Melbourne, often regarded as Australia’s cultural heart, is a city brimming with art, history, dynamic neighborhoods, and culinary wonders. I’ve had the pleasure of exploring this fantastic city numerous times, but each visit feels as fresh and exciting as the first. One of the key elements to a stress-free trip to Melbourne is securing the right flight that meets your budget, schedule, and personal comfort needs. I’ll take you through my recent flight from Brisbane to Melbourne, sharing the entire journey from booking to landing, including flight experiences, ticket options, costs, and key travel tips.
Choosing a Flight: Finding the Best Options
Booking a flight to Melbourne is relatively simple, thanks to the wide range of airlines operating between Australia’s major cities. In my experience, the first step is determining your priorities: comfort, cost, timing, or a balance of all three. Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is well-connected with frequent flights from Brisbane (BNE), so you’re spoilt for choice.
There are multiple airlines to choose from for flights between Brisbane and Melbourne. After researching, I decided to explore options on various booking platforms, including the airlines’ official websites, flight aggregator sites like Skyscanner, and even using travel agents’ services for comparison.
Here are four airlines that regularly fly between Brisbane and Melbourne, each offering a unique experience:
Qantas Airways
- Class: Economy and Business.
- Average Cost: $150-$350 (Economy one-way); $400-$700 (Business one-way).
- Flight Time: Approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- Highlights: Known for its superior onboard service, free meals, and in-flight entertainment. A popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Virgin Australia
- Class: Economy and Business.
- Average Cost: $120-$300 (Economy one-way); $350-$600 (Business one-way).
- Flight Time: Approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Highlights: Competitive pricing, good service, and a comfortable travel experience. Offers both affordable economy tickets and luxurious business class seating.
Jetstar Airways
- Class: Economy.
- Average Cost: $80-$150 (Economy one-way).
- Flight Time: Approx. 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- Highlights: The budget-friendly option for travelers focused on saving money. Offers basic services but charges for extras like baggage and meals.
Rex Airlines
- Class: Economy and Business.
- Average Cost: $100-$250 (Economy one-way); $350-$550 (Business one-way).
- Flight Time: Approx. 2 hours and 25 minutes.
- Highlights: A newer player in the Brisbane-Melbourne route but quickly gaining a reputation for affordable flights with good service, particularly in the business class.
Booking My Flight: Brisbane to Melbourne
After weighing my options, I decided to book with Virgin Australia. My priorities were a balance of comfort and cost, and Virgin offered a great deal on both. I wanted the flexibility to change my ticket if needed, and Virgin’s economy fare structure provided options with either more baggage allowance or greater flexibility at a moderate extra cost.
I booked my ticket directly through the Virgin Australia website, a smooth process where I could easily choose from several ticket options, including Saver, Flex, and Business Class. Their website allows you to filter by time, price, and amenities, which is a huge advantage when trying to match your flight with your itinerary. I opted for the Flex Economy Class fare, which cost me $250 one-way, providing flexibility in case my plans changed. Round-trip tickets usually offered a slight discount, with the return flight costing me $230, bringing the total cost to $480.
Flight Experience: Virgin Australia Economy Class
The day of my flight, I arrived at Brisbane Airport (BNE) around two hours before departure. Brisbane Airport is incredibly user-friendly, with clear signage, ample dining options, and comfortable lounges. After checking in online the day before, I dropped my luggage at the self-check-in kiosk. The process was swift, and the airport staff were helpful and efficient.
As I passed through security and headed to the gate, I had time to explore the terminal, where I enjoyed a quick coffee before boarding. Virgin Australia’s boarding process was orderly and well-managed. With my Flex Economy ticket, I was seated towards the front of the economy cabin, which allowed for early boarding.
The Flight: Virgin Australia VA332 (BNE to MEL)
The flight I took was Virgin Australia VA332, departing Brisbane at 10:15 AM and landing in Melbourne at 12:30 PM. It was a clear, sunny day, ideal for flying, with minimal turbulence throughout the journey.
Seating & Comfort
Upon boarding, I settled into my seat in the Economy Class, specifically in row 12, seat A, which was a window seat. Virgin Australia’s economy seats are fairly comfortable, with about 30 inches of legroom and 18-inch-wide seats. I’m around 6 feet tall, and I found the legroom adequate for a short flight. The seats recline slightly and are equipped with USB charging ports, which is a nice touch for keeping your devices powered.
