virgin flights

[Candy]

I have flown in the past with virgin economy class we are thinking about upgrading to premium economy.the extra cost for 4 will be £1.800 that includes 10% discount.please can anyone tell me is it worth the extra? the reason we are thinking about upgrading is because on our last two flights we have been seated near peaple with no consideration for others.example when we were on the night flight one father was running up and down the plane and shouting to the point where the cabin crew had to ask him to sit down. then he stood by the space near the toilets at the back of the plane and was having a conversation with hes wife who was sitting 5 rows down over the heads of peaple trying to sleep.has anyone had proplems with oher passangers. one more question in P E class do you board the plane first at gatwick.

 

[Frances999]

I get very claustrophobic on planes and we always have to travel in a premium cabin. It's not just for the bigger seats and extra legroom, but also the nicer, calmer atmosphere (especially when you are in PE upstairs) and the dedicated cabin crew.

Yes, £1800 is a lot of money, but it is well worth it IMO. I guess it depends on yourself ~ many say that they would prefer to take the cash as extra spending money whilst in Florida, but for me the flight is a major part of the holiday experience and there is nothing better than arriving feeling refreshed and ready for the holiday.

By travelling PE you have priority boarding at Gatwick and also leave the plane first at MCO as well (luggage is pulled of quickly, too).

 

[snookhams]

We travelled PE for the first time last August and are doing so again this August and I wouldn't travel to US any other way now that I have experienced it. The extra leg room, calm atmosphere and attentiveness of the cabin crew just made the start and end of the holiday perfect. We had a small problem when disembarking in Orlando as we had to wait for 20 mins before they would open the doors, this was at the request of the US authorities as they had had 5 planes land at around the same time, and then when the doors were opened the economy passengers all rushed to get off as we were coming down the stairs and in the end the Cabin crew had to stop them as it they said it was dangerous for us, but on arrival home in the UK all went smoothly.

 

[Miffy2003]

I would say it depends on how much £1800 is to you. That isn't meant to sound sarcastic so I'm sorry if it does!

Would I pay that much to travel PE? Absolutely not (and I have travelled PE). It's nice, but not that nice! For us that money would probably buy flights for another trip so we'd spend it on that.

 

[tartangirl]

I agree with Miffy on this one.

I have never seen behaviour like you experienced but it is busy down in steerage. When we go there are plenty kids wandering around economy and that works well for us as our children enjoy meeting new friends but it may not work well for everyone.

For us £1800 is another holiday and I'd rather have that holiday.

If you would think twice about going if you had to go economy or the £1800 wont stop you doing other things then it may be worth the extra. If your only reason for doing this is the bad experience I would give it another shot in economy - after all, there is no guarantee you wont get rude people in PE.

 

[buzz for boys]

Hi,
we have experienced both pe and economy and we would pay pe everytime!! It was a much calmer atmosphere and the cabin crew were great with the boys. In economy things were much more cramped and far too busy for my liking if you want a really nice start to your holiday pe is worth the extra. To keep the cost down why not fly out pe and fly back economy thats what we did !! Be warned though once you have experienced pe you wont want to go back to economy. Hope that helps xx x

 

[tim june and sam]

And £1800 is a month's salary!

Put up with Economy for nine hours knowing that the extra $3400 (give or take the odd $ at today's rate) will go a looooonnnng way at Premium Outlets, Florida Mall, et al.

 

[mark&sue]

I am such a nervous flyer that it makes no difference to me if I go economy or better. I sit bolt upright the whole flight running to the toilet every five minutes so for me it makes no difference. For my 11 year old daughter it makes no difference. My husband would prefer it for the legroom but for that much money we could go for a smaller second holiday another time in the year. We have up-graded with airtours to Cancun which was much cheaper and possibly worth it but again it made no difference to me or my daughter. Therefore for the price would only make the flight better for one our our party and not make it viable.

Having said that as we are now DVC members and in the future what we save on our accommodation we might spend on the flights, only time will tell. Maybe one day I will be able to fly and find it at least bearable!!!

I hope you make the right choice for your family.



Susan

 

[daipp]

I refuse to pay the extra money to fly PE.

A few weeks ago when we were returning from the States, we were seated in Row 22 (due to a knee injury I currently have) and from my seat I was able to observe 1 family who were seated in PE. I can only say they were scum.

I know this is perhaps a strong word but the "adult" daughters were rude to everyone especially the hostess (who was basically far prettier than them), they refused to raise their seats for take-off / landing, threatened other cabin-crew, blatantly stole glasses and cuttlery (and then accused the hostess of stealing it), had no disregard for other passengers, and were very loud throughout the night. The father took everyones name in order for him to complain (the cheek) so in return I gave my name and address to the Senior to support her, and her team.

If I had paid £1800 for my family, I would have been gutted.

David

 

[shellbell]

And £1800 is a month's salary!

Put up with Economy for nine hours knowing that the extra $3400 (give or take the odd $ at today's rate) will go a looooonnnng way at Premium Outlets, Florida Mall, et al.

LOL Thats 3 months wages for me I have to agree though i would not pay the extra money for a little bit more space. That extra money could be your spending money or your next trip to florida

Michelle

 

[kevin harrison]

With PE, you get a calm atmosphere, loads of space, bigger seats, dedicated cabin crew, first off the plane - therefore first to the bags, these are unloaded first also, therefore first to the hire car!!

