Premium ecomony (Virgin) reviews please!

[Vikki]

I can't believe this, DH has said we can afford to go PE. I was hoping we could go on the return leg in PE, but he's said we should do both since it's a pretty special holiday for us both. :excited: :excited: :excited:

So I would love to hear some reviews of people who have used it please, the more info the better. :yahoo:

On the Virgin site it says

A dedicated cabin means you'll get prompt and attentive service starting with a preflight glass of champagne.
A full range of newspapers and a minimum of eight channels on the seatback TV showing the latest movies and a host of great programming.
A video games console on most of our flights and, rolling out across the fleet, our video on demand systems allows you to pause, rewind or fast forward videos.

Can someone explain this video on demand thing for me please, is it a bit like Sky +? :shrug:

And in case you didn't guess, I'm rather excited! :woohoo:

[joanne]

:woohoo: Nice one EeyoreWells!!! :clap: :more:

Weeellll...
Only flown economy once, flown PE ever since, which would make 4 times in PE.
Much more legroom, and wider seats, so a much more comfortable journey. You can recline more too which helps for the return journey.
Cabin is quieter, and the hostesses seem to pay you a bit more attention and treat you a bit better (which shouldn't be the case, they should treat everyone the same :tut: )
Not seen the video on demand thing yet, must be new :unsure:
You board first after special needs, babies, and UC.
Dedicated check-in here and at DtD check-in.
Glass of champagne, Bucks Fizz, Orange or water when you board.
Also supposed to get a newspaper, but it's first-come-first-served and is a bit hit and miss.
I've seen them offer fresh fruit once or twice.
One of the first to get your meals, so have a choice.

For me, the main benefits are the leg-room and smaller, quieter cabins.

All in all a :thumbs: for PE!

[ukwdwnut]

i think the video on demand means you watch them when you want, rather than when they are played, much better imo :D

lucky you viks, make the most of it, would love to try it one day but at the moment id rather have more spends on the holiday :D

[Vikki]

i think the video on demand means you watch them when you want, rather than when they are played, much better imo :D

Yep, sounds good to me

lucky you viks, make the most of it, would love to try it one day but at the moment id rather have more spends on the holiday :D

Well, PE was at the bottom of the list to be honest. But since we are going to use the dining plan the only spends we need it literally for fun spends, which we budgeted for already :) (I'm a manic money planner.....my dad is a bank manager though!)

[ukwdwnut]

i like the idea of the wider seat and more reclining space :D

[Cosmic Reas]

I too would love to try this, especially for the extra leg room, I'm pretty tall. How much extra is PE likely to set you back?

But on the whole I tend to agree with nut, I prefer the more spends.

[Slowhand]

The Manchester flight does not as yet have video on demand.
I flew with AA a few years ago where they offered this service, and basically you "borrow" a video tape from the flight attendant and pop it into the system by your seat.
Dunno if that`s what Virgin have in mind, but it was good to be able to pause the movie if you wanted to take a "potty break" etc.:lol:

To me, the main benefit of flying PE is the fact that you avoid the [sometimes] huge queues at check in.
The meals etc. though are the same as in economy.

[Wendy L]

Excellent Vikki, you'll love it in PE. The video on demand is excellent, but they don't have it on the Gatwick flights to Orlando or Vegas. We had it when we flew to LA from Heathrow last year. Basically you can watch a film when you want to and there is lots of choice. It had the games system as well,I think basically they use older planes from Gatwick which haven't been upgraded sadly.

[PaulaK]

Manchester flights use the same planes as Gatwick now, so it doesn't make a difference where you fly from, but I believe the reason the planes have the basic nova entertainment system on is that they were a cancelled fleet that Virgin bought at a reduced price and they had already been fitted with the Nova system. Virgin are replacing the entertainment systems but slooooowly. You are unlikely to get video on demand on an Orlando flight for quite a while. When it is fitted I believe it will be in all classes too.

[Catherine]

We have booked Barbados with Virgin for October:yahoo: and we upgraded to PE, owever the flight is operted by BMI, its supposed to be the same as Virgin but i do know the video is on demand.

