First Choice

[Neoshoegal]

We're hoping to go to a conference in January in Orlando and are looking for a cheap but comfortable way to get there.
I've been looking a Virgin Holidays with premium economy flights, which would be about £1800 for the 2 of us staying for 6 nights at Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott.
I went to the first choice website where for £1517 we get 7 nights staying at the hotel where the conference is (Wyndham Orlando Resort), flying with their Premium Service.

What's the premium service like? Is it a big cabin or considerably smaller than the main cabin? As this would be for business DH wants to keep it, well, as quiet and as comfortable as possible (within budget constraints, can't splash out UC this time!). Any details would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Andy Lou & Meg]

What's the premium service like? Is it a big cabin or considerably smaller than the main cabin? As this would be for business DH wants to keep it, well, as quiet and as comfortable as possible (within budget constraints, can't splash out UC this time!). Any details would be greatly appreciated![/COLOR][/QUOTE]

Their premium cabin is very nice and comfortable (the front of the plane). The service is excellent and its quiet. I would say it holds about 50 people in a combination of 2-3-2. Their seat back TVs are good as is the food quality. If you have ever flown PE with Virgin its along those lines.

I have not flown premier to Orlando only to the Caribbean but I dont think there is any difference.

 

[carolfoy]

first choice premium is definately on a par with virgin (minus the luggage allownace, twilight check in, downtown disney check in etc) they have a very generous seat pitch and very comfortable cabins.
If they are cheaper you won't be disappointed.

 

[Neoshoegal]

I'm just a bit worried that you can't book your seats together. they say they will try to get people together but it can be that you're seperated by an aisle. That's a big problem, being a nervous flyer I can get very annoying so it wouldn't be pleasant for me or anyone near me if I don't get to sit with my husband (also very much like to have a window so I get my attention away from everything around me).
If that's the case we probably will have to go for Virgin, would have been nice to save a bit of money.

 

[carolfoy]

highly unlikely you'd be split up especially if you explain that you're a nervous flyer (the last thing they want is someone making a fuss and getting other passengers nervous) also if you turn up early at check in they'll make sure you're not split up

 

[Tony Bush]

Just returned from holiday last week. Used First Choice premium and it is very good. The cabin holds 63 ( 9 rows of 2-3-2 seating) Mood lighting - better on the way home at night! Unlimited free drinks, good food with a small choice of menu. Seats have a good 36" pitch - plenty of legroom for all of us - including 6' 5" DS. Entertainment system very good - you can pause, rewind and start any program at any time (BUT.... beware they are having problems with this at the mo. We were warned as my brother in law is a technician for First Choice at Gatwick) It did not work for 50% of the passengers on our inbound flight (we are awaiting compensation!) Baggage allowance is 30kg (I think) and twighlight check in is available at Gatwick.

Tony

 

[tashasmum]

- including 6' 5" DS. Entertainment system very good - you can pause, rewind and start any program at any time

Tony

when I first read this thought that this was a massive Nintendo seat back system.

 

[Steve and Sarah]

Problem with First Choice is that if the plane goes 'tech' anytime in the few days before your flight (Like ti did to us) you will be shafted and placed on a 757 (The type you would go to Greece on) with NO video at all, a 29 inch pitch and a 5 hour fuel and toilet range (Had had to stop in Maine for 2 hours to re-fuel and empty the smelly toilets that we full/blocked 3 hours in) with only a drinks voucher to distinguish you from the other passengers who paid much less. Customer service none existant and absolutely no interest from their compalints department.

Our singularly worst airline experience......

Howver I am sure yours will be fine....

At least with Virgin you would get a proper plane swapped out should it go tech.

Rant over now....! Much happier now ...

 

[Neoshoegal]

Steve and Sarah, it looks like it will have to be VA after all. For some reason the premier class doesn't seem to be available anymore and a phone call to First Choice did not make me feel more at ease about the being divided by an aisle.
I know somebody on another forum I frequent who works for VA out of Manchester and said she'd try to be on our flights if we book with them, so we'd get extra personal service