For my family, it's well worth it. My wife is a nervous flyer and the ambiance is a lot better for her in there.

If I'd have come across the "scum" family I'd have been gutted also.

 

[SammieG]

for me, and I am the first to enjoy the luxuries of life.. I woulnt pay £1800 to upgrade.. you could do another round trip for that. Now, if I didnt have kids with me, and wanted a REAL treat, then I suppose I might do it. (we used to travel PE before kids, and when it was about £200 to upgrade each)

As one poster said, it depends on how much £1800 is to you. That is not a rude question, but if you have money to spare, then, yeah.. go for it.. its calmer, the toilets are less busy, you have more room.

If £1800 is a lot to you, then the difference between PE and E is not THAT great.

Now, if you really want to have fun, then id say go Upper.. then you will have fun! That really was luxury!! NO way I would pay for that either though.. it was good, but not worth the £1000's extra.. we were upgraded for free.

When you look at your £1800 in terms of what you could get for $3400... then thats HUGE! Thats your spending money (and some) for a two week trip!

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Whilst I wouldn't want to put a damper on anyones plans to fly PE for that little bit quieter, more luxurious trip, like Daipp we have also seen some appalling behaviour in PE - and these from people who were upgraded for free. We've travelled PE a few times and Upper Class, sadly there is no "rule" as to how people seem to behave these days. Whilst one would think that by paying £1800 more, we can expect a superior service (which it can be), you cannot know who else will be travelling with you - and the cabin crew seem to be not very good at dealing with these people - something I was in communication with VA about.

I was disgusted, furous and horried that these people were allowed to carry on the way they did - on a completely full flight so we couldn't move elsewhere - and not even paying for an upgrade. (I am expecting to be shot down in flames because of this opinion, we'd all like to be upgraded for free, but when everyone else is paying for it . . . . . ).

 

[Frances999]

I was disgusted, furous and horried that these people were allowed to carry on the way they did - on a completely full flight so we couldn't move elsewhere - and not even paying for an upgrade. (I am expecting to be shot down in flames because of this opinion, we'd all like to be upgraded for free, but when everyone else is paying for it . . . . . ).

I would be furious too. The cabin crew should have spoken with them. Like you say, everyone likes a free upgrade but most have the courtesy to act well-mannered - even more so if upgraded for free. DH and I flew UCS to New York last year, and a young couple were "bumped" up from PE for free - I had a horrible feeling that "they" could have been "us" if we booked with PE! At least they weren't nuisance passengers though.

 

[allie5]

I am stunned that people assume that a "better quality of person" travels in PE or UC. Just because people have the money to travel in these cabins, doesnt mean they are automatically going to be a better class of person than those that choose to travel in Economy!!!!

What you pay for in the "Premium" cabins, is better legroom and a slightly improved service from the cabin crew. It does NOT "guarantee" you a peaceful flight away from the "rabble" that fly economy! Just because someone may have a decent sized bank account DOES NOT make them a better person / parent than those that travel in economy!

Im shocked at the snobbery here!

We CHOOSE to travel economy, because we prefer to spend our money on something other than a 9 hour flight. I suppose we could pay for PE if we wanted to, but I would find it a waste of money. Im not a good flyer, and has someone has already said, I dont really care where I sit, Im still going to hate the flight whether the seats cost £400, £800 or £2000!!

Thats my rant over! Ready for the flames..........

 

[Frances999]

Im shocked at the snobbery here!

Where?!

 

[kevin harrison]

Im shocked at the snobbery here!

I think you are seeing snobbery where it doesn't exist. All people are saying, is if like me you pay £1800 extra, you'd be gutted if you end up with the family from hell with you, likewise I would if I paid for economy, it never has crossed my mind that you expect people to be of a better standard in PE or UC .

 

[allie5]

I didnt mean to upset anyone, but the "feel" I got from this post was that it was assumed you should expect a better class of person in the premium cabins.

Sorry if thats not was meant, maybe I read the comments wrong...Ive been ill this weekend and not in the best mood...put it down to a grumpy woman with a raging headache and a cold

No offense intended, once again, sorry if I came across harshly. I know if I had paid £1800 to fly PE I probably would be the first to whinge if an inconsiderate family spoilt the tranqulity.

Right, Im off to rub vicks in my chest and not to post anymore until Im feeling better!

 

[Wednesday till I die]

Not worth the £1800 in my opinion. We have flown PE once (free upgrade.) Didn't witness any particularly bad behaviour - but thought the other people in the cabin were quite rude. Didn't hear a please or thank you throughout the whole trip, even though the service was excellent. Never had any problems in economy and just don't think it is worth all that money for a bit of extra leg room. Just my opnion.
Barry.

 

[tim june and sam]

Its not snobbery about the company in PE, me thinks - more about what £1800 means to the different posters.

Personally, £1800 pays for all three of us to visit Florida again a whole year sooner, flights and accom. included, so no issue that I would spend it with Virgin Atlantic.

However, if you have got that £1800 spare, then you should spend it on whatever "lights your fire".