Virgin PE and UC ...

[islandmum]

I'm having a very interesting debate on a flight forum I use with regards to Virgin LGW fleet.

We fly from Barbados to the UK about every 7-8 months and do UC outbound (for the beds! ) and PE inbound.

We look in jealousy and green envy at the LHR fleet with their remodelled PE section and their upgraded entertainment systems.

I have to say this year was REALLY disappointing in terms of entertainment ... ONE channel for the kids (really babyish) and one cartoon movie, for a 9 hour flight. And the seating is looking shabbier every time.

One poster suggested I should bring all my own entertainment for the kids (who are 5 and 4) in terms of laptops or Gameboys etcc .... well for one I dont want to carry ANOTHER 3 laptops as carry on and for another thing I am not a fan of computer games, and for as long as is humanly possible will not be giving them to my kids - which is a very personal choice.

Its really time for Virgin to update the LGW aircraft - dont you think?

 

[UKDEB]

Well, unfortunately, it isn't going to happen any time soon.

 

[Claire L]

The IFE is part of the plane I am afraid and would take alot to change. There was a planned refurb but due to the economic downturn that has now been put on hold

Claire

 

[islandmum]

The IFE is part of the plane I am afraid and would take alot to change. There was a planned refurb but due to the economic downturn that has now been put on hold

Claire

I'm quite happy with the current IFE system as it is ... its the choice of programmes and films this year that was so criminally bad. no blockbuster movies, and the kids channels have been cut to 1 only.

oh to be a LHR flyer in their new cabins we truly are the poor relative out of LGW.

 

[Claire L]

It will be interesting to see the new LHR PE as we are flying to DC next June. Used to like the old LHR PE when it was upstairs to SFO

Claire

 

[Elise79]

I would rather have the old seats and keep PE upstairs than the new seats and be moved downstairs like they have to LHR fleet.

That being said - they are looking a bit worn now I do feel a bit fobbed off with paying high prices but not getting the same comfort.

 

[gismo1554]

Heard a rumour that VS27 is out of service in September for the month I believe. Could it be an upgrade is on the schedule?

 

[Claire L]

Heard a rumour that VS27 is out of service in September for the month I believe. Could it be an upgrade is on the schedule?

No its just a slow time so there is only one MCO flight most if not all days.

Claire

 

[gismo1554]

Ah wishful thinking. When do they put the second flight back on then as its showing on the schedule that there are 2 flights a day throughout september

 

[Claire L]

I know in previous years one daily flight to MCO from LGW has disappeared in quieter times such as September and January. The VS27 should be back beginning of October when the passenger levels pick up again.

Claire

 

[wicket2005]

I am more than happy with economy with VA planes. There are still planes out there that offer only a tv above the seats and with only one choice of programme, so Virgin is luxury compared to that.

 

[CustardTart]

I'm having a very interesting debate on a flight forum I use with regards to Virgin LGW fleet.

We fly from Barbados to the UK about every 7-8 months and do UC outbound (for the beds! ) and PE inbound.

We look in jealousy and green envy at the LHR fleet with their remodelled PE section and their upgraded entertainment systems.

I have to say this year was REALLY disappointing in terms of entertainment ... ONE channel for the kids (really babyish) and one cartoon movie, for a 9 hour flight. And the seating is looking shabbier every time.

One poster suggested I should bring all my own entertainment for the kids (who are 5 and 4) in terms of laptops or Gameboys etcc .... well for one I dont want to carry ANOTHER 3 laptops as carry on and for another thing I am not a fan of computer games, and for as long as is humanly possible will not be giving them to my kids - which is a very personal choice.

Its really time for Virgin to update the LGW aircraft - dont you think?

Hi. We're returning to Barbados in January and have booked UC flights that appear to be on a plane with UC seats upstairs as well as downstairs so maybe they're switching the planes around? Earlier this year, our Barbados flights were switched to in/out of LHR (tho' still on the old style planes) so maybe VA are experimenting with what works best on that route - I know it's got harder to book the UC seats in the last couple of years so maybe they're changing planes due to the popularity???

 

[islandmum]

Hi. We're returning to Barbados in January and have booked UC flights that appear to be on a plane with UC seats upstairs as well as downstairs so maybe they're switching the planes around? Earlier this year, our Barbados flights were switched to in/out of LHR (tho' still on the old style planes) so maybe VA are experimenting with what works best on that route - I know it's got harder to book the UC seats in the last couple of years so maybe they're changing planes due to the popularity???

you'll be going to LHR again - about 99% certain of that. Virgin bought the old landing slots from AirJamaica and under much pressure from the Barbados and Mustique "season" set have put BGI into the slots to accommodate the transitting passengers better. The switch from LGW to LHR usually runs from mid Dec to end of March.