[uscwest]

Do any of you know what the difference between Premium Economy on Virgin and Business Class on other airlines is? It sounds about the same as far as benefits but it seems to come quite a bit cheaper.

[Catherine]

PE and Business as far as i am aware over here are quite different. For instance with BMI The Business has a 60" recline, massive seats, onboard chef, ect. Not sure about other airlines.

[Slowhand]

Do any of you know what the difference between Premium Economy on Virgin and Business Class on other airlines is? It sounds about the same as far as benefits but it seems to come quite a bit cheaper.

PE is the "poor relation" of business class usc, but it`s almost there!

In the "real" business class [at least on the ones I`ve flown when on... er business!], you automatically get allowed into the executive lounges for one.
You are normally given a different meal than in economy, you eat off china, and each course of your meal is served seperately.

There is also a lot more legroom than in PE [on a business flight with Delta, I once had to undo my seat belt and walk to the seat in front on me to get an in-flight magazine from the seat pocket!]

Apart from that, PE is a darn sight cheaper!

[joanne]

Make sure you're a Flying Club member. The points you earn on your PE flight will go a long way to getting a free upgrade next time :thumbs:

[triciacarole]

I would say PE is an upgraded economy service (hence the name) larger seats mainly, a quieter cabin and a few extra frills, we flew it last time and found it really comfortable and have saved hard on the miles to get it for next time. Vikki you will like it :)

[Chris/Lisa]

We love PE - got upgraded for our honeymoon and have only flown PE since - love the legroom quiet cabin etc - can even get some sleep going home.

The best bit IMHO is thgat they let you off the plane first and unload your luggage first - In january it was 20 minutes from us stopping on the runway to getting in our cab :thumbs:

That said it is now much more expensive than it used to be £250 per seat each way - used to be half that

[MystikPiglit]

Always travel PE now. I tend to suffer from claustrophobia so having open space around me is a BIG plus point!
Also, as there are far fewer people in the cabin, you rarely have to wait to use the toilet facilities :lol:

[Chris/Lisa]

Just seen as of next year its going to be £275 each way per person :eek:

[joanne]

Save those Flying Club miles and save the pennies!!!

[Catherine]

We intend saving ours we will have 20,000 each and so when we book our next Orlando holiday which will be for 07 we will book PE and have many more and then will use them on our next visit.

[uscwest]

Wow £275 is FAR cheaper than the $ rate I am seeing on the Virgin site. In trying to plan for our 2007 trip, I have been looking at 2006 rates for the same dates and am getting a R/T fare of over $4000 for the two of us.

[Slowhand]

Wow £275 is FAR cheaper than the $ rate I am seeing on the Virgin site. In trying to plan for our 2007 trip, I have been looking at 2006 rates for the same dates and am getting a R/T fare of over $4000 for the two of us.

I assume that it was an extra $275 usc.[when compared with normal economy].

[AlecK]

Wow £275 is FAR cheaper than the $ rate I am seeing on the Virgin site. In trying to plan for our 2007 trip, I have been looking at 2006 rates for the same dates and am getting a R/T fare of over $4000 for the two of us.


Based on what we pay for PE I would expect 2 adults returns to be between $3500-$4500 depending on fare class (flexibility) and season.

[Bec]

Anyone know the configuration of the PE cabin. We always get in early in economy and get the seats with just two at the back of the plane - just wondering if PE have sets of two seats on their own. We're 800miles away from a free upgrade!

[Slowhand]

Anyone know the configuration of the PE cabin. We always get in early in economy and get the seats with just two at the back of the plane - just wondering if PE have sets of two seats on their own. We're 800miles away from a free upgrade!
Bec, on the Manchester flight, the seating is 2 by 2 [upstairs], i.e. 2 seats, then an aisle, then another 2 seats.

[Bec]

Great - that saves the race for seats 61,62,63,64,achk !! :lol:

Do you think thats the same downstairs too? Do they have PE downstairs? :unsure:

[AlecK]

Downstairs in PE there are 4 sets of 2 and 2 sets of 4 seats.

