Flight Review: Why travelling to Uluru just got easier

I have just finished a jam-packed trip to the Red Centre, and while I am not ready for the holiday to end, Virgin Australia's new direct flights between Uluru and Melbourne make it a seamless journey home. On board this Boeing 737-800, I am able to catch one final glimpse of the monolith that attracts thousands every year.

CHECKING IN: If you are heading to the airport on an Ayers Rock Resort shuttle, then your best bet is to sit at the front of the coach. With the bus jam-packed, I am one of the last to get off, meaning that I am at the back of the line to check in. There are three desks open and the staff are still learning the new systems. It takes about 40 minutes in total to get through to security.

THE FLIGHT: We are scheduled to depart at 5pm but we are delayed by about 15 minutes. It is a full flight and the overhead bins are packed to the brim. You are allowed one piece of carry-on that must not exceed 7kg. My 15kg bag is stored with the checked luggage and is well under the 23kg limit. With a strong tail-wind, we've landed before I have time to settle in.

THE CLASS: I am in economy in middle seat 18E, which is four rows from the exit and slightly over the wing. The plane's 3-3 configuration means that we are all able to catch a glimpse of Uluru one last time before the sun sets. While not my usual choice, the middle seat provides plenty of room once I have worked out which arm rest belongs to me. There are four phone charging ports and plenty of pocket space in the chair in front for my Airpods case.

FOOD & DRINKS: We are in the air for a while before the food service begins. Being a short 2.5-hour flight, I opt for a light snack of potato chips. There is hot food but it is smaller items, such as toasties and wraps. Tea, coffee and water is complimentary, while the food and alcohol comes at a cost.

ENTERTAINMENT: This 737-800 does not have seat-back entertainment. In its place is access via the airline's app to an extensive library that is up-to-date with movies, TV shows, audio books and podcasts. As tempting as it is to re-watch Dune: Part Two I choose the comfort of my phone - reliving my trip to the Red Centre. This flight also has Wi-Fi but it comes at a premium - $9.75 for 30 minutes or $19.95 for the whole flight.

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THE SERVICE: There are five crew members on board - one for the eight premium economy seats and four to cater for the 168 economy passengers. The service is friendly and mostly prompt, albeit a bit slow at times.

IN A NUTSHELL: This service ensures quick and direct access for Victorians and Tasmanians to our nation's spiritual heartland. With a good tail-wind, you can shave up to 30 minutes off the flight time.

The writer was a guest of Virgin Australia and Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru.