Where's the best place to sit on Virgin flight?

[RobinHood's merrymen]

When we last visited in 2004 we sat near the back of the plane. I remember thinking it was very noisy. I was thinking of pre booking seats, anyone know if there are some seats better than others?
Oh, and no 1st class jokes, we can only afford economy! :rotfl: :rotfl:

[amberandolly]

You could try for the little cabin just behind premium economy - first off the plane but you can't pre request them - they are only available at check in at the airport as they are saved for disabled pax.
Right by the galleys are my least favourite seats - very noisy and you get no choice of meal as they run out by the time they get to you as they start front and back. Close to bulkheads are also bad unless you don't mind screaming infants.

You may get lucky but it's a gamble, we were right at the back by choice, the rows of 2 seats have more room and it was lovely and quiet on the return flight - the only downside was the length of time it took to get off the plane, it seemed like forever, but at least the cases were waiting for us at MCO.

[junior27]

We're just a couple so that might influence your decision.

We have flown with Virgin twice and like to get the seats at the back in pairs. There seems to be more room and meals are served first.

We don't mind the wait to get off. As previous poster said, it usually means that the cases are off. We might as well wait on the plane as around a conveyor belt.

Enjoy

[jen_uk]

Front of the plane on the way out and then the 2 seats at the back on the return, avoid the front of the mid section as it takes forever to get meals and drinks.

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

...in a seat - lol! Sorry couldn't resist being a little obnoxious!! CAn't really answer your question, but have a great trip.

[Portugal1000]

Lat year we sat upstairs in PE which was fantastic. Year before in economy and we chose on of the back rows in the middle section. That way we could recline our seats without worrying about the people behind us. Also, there were 3 of us and no one sat in the 4th seat so we had extra room on both outbound and inbound trips which was great. Didn't have to worry about our son annoying anyone, but he was excellent This year hoping for a good deal in PE but quite happy to fly economy if we have to. Most important thing to us is being able to watch something, would be a nightmare otherwise no matter where you sat.

[irongirlof12]

check out seatguru.com. you can see the layout of the seats and pick your favourite. we have opted for the 2 seats at the back as we are 2 adults 2 kids so it meant we could swap around.

[hogwartsdropout]

The furthest near the front as possible! We were advised to go at the back on our Virgin flight last year, we ended up just a couple of seats from the back of the plane... never again!!! :sad2:
The turbulence wasn't so bad for everyone else, but for everyone who was sitting at the back, it felt so much worse! I think we all got off the plane feeling very sick, and we never get travel sick! The pilot even made an apology during the flight to everyone sat at the back.

[darthtatty]

we're going premium economy on the outbound flight and economy on the inbound. theres 3 of us (1disabled child) not sure where to sit.
thanks for the link, have to show husband :)
i though premium economy was set out 2-3-2 but it looks 2-4-2 anyone know for sure? :)

[wifey]

Another vote here for www.seatguru.com :thumbsup2

[nannyj]

They do say that the back of the plane feels the turbulence more and I must say that it was the case when we last sat at the back. I therefore always ask for as near the front as possible. The little cabin on its own at the front is fantastic - if you are lucky enough to get it!!

[ChristieK0310]

Hi

we are just back yesterday and flew econ out and pe back.

P.Econ is 2-2 upstairs and 2-4-2 downstairs. We have sat upstairs and downstairs in pe and while upstairs is lovely this time we ended up with the row of 4 pe bulk head seats for 2 adults and a baby and it was grand too.

For anyone not worried about turbulance the back few seats of 2's in economy are great but for me the further forward the better as am scared of flying.

Christie x

[darthtatty]

thanks for the info Christie, we'll have to sit downstairs as disabled passenger.
we were expecting to sit in the middle anyway. hope we get an empty seat next to us if there are any. :) mind you im sure husband wont mind sitting next to son and i'll sit elsewhere :rotfl:

[UKDEB]

You could try for the little cabin just behind premium economy - first off the plane but you can't pre request them - they are only available at check in at the airport as they are saved for disabled pax.
They're actually available via online check-in on the day of the flight (or at least some of them are). Don't dither, though, because you'll watch them disappear before your eyes. :)

I can confirm the comments about turbulence at the back of the plane. On the way back from St Lucia in March this year, our friends were sitting in the aforementioned cabin between PE and Economy, whilst we were in the groups of two right at the back. At one point, the Captain asked the Cabin Crew to take their seats. When we met up with our friends at Gatwick, they commented that they couldn't understand why he'd done that because the turbulence wasn't that bad. We thought it was the worst we'd ever experienced.

