Airline review: Our verdict on Bonza? It’s great

The flight
Bonza flight AB1037, Boeing 737-MAX economy. I’m on the new Melbourne to Mildura route which started early in May, 2023. Departs 12.15pm with an added 15-minute idling on the tarmac, but we still manage to arrive early; economy seat 9D (aisle). Flight time for the 455-kilometre journey is one hour, 15 minutes.

The Bonza Mildura route.

The service operates three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Monday and Friday flights are scheduled to take off at 5.50pm, arriving in Mildura at 7.05pm.

The loyalty scheme
Bonza does not have a loyalty program.

Carbon emissions
The flight generates 130-180 kilograms of CO2 a passenger. Boeing’s 737 Max reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 14 per cent over the previous 737. The airline doesn’t offer a carbon offset program, but you can always choose an established one that allows individuals to invest in carbon offset projects and balance their carbon footprint.

Checking in
Bonza allows you to check in online several days out from your flight but when I arrive at the designated facilities at Melbourne Airport’s T4 less than an hour before departure, all self-service bag drop terminals are closed, no-one is in attendance to help and at least 20 passengers are standing waiting. A kindly “other airline” employee passing by takes pity on us, swipes a card and gets the bag drop machines going. I’m airside quickly from there.

The inflight Wi-Fi connects to the Bonza app.

The seat
Ah, that new plane smell … As I settle into 9D which is close to the front and an aisle seat, it’s truly apparent that Bonza has only been in the air since January. The plane still smells fresh out of the factory. Upholstered in a leather of the airline’s signature violet, it’s comfortable, especially as the plane is half empty and I have no-one in my row with me. Seats are in a 3-3 configuration, and each has a USB port and shared power outlet which feels like a classy touch for a budget airline. Seat width is 17.2 inches (44cm) with a pitch of 29 inches (74cm).

Baggage
Bonza gives you a really, err, bonza eight kilograms of carry-on. That’s a kilo more than many others. Pre-purchased checked baggage from $50 for 15 kilograms.

Entertainment
The inflight Wi-Fi connects to the Bonza app which you should have pre-loaded on your device before takeoff. There’s not much in the way of entertainment here save a few podcasts. I opt to read till I can pull out my laptop and get some work done.

Service
Maybe it’s the fact that they get to wear sneakers – Bonza’s uniforms are made for comfort and include snazzy white trainers – or perhaps it’s just good recruiting, but the crew are efficient, friendly and welcoming. That this is notable on a short flight is commendable.

Food
There’s no trolley service on Bonza. You order from the app and it’s delivered by hand to you. I’m among the few to do it – it’s a short time between the take-off and landing bits of this flight, after all, but I really like being able to order food like this. It seems easier than the trolley palaver of juggling your card and accepting hot beverages, etc. As a member of Australia’s growing legion of non-alcohol drinkers, I love that they sell the zero per cent beer, Heaps Normal among their all-Australian offerings.

One more thing
The corny Aussie slang used during announcements and about the place – the crew get called “legends”, there are “budgie smugglers” for sale, aircraft are called Bazza, Shazza and Sheila – had me keen to say “hooroo”.

The verdict
You can fly Bonza one way between Mildura and Melbourne for $50. My airport parking cost more than that. More than 90 per cent of Bonza routes were not served by any airline and 96 per cent were not served by a low-cost carrier. Long may this budget airline fly their purple flag. Great aircraft, excellent staff and a fun few days on the Murray. What’s not to love? Well, maybe that laid-thick Aussie slang.

Our rating out of five
★★★★

The writer flew courtesy of Bonza, see flybonza.com