Annemarie de Bruin flies from Newcastle to Auckland with Virgin Australia

The plane: A 737-800. Class: Economy. Price: Economy class, one way was $149. Flight time: We were there in 2hr 53m.

My seat: 3D. I was just behind Business Class behind a bulkhead. It seemed there was even more legroom than in Business.

Fellow passengers: There seemed to be a mixed bunch of all ages. How full: There were at least nine empty rows at the back of the plane. Entertainment: Bring your own device to watch a wide variety of films. My phone was unfortunately flat but I read the in-flight magazine, which was interesting enough on a short-haul flight. The service: Great. At the end of the flight, an attendant gave me some juice and some Whittaker’s chocolate bars that were left over. I wasn’t complaining. I decided to take the extra bars home, so went through the “something to declare lane” in Auckland with no hassles. Food and drink: I ate salmon and quinoa salad and had some juice. Other options were beef tagine with couscous; salmon and quinoa salad or vegetarian curry. Wine and beer, tea and coffee are included in your Economy ticket. A good comparison to other options across the Tasman where food may cost extra.

The toilets: There were two in Economy Class and they were clean. Luggage: 23kg for Economy to check-in. I had only hand luggage. The airport experience: Newcastle International Airport is quite small and doesn’t have duty free. The bottom line: A handy run for those who have seen beyond Sydney and have explored areas such as the Hunter Valley.