In flight entertainment with Virgin

[meldud]

I am flying from Gatwick to MCO with Virgin Atlantic in August and wondered if anyone had an idea about how the in flight entertainment works.

The virgin website just says that it differs from each airport and to check the seat back info for details. But with a 9 and a 10 year old I would like to make sure I have enough entertainment with me in hand luggage if necessary. I can't imagine 8+ hours with bored kids!!

Thanks,

Mel

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I think as a rule the Gatwick planes are usually the older ones. You get seat-back TV's, but not the sort where you can start the films at any time like with the newer planes. Instead you have to wait for the longest film to finish then they all start together again! There are usually about 10 film channels, and another few stations with TV programmes on. I don't have children but it always seems like there are plenty of cartoons and a few children's films - though whether they would see you through 8 hours I don't know!!!!!! I can't remember if you also get seat back computer games on these planes. I seem to think you do, but could be confusing it with the planes on the Vegas route. Someone will know . ..

 

[DCLMan]

I am flying from Gatwick to MCO with Virgin Atlantic in August and wondered if anyone had an idea about how the in flight entertainment works.

Badly!!

 

[diddldonna]

Take plenty for them todo on the way there as the tv/ films don't keep them entertained the whole flight. Take puzzle books, colouring books, ds and games if they have them. The more things you take the better.

On way back wasn't as bad as we had a night flight and they slept most of the time.

 

[meldud]

Oh dear, it doesn't sound too promising!!

Which are the routes that have the newer planes on??

 

[Claire-Bear]

Posted this in the other thread about August entertainment on Virgin, but I'll repeat my post:

Virgin posts a sample of the following months films on this page: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/whatsonboard/inflightentertainment/futurefilms.jsp at the moment it is only showing July, so check it at the start of July for Augusts.

They always show at least 2 childrens films and do have childrens tv channels (several shows on repeat).

Whether or not your plane has gaming capabilities is hit and miss. I've used Virgin quite a lot over the years and only a couple of times has it had the games.

 

[Foxy Lady]

I'd like to know as well but I'm flying from MCO, can anyone help?

 

[torsie24]

I'd like to know as well but I'm flying from MCO, can anyone help?

This thread is all about MCO.

 

[Lizzy Lemon]

I think as a rule the Gatwick planes are usually the older ones. .

Ah and I thought they were the newer ones, we are flying from Gatwick this year for the first time rather than Manchester. Films look OK though, not seen any of them although I always end up watching the skymap! Had games on flights there and back on both our previous trips, even tried playing Who Wants to be a Millionaire but was a bit worried about any of my neighbours realising how daft I am!!!!

 

[strawberry blonde]

On our way back last year, the tv system kept being rebooted as half the plane couldn't get anything. We were over halfway home before we got to watch a film. With two children I would make sure they've got plenty to do just to be on the safe side.

 

[LoodlesNoodles]

On the way there, my tv was busted and couldn't watch any of the film channels.
However, a good 6-7 hours was spent playing tetris on the games bit.

 

[diddldonna]

2/3 gartwick to orlando virgin flights had games on.

0/3 Orlando to Gatwick virgin flights had games not on. (It didn't matter as we sleep on way home).

We have experienced only one problem with the entertainment system that was on our last vacation and it didn't take them long to sort out and it didn't effect our flight.

Even if you have the full tv channels/ films/ entertainment it only keeps them amused for a while. My son thought the map was good where he could see where we was but it drove me crazy, i didn't want to be reminded every 5 minutes.

 

[2Tiggies]

Badly!!

Well the MCO one we flew on last year wasn't much better.

We have experienced only one problem with the entertainment system that was on our last vacation and it didn't take them long to sort out and it didn't effect our flight.

Even if you have the full tv channels/ films/ entertainment it only keeps them amused for a while. My son thought the map was good where he could see where we was but it drove me crazy, i didn't want to be reminded every 5 minutes.

I will give them that much - they did eventually sort it out, but it is annoying when your movie stops and has to start all over again several times. I eventually went to sleep.

Aren't kids funny with the map?! DD also likes it - in addition to enjoying the little video about what the plane is doing at what stage. Fine if it keeps them quiet but every 5 seconds she would be slapping the side of my arm, "Look mum, look! Did you know that ......."

 

[Disneymad]

Ah and I thought they were the newer ones, we are flying from Gatwick this year for the first time rather than Manchester.

To my knowledge the Manchester and Gatwick planes are identical so basically it's the more of the same that you've previously experienced.

Roll on next year and the new planes...

 

[Disneymad]

My son thought the map was good where he could see where we was but it drove me crazy, i didn't want to be reminded every 5 minutes.

But! But! IT HAS A PIRATE SHIP ON IT!

 

[j9000]

When we flew back into manchester there was 20-30 of us on the plane,
i moved seats 6-7 times before i found a seat with a working headphone jack, remote and screen.

I know it seems silly, but we are paying for this, the entertainment in flight is a service Virgin supply.
if you didn't get food on the flight you would complain, why don't we ever complain if we get stuck with a broken seat system which should be fixed?

And by complain, i mean to the company, not the flight crew who cannot help you at that point a mile up

 

[martinrmn]

We flew back from Barbados a couple of years ago and we had the only 3 back seat TV's not working. They supplied portable DVD's and a steady supply of films. In addition each of us had £20 worth of duty free goods as way of apology. We thought this was great, especially when it was a night flight and we slept all the way back! Heres hoping it happens again!!

 

[paul_toria96]

This thread is all about MCO.

She meant Manchester We are flying with them