(The best place to be in terms of being buffered against turbulence is in the bubble).

[ChristieK0310]

thanks for the info Christie, we'll have to sit downstairs as disabled passenger.
we were expecting to sit in the middle anyway. hope we get an empty seat next to us if there are any. :) mind you im sure husband wont mind sitting next to son and i'll sit elsewhere :rotfl:

If you're sitting in pe downstairs as a disabled passenger I would imagine that if you request 3 of the set of 4 bulkhead then you'll get them (request through special assistance who I have always found to be helpful) the other two sets of 2 are both seats with sky cots so they would prefer to give these to people with infants - or thats the theory as I discovered but thats a whole other story - so if the 4 would suit you call special assistance and ask for it to be put on your booking but you'll only find out at check in.

hth

Christie

[darthtatty]

thanks christie, think husbands sorting it out with Virgin- just waiting for a reply. we had bulkhead seats on return journey and they were a lot easier for us (could move round child easier)
just seen on Virgins website, you can prebook 336 days beforehand :cool1:
i thought it was a lot later :cool1: obviously they may change :)

:cloud9:

[Sweet Pea UK]

I pre-booked my seats with Virgin in 2005 and 2007 and both times they were changed so I wouldn't set your heart on whatever you picked. There were 5 in our party the first time and we sat 2 rows apart and there were 8 in our party this time and myself, DH and DD were sat right across the other side of the plane from the rest of the party. (This actually worked out OK as we were separated from MIL and FIL :rotfl2: ) Convincing my Mum and Dad we hadn't done it on purpose was another matter!!!

[lovelylins]

They're actually available via online check-in on the day of the flight (or at least some of them are). Don't dither, though, because you'll watch them disappear before your eyes. :)

I can confirm the comments about turbulence at the back of the plane. On the way back from St Lucia in March this year, our friends were sitting in the aforementioned cabin between PE and Economy, whilst we were in the groups of two right at the back. At one point, the Captain asked the Cabin Crew to take their seats. When we met up with our friends at Gatwick, they commented that they couldn't understand why he'd done that because the turbulence wasn't that bad. We thought it was the worst we'd ever experienced.

(The best place to be in terms of being buffered against turbulence is in the bubble).

Regarding booking these seats on the day of the flight, do you know when they become available - 24 hours before the flight, or midnight on the day? I'd really like to try and give this a go! :surfweb:

[wideeyes]

It appears you can't pre request the sets of 2s now, a big massive fuss and over reaction about it on another forum.:confused3 .

[epcot.girl]

It appears you can't pre request the sets of 2s now, a big massive fuss and over reaction about it on another forum.:confused3 .

I've prequested them for my flight in September :scratchin

[wideeyes]

I've prequested them for my flight in September :scratchin

I would check you booking as they have been moving people out of them and blocking them.

[Snowy-girls]

It appears you can't pre request the sets of 2s now, a big massive fuss and over reaction about it on another forum.:confused3 .

Can you elaborate more?I don't suppose you can say what forum can you?At the end of May i had no trouble requesting 2 lot's of 2 at the back of the plane.x.

[wideeyes]

on V-flyer, someone posted a link to the Dibb where they had a massive thread about it. A bit OTT imo.

[wideeyes]

oh and apparently it is rows H, K 62 -64 that are now blocked.

[Snowy-girls]

oh and apparently it is rows H, K 62 -64 that are now blocked.

Yes they are the seats i had booked+i just checked and they have now moved me+my family.Thanks for this info,do they not have to tell you that they have done this?. Also i can't find any info on the v-flyer :confused3 to take me to the page.x.

[wideeyes]

here is the thread, I think the link is on the 3rd page of the threadhttp://www.v-flyer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24560&whichpage=3

[wideeyes]

I don't think they have to tell you because the seats are only a request. Though it has caused a lot of upset people.

