When it comes to flying regionally or on short-haul routes within Australia, Qantas and Virgin Australia are two of the most popular choices. But how do they compare when it comes to comfort, convenience, and overall experience? I recently took a 2.5-hour flight with both QantasLink and Virgin Australia to find out.

Seating: Location Matters

As a Qantas Frequent Flyer, I had the advantage of securing seats near the front of the plane, which allowed for a quick exit upon landing—a huge perk on any flight. With Virgin Australia, however, I wasn’t as fortunate. Without paying an additional $25 per seat, I was stuck in row 27, adding an extra 30 minutes of plane time ( these rows are the first to board and the last to get off!)

In terms of seat material, QantasLink had vinyl/leather look seats while Virgin Australia’s A320 seats were fabric and felt somewhat scratchy. However, Virgin’s Boeing 737 aircraft, which make up the bulk of their fleet, have seats similar to Qantas. Neither flight had particularly generous legroom with a 30 inch seat pitch and 3-4 cm recline.

Blankets, Pillows, and In-Flight Entertainment

Neither QantasLink nor Virgin Australia provide blankets and pillows on regional routes unless it's an emergency, but the cabin temperature was comfortable on both flights. Qantas does offer blankets and pillows on request for domestic flights, while Virgin does not.

As for in-flight entertainment, it’s best to bring your own. The availability and quality of entertainment options can vary depending on the aircraft. On my Qantas A319 flight, there was no in-flight entertainment (IFE) or streaming options available, while the Virgin A320 did have IFE, but it wasn’t working. On major city routes, you’re likely to find seat-back screens on Qantas flights or streaming options on both Virgin and Qantas, so it’s always a good idea to come prepared with your own devices and entertainment just in case.

Meals and Drinks: A Mixed Bag

Both airlines offer complimentary water, so you won’t have to worry about staying hydrated. However, Qantas provides a more extensive beverage selection, including tea, coffee, soft drinks, and juices, while Virgin only offers tea and coffee for free. On certain domestic flights at particular times Qantas also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages

On regional Qantas flights, the meal options can be limited. For instance, I was served a bacon and egg focaccia, which might not appeal to everyone. Virgin Australia, on the other hand, doesn’t offer complimentary meals or snacks but has a decent buy-on-board menu that provides more flexibility, although they tend to run out of popular items like cheese and crackers. A chat with the cabin crew confirmed this really was an issue on most flights.

Summary

When choosing between Qantas and Virgin Australia, your decision will likely hinge on factors such as price, flight times, and your specific needs.

Qantas often shines with its complimentary beverage selection and the ability to pick your seats for free 24 hours before the flight. Virgin Australia, however, offers a solid buy-on-board menu which would be attractive for those wanting more choice. On regional routes IFE can be absent so you need to bring your own.

Ultimately, both airlines have their strengths, so it’s worth considering what matters most to you when booking your next flight. Whether it's the comfort of picking your seat ahead of time with Qantas or the flexibility of Virgin’s buy-on-board menu, both airlines offer a reliable and most importantly safe flying experience.

Watch

This story was also part of a ‘traveling with kids’ special but check out the Instagram reel below (and ignore the child!) to get a better look inside the cabin and closer look at the Virgin Australia menu.