Darwin to Perth - Qantas or Virgin Australia Regional

[niczan]

Hi everyone,

I will fly this European summer from Darwin to Perth, part of my Australian trip.On the route I can choose either Qantas and Virgin Australia Regional and cannot really decide which one is better. Below my points:Qantas flight arrives at 5 pm in Perth, while Virgin at 8 pm (3 hours can make the difference in a new city, as I do not like arriving at night). However, Qantas flight costs 50 euros more (not really relevant, as it is my once-in-a-lifetime trip and 50 euros won't make the differenceThe advatages on Virgin is that emergency exit seats are available free of charge, and it can make the flight more comfortable.

Has anyone flew Virgin Australia Regional? Are they as good as the main airline? In case the flight gets cancelled, do they schedule me on a Virgin Australia flight or do I need to wait for the next regional flight?

In conclusion, what airline you do recommend me for the route?

Thanks!

[717tech]

From my experience, both are comfortable. I’d pick QF for the sole reason it’s scheduled to arrive earlier.

[WingNut60]

Originally Posted by niczan

.....I will fly this European summer ................... Qantas flight arrives at 5 pm in Perth.......... I do not like arriving at night

5 pm in winter (Perth winter) - you might get about 30 minutes maximum of usable light once you pick your baggage up off the carousel.

Originally Posted by niczan

In case the flight gets cancelled........

I say this with some trepidation because of Murphy's Law, but .........Delayed? Maybe. Cancelled? Highly unlikely.

[MagnumPI]

I'm a Virgin Velocity Platinum member so fly with them a lot but also Qantas every now and then. In my experience the service levels between Qantas and Virgin are much of a muchness.

One thing I do know is that the exit row seats are not free of charge unless you are a platinum member...you may want to check this.

I'd probably get the earlier flight....

[Berealgetreal]

Exit rows aren't free of charge. If you are arriving on a week day a lot will be closed in Perth by the time you get your bag and make it to the hotel.

[Tommy Bahama]

Simple.......Qantas

[Capn Bloggs]

Boeing or Fokker Boeing Your choice!

[Berealgetreal]

Game, set, match.

[airdualbleedfault]

Fokker has more leg room slightly slower (maybe 20 minutes) have to have you're own ipad for entertainment, food on QF better as a rule

[Lapon]

Are you certain that its Virgin Australia Regional (F100) and not just Virgin Australia (737). If it is VARA it wont be a direct flight and instead stops in Broome. From what I can tell it's some kind of positioning of the F100 that spends the week flying DRW-ASP-ADL return.
Again, take whatever offers the best schedule for you as the product is really much the same.

[Saintly]

Originally Posted by airdualbleedfault

Fokker has more leg room slightly slower (maybe 20 minutes) have to have you're own ipad for entertainment, food on QF better as a rule

In terms of knots..what is the speed difference between the B737 and F100?

[Bankstown]

VARA uses the A320 on DRW-PER.

[markis10]

Originally Posted by Lapon

Are you certain that its Virgin Australia Regional (F100) and not just Virgin Australia (737). If it is VARA it wont be a direct flight and instead stops in Broome. From what I can tell it's some kind of positioning of the F100 that spends the week flying DRW-ASP-ADL return.
Again, take whatever offers the best schedule for you as the product is really much the same.

VARA run VA1438 direct with the A320

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VOZ1438

[Transition Layer]

Better than 50% chance of inflight wifi on QF, zero chance on a VARA 320. High chance of seat back IFE on QF too. You’ll enjoy the view out of the window for the first hour or so with some interesting landscapes, but it’s a whole lot of nothing after that!

[ResBunny]

More than 2 options

Airnorth, Embraer E-jet, via Kununurra every Friday during the (Northern Hemisphere) Summer.

Better view of Lake Argyle out the left hand windows.

Still get into Perth at 2100 though.

[airdualbleedfault]

Saintly, depends on the cost index used but rule of thumb 20 to 30 knots
Good point about F100, it's not used on DRW-PER, 737 or 320, VARA 320 has much better leg room than either QF or VA 737

[Saintly]

Originally Posted by airdualbleedfault

Saintly, depends on the cost index used but rule of thumb 20 to 30 knots
Good point about F100, it's not used on DRW-PER, 737 or 320, VARA 320 has much better leg room than either QF or VA 737

20 to 30 knots doesn't seem like a big difference but I guess in the aviation industry it all adds up. I do have a soft spot for the F100...it's a bit like the B717...I can fault either aircraft.

I havent on been on the A320 as yet. Ive been on the B737 and it is a bit squashy but apart from that it's all good.