questions about Virgin

[Ali and boyz]

As virgin are now flying out of Glasgow (certain dates) can anyone give me information on their seating i.e. our DS can't walk and I have read about there being an upstairs to their planes. we would like to fly Premair or their equivalent but unsure if it is upstairs which would make it impossible for us.

 

[Young Pooh]

Not so. We flew Premium Ecomony with Virgin in May with DD who was 19 months but due to a problem with her muscles, was not mobile at the time. I had checked with VA before booking PE that this was not a problem as we specifically wanted the upstairs cabin and they confirmed it was fine. I think that as long as you can carry DS upstairs then this is fine.

If he is too big to carry then VA do have two rows of PE seats on the lower deck but these tend not to have as god a service etc as the upper cabin.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ali and boyz]

Not so. We flew Premium Ecomony with Virgin in May with DD who was 19 months but due to a problem with her muscles, was not mobile at the time. I had checked with VA before booking PE that this was not a problem as we specifically wanted the upstairs cabin and they confirmed it was fine. I think that as long as you can carry DS upstairs then this is fine.

If he is too big to carry then VA do have two rows of PE seats on the lower deck but these tend not to have as god a service etc as the upper cabin.

Hope this helps.

thanks Sue DS can't walk at all . what is the difference in service Sue ?

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Virgin are using the 747-400's of the LGW/MAN routes.
These have two Premium Economy cabins.
there are 16 seats downstairs and the upper deck of 42 seats in PE configuration, so its not a problem.
The dwonstairs seats are curtained off from the economy and UC sections, so even though its on the main cabin floor it feels small and unique.
Also, talk to Virgin Atlantics Special Assistance sedction to get a wheelchair at LGW

 

[Ali and boyz]

Virgin are using the 747-400's of the LGW/MAN routes.
These have two Premium Economy cabins.
there are 16 seats downstairs and the upper deck of 42 seats in PE configuration, so its not a problem.
The dwonstairs seats are curtained off from the economy and UC sections, so even though its on the main cabin floor it feels small and unique.
Also, talk to Virgin Atlantics Special Assistance sedction to get a wheelchair at LGW

we would be flying from Glasgow would it then be the 747-400's with some Premium seats downstairs do you know . Because DS can't move it just make it so much easier to get him into the seat.

 

[wideeyes]

we would be flying from Glasgow would it then be the 747-400's with some Premium seats downstairs do you know . .

I think the Disability act means that they have to have PE seats down stairs, to give equal access.

 

[Ali and boyz]

I think the Disability act means that they have to have PE seats down stairs, to give equal access.

thanks, I thought I had read somewhere that because Glasgow's runways weren't as long as say manchester or gatwick then whey might be using different planes on the route. (I'm probably talking a load of rubbish )

we want to go for 3 weeks you see and because of DS we have to go direct. MY Travel don't do 3 weeks and FC have dropped their baggage allowance even for Premair . virgin looks like the answer for us , hopefully

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

we would be flying from Glasgow would it then be the 747-400's with some Premium seats downstairs do you know . Because DS can't move it just make it so much easier to get him into the seat.

Yes, it will be the same planes as used on the lGW or MAN runs. They are changing a couple of the LHR 747's into LGW configuration (PE and UC on lower level as well as PE upstairs)

 

[Claire L]

VA only have 747-400's or Airbus and all have PE. As for the 747-400's all have PE both downstairs and upstairs. The planes being used for Glasgow are likely to be the LGW/MAN config's so have all PE upstairs and 2 rows downstairs behind UC.

Claire

 

[Ali and boyz]

thanks for the info I appreciate it

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Ali, have a look at the seat map on this page

http://www.v-flyer.com/aircraft.asp

 

[Young Pooh]

I agree with the others - you will likely be getting the same planes as the LGW/MAN routes.

The PE seats downstairs are identical to the upper cabin but there has been some debate on the boards about the service. I have not travelled in these seats but it has been said that as you share the economy cabin crew service is not quite as good as being upstairs with a dedicated crew. That being said, travelling PE is good anyway and by the sounds of it, your circumstances dictate that you wil need seats on the lower deck.

I would certainly give VA Special Assistance a ring - number is on their website - who wil be able to give you advise as to what is best for your DS particular circumstances.

Good luck!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

That part of PE are actually the first off the plane as they are moved out the way to let the UC pax off.

 

[Ali and boyz]

we arn't that fussy and travelled economy for years, infact we might still have done if it hadn't been for DS's accident. I couldn't go through the bad experience of trying to get him into the economy seating again so with that in mind I would pay for the extra space seating only if you no what I mean. we will still be last off due to waiting for a full carry off.

another question. I have read on the boards about people who book through a travel agent then find it hard to go on-line and allocate/pick their seats because they have booked this way.

but............. on the other hand of how some end up speaking to someone in India when they book themselves.

which would you all do baring in mind DS special needs

any more info would be appricated as we have never flown/used Virgin before

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

When you have booked with a Travel agent, get from them the Virgin booking reference. This will be a 6 alphanumeric number, i.e. DPTIN7 for example. You can then log into the Virgin Atlantic web page and manage your booking.

As has been said, contact Virgin's Special assistance section on telephone number 0870 380 2004
They can help you with your seat assignments, wheelcahirs to and from the gates and everything else you need

 

[wideeyes]

Hi, I have never had any problems when booking with a Travel agent for Virgin Holidays and using the ref number to log on to the VA website.

I think the problems maybe if people book with another Tour Operator who use Virgin flights.

 

[Ali and boyz]

Hi, I have never had any problems when booking with a Travel agent for Virgin Holidays and using the ref number to log on to the VA website.

I think the problems maybe if people book with another Tour Operator who use Virgin flights.

sorry for being thick are you saying that if you book say a holiday (flights and hotel) then it is usually okay

or if its just the flights then sometimes this is where the problems arise. (we only need flights.)

or do you mean say when its booked with First choice or something like that then that is where the problems arise.

sorry from thickie here

 

[wideeyes]

we booked with Virgin Holidays though a travel agency. The booking confirmation we received was from Virgin Holiday and this had the reference on that worked on VA.

Sometimes a travel agent may book the virgin flights with another company that is not virgin so you may need to ask for the VA reference number.
For example my parents booked virgin flights last year though a travel agent and the travel agent booked them with Jet Save who use virgin flights.

 

[Ali and boyz]

we booked with Virgin Holidays though a travel agency. The booking confirmation we received was from Virgin Holiday and this had the reference on that worked on VA.

Sometimes a travel agent may book the virgin flights with another company that is not virgin so you may need to ask for the VA reference number.
For example my parents booked virgin flights last year though a travel agent and the travel agent booked them with Jet Save who use virgin flights.

got you, thanks for that

 

[Ali and boyz]

what is the seating in the downstairs Premium is it 2-3-2 like MY Travel