Perennially rated as Australia's most on-time airline, and our personal favourite, Virgin has direct flights to Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney from Gold Coast Airport, with another half-dozen destinations possible via short connections in Melbourne or Sydney. Fares are slightly higher than the budget carriers, but one checked bag is free even in economy class, and if your flight departs between 17:00 and 19:00 it's “happy hour” with beer, wine and soft drinks complimentary for all passengers.