Compared: Qantas vs Virgin Australia Boeing 737 business class
The Boeing 737 is the domestic workhorse of Qantas and Virgin Australia – here's how the business class experience compares.
When you fly domestically or on a short international flight with Qantas or Virgin Australia, chances are you'll be on a Boeing 737.
The nimble and versatile single-aisle jet is the workhorse of both airlines, but this doesn't mean the business class experience is the same. Executive Traveller tested out a range of Qantas and Virgin Australia Boeing 737 flights to bring you this overall comparison.
Qantas vs Virgin Australia Boeing 737 business class: routes
You'll find the Boeing 737 darting between capital cities and major regional towns across Australia, as well as on east-west transcontinental routes, most trans-Tasman and Pacific Island flights, and also treks as far as Denpasar/Bali, which is more than six hours from Sydney.
Transcontinental flights between Perth and Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, as well as the longer international flights, generally have a higher level of onboard service, compared to shorter domestic hops.
Qantas vs Virgin Australia Boeing 737 business class: seats
The Qantas Boeing 737s sport 12 leather reclining business class seats, spread across three rows in a 2-2 configuration, with a width of 22" and a pitch of 37".
The seats are comfortably padded and feature a swing-out leg rest and footrest – one of the major differences between this and Virgin Australia Boeing 737 business class.
However, taller passengers are better off sitting in rows 2 or 3 and stretching their legs under the seat in front of them, versus row 1 with the bulkhead wall in front.
AC powerpoints are provided for each passenger on selected Boeing 737s equipped with inflight entertainment screens, which at the time of writing, is just under half of the 75-strong fleet.
Virgin Australia's Boeing 737 business class cabin instead has eight seats, arranged across two rows.
The seat width is narrower than Qantas at 19.5" due to the bigger centre consoles between each pair, but the pitch is slightly improved at 38".
You'll find the most space to stretch out in row 2. While there won't be a noticeable difference on a short hop such as Sydney to Melbourne, try sitting in row 1 between Sydney and Perth and you'll appreciate how restrictve that bulkhead makes things.
There are a few soft touches that make Virgin Australia's business class cabin a bit more 'Virginesque': coat hangers are easily accessible behind Row 2 and the business class cabin has a higher degree of privacy thanks to large purple perspex dividers and a magnetic rope that's in place while cruising.
Laptop power points are also provided between each seat pair on selected Boeing 737s, generally the ones with the new Boeing Sky Interior (think mood lighting and modern-looking overhead lockers).
Generally speaking, Qantas and Virgin Australia's Boeing 737 business class seats offer a similar experience to passengers, especially on a quick domestic flight – but Qantas has the edge due to greater width, an extendable leg rest, and either personal or overhead video screens.
Of course, on a short Virgin Australia flight where most of the time is spent on the meal service, it can be difficult to watch content on your device when there's the tray table is occupied.
Qantas vs Virgin Australia Boeing 737 business class: meals
Qantas business class meals are designed by Neil Perry's Rockpool Group. On shorter domestic flights, Qantas generally offers a single-tray service with a hot or cold option. Snack flights (such as between lunch and dinner) might see a choice between a toastie or a bowl of soup, pictured below.
Lunch and dinner flights will usually have a heartier option, such as chicken curry with flatbread (pictured below on a domestic Boeing 787 flight, but the meal service is the same as the Boeing 737).
Transcontinental flights to and from Perth – and some longer overseas flights – instead see an 'international-grade' standard of dining, which includes having a table cloth on your tray table and dishes being served individually.
There will also be multiple options for starters ('Small Plates'), main courses ('Main Plates') and desserts, except for overnight supper services out of Perth, as below.
Pre-departure drinks with Qantas on shorter domestic flights are usually limited to water, juice or a 'signature cocktail'. Virgin Australia offers water, juice or sparkling wine as a standard pre-departure drink on most flights.
Virgin Australia's business class dining is spearheaded by chef Luke Mangan and roughly follows the same service pattern as Qantas. Short flights offer one tray with a hot or cold option, typically with salad on the side.
