There is no doubt that Virgin Blue coming into the Australian market has changed the nature of travel in this Country. I really think we have a lot to thank them for.

There is the obvious benefit which is lowering prices. I don’t think it can be disputed that the price of air travel has dropped significantly as a result of a serious competitor to QANTAS. Many more planes in the sky as a result of this but that is a whole different story.

There are also a few other things they have done. Correct me if I am wrong but I am pretty sure they were the first domestic airline in Australia to;

1. Challenging the status quo (good band) by offering pay as you go in flight catering

2. Having the foresight for staff to be multi skilled ie same person can check you in and wave you in (almost)

3. Have a decent, insightful, in flight mag

4. Offer on line check in

5. Offer decent in flight entertainment - yes you pay but it is far better parting with $4.90 to keep the kids happy than make them watch the news

6. Have friendly staff. Apologies to the decent staff at other airlines but I really think the majority of Virgin Blue staff actually enjoy what they are doing

7. Exit front and back

8. Somehow manage to get the doors open reasonably quickly. Maybe that is to do with not having business class but anyone that pays full tote odds for business class within Australia with their or their company’s money needs to take a good long look at themselves.

Most of all, they have made it affordable. So well done Virgin Blue and I truly hope that with all this financial turmoil (Virgin Blue shares 20 cents?) you hold tight and prosper.