V Australia Slashes Fares from LA to Australia: $549 Roundtrip to Melbourne

In true Virgin style, V Australia announced its new LA-Australia service with Richard Branson celebrating with luminaries from Oz on the wing of the new Boeing 777 aircraft named “Didgeree Blue” at a Los Angeles press conference. The Virgin boss pledged to keep airfares low on the routes formerly dominated by Qantas and United airlines and delivered on that promise by offering a special roundtrip economy fare ($549) from LA to Melbourne starting September 15 to December 9, 2009. Global music to the ears of travelers who have had to pony up serious cash to fly from the US to Australia in the past.

V Australia promises to transport passengers in style. The aircraft marries modern design with state-of-the-art entertainment systems. At two in-flight “V Bars,” guests can mingle and sip cocktails in the International Business and Premium Economy cabins. Mood lighting sets the tone throughout the craft. For those in repose, the economy class boasts the widest seats over the Pacific and fully horizontal lie-flat beds make for a comfy ride in business class.

So start planning that Aussie holiday now. Beginning Friday, February 27, V Australia will initially operate three weekly direct services to Sydney and Brisbane before ramping up to daily flights on March 21. Wandermelon found a roundtrip economy seat from LA to Sydney for only $834 departing on February 27, 2009. Book now!