Lunch and dinner flights have a substantial main option, such as this roast pork being served on a 70-minute hop.
On transcontinental and some international flights, the leisurely meal comes out in three courses (once again, except for overnight supper flights out of Perth, which has a full-size supper and breakfast should you request it).
Virgin Australia operates a buy-on-board menu for economy passengers. While business class guests previously could order extra nibbles and premium drinks from that menu for free, that is no longer the case.
Still, the 'pantry' is present on many Boeing 737 business class flights, offering a selection of snacks to munch on.
Qantas vs Virgin Australia Boeing 737 business class: entertainment + WiFi
Just under half of Qantas' Boeing 737s have built-in screens at each seat, with a selection of movies, TV shows and other content. You'll usually find these planes on transcontinental and international flights.
The other Boeing 737s have overhead screens and wireless Q-streaming throughout, which requires you to bring your device. You can plug in your headphones to listen to the content on the overhead screens, which often includes a current news broadcast curated for Qantas.
Almost all Qantas Boeing 737s are now equipped with inflight WiFi, which is fast and free for all passengers on domestic journeys, although this doesn't extend to international Boeing 737 flights – even if the aircraft itself has WiFi, it's switched off during overseas jaunts.
Read more: Your complete guide to Qantas WiFi
None of Virgin Australia's Boeing 737s have inflight entertainment screens. While the airline used to offer Samsung Galaxy tablets to stream content, that has now also been scrapped on all flights.
Instead, wireless streaming entertainment is provided, which requires the Virgin Australia Entertainment app on your Apple or Android device, or Microsoft Silverlight and Internet Explorer installed on your laptop (Macbooks are excluded).
However, the airline is going full steam ahead on the WiFi rollout which works internationally as well. On domestic flights, there is a free tier and a premium higher-speed tier. International Boeing 737 flights usually require payment to access WiFi. Around 70% of Virgin Australia's Boeing 737s are currently fitted with WiFi.
Read more: Your complete guide to Virgin Australia WiFi
Qantas vs Virgin Australia Boeing 737 business class: lounges
Qantas has dedicated Domestic Business Lounges in major capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth), exclusively for business class passengers and Platinum Frequent Flyers.
These spaces have better quality food, drink and amenities than the neighbouring Qantas Clubs. The newer business lounges also feature themed kitchens – currently, that's fresh pizzas in Perth, Asian-inspired bowls at the Spice Bar in Melbourne, and baked dishes from The Oven in Brisbane (formerly a Mexican-themed cantina).The bar opens at midday, one hour after Virgin Australia domestic lounges.
In all other cities with a Qantas Club lounge, you'll generally find a range of beverages including barista coffee, wines and spirits. The food is simpler than in the Business Lounges, usually revolving around salad bars, a hot dish or two and a few sweet bites.
Qantas uses contract lounges at most other international Boeing 737 destinations, excluding Auckland and Wellington. If you have Qantas Platinum or Oneworld Emerald frequent flyer status (or higher), then access to Qantas' excellent first class lounges is granted when departing Sydney and Melbourne internationally.
ET Review: Qantas International First Lounge, Melbourne
Virgin Australia has domestic lounges in 11 cities across Australia. These one-size-fits-all spaces are open to business class passengers, Velocity Gold and Platinum cardholders, lounge members and more, so they can get quite busy. The bar opens at 11am at these domestic lounges.
The buffet has your typical array of salads and sandwich ingredients, but there's normally a special hot option during the main breakfast, lunch and dinner peak hours, such as steamed dumplings, curry with rice, or fish and chips.
Internationally, Virgin Australia has its own cosy Wellington lounge, as well as partnerships with 'The House' lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, and 'My Lounge' in Brisbane.
Which airline is your preferred Boeing 737 business class experience and why?
The author travelled on all flights in this article at his own expense.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1024
I just the Serendipity Ice Cream back on the VA flights in Business and a more tailored experience for frequent flyers
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 274
Having flown both recently on short legs, I find the Qantas hard product and soft products to be a better offering overall.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
From my experience I prefer Qantas, the crew in Virgin seemed a little immature on the 3 times I've flown with them. Qantas' timing also works better for me. They regularly have later departures from Brisbane to Sydney and have a night flight (QF846) during peak times which I much prefer when travelling to Darwin.