[comingtodisney]

i had also booked the 2 seats at the back, after reading on here, went on and looked to see if we had been moved, and we have, not a happy bunny, they did have one set of 2 in 61, could somebody tell me if this row is ok.

thanx

[Snowy-girls]

i had also booked the 2 seats at the back, after reading on here, went on and looked to see if we had been moved, and we have, not a happy bunny, they did have one set of 2 in 61, could somebody tell me if this row is ok.

thanx

Yes,if it's coming up that it is available,then request it-get in quick if i was you,my family are now seperated across the aisle there+back :furious: .x.

[Snowy-girls]

here is the thread, I think the link is on the 3rd page of the threadhttp://www.v-flyer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24560&whichpage=3

Thanks much appreciated:thumbsup2 .x.
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I know+understand fully that these are only seat-requests,but the least they could have done was inform people of this+then give the passengers the chance to request there seats again.As stated previously my family are now split across the aisle-and i am not happy either.x.

[comingtodisney]

thanx snowy-girls, have already requested them, thought it best to do so, could always go back on and change, although not a lot to choose from. requested the 2 for ds 14 and dd 12 with me and dh sat in 2 in front, also requested the same seats for retun flight.

[wideeyes]

Thanks much appreciated:thumbsup2 .x.
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I know+understand fully that these are only seat-requests,but the least they could have done was inform people of this+then give the passengers the chance to request there seats again.As stated previously my family are now split across the aisle-and i am not happy either.x.

I understand people being disappointed at losing their seats and people worrying about not sitting together. If you don't like the seats you could try changing them at online check in when more seats open up.:)

[Snowy-girls]

I understand people being disappointed at losing their seats and people worrying about not sitting together. If you don't like the seats you could try changing them at online check in when more seats open up.:)

Yes i phoned VA as soon as i found we were across the aisles+could'nt change the seats on the website+the guy told me i had more of a chance of changing them when online check in opens(i just need to find out how to do that before we go-as i haven't done it before).x.

[wideeyes]

Its easy to do online check in, just make sure you change the seats on the seat map before you do the check in.

[epcot.girl]

I would check you booking as they have been moving people out of them and blocking them.

Still got 'em! LOL
But I will be checking more regularly now with this new information - fingers crossed that we don't get moved.

[Snowy-girls]

Its easy to do online check in, just make sure you change the seats on the seat map before you do the check in.

Thanks:thumbsup2 .So it's 24 hours before MY flight time which at the moment is 11-15am(was 10-25pm but they changed that as well).x.

[sandshal]

Ahhhhh! Now I know why I've lost one of my sets of 2 both there and back on our August trip.

One set of 2 were OK but the other 2 seats had been moved to the other side of the plane. Luckily I managed to get the last 4 seats together on the plane but to be honest I see it as just another example of bad customer service from Virgin.

That said .......... I've been here before with the sets of 2 and provided you get to the airport on time they normally come good on the day!

[Lizzybear]

Well I was gonna say any of the sets of 2 at the back seemed good to me (we had 63 if I remember correctly, A+C) If we fly with Virgin again i'll probably try to get them again but no big deal if not, i'm easygoing :) I think the other thread is a little OTT, but reminds me why I hardly post on there anymore :headache:

[tttessa]

I shouldn't worry tooooo much folks - we didn't get any seats preallocated - booked through travel agent and didn't get a code till all the prebook seats had gone (April school holidays!).

We booked in at twighlight check in time at Gatwick (not even online as we travelled the day before...) and there were loads of choices available - the 4 of us got to sit 2 and 2 behind each other (best choice to separate our 2 kids!!) Seats were row 33/34 near front of economy - between the galley and the loos... Fed quickish though not noisy and not too far to get the kids to the loo....

On the way back we got an exit seat row 25 with 3 behind row 26 by using downtown Disney check in. Near galley at front of economy - but great in turbulence and not too bad for a night flight as less trolleys in and out.

I stressed loads beforehand about not being seated together etc, turned out ok anyhow..... once we actually got on the plane:eek::eek::eek:!!!! See trip report below - page 24 - shows what Virgin do when your flight gets ........ cancelled...... sitting together was the LEAST of our worries!

Tessa

[Red-Snapper]

You could of course fly with BA and, unless you have "status" with them not get any pre-booking on seats until the on-line check in free for all 24 hrs before the flight...

