Australia’s domestic skies have always offered unique challenges and rewards for frequent travellers, especially when it comes to east-west connections. Among these, the Perth to Melbourne route stands out not only for its distance but also for the frequency of overnight red-eye flights designed to connect the west coast with the nation’s southeastern hub. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience one such journey aboard Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737-800 in Business Class, and this review details every aspect of that trip, from check-in at Perth Airport to the lounge experience, the flight itself, and arrival into Melbourne in the early hours.
This journey was not just a standard flight. It represented a chance to see how Virgin Australia’s business product has evolved in 2025, particularly on overnight sectors, and whether the upgrade truly delivers value for passengers in both comfort and service.
Planning the Journey: Scoring a Business Class Upgrade
Booking for this flight started several months ahead, during peak footy season in Melbourne. Flights to the east coast were expensive, with economy fares rapidly rising past $1,000 in the lead-up to departure. However, using a strategic approach, I managed to secure a business class seat for less than $500, a remarkable saving given that last-minute economy fares were retailing for $1,400 or more.
The key was Virgin Australia’s upgrade bid system, which allows passengers to place a modest bid for business class upgrades. With a minimum bid of $150, I opted to offer $160, a small increment above the minimum. This was a calculated risk based on the observation that only a handful of business class seats remained, while economy was fully booked. Within a few hours, I received confirmation: the bid was successful, turning what would have been a standard economy seat into an overnight business class experience across the continent at a fraction of the cost.
This approach highlights one of the most underutilised strategies for premium travel domestically in Australia: monitoring fares and taking advantage of flexible upgrade programs. For travellers willing to be opportunistic, it can result in exceptional value without the full fare premium.
Departing from Perth Airport
The day of departure began on a cold winter evening in Perth, and instead of heading straight to the airport, I recorded an introduction from my own backyard due to time constraints. This personal touch reflects the reality of many business travellers who juggle commitments even before boarding a long overnight flight.
Arriving at Perth Airport’s Terminal 1 Domestic, check-in was largely automated, but I still appreciated the ability to receive a physical boarding pass — a feature Virgin Australia retains in contrast to other carriers that may only offer mobile check-in. The self-service baggage drop was straightforward, with only minor hiccups at one kiosk quickly resolved by moving to an alternative machine.
Security at T1 was efficient, even with several late-night departures occurring simultaneously. Using CT scanners, there was no need to remove laptops or liquids from bags, expediting the process. With check-in and security completed, the next stage of the premium experience awaited: the Virgin Australia lounge.
The Virgin Australia Lounge Experience
Access to the Virgin Australia lounge was included courtesy of the business class upgrade. Despite not holding Velocity Gold status, this was my first lounge experience of the evening, and it set the tone for the flight. The lounge itself was spacious, modern, and well-appointed. Seating options catered to solo travellers, business groups, and families alike, creating an atmosphere of both productivity and relaxation.
The lounge featured a buffet of light snacks and cold cuts, a fully tended bar, coffee from Bristo, and impressive views over the apron and Virgin Australia’s fleet. Even late at night, there was a selection of beverages and small bites to enjoy, including a beer with cheese and crackers before the flight. While the stay was brief, the lounge provided a comfortable and convenient transition from the airport terminal to the aircraft.
Boarding the Boeing 737-800
Boarding at gate 44 was smooth, and priority lanes ensured a quick transition onto the aircraft. The Boeing 737-800that would operate the flight was almost ten years old, delivered directly to Virgin Australia in November 2015. Despite its age, the aircraft was clean and well-maintained, reflecting the airline’s commitment to fleet upkeep.
The Business Class cabin consisted of eight seats in a 2-2 configuration, outfitted with black leather recliners, adjustable headrests, and a generous 37-inch pitch. Each seat included a robust tray table, a storage cubby, seat controls, and media charging facilities. Notably, Virgin Australia no longer includes inflight magazines, but the essentials — safety cards and air sickness bags — were available in seat pockets.
Departure and In-Flight Comfort
Pushback was on schedule, followed by a smooth taxi and takeoff. I was seated in 2D, an aisle seat, which provided sufficient space but limited the scenic views during climb and approach. Once airborne, cabin lights dimmed, allowing passengers to relax for the overnight journey.