21 Apr 2017
Total posts 19
I have never flown Virgin, so I can't comment on their business class.
I have just completed an Ad-Melb, Melb-Can and Can-Ad in business. The staff as usual were good, the drinks good and the food inedible. On the Ad-Mel I resorted to pretzels and beer, Melb-Can was a pumpkin and seed something, so I ended up with a ham sandwich from economy. The Can-Ad served a lasagne which turned out to be nothing like the real McCoy, no meat and tomato paste, tasteless dry and totally unappertising. Two mouthfulls finish.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
Have to agree that the food can be hit or miss. Have been with acquaintances several times on DRW - MEL/SYD/PER. On all 9 total flights I took in January - February the selection was either a salad or Spinach and Feta lasagne. The first flight (DR - MEL) I had the Spinach lasagne and it was disgusting, no flavour, dry and borderline inedible. How ever on all the other flights I've chosen the salad and found it to be quite tasty but on the small side. My colleagues have chosen the the lasagne on several other flights and told me the same, that it was disgusting. Qantas really needs to bring all their food up to scratch imo.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 775
Last year, 3 weeks after the Qantas Business lounge opened in MEL, I flew to BNE in Business Class for the first time in nearly 4 years. Lounge decor appealed to me more so than Virgin (Virgin lounges are "too white and bright" for my own tastes in decor), but staff attitude disappointed, my consciously polite inquiries (2 each way) were clearly an inconvenience to the conversations (social, not work-related) going on between staff members. I waited a moment or two, listening, before politely interrupting. Reminded me of the in-store experience at DJ's (until recent times). In contrast, Virgin Lounge staff have consistently been attentive and polite.
Being 6'2", I didn't detect a difference in comfort level between Q and V business seats. On domestic flights, I prefer to watch in-flight entertainment (or saved Netflix shows) on my own tablet rather than a cabin screen (international business the exception).
Virgin cabin staff are less formal than Qantas, but this seems to be a 'legacy'/influence of Virgin Atlantic. Notwithstanding the very obvious younger age of Virgin cabin crew (compared to Qantas), I've never encountered 'immature' service, its always been professionally courteous AND PROMPT. Again, I've never found myself waiting while Virgin cabin crew finish their conversations amongst each other over staff politics, etc. TO WHICH, my absence of Qantas since 2015 arose due to dreadfully poor cabin service (MEL-CNS-MEL). Sorry folks, but given the higher cost of Q business seats (compared to Virgin on those sectors), I expect more than 2 air-born drinks (each way) on a sector of that length (promises of a 3rd drink never delivered). By contrast, Virgin crew can detect a 'thirsty flyer' and 're-fuel' the glass at regular intervals.
In summary, for me (and other will have different experiences/preferences):
1) Q Business lounge decor is superior, but staff service a distant 2nd to V;
2) Lounge Food & Beverages (F&B) is good in both (food is certainly better than, say, Delta lounges in the USA);
3) no difference between V and Q business seats (but flyers taller than 6'2" may disagree); and
4) In-flight cabin service and F&B served has been noticeably better in V than Q.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1024
I totally agree, good review you need to work for ET
23 Oct 2014
Total posts 238
Totally agree with your summary
20 Jan 2020
Total posts 3
I'm a Virgin Velocity Platinum FF, and I must admit Virgin just does not cut the mustard. The lounges are overcrowded to the point of sheer bedlam at times. The food is very ordinary in the lounges, and never changes. And forget using a lounge if you are on a partner airline to Virgin and travelling abroad, even if you are Platinum. Unless you have status with the partner airline, or unless you are travelling in BC on the partner airline, you will get no lounge access anywhere in the world outside of Australia. I frequently get turned away - even from lounges like The House in Melbourne. I then have to kick up a fuss, write to the Virgin CEO etc. I get replies to say how sorry they are yada yada, but the situation never improves. In fact, as a Platinum Virgin member, if I fly internationally on a partner airline (which is almost always when flying abroad, as Virgin has very few international routes), there aren't even Virgin lounges at international departures IN AUSTRALIA!!! And as stated, last trip abroad in January to China on a Virgin partner (Hainan) departing Melbourne, and the "Virgin Lounge" which is actually owned by 'The House' flatly refused to admit me. So I had to spend $90 on access to another lounge, then go through several weeks of writing letters to Virgin and to No 1 Lounges in the UK to be reimbursed. At the very least Virgin should get another lounge partner in Syd and Melbourne if they can't control their relationship with The House (which is a pretty ordinary and badly run lounge anyway).