[Chris/Lisa]

From gatwick there is just the upstairs cabin that has 10 or so rows of 4 arranged as 2 and 2

[AlecK]

From gatwick there is just the upstairs cabin that has 10 or so rows of 4 arranged as 2 and 2


I beg to differ Chris, the LGW/MAN 747-400 suite planes (7 in all) all now have 14U/C and 16 PE downstairs and 42 PE upstairs. It was altered as they were refited with the new U/C suites :)

[Bec]

Right, well I like the sound of 2 and 2. Im not unsociable but its just a long time to sit next to a stranger I feel. This tempts me even more to get the upgrade.

[Chris/Lisa]

I beg to differ Chris, the LGW/MAN 747-400 suite planes (7 in all) all now have 14U/C and 16 PE downstairs and 42 PE upstairs. It was altered as they were refited with the new U/C suites :)

:doh: yes they were refitting in January we must have been on one of the old ones

[triciacarole]

This link (http://www.v-flyer.com/seats.asp) may help with seating or this one (http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Virgin_Atlantic_Airways/Virgin_Atlantic_Airways_Boeing_747-400_A.php)

[MystikPiglit]

Has anyone travelled in the downstairs PE? Would it be as quiet as the upper level cabin?

[Bec]

This is great -thanks!

[Vikki]

Has anyone travelled in the downstairs PE? Would it be as quiet as the upper level cabin?

Yes I'd like to know that one two. It really is for the legroom rather than anything else but a little less noise woulf be wonderful too!

So the bags come onto the belt in order of upper, then PE, then economy?

[MystikPiglit]

So the bags come onto the belt in order of upper, then PE, then economy?

Usually. Last trip we whizzed through and out of airport, great :)

However, it does have it's pitfalls... one year because we were first through they decided to open our case and chat to us. :eek: It was all very friendly and the chap wished us a very happy holiday but it was a bit unnerving. :lol:

[Chris/Lisa]

Yes I'd like to know that one two. It really is for the legroom rather than anything else but a little less noise woulf be wonderful too!

So the bags come onto the belt in order of upper, then PE, then economy?

you share a carousel with upper I believe or maybe get one all to yourself - cant remember :unsure:

[joanne]

MP, I think the downstairs cabin is a bit noisier.

At Orlando the UC and PE bags share a carousel and come off first. Or at least that's how it's supposed to work.
Last year we were stood waiting a good while, then Slowhand came over and said a lot of PE bags had come out and were whizzing round the economy carousel. We went over and there they were :rolleyes:
At Manchester I think they were all on one carousel, but did come off first :)

[Vikki]

you share a carousel with upper I believe or maybe get one all to yourself - cant remember :unsure:

I thought I remembered they had one to themselves the last two times we flew with Virgin, but wasn't sure.

I am sooooo excited :woohoo: well, I mean, I was anyway, but this is just the icing on the cake, I just hope it's all it's cracked up to be :D

[Slowhand]

MP, I think the downstairs cabin is a bit noisier.


Last year we were stood waiting a good while, then Slowhand came over and said a lot of PE bags had come out and were whizzing round the economy carousel. We went over and there they were :rolleyes:
At Manchester I think they were all on one carousel, but did come off first :)

I remember that Jo:thumbs:
However you were more lucky than us at Manchester, I think our bags were among the last onto the carousel...but that`s the handlers at Manchester for you.:(

[PaulaK]

Remember though Vikki, once you turn left on the plane, it's very hard to turn right ever again :lol: I don't think you'll be disappointed. For me, the peace and quiet alone is worth upgrading. I like being settled in my seat already being served a drink while everyone else is tutting impatiently in the aisles to get to their seats and fighting for the overhead lockers. :hehe:

[Slowhand]

Remember though Vikki, once you turn left on the plane, it's very hard to turn right ever again

....unless Concorde ever takes to the skies again!:lol:

[PaulaK]

I wish! :D

[plutomad]

I cant wait when we fly PE with virgin, (my mums treat!!). Has anyone had a birthday on the way out to wdw? and ordered champayne etc for the birthday person? Its my dads birthday on the way out and i will be organising the champayne for him and my sons 5th birthday on the way back and hope to get a tannoy announcement for him@!!!

