7103]

Unfortunately VA has decided to halt all their international flight services due to COVID-19 pandemic, and it is quite likely that the airline will be bailed out by the government to prevent from collapsing. It will be interesting to see VA's offering post this crisis, but one would assume it'll be very different. Great video!

[@mateuszplatek2532]

9:17 kissing scene Simply Aviation: Camera Down

[@gachalifecountryhumans9495]

Ew

[@rk6483]

Luis Erick okay? lmao

[@jlust6660]

Food is always more important than love

[@JunyuXu]

Jakob Lust no

[@TheRealJuicEY]

Really sad Virgin Australia retired their 777's.

[@qrkid6253]

ye and the a330

[@petearmstrong2778]

Music in the loo ... not experienced before but have seen a review of Air NZ where they also have music playing. Great review.

[@s125ish]

Pete Armstrong a certain chui review?

[@petearmstrong2778]

@@s125ish yup

[@oceanic_lost_8156]

I am a huge lost tv show and if you think about it Oceanic Flight 815 Flew from Syndey to Los Angeles. This is a similar flight. Giving me Lost Vibes, expected the Plane to crash onto an island

[@hannahlazarus6202]

You can charge your laptop in the back galley we are more than happy to assist with this. Thanks for flying with us!

[@KYLLE-Goldberg]

Weißt du, ich könnte dir den ganzen Tag bei deinen Handgesten zusehen, lol, toller Akzent............... Tolle Arbeit!

[@HS-PGX]

Did David get a full row to himself? I think I missed it or something, but he sat in the middle seat for the meal service so I was curious.

[@p4m209]

I’m more of a qantas fan myself but I still like VA

[@popitgirl2156]

I recommended for you is to try the Cebu Pacific economy if want

[@eviltemptress10]

Your face at 18:07 was epic...lol

[@user-we8mu7lf6x]

Damn! nice video! Shame VA is no more on long haul

[@craigwillis3372]

Sadly no more International travel for VA due Corona Virus...Qantas and Jetstar also grounding their International services...though Qantas may fly to some places to bring home stranded Australian travellers. Interesting and sad times ahead David !! Glad you had a very good flight...I am a big VA fan. Glad to see we may continue to see your channel. Take care in this very unsure time !! Well done as always mate !!

[@nathanaelhalim8191]

Hai dave if u ever visit australia again pls try the bundaberg ginger ale or victoria bitter cheers

[@bonsaisai2147]

no menu card on this flight?

[@dylanbuck9643]

Did you lose a part of the wing? the third rutter thing or the one farthest outward on the wing? (Feel free to correct me, I'm intrigued) Love the honest reviews, helped ease my anxiety about flying for the firs time a few weeks ago. Stay safe! We will prevail!

[@7addaribaba]

Is that you yeah !!

[@liamhosking2947]

If you are in Toronto plane spotting, go to Wendy’s on airport road. It’s amazing. You can stand right underneath the approach path. 👍

[@Mikey3399]

Excellent and informative review! Can you tell me the name of the property you were staying at near LAX? I am always looking for spotting places near LAX.

[@amc3]

17:53 ...best part of this report, look at that #avgeek smile :) Please watch the whole video too :))

[@ThatPerthFan]

I honestly flip flop between what is my favourite airline in Australia, between Qantas and VA. In my experience, Qantas has garbage international service and quality, but VA has been really good (I've only flown MEL > HKG and SYD > WEL with them though internationally). Qantas beats VA for a domestic product in Australia, but they're bridging the gap very quickly!

[@tottui15]

Be careful and wear mask when you go outside

[@paullewis2413]

thanks for the upload. The 3-3-3 configuration is good for economy but as usual the food looks mostly revolting though you seemed to think it was o.k. Of course it's the old story of you get what you pay for.

[@vernwash2012]

You didn’t sit on the window? Who are you?😂😂😂 that leg room was amazing!

[@brianmcdonald6519]

Wouldn't have made much difference! Nothing to see over the ocean, plus it got dark part way through the flight anyway!

[@vernwash2012]

Brian Mcdonald - he usually sits by the window unless he can’t get the seat....day or night!

[@brianmcdonald6519]

I wondered about that, because if he can't get the window seat, he usually tells us!

[@s125ish]

Think he had row free

[@brianmcdonald6519]

I just looked at his flight information, and it indicates a window seat. I think you are probably right. I recall during the video, that he was using the tray table to his left.

[@isaacfung622]

I would like to try Virgin Australia international flights in the future

[@bhaveshrohira648]

According to you......wat shd b the legroom space in inches n mtrs?

[@samuelsundberg391]

try the premium class next pls

[@m.s2178]

Cool

[@gabrielcanillas7206]

Hope you try the Business class of virgin Australia next time in next episode of brutally honest

[@peteradaniel]

Can I ask what day you left Sydney?