All in all, if you are a frequent overseas business traveller, Virgin Australia will not give you what you need, will not honour their promises - even to their most lucrative passengers, and will prove completely inadequate and unreliable.
My suggestion: Qantas if you must, Singapore if you can. My experience on Qantas in Premium Economy from Syd to Johannesburg recently was surprisingly good. The aircraft are prehistoric (ancient 747s), the hard product is quite worn and shabby, but boy the cabin crew were fantastic. Absolutely charming, friendly, helpful and delightful from start to finish, and same on the way back. That said, Business and Premium Economy on Virgin to LA was equally outstanding. The hard product is newer and better than that of Qantas (on their 747s at any rate), and the Virgin crew were some of the most charming, helpful, friendly and delightful aircrew I have yet experienced. But..... there's still the issue of smashing out last minute work in a quiet environment without having to pack up every time you walk away from your computer (ie the need for a lounge).
And as for Singapore.... Well, perfection is spelled "SIA". They're just perfect in every way!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 775
WoW-ee, you've copped it rough! I'm Virgin Platinum since last last month, Gold before that. Were you're flights on partner airlines booked initially through Virgin (in which case the flight also had a VA9999 number, or booked directly with the partner airline? I'm curious to know.
My experience when travelling overseas in Business has been much better. Entering The House in MEL before departure was easier than Virgin's domestic lounge (totally agree with you about easily getting overcrowded, MEL, SYD and BNE, typically between 1600-1900). Once inside I found it was run very well, "a la carte" dining was exceptional, great range of top-shelf drinks at the bar with a view across the main runway, plenty of room to spread out, etc..
AND, as for that Bar in Business on those Boeing 777-300ER jets to/from the USA? Almost like a party at 35,000 feet !!!
Arriving into LAX at 0900 on VA before connecting later in the day on Virgin Atlantic across to LHR (i.e. on VS08 code-shared as VA5352), I went into a Delta lounge in T2 at around 11:00AM (wanting to have a shave, shower, etc. and change shirt) until the nearby Virgin Atlantic lounge (which didn't open until 12:30PM). Both lounges accepted Velocity Gold card and boarding passes for quick, cost-free entry. The Virgin Atlantic Dreamliner also had a bar !!
On arrival in LHR I had no trouble accessing the Revivals Lounge (small but with lots of showers, 10 I think), which I didn't know existed until I read Chris Chamberlins article on this web site.
Likewise, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse when leaving LHR was THE BEST (IMHO it's even better that the Emirates Lounge in LAX!!!). Again, no trouble accessing Emirates in LAX (Terminal B - TBIT), which was very, very good and has a nice vista from the balcony overlooking the shopping plaza below.
So, Andr0ld, keep reading Chris and Brandon's articles here before your next trip, I found their suggestions worked 100% as stated.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Dec 2012
Total posts 52
I am VA Plat and travel a bit overseas - I have never had any issues with lounge access in HKG (on VA flight), AKL (again VA Flight) SYD, SIN and BKK (flying SQ flight #'s only issue is the Gold Lounge in SIN), and then throughout the USA with DELTA in some unusual airports such as RDU, never had an issue, a couple of time when they are not familiar I just ask the politely to look it up and they apologies for the delay and let me straight in . This has been the case for me for at least the last three years.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Aug 2017
Total posts 24
Qantas business lounges are more refined, however bar opens an hour later than virgin lounges - not ideal if it's one of those days for a holiday.
