Flying across the vast expanse of Western Australia is always a unique experience, but when you can do it in business class for just $60, it becomes something truly memorable. This detailed review of a Virgin Australia business class flight from Broome to Perth explores every aspect of the journey, from the charm of a remote regional airport to the onboard experience aboard a Boeing 737-800.
A Tropical Start in Broome, Western Australia
Set in the heart of the Kimberley region, Broome is one of Australia’s most iconic tropical destinations. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, pearling history, and the world-famous Cable Beach, it offers a completely different pace of life compared to the bustling capital cities.
This journey begins on a warm, humid morning typical of the wet season, where the air feels heavy and the landscape glistens after overnight rain. The surroundings near Roebuck Bay and the town beach highlight Broome’s raw, natural beauty, making it a memorable place to begin any journey.
Walking to Broome Airport: Australia’s Most Convenient Airport?
The proximity of Broome International Airport to the town centre is one of its most remarkable features. Unlike most airports, which require taxis or long transfers, this airport is literally within walking distance of the main town area.
Walking to the airport in under 30 minutes feels almost surreal in an age of sprawling mega-terminals. It’s a refreshing reminder of how simple travel can be in regional Australia.
About Broome and the Kimberley Region
Despite having a population of under 15,000, Broome is one of Western Australia’s most important regional hubs. It serves as a gateway to the vast Kimberley region, known for some of the most dramatic and untouched landscapes in the country.
Tourism plays a huge role in the local economy, particularly during the dry season when visitors flock north to escape the southern winter. The town is also deeply connected to Australia’s pearling industry, which continues to operate today.
Broome International Airport Overview
Broome International Airport is one of the most unique airports in Australia. Handling over 400,000 passengers annually, it ranks among the busiest regional airports in Western Australia.
The airport primarily connects Broome to Perth, with additional services linking the Kimberley to destinations like Darwin and regional WA towns. Despite its “international” designation, regular international services are currently limited.
Check-In Experience: Simple and Old-School
Check-in at Broome Airport is refreshingly straightforward. There are no self-service kiosks here, and everything is handled manually at the counter.
Even flying business class, there is no clearly defined priority check-in lane. However, with minimal queues, this hardly matters. The process is quick, efficient, and stress-free, perfectly matching the relaxed vibe of Broome itself.
Security and Departure Area Experience
Security at Broome is slightly more traditional than larger airports, requiring laptops to be removed from bags. While this slows things down slightly, the process still only takes around 10 minutes.
Once airside, the terminal’s open-air design becomes immediately noticeable. The breezy, tropical layout is reminiscent of Hawaiian airports, offering a far more relaxed and natural environment than enclosed terminals.
While facilities are basic, including a café and small retail options, they are more than adequate for a regional airport.
No Lounge in Broome: A Minor Drawback
One downside is the absence of a Virgin Australia lounge. This is expected given the airline’s focus on major capital cities, but it is still worth noting for frequent travellers used to lounge access.
Boarding the Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800
Boarding is efficient and straightforward, with no unnecessary delays. The aircraft for today’s flight is a Boeing 737-800, a staple of Virgin Australia’s domestic fleet.
This aircraft type is widely used across Australia and offers a reliable and consistent onboard experience.
Business Class Cabin and Seat Overview
The business class cabin features just eight seats in a 2-2 configuration. While not revolutionary, it provides a comfortable and practical upgrade over economy.
Seats are wide recliners with generous pitch, offering significantly more legroom. Additional features include a sturdy tray table, centre console, storage cubby, and universal power outlet.
Even in an aisle seat, the comfort level is noticeably higher than economy, making it ideal for a flight of this length.
Takeoff from Broome and Scenic Departure
Departing Broome offers stunning aerial views, particularly over Cable Beach and the surrounding coastline. Even from an aisle seat, glimpses of the scenery add to the overall experience.
Inflight Wi-Fi and Entertainment Review
Virgin Australia’s stream-to-device entertainment system is available to all passengers. While the content library is decent, it may not cater to everyone’s preferences.
However, the real highlight is the complimentary Wi-Fi for business class passengers. It performs well for browsing, flight tracking, and even light streaming.
There are occasional dropouts and the need to reconnect, but overall, it is one of the better domestic Wi-Fi offerings in Australia.
Inflight Meal Service: Surprisingly Good
The meal service is a standout feature of the flight. A hot lunch option of roast chicken with potatoes and lemon pepper sauce is both well-presented and satisfying.
This is complemented by cheese and crackers, along with a full bar service including beer and wine. Additional snacks are offered throughout the flight, and the crew frequently check in to top up drinks.
Cabin Crew and Service Quality
The cabin crew on this flight deliver exceptional service. Friendly, proactive, and attentive, they create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
Being addressed by name multiple times adds a personalised touch, elevating the overall experience.
Is the $60 Business Class Upgrade Worth It?
At just $60, the upgrade to business class represents outstanding value. Considering the included meal, drinks, extra comfort, and Wi-Fi, the upgrade effectively pays for itself.
Compared to the cost of reserving extra legroom seats in economy, this upgrade is a no-brainer if available.
Arrival into Perth Airport
Landing into Perth Airport is smooth, with the flight arriving ahead of schedule.
This punctuality is impressive, particularly given Broome’s reputation for delays.
Virgin Australia Lounge Perth Review
One of the unique perks of Virgin Australia business class is access to the lounge on arrival.
The Virgin Australia Lounge Perth offers a comfortable space to relax, with a good selection of food, drinks, and seating options.
The lounge design is consistent with other Virgin lounges across Australia, providing a reliable and functional experience.
Final Verdict: A Great Value Domestic Business Class Experience
This flight highlights everything that makes domestic travel in Australia enjoyable. From the charm of Broome Airport to the comfort of Virgin Australia’s business class cabin, the experience is smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.
While the hard product is fairly standard, the strong service, quality food, and excellent value make it stand out. The $60 upgrade, in particular, transforms the journey into an exceptional deal.
For travellers flying within Western Australia, Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737-800 business class remains a highly recommended option in 2026.
Disclaimer: This article has been repurposed from the original transcript of my own flight review on the Aussie JetSetter Youtube channel with the assistance of AI technologies. Please be advised whilst I have taken the utmost care to review and revise this article where necessary to reflect the upmost of accuracy at time of publication please be advised my reviews whether written or in video form are for entertainment and general information purposes only. They reflect the objective views in good faith of the person only whom is presenting them unless otherwise noted. Any decisions you make resulting from consuming my content must take into consideration your own circumstances, research and responsibility as I can not be hold responsible for any inaccuracies or future changes effecting the relativity of such reviews. All Rights Reserved by Aussie JetSetter from 2022 >