[almond]

I suppose the best ever seats would be those with the pilot!! lol!! There are only two of us going next year in August and i was hoping to put in a request for a set of two at the rear but now im not so sure and if it is quite turbulant im not sure my tummy would cope!! Is it true that those seats in the front near PE downstairs cant be allocated until the day? And that they are for disabled passengers?

[RobinHood's merrymen]

Thanks guys for everyones input. :thumbsup2 After booking 2 lots of 2 seats at the back of the plane sometime ago we were getting excited about our impending flight. That was until I saw some of your replies and also other threads saying Virgin had 'moved' their seats. Just been on-line to find that on both flights our seats have been moved. :furious: In one case we are not even sitting all together. :worried: Even worse - get this! - they've even cancelled my kids meals!!!:mad: :mad: :mad: Anyone know if you can book these 'seats of 2s' on the on-line check in 24 hours in advance?

[Snowy-girls]

Thanks guys for everyones input. :thumbsup2 After booking 2 lots of 2 seats at the back of the plane sometime ago we were getting excited about our impending flight. That was until I saw some of your replies and also other threads saying Virgin had 'moved' their seats. Just been on-line to find that on both flights our seats have been moved. :furious: In one case we are not even sitting all together. :worried: Even worse - get this! - they've even cancelled my kids meals!!!:mad: :mad: :mad: Anyone know if you can book these 'seats of 2s' on the on-line check in 24 hours in advance?

I can't be 100% certain,but i believe you can when check in online opens 24hours before your departure time,if they are available.As others have said(there is also another thread now about this on here)Virgin realise how popular these seats are and are blocking them and moving people out of them.Why they are blocking them i don't know-because there popular-tosh,what are they gaining for blocking them beats me.They would rather,obviously move you+have you seperated from your family,although they always say if this was to happen you're children will not be seperated from you.Make sure you go back online and rebook your children's meals.x.

[wideeyes]

Hi, an update on V-flyer, Virgin have blocked the seats as they plan on charging extra money for these seats.
http://www.v-flyer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=25052&whichpage=1

[Snowy-girls]

Hi, an update on V-flyer, Virgin have blocked the seats as they plan on charging extra money for these seats.
http://www.v-flyer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=25052&whichpage=1

Thanks for that:thumbsup2 .So what happens to the people who have managed to not get moved from there sets of 2,will they then be charged extra when they get to the desk?.x.

[wideeyes]

Thanks for that:thumbsup2 .So what happens to the people who have managed to not get moved from there sets of 2,will they then be charged extra when they get to the desk?.x.

I think the only people who have not got moved are the first row of the 2s and they are not charging for those as I guess they must have less leg room that the other rows of 2s.

[Snowy-girls]

I think the only people who have not got moved are the first row of the 2s and they are not charging for those as I guess they must have less leg room that the other rows of 2s.

Yes that makes sense,otherwise there would have been some unhappy people at the desk if they were going to ask them for more money.x.

[PoppyAnna]

I suppose the best ever seats would be those with the pilot!! lol!! There are only two of us going next year in August and i was hoping to put in a request for a set of two at the rear but now im not so sure and if it is quite turbulant im not sure my tummy would cope!! Is it true that those seats in the front near PE downstairs cant be allocated until the day? And that they are for disabled passengers?


Hi and welcome to the DIS - this is the first of your posts I have seen!

24 hours before we were due to fly with VA in economy I got online and pre-booked the four middle seats in the back row of the small cabin between PE and economy. IMHO this little cabin is great, I can't stand the main rear cabin it is so noisy and ends up so trashed (which really annoys me :headache: ). I was nervous at first as our party was two adults and two young children under 5, I thought they might disrupt a small area but they were well behaved and there was two tiny babies in the area too. It was one of my favourite flights with VA and we disembarked quickly and made it through the formailities and out to the car in record time too!

[VirginHolidays]

Hi there,

It's a bit of a case of horses for courses, really. There are folks who like the back seats because they experience less disruption from other passengers, others swear by being as far forward as they can get to make a speedy exit upon landing.

From a personal point of view, I'm quite partial to being in the middle cabin, around the mid 40s, and on one of the sides rather than the central aisle. It doesn't tend to get too noisy or busy in my experience :)