Advice from anyone about VA premium economy!

[crabbie1]

Hi
We have already booked our flights with VA to orlando in july and just wondered if I called them would they let us upgrade to premium economy just for the oubound journey?Never flown PE is it worth the extra money?Not sure how much extra it is yet but might it be cheaper on the day if we upgrade at the airport or are they pretty strict with there prices
.
Any advice would be great.
What exactly do you get extra.I think economy is good anyway but fancied a bit of luxery as we couldn't afford to last year as we had the wedding to pay for.
Thanks guys.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Yes you can upgrade one way.
There are varying thoughts on this site if it is worth it or not.

You get a wider seat,
extra leg room
a dedicated cabin crew for your cabin class
champagne before take off
a small upstairs cabin, just like flying on a small personal aircraft
You get a PE monogrammed bag with little goodies in it
You get extra luggage allowance
you get a different menu to the Economy and its served on china tableware
You get priority boarding and disembarking
You get priority baggage collection
You get a dedicated check in

Anything else those who fly it??

 

[Claire L]

Being as PE is popular these days then if you want to upgrade it would be best to do it in plenty of time, as it is unlkely there will be any offers at the airport, even if there was space.

Claire

 

[london75]

I really recommend it if the money isn't too much of a stretch, it's not worth getting into debt but it definitely starts the holiday very nicely indeed.

It's not just the seats, the aisles are twice as wide meaning you can wonder about and stretch you legs. There are dedicated toilets and dedicated cabin crew which means you are more likely to get what you need when you need it

Ignore the food, entertainment, check in, even the champagne, they're just perks. The space and feeling of complete comfort are what you are paying for and in my opinion it's worth it.

 

[crabbie1]

I really recommend it if the money isn't too much of a stretch, it's not worth getting into debt but it definitely starts the holiday very nicely indeed.

It's not just the seats, the aisles are twice as wide meaning you can wonder about and stretch you legs. There are dedicated toilets and dedicated cabin crew which means you are more likely to get what you need when you need it

Ignore the food, entertainment, check in, even the champagne, they're just perks. The space and feeling of complete comfort are what you are paying for and in my opinion it's worth it.

As I have DD4 I don't know whether to book the outbound(which she will be awake on )or the return as she will be asleep and gives us time to relax.Also I have read if you sit downstairs the feeling isn't the same.I don't know how true that is.I wish I could afford both ways but can't Im afraid
thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[london75]

We flew with or DD 9 month old last September and I'd recommend outbound for exactly the reason you mentioned.

Outbound on the "perpetual daylight" flight everybody was awake and excited and the cabin crew were very attentive.

On the return flight the lights were dimmed after 3 hours and DD fell asleep. After that the cabin crew just kept themselves to themselves (obviously you could request anything you wanted but they didn't come round asking). So really you're just sat there (albeit in a comfy seat) staring at a tv screen or sleeping and there is probably very little to tell it apart from economy.

Hope that helps. (Also on the outbound we paid for 3 adult seats as my mother in law was with us but ended up getting 3 pairs of seat which was great for Daisy to crawl all over, I doubt you'd get that situation in economy)

 

[Madjock]

I agree with London75 if I could only go one way I would book it for the outbound also. As London75 said, coming back you tend to try and get some sleep and they really aren't any more comfortable for sleeping in than economy, so I would enjoy the experience of PE outbound and get the holiday spirit off to a great start

 

[Netty]

Hi
we have booked PE for inbound, instead of outbound as it will be more comfortable flying back at night in PE (more room) than in economy-which we did last year and we were so cramped up with my dd and nephew trying to sleep on us!!
and also we will get the 32kgs baggage allowance

 

[london75]

Hi
we have booked PE for inbound, instead of outbound as it will be more comfortable flying back at night in PE (more room) than in economy-which we did last year and we were so cramped up with my dd and nephew trying to sleep on us!!
and also we will get the 32kgs baggage allowance

You mean 64Kg don't you! It's a bonkers allowance but you're allowed 2x32Kg

 

[carolfoy]

I'd go with Netty and book it on the inbound, just because I like to try and get a decent nights sleep on the return (being as I have another 5 hour journey home after landing) If I lived near the airport and could get home earlier and collapse promptly I'd probably appreciate it more on the outbound

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We fly PE and agree with Obi's comments, plus as Claire says despite the fact it is more expensive doesn't mean the PE sections won't be full when you fly.
It is a very popular service and if you do decide to upgrade definitely do so in advance.

 

[Netty]

You mean 64Kg don't you! It's a bonkers allowance but you're allowed 2x32Kg

yep thats what I meant! should be able to fit a snowglobe or two in the cases

 

[crabbie1]

Thanks guys-I may have a problem though upgrading as piad for flights through VA with miles plus money.I have e-mailed them and said would pay the extra(as of the proper price )but have been advised by a fellow DIS member that it may not be possible-anyone ever booked this way and then upgraded later.
cheers
alyson

 

[Claire L]

Thanks guys-I may have a problem though upgrading as piad for flights through VA with miles plus money.I have e-mailed them and said would pay the extra(as of the proper price )but have been advised by a fellow DIS member that it may not be possible-anyone ever booked this way and then upgraded later.
cheers
alyson

Ah just found this info -

Changes and upgrades

Tickets are non refundable however changes can be made at applicable charges.
Date changes can be made at a charge of GBP 50 per ticket per change, the original class must be available and maximum/minimum stay requirements must be adhered to.
Upgrades to revenue fares can be made at a charge of GBP 50.
Upgrading to a higher Miles Plus Money cabin can be made at a charge of GBP 50. The difference in fare will also be applied as well as the difference in mileage, e.g. 7,500 - 2,000 = 5,500 Flying Club miles will be debited from the Flying Club member’s account for an Economy to Premium Economy upgrade.
All travel is subject to Virgin Atlantic’s Conditions of Carriage.


So it would have to be done in advance and only if Miles Plus Money fares are still available in the new class and on the route you have booked.

Claire

 

[Netty]

Thanks guys-I may have a problem though upgrading as piad for flights through VA with miles plus money.I have e-mailed them and said would pay the extra(as of the proper price )but have been advised by a fellow DIS member that it may not be possible-anyone ever booked this way and then upgraded later.
cheers
alyson

give them a ring, we booked using m+m

 

[wicket2005]

Never flown anything but standard seats on any airline. However, I am quite sure the comfort would be fantastic with Virgin. The only trouble is, I think, once you have tried it you would probably never want to go back to a normal seat.