[triciacarole]

I cant wait when we fly PE with virgin, (my mums treat!!). Has anyone had a birthday on the way out to wdw? and ordered champayne etc for the birthday person? Its my dads birthday on the way out and i will be organising the champayne for him and my sons 5th birthday on the way back and hope to get a tannoy announcement for him@!!!

Bet you all have a good time with the champagne and I can't see why they would not give your son a mention :D .


Does anyone know if there are bulkhead seats upstairs in PE MAN-MCO?

[AlecK]

Row 70 at the front is bulkhead and row 75 I think is emergency exit upstairs :)

[triciacarole]

Thanks Alec, hey you've just got 1,000 posts :)

[PaulaK]

:woohoo: 1000 posts!! :clap: congrats hun! :D

[ukwdwnut]

blimey i thought you'd have way more than that alec :)

i just hit 12000 the other day, jeez i have too much time on my hands :lol:

[triciacarole]

Oh dear, its a competition :duel: :D

[ukwdwnut]

nah, i just didnt realise im posting that much trish and only been a member for 2 yrs, the last 1000 came very quickly :eek:

[AlecK]

blimey i thought you'd have way more than that alec :)



I've being going for quality not quantity Mick :wink: :whistle:

[triciacarole]

I've being going for quality not quantity Mick :wink: :whistle:

:lol: .

[ukwdwnut]

I've being going for quality not quantity Mick :wink: :whistle:


:lol:

[Vikki]

Remember though Vikki, once you turn left on the plane, it's very hard to turn right ever again :lol: I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I bet. When we were leaving the plane last year, we had a sneaky look, hoping we would go PE this time :)

We have no idea when we will be going after this, so no idea when we'll next fly let alone going PE :D

[Isafari]

What was this thread about again :lol:
Oh yes, Virgin PE. Please stop talking about Virgin PE:stop:
You're talking me into paying ££££££££'s more for my holiday next year when I had no intentions of PE (the smiley that's saying "doh" should be here but isn't!!!!!!!)

[Bec]

Row 70 at the front is bulkhead and row 75 I think is emergency exit upstairs :)

So does that mean you can take infants into PE cabin?

Don't worry, I haven't not given you news:lol: I was just wondering for the future.

[PaulaK]

you sure can! :D ....and be sure to let us know when you do have news! :wink:

[Bec]

you sure can! :D ....and be sure to let us know when you do have news! :wink:

Will do - I promise:babygirl: :babyboy: :rotfl:

[Wendy L]

I don't think we could go back to economy now, but if it was a case of going or not going then I'd have to, but with the virgin miles, it makes it much easier.

Now please don't anybody take this the wrong way, I'm just curious, but do you get many children in PE. When we flew to LA it was all adults, so it was very peaceful, but then there were U/C as well as PE.

We normally try for an exit seat as well, that way you have even more room, the only downside is you have to share your overhead locker.

[PaulaK]

There are usually 3 or 4 kids in PE, but it's mostly couples. Mine are quiet as mice, they watch the TV or do some drawing/colouring all the way there and sleep all the way home. We also split them up and have a child each, otherwise they may start rioting :D

[Wendy L]

Thanks Paula, I just wondered. Our friends are trying to save to go in 2007 and I've told them it would be better if they could afford PE, the Dad has leg problems. They were worried they would be the only ones with children. Good idea about splitting them up, I can just imagine the boys sat together :afraid:

[Bec]

On our last trip we saw lots of children in PE, there was quite a large party that were waiting for us common people in economy to get off! I have just never seen infants.

[triciacarole]

Thanks Paula, I just wondered. Our friends are trying to save to go in 2007 and I've told them it would be better if they could afford PE, the Dad has leg problems.

Tell them to contact Virgin's special assistance and ask for a bