Time: The flight takes 1hr, 15m on the last flight of the day to get to Hobart. An adequate 2hr, 30m layover had been scheduled.
Class: Economy.
How full: Full — I sat next to a family going to show off their 4-week-old baby to extended family. It seemed most passengers were Tasmanians who had been shopping in Melbourne.
The service: Friendly.
Entertainment: No screens, but headphones and the Virgin magazine. Most passengers were on their own devices. It was, unfortunately, too late and dark outside, regardless of any possible cloud cover, to see the spectacular lakes and forests of north Tasmania.
Food and drink: Free tea, coffee, water or Fresh-up juice and a small bag of unpleasant "pretzels". A small selection of beer, wine and snacks is available for purchase.
Luggage: You're allowed one bag, which has to be collected when you arrive in Melbourne (or Sydney or Brisbane), but can be checked all the way through on the return home. It's a small plane, so the 23kg limit is strict. No fresh fruit is allowed into Tasmania, as it is a major food basket area for Australia, including heritage fruit and vegetable varieties. You can carry your duty-free alcohol in your hand luggage or put it into your bag in the hold — but Tasmania has a long history of brewing and makes superb whisky, gin and sparkling wine.
The airport experience: Melbourne's domestic terminal is right next to the international, so it's a short walk (1667 Fitbit steps, in fact) to the next area. There are a few food and drink options past the check-in desks, down the escalator, but more and better places are upstairs. If you have gone for "Bag Only" over the Tasman, the Sushi Bar is quick, tasty and cheap. Earlier in the day, free newspapers were available at the gate but I missed out on the Herald Sun and Australian.
Would I fly again? Yes, until the direct flight to Tasmania is reinstated.
