This was published 1 year ago
Airline review: Bonza, Boeing 737-MAX 8 economy class, Sunshine Coast to Whitsundays Coast
For an aircraft named Bazza, the level of tech is surprising.Credit: Bonza
THE FLIGHT
Bonza flight AB777; Boeing 737-MAX 8 economy; Sunshine Coast to Whitsundays Coast; departs 8.30am (half an hour behind schedule); aboard a Boeing 737-MAX 8, in an economy seat 1D (aisle). Flight time one hour, 40 minutes. It's the first ever passenger flight by Bonza but also the first air service connecting the two regional tourism hubs, previously linked by a near-12 hour drive.
FREQUENCY
Each seat includes a USB port and shared power outlet.Credit: Bonza
Three flights per week (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday).
LOYALTY SCHEME
Bonza won't be launching a frequent flyer program or airport lounges.
CARBON EMISSIONS
0.19 tonnes for this route. Bonza doesn't offer a carbon offsetting program but their fleet of new Boeing 737-MAX 8s are among the most fuel efficient; the airline is committed to reducing carbon and waste, with initiatives like reusable cups onboard.
CHECKING IN
Check-in is quick as most arrive early for the historic service. Our departure gate is buzzing; Bonza has arranged celebrations to mark the airline's first flight, which include free snacks, coffee and a violet carpet runway.
FOOD
I order a "Big Breakie" (croissant, muffin and drink for $16.50) but at 20 minutes into service there's already a backlog and the busy 'Bonza legends' (what the airline calls its cabin crew) run out of time. I'm not the only one who misses out. They're the first carrier to ditch trolley service, and ferrying trays of food back and forth is inefficient when there's high demand. I'm not out of pocket as I opt for card payment on delivery (you can also pre-purchase Bonza dollars). The app-only menu is all-Australian, with a few airline firsts such as alcohol-free beer and cold drip coffee. The 'Snag in a Bag' ($5.50) on my return flight is more skinless hot dog than sausage sizzle.
THE SEAT
10D in an all-economy plane. We're the first to use the 737-MAX 8s and it has that new-plane smell. Seats take a 3-3 configuration, and each includes a USB port and shared power outlet. Seat width is 17.2 inches (44cm) with a pitch of 29 inches (74cm) – even with my laptop stored in the seatback pocket I have decent legroom. There's basic Wi-Fi for the Bonza app. The aircraft, named Bazza, is supposedly 40 per cent quieter than the previous 737 model though it's hard to tell on this unusually boisterous flight.
BAGGAGE
Carry-on is 8kg – 1kg more than other Australian carriers bar Qantas. The limit will still force many customers to pre-purchase checked baggage, which starts from $50-$56 for 15kg.
ENTERTAINMENT
A slim catalogue of Listnr podcasts and video media is available on the Bonza app. Our tip? Load up your device before flying, unless self-help video tutorials are your idea of a good time.
SERVICE
With this being Bonza's first service, crew are friendly and professional despite not getting to everyone's order. An attendant graciously slips me a croissant before disembarking.
THE VERDICT
Bonza may be playing the bogan airline, but with an app-first approach and a young fleet of technologically advanced aircraft, they're refreshingly modern. Just be prepared to spring for extra baggage.
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★½
The writer travelled as a guest of Bonza. See www.flybonza.com or download the Bonza app on Apple App Store and Google Play.
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