Qantas pre take off drink for domestic has degraded to a bottle of water unless low pay in j and they pour it into a glass. Virgin generally offers sparkling pre take off.
Particularly important n the days of coronavirus, Virgin restricts access to business class toilet only to a max of 8 j passengers rather than the hoarded of economy passengers traipsing through the cabin on Qantas that can cause delays.
Seat width is inconsequential unless obese. Prefer the wider console.
Virgin on board food undoubtably better but little variety in menu. Sometimes it seems like only one or two meal options served across the domestic network for long periods.
Virgin staff also seem warmer / genuine.
BA Gold
01 Apr 2012
Total posts 197
I cannot comment on VA's 737 Business product as have never flown it. But I did fly them in Business for the first time recently from SYD to PER on the A330, a route i've done on QF more times than I can count.
When I arrived at the Virgin terminal at SYD I was thinking to myself i'd made a big mistake switching from QF. The lounge was nowhere near the standard of QF's. It was packed, it felt sterile and cheap. The whole terminal felt very chaotic versus the calm-ness of the QF terminal.
Onboard however things were totally turned on their head. It was a total WIN for Virgin. I'd rate the QF and VA Business Class seats equally. Although quite different in design they are both fully flat and all aisle access which is all I really care about.
The service was DEFINITELY more personalised on Virgin. Pre departure drinks included sparkling wine which QF doesn't offer. There were no trolleys in the aisles for the service which QF does and gives an assembly line like feel to it. At Virgin each crew member individually laid up each table by hand and delivered food and drink separately.
And I felt there was a better variety of food - and Virgin actually lists a cheese plate as a dessert not a 'main' plate like at Qantas on the transcons which always annoys me.
It's hard to base a comparison on one flight as i've had so many on QF and they have all been very good, however this Virgin flight was excellent. Who knows, maybe I just got lucky, I certainly did get lucky with the A330 which seems to be a rare sight for Virgin on the east-west coast runs these days.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 775
What you experienced was the typical VA service. Yes, Cooper81, I quite forgot all about the F&B carts (haven't flown back there in ages), but the personalised service and delivery is truly exceptional. I don't miss them.
16 Dec 2019
Total posts 4
I have flown business on QF Brisbane to Sydney early evening flight. Cabin is out dated. Had a steak which was so over cooked. Cabin service was excellent, but only 2 of us in the business cabin. It was a rewards flight as part of a overseas flight. I would never pay cash for a ticket.
28 Aug 2016
Total posts 20
Just wondering why the seat measurements are all in inches? I'm over 40 and even I've only ever been brought up with metric. I just mention it because it's a bit annoying to have to convert all the measurements. By all means use both, but just using only imperial seems a bit weird to me. Just sayin'
05 Apr 2012
Total posts 31
It's because the US sets the standards for airlines all over the world, blart!
28 Aug 2016
Total posts 20
You actually answered the question, "why are the measurements in inches in the first place" - which I didn't ask, and I already know the answer to.
The actual question I asked is why an Aussie publication with presumably a large Aussie audience, many of who will be under the age of 55 and think and dream in centimetres, uses only inches in articles. Brandon has already mentioned that he'll try to get both measurements into future posts.
10 Jul 2018
Total posts 104
Hi blart, thanks for pointing that out. Airline measurements are all given to us in inches as industry standard, but we will take your feedback onboard and provide metric conversions where needed.
28 Aug 2016
Total posts 20
That's be great thanks. Those imperial measurements don't mean anything to me! It's like when someone says that this drink is 6 ounces. That means nothing to me and it's such a pint to have to convert!
02 Nov 2017
Total posts 22
I often fly QF business across the Tasman but recently flow VA to Bali and to Wellington. I loved the VA international lounge in Brisbane. It's kind of a pop up but very chic and great coffee food and beverages. They even offer cocktails which you make yourself from recipes and ingredients provided. I agree with most people that Qantas is more form and offers champagne on International short haul whereas VA offer sparkling (a good one though). Food on VA is much better than QF. I gave up ordering steak on QF years ago as it's always leathery. Chicken is a safe option! I like that Qantas offers desert wine and cheeseboard but I always have to ask for it! Overall I think they're much of a muchness and I think the cuts are beginning to show.