Service & In-Flight Experience
Once airborne, the flight attendants promptly began the in-flight service. Virgin Australia provides a complimentary drink service in economy class, offering tea, coffee, soft drinks, and water. For food, passengers can purchase snacks or meals from the onboard menu, which includes sandwiches, salads, and snacks. I opted for a simple chicken wrap and a coffee, which were reasonably priced at around $10 total.
I had downloaded some shows on my tablet in advance, so I didn’t use the in-flight Wi-Fi, but Virgin does offer an entertainment system through a mobile app, which gives you access to movies, TV shows, and music for free. It’s a great way to pass the time, though for such a short flight, I mostly gazed out of the window at the Australian landscape below.
The cabin crew was attentive and courteous, checking in frequently to ensure everyone was comfortable. Overall, the service on Virgin was impressive for an economy flight—prompt, professional, and friendly.
Landing & Arrival
We landed in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) right on time at 12:30 PM. Melbourne Airport is efficient, and despite the hustle and bustle, I was able to retrieve my luggage quickly from the baggage claim. Within 20 minutes, I was through the terminal and headed to the taxi rank. If you’re in a hurry, there are also express buses and Uber services available that will take you directly to the city center.
Ticket Options: One-Way vs. Round Trip
When planning a trip to Melbourne, you’ll need to decide whether to book a one-way ticket or a round-trip ticket. There are advantages to both, depending on your travel plans.
One-Way Tickets:
- Flexibility: One-way tickets are great if you’re unsure of your return date or planning an open-ended adventure. I often book one-way flights when I’m planning to explore more than one city.
- Cost: Sometimes, one-way tickets can be cheaper when combined with a different return carrier. For instance, I’ve seen one-way fares as low as $80 on budget airlines like Jetstar.
Round-Trip Tickets:
- Simplicity: Round-trip tickets often come with a slight discount, and they give you the peace of mind that your entire journey is booked and secured. For my most recent trip, the round-trip ticket on Virgin Australia cost me $480, a slight discount over two one-way fares.
- Loyalty Benefits: Many airlines offer loyalty programs where round-trip bookings earn you more points or miles, which can be redeemed for future flights, upgrades, or other perks.
For my trip to Melbourne, booking the round-trip saved me the hassle of looking for a return flight last minute and gave me peace of mind.
Nearby Airports: Avalon Airport (AVV) as an Alternative
While most travelers fly into Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), there is another airport option: Avalon Airport (AVV). Located about 50 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, Avalon is much smaller and primarily serves low-cost carriers like Jetstar.
- Distance to the City: Avalon is farther from Melbourne’s city center, but the airport offers a dedicated shuttle service that connects passengers to the heart of the city in just under an hour.
- Benefits: Fewer crowds and a streamlined check-in and security process are some of the advantages of flying into Avalon. Flights to Avalon are often cheaper, but you should factor in the extra time and transportation costs when considering this option.
Final Travel Tips and Recommendations
- Book Early: For the best deals, especially during peak travel seasons, book your flights well in advance. Flights to Melbourne can fill up quickly, particularly around major events like the Melbourne Cup or the Australian Open.
- Consider Layover Times: When booking connecting flights, ensure you have enough time between flights. Brisbane and Melbourne airports are large, and a tight connection can lead to unnecessary stress.
- Check Baggage Policies: Different airlines have different baggage policies, so check these details when booking. Budget airlines like Jetstar often charge for checked luggage, while full-service carriers like Qantas include it in the fare.
- Sign Up for Flight Alerts: Services like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to set price alerts, which can help you score a better deal if you have flexible travel dates.
Flying from Brisbane to Melbourne is an effortless and enjoyable experience, especially with the right planning. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or prefer the extra comfort of business class, there’s an airline and flight time to suit every traveler. Virgin Australia offered a solid balance of cost and service, making my trip both comfortable and efficient. With a bit of planning and a keen eye on ticket prices, you’ll be enjoying Melbourne’s cultural landmarks, fine dining, and coastal beauty in no time.
