Virgin PE is it any good?

[elkvideo]

Hi,

I am looking at going in september and am thinking about pe on virgin, is it worth the extra, do the seats feel bigger, can you put your feet up etc If anyone has any info or pictures that would be great! Also can you pay to go in the clubhaouse at gatwick if you are flying pe? We are thinking of upper class on the return but trying to save pennies on the outward...

 

[islandmum]

PE - if you can afford the extra cash - is definately worth it, especially in the bubble. Unfortunately the LGW/MAN fleet has yet to be upgraded with the new PE cabins but even though it looks and feels rather tired the seats are much bigger than economy, the food served nicely, dedicated cabin staff for a much smaller amount of people, and when you're in the bubble feels like you're in a small plane all on your own! You also get Priority fastpass for security, suppposedly priority luggage offload (that ones not always true!) and priority boarding ahead of economy.

As for the clubhouse only those with a UC ticket or Gold Flyer card get in automatically, you can pay to get in if there is space, try the Virgin Holidays site to pay for it. Its definately worth it too - we always use the lounge (we have a gold flying club card) so always get in, the food is great, seats are very comfy, lots of staff around heling you with everything, the fact that you have great views, makes the airport experience somewhat nicer! plus you only get called for the flight right at the last minute so dont have to wait for ages in the departure zone by the gate.

Although I have heard not yet confirmed by Virgin, that the clubhouse is closing for refurbishments in Sept for up to 3 months just when we would be using it!

We tend to fly night flights UC and day flights PE as with the kids in UC on a day flight we've actually found it not worth the cash as they tend to annoy the other passengers walking up and down between all our seats. Just makes us feel uncomfortable in the end. Night flights - we always do UC for the beds!

 

[Natasha&Matt]

I would be interested in seeing pictures too?

 

[Funky_dino]

I would like to see pictures if anybody has them as well.
I'm flying PE in the bubble from LGW in late sept.
Thanks in advance (hopefully) hehe

 

[Natasha&Matt]

I would like to see pictures if anybody has them as well.
I'm flying PE in the bubble from LGW in late sept.
Thanks in advance (hopefully) hehe

What is this bubble business?

 

[wickesy]

What is this bubble business?

The 'bubble' is upstairs on a 747.

 

[Boss Hogg]

Defo worth it if you've got the cash. I think I'm correct in saying that the planes which have been refurbed have UC upstairs.

 

[Natasha&Matt]

Thanks David

So how much are we looking at for upgrading to PE?

 

[islandmum]

Defo worth it if you've got the cash. I think I'm correct in saying that the planes which have been refurbed have UC upstairs.

only LHR configuration 747's have UC upstairs - and all of them have been refurbed.

All LGW/Man 747's are configured with only nosecone section being UC, upstairs being PE, even when they do refurb it will stay that way.

Bonus is when you get a LHR plane flying on the LGW/MAN routes if one it taken out of service or other reasons. This winter quite a few legs to BGI from LGW have been on a LHR config as one of the LGW aircraft was out of service for a while.

 

[nannyj]

We have booked PE to go beginning of Oct. Never been in PE before so are really looking forward to it. Would also appreciate some pictures if anyone has any.

 

[wideeyes]

Thanks David

So how much are we looking at for upgrading to PE?

I paid about £650 return and 7500 miles for PE. it was about £150 more without the miles and that is for april.

 

[Natasha&Matt]

I paid about £650 return and 7500 miles for PE. it was about £150 more without the miles and that is for april.

On top of what you had already paid?

 

[wideeyes]

On top of what you had already paid?

no, it was in total for the PE ticket. It was about £300 more than an economy ticket.

 

[Netty]

we usually travel PE there and back and have always been in the 'bubble', the back seats are good to have as obviously there is no one behind you! and your first off the plane mostly.
the seats are bigger and there is a foot rest as well, next to the window seat between the seat and window is storage for you bags etc as well as the usual overhead storage.
you get offered a drink once your seated and at the back of the plane is a bowl of fruit and cans of fizzy drinks, and newspapers there for you to help yourselves.

 

[Funky_dino]

When I booked our tickets the guy on the phone asked if I prefered the bubble or the other PE section. I said the bubble, and told me i had that last 2 seats at the back. Which from the sounds of it, is a good thing.

 

[Funky_dino]

I do have another question though. Does anyone know when the rest of the Virgin fleet are having their premium economy refits done?

 

[wickesy]

I do have another question though. Does anyone know when the rest of the Virgin fleet are having their premium economy refits done?

Last I heard the refits had been shelved due to the 'credit crunch'.

 

[Netty]

When I booked our tickets the guy on the phone asked if I prefered the bubble or the other PE section. I said the bubble, and told me i had that last 2 seats at the back. Which from the sounds of it, is a good thing.

you won't be disappointed

as David says there are no plans to continue with the refurb...

 

[fairytale]

We tend to fly night flights UC and day flights PE as with the kids in UC on a day flight we've actually found it not worth the cash as they tend to annoy the other passengers walking up and down between all our seats. Just makes us feel uncomfortable in the end. Night flights - we always do UC for the beds

I could nt agree more.

We prefer to travel PE rather than UC. With young children I do not think the layout of Virgin UC is at all suitable. Okay for a night flight but definately not worth the expense for the Outbound flight.

However, our DS6 has a life threatening Peanut allergy and in UC Virgin will not remove the Peanuts from the Bar area. This ruling out UC for us without a second though. I must add though they are fantastic in the Bubble with us upstairs and can not be any more accomodating towards ensuring we relax and enjoy the flight without undue worry

 

[mikki.young]

I like PE for the lines on check-in, the quicker getting of luggage at the other end and the bigger seats and the bubble. I don't like the leg rests, nor does dh. They don't support the leg and if you do get them up your feet are stuck in the chair infront. With the free companion seat from the flying club PE becomes quite reasonable price wise. I may have more reasons to like it after I experience economy again flying to Bermuda next month.