Virgin Atlantic new seat plus programme.

[chunkster20uk]

I think it is a great idea, and if on this last trip I had the spare cash I would have done it.

The plane was not full, and each time we had a 2 seats in a row of three, I am not little (and would prefer to fly PE if I had the money) so to guarantee a spare seat beside us would have been great, however each time we had solo travellers next to us.

I think that this is going to appeal more to couples who would prefer not to have some one sitting next to them.

 

[crabbie1]

You made me laugh. That's so true!

As u know they are not my favorite people at the moment. I wonder if they would accept £99 in virgin vouchers ...... Hmmm

 

[Wills Mom]

I think this might be a good idea for some travellers! We are flying in May for DSs first flight, he is a lap passenger as he'll only be 14 months but we debated whether or not to get him a seat. Now we can check 72 hours before we fly if there is a seat available and book it at a much lesser (hopefully!) cost than the price he would have paid as a seated child (90% of the fare) Seeing as May is regular season and when we flew in May previously there were some empty seats I'm optimistic that there would be some availale before we fly, it would be great to have the extra space with DS but if there isn't its no big deal.

 

[Lisa1976]

Hmm, I think I am liking this. Hubby and I aren't the smallest of people and having the seat in the middle free would be great for us to stretch out.

So presumably if we are a group of two we only have to pay one lot of £99 to get the free seat, or do we both have to pay?

 

[wilma-bride]

Hmm, I think I am liking this. Hubby and I aren't the smallest of people and having the seat in the middle free would be great for us to stretch out.

So presumably if we are a group of two we only have to pay one lot of £99 to get the free seat, or do we both have to pay?

As far as I can tell, if you have pre-booked seats in a group of 3, you will only have to have one of you pay the £99 (or however much it is - don't forget it is the age-old prices from £99). If you happen to have pre-booked seats in a row of 4 and you want all 4 seats to yourselves, you will need to pay the cost of two 'seat plus' seats. I am fairly sure it isn't going to be that simple though.

 

[wayneg]

If they did not charge so much in the first place they may not have to try these scams. Shows how desperate they are. They are always trying to flogg PE at the airport. Im sure its better to get more bums in seats and the plane filled than charging such ridiculous prices anyway even in quieter months

Not really a scam Alyson when they are telling you upfront and its totally your choice if you pay it or not.
"Shows how desperate they are" Possibly it does, VA have posted another loss this year of £80.2m, last year a small profit of £18.5m, year before a record £132m loss. Thats almost £200m loss in 3 years, they have to look at every option to increase profit.

Been reading a lot of posts on various forums since yesterday, seems majority like the idea. I do like the idea but will wait and see how it works out, I never like the word "from" I guess £99 will be on very quiet flights/routes.

 

[Kevin Stringer]

I think it's a sensible idea. Virgin get to make money out of seats that would otherwise be empty (something that should be encouraged as it will enable them to keep prices down) and people will be able to get a little extra room if they are willing to pay for it.

I can't help thinking there won't be many £99 seats though.

Kev

 

[DisFanJen]

Back before the refit I would have said this was a great idea, but having flown back in the new economy seats recently they were more than comfortable and roomy even for a 'pooh sized' person like myself.

 

[tinks_1989]

Going on holiday I know a much better way of spending £99. How ever having DD and being an infant and not having a seat this may be something we consider for her. The extra space and to save some poor stranger having her climb on their lap would be nice cheaper then what virgin were going to charge us for her to have a seat.

 

[Samaya]

Just found this info on Virgin's Q&A....

Seat Plus - online check in and seat map.
Published 05/11/2012 09.32 AM | Updated 05/11/2012 09.32 AM
Seat assignments for Seat Plus customers are made and confirmed during check in at the airport by an airport agent, which means online seat assignments and online check in are not available.

So I wonder if this means there might be last minute seat changes to other passengers if someone requests an extra seat and needs to be moved, if so it might annoy a few passengers?

Is anyone flying soon who can check out this new programme?

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We fly in December and am currently booked on a four row - with 3 seats for my family. it would be interesting to see if there is anything offered before we fly out.

 

[wayneg]

We fly in December and am currently booked on a four row - with 3 seats for my family. it would be interesting to see if there is anything offered before we fly out.

That should be low season so will be interesting if you get a £99 offer or higher. Is it something you would consider?

 

[Linda67]

I've got two flights booked with VA in 2013 so I just called them to ask how much "seat plus" would cost me


For my flight to Vancouver - £179

For my flight to Orlando £149

Both of these prices are one way and according to the agent I spoke to, are not determined by date, but are determined by destination

So for a return flight to Orlando .... £298 ..... Urm hello

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

That should be low season so will be interesting if you get a £99 offer or higher. Is it something you would consider?

For $99 (meant to be pound but can't find it on the notebook!!) I might, if you can just get it one way. I know my DD would appreciate it - not sure how full the flight is or if there is a way of checking?

 

[wayneg]

For $99 (meant to be pound but can't find it on the notebook!!) I might, if you can just get it one way. I know my DD would appreciate it - not sure how full the flight is or if there is a way of checking?

Just ring them and ask how much. If previous post is correct then its £149 not £99 for the Orlando route.

 

[irenep]

I quite like the sound of this and would definitely consider it for future trips especially when it's just me and DS to give us both a bit more sleeping space and room to spread out a bit.

I am a bit confused though - some people are saying you need to wait until 72 hours before the flight and then book it, but the way I read it, it has to be booked before then - anyone know for sure?

 

[wayneg]

I quite like the sound of this and would definitely consider it for future trips especially when it's just me and DS to give us both a bit more sleeping space and room to spread out a bit.

I am a bit confused though - some people are saying you need to wait until 72 hours before the flight and then book it, but the way I read it, it has to be booked before then - anyone know for sure?

I was confused so I read T&C's, you have to buy more than 72 hours before.

1. Purchase must be made at least 72 hours prior to date of departure. Seat Plus cannot be purchased at the airport.
Seat Plus is available up to 72 hours before your flight, and prices start from just £99. So spread your wings and look forward to more on your next flight away.

To spread your wings with Seat Plus, call us today on 0844 874 7747.

 

[martinrmn]

We fly Dec 6th. My wife and son are sat in a row of 2 and I am opposite on an aisle seat. We fly on the new planes but looking at the seating plan not all seats are booked yet. Would we use this new scheme? Probably not, we would rather use the cash to buy clothes etc. Return flight, old plane and sat together.

 

[MichelinMan]

At first glance it looks like Virgin are selling these empty seats at a loss compared to putting a passenger in it.

But remember that a large part of the ticket price is for APD which wont have to be paid on the empty seat. Plus they will need less fuel, meals etc. too, so cost savings there too. For Virgin I bet it probably works out revenue neutral (and at around £300 for an Orlando flight, that sounds like it is).

 

[irenep]

I was confused so I read T&C's, you have to buy more than 72 hours before.

1. Purchase must be made at least 72 hours prior to date of departure. Seat Plus cannot be purchased at the airport.
Seat Plus is available up to 72 hours before your flight, and prices start from just £99. So spread your wings and look forward to more on your next flight away.

To spread your wings with Seat Plus, call us today on 0844 874 7747.

Great, that helps clear it up, thanks