21 Jul 2011
Total posts 89
I'm a pretty dedicated QF flyer, but I have done VA J and those few times have been ‘fun' but I'm kind of appreciative of the QF professionalism because I'd trust them more if there is an issue. Plus I appreciate the lounge as VA's offer feels too much like an Apple store to me and whilst I love Apple, I don't go to their stores to relax.
That said, we are EXTREMELY lucky in AU. I've flown at the pointy end in most major domestic markets + intra Europe and both products eclipse anything else I've ever experienced anywhere.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
08 Jul 2014
Total posts 59
Agree, bsb (except I don't like Apple). We are very fortunate in AU for many reasons, and for those of us loyal to QF, we are fortunate that a VA business class product exists to keep QF 'honest' - one only need recall QF's plan for a premium-economy-style business class on the domestic A330s. Domestic 'first' travel in the US is a bad joke (the punchline being the 'snack basket'), and the only benefits of intra-Europe business class are decent food and lounge access, which may or may not be worth the price premium.
My two cents: the food is better on VA, but everything else about the QF experience is superior, in my experience (former VA platinum, now QF platinum). I have always found QF service to be personable and engaged, in start contrast to my experiences with VA (the transcon A330 product being a notable exception).
Anyway, here's hoping that VA survives Covid-19, regardless of your airline of choice . . .
05 Apr 2012
Total posts 31
Am wondering what sort of meal I will get in Bus Class flying MEL-OOL on a 10.20 am flight?
10 Jul 2018
Total posts 104
Hi Nobleoz, a 10:20am flight is morning snack on either airline. Think soup, sandwiches, salads or savoury pastries, for example.
05 Apr 2012
Total posts 31
Thanks Brandon
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1024
I'll never forget the meat pie Qantas served up for dinner on one trip.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
08 Jul 2014
Total posts 59
In a good way, or a bad way? ;)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Nov 2018
Total posts 118
I had it. I loved it. Tasty, filling and not spicy (which strangely seems to upset my stomach when flying)
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1024
Put it this way DrSK, my wife negotiates by complaining. She wasn't impressed being offered wine with a meat pie.
11 Jan 2019
Total posts 6
My preference is absolutely VA. I agree with most of the comments already posted and would highlight the attentiveness of VA cabin crew for ensuring you are served promptly and with a pre-departure drink like sparkling wine. Each time I have asked for a sparkling wine or champagne on QF J (domestic) I'm advised that they are not offered until after take off. Not sure why it is difficult to provide one before departure like VA do. I'm also puzzled by the trolley that has to come through the cabin on QF, why can't J class be served individually without a trolley I always think, VA do this without a trolley far more efficiently in my view. I do like QF lounges and can understand why that is a superior point, however for me I am all about the hard product in the air and for that, VA get my business.
06 Sep 2019
Total posts 27
I've been Platinum with VA for many years and obtained a status match with Qantas. I then flew a number of business class flights with Qantas to check them out but found they were very poor compared to my experience with Virgin.
It all starts with the service. The prompt introduction from the person looking after you for the flight, greeting you by name, hanging your jacket and the offer of a pre-flight drinks including sparkling wine. This made for a more special treatment feeling than I received on the Qantas flights where there was a non existent personalised greeting and a 'here's some water' as they walked past.
The meals I received on the Qantas flights were consistently average at best whereas it's clear far more thought has been put in to the meal quality and presentation with Virgin.
I agree that the Qantas Business Class lounges are far better than Virgin's often overcrowded lounges but for the in flight experience, I'd readily recommend Virgin over Qantas.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 775
Totally agree with all your comments.
16 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
Recently travelled Virgin Brisbane to Denpasar Business Class and the service was average at best. You have to ask for everything on offer and they ran out of Bubbles, wine and other offerings as they just don't carry much on board. May have to look at Qantas out of Sydney for a proper Business Class experience.
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