New Virgin planes and PE??

[XAVIER]

We are looking to book Virgin PE for next years trip in july 2012 but I am now confused by the new Virgin aircraft (A330-300?) and if the upgrade will be worth it if we do get one (no bubble!)

We usually go on the VS027 from Gatwick. Is this likely to be a new plane?
If so do the advantages (new seats, new IFE system?) outweigh the loss of the upstairs of the 747?

Also if we DID change flights to ensure a 747 can we then guarantee being in the bubble?

 

[london75]

By all accounts nothing compares to the bubble unless IFE is your main priority. We've been spoilt and I'm only just (well nearly anyway) adjusting to a future with no bubble.

The pending refurb of the 747s will probably see the bubble given to upper class anyway someone said the other day so I think depending on when you fly, you might not even be able to rely on the bubble if you choose a 747.

Fingers crossed I finally have enough miles for UC for all 4 of us next year!

 

[alibeau]

Hi,

Can't comment on VS027 as we fly from MAN but....

For our last trip in April we flew out on the new A330 and back on the 747. It is very difficult to compare the two...

I was a bit disappointed with the overall feel of the PE cabin on the A330, it did look and feel quite 'crammed in' with very narrow aisles but once in our seat the seat was comfy, plenty of legroom , brilliant service from the CC and the IFE was out of this world.....

On the way home (747) we 'reserved' the bubble which was very spacious and peaceful, ideal for a night flight home....

So I guess the answer is, are you overly bothered about having the new IFE/bigger seat etc? For us it was a god send, the girls (7&5) thought it was fabulous, IFE kept them occupied for the whole trip and because of that I can safely say it was our most relaxed flight ever (even better than our trips in UC!)...

However on the way home, our goal was to try and get some sleep and so the bubble was perfect for that and we did not miss the IFE.....

Hope this helps a little

Ali

 

[Dave_uk]

Hi

Is the new IFE in all the planes and classes? We are flying out next august from Manchester will we have the new IFE?

Thanks everyone

 

[london75]

Hi,

Can't comment on VS027 as we fly from MAN but....

For our last trip in April we flew out on the new A330 and back on the 747. It is very difficult to compare the two...

I was a bit disappointed with the overall feel of the PE cabin on the A330, it did look and feel quite 'crammed in' with very narrow aisles but once in our seat the seat was comfy, plenty of legroom , brilliant service from the CC and the IFE was out of this world.....

On the way home (747) we 'reserved' the bubble which was very spacious and peaceful, ideal for a night flight home....

So I guess the answer is, are you overly bothered about having the new IFE/bigger seat etc? For us it was a god send, the girls (7&5) thought it was fabulous, IFE kept them occupied for the whole trip and because of that I can safely say it was our most relaxed flight ever (even better than our trips in UC!)...

However on the way home, our goal was to try and get some sleep and so the bubble was perfect for that and we did not miss the IFE.....

Hope this helps a little

Ali

This is exactly what we've planned for August although given my geeky world of iPads, laptops and Nintendo's, I'm not sure the IFE will grab my two for long. they are technologically spoilt rotten, which makes life a nightmare but is brilliant for their future as the 2 year old can happily work a laptop and tell her Grandma what she's doing wrong!

 

[alibeau]

This is exactly what we've planned for August although given my geeky world of iPads, laptops and Nintendo's, I'm not sure the IFE will grab my two for long. they are technologically spoilt rotten, which makes life a nightmare but is brilliant for their future as the 2 year old can happily work a laptop and tell her Grandma what she's doing wrong![/QUOTE]

Love it! Well, we used to take a portable DVD etc but I think the great thing about the IFE was that everything on there was NEW to them, new films, new games etc. They did also have a little play on our nintendo ds's/ipad and also did some colouring etc

Although there is no getting away from the fact that imho the new PE cabin is a tight squeeze, we have still booked the same flights again for this Aug and next Easter. The seat plan for our return legs on the 747 are no longer available so we'll just have to see how we get on re the bubble (if there is one?!?)...... but tbh the seat selection for our return flights are not so important as we should be dozing

Ali

 

[XAVIER]

After checking V-flyer it seems that the VS027 could be either a 747 or the new 330-300.

I guess the 747 gives us the chance of being upstairs in the bubble but the new 330-300 gives us the upgraded IFE.

Either sounds good!

Ah, well only 430 odd days until we find out!

 

[Dave_uk]

Is the new IFE only in PE?

 

[london75]

No, in economy too although I think I read that PE get a handheld controller rather than having to touch the screen although that may partly be due to the screen being further away in PE