The Business Class meal service commenced shortly after takeoff. Options were simple yet satisfying, with the highlight being the chicken tikka masala, served alongside cheese, crackers, a dessert, and a bread roll. Drinks included a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, with sparkling water and tropical pale ale being my choice. Despite the late hour, the catering was unexpectedly generous, demonstrating Virgin Australia’s commitment to maintaining quality standards even on overnight flights.
Seats were highly comfortable for a domestic red-eye. While not lie-flat, the recliner allowed for decent rest, not aided by any pillow or blanket however. For four-hour sectors, the balance of comfort and practicality is ideal, especially given the short duration of the flight relative to an intercontinental overnight.
Entertainment and Connectivity
Virgin Australia’s stream-to-own-device entertainment system replaces traditional seatback screens. Passengers can connect tablets, smartphones, or laptops to access a library of movies, TV shows, and podcasts. The selection is adequate, though for documentary enthusiasts, options can feel limited.
Complementing entertainment, complimentary Wi-Fi is available for Business Class passengers, which I tested across general browsing and streaming content. Performance was generally strong, though some Australian streaming services were blocked due to satellite routing. For browsing, news updates, and light streaming, the service was sufficient and enhances the experience for business travellers needing connectivity mid-flight.
Arrival into Melbourne
Approach to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport was calm, with the first light of dawn breaking across the Victorian suburbs. The descent was smooth, and landing occurred slightly ahead of schedule. Disembarkation was quick, aided by the small Business Class cabin at the front of the aircraft.
Upon arrival, lounge access in Melbourne was available, which proved invaluable for refreshing and enjoying breakfast after a night of minimal sleep. The lounge mirrored the design of the Perth facility, offering seating for work and relaxation, showers, and a breakfast buffet with hot and continental options. A flat white coffee and fresh orange juice provided a much-needed energy boost after the overnight journey.
Overall Assessment
Flying Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737-800 Business Class on the red-eye from Perth to Melbourne is a compelling choice for those seeking comfort and efficiency. The combination of priority check-in, lounge access, premium seating, attentive service, and inclusive meals and drinks makes the experience significantly more comfortable than economy, particularly on overnight flights.
While the aircraft is a narrow-body and seats are recliners rather than lie-flat, the arrangement works well for the sector length. The cabin crew demonstrated professionalism and efficiency, maintaining a quiet, restful environment without compromising service quality. Stream-to-own-device entertainment and complimentary Wi-Fi are thoughtful additions, catering to modern travellers’ needs.
From a value perspective, my $160 upgrade bid represented an outstanding opportunity, turning a standard $300 economy fare into a full business class experience for less than $500. With lounges, meals, drinks, priority services, and Wi-Fi included, the overall value proposition is exceptional.
The Business Class Experience in Context
Red-eye flights across Australia are challenging, particularly for west-to-east sectors. They test an airline’s ability to balance service, comfort, and operational efficiency while ensuring passengers arrive refreshed enough for the day ahead. Virgin Australia’s Business Class product on the 737-800 meets this challenge well.
Compared to competitors, Virgin Australia’s service stands out for several reasons. Lounge access on both departure and arrival, the option to upgrade through a modest bid, and the balance of quality catering and seat comfort place it ahead of some alternatives. For travellers who prioritize comfort and efficiency over cost alone, the airline offers a compelling package for these long domestic flights.
Final Thoughts
This Perth to Melbourne red-eye showcased Virgin Australia’s attention to detail and commitment to the Business Class experience. From seamless check-in and security to comfortable seating, quality meals, and complimentary lounge access, the journey exceeded expectations for an overnight domestic sector.
For travellers considering whether to invest in a Business Class seat on a domestic red-eye, this flight demonstrates clear value, especially when using smart strategies like upgrade bids. The 737-800 cabin, while modest in size, provides a premium experience that combines comfort, convenience, and attentive service, making it a standout choice for long-haul domestic travellers in Australia.
Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, Virgin Australia’s red-eye Business Class from Perth to Melbourne offers a practical, comfortable, and cost-effective way to cross the continent overnight. For anyone looking to combine efficiency with comfort, this product represents one of the best options available in the Australian domestic aviation market today.
Disclaimer: This article has been repurposed from the original transcript of my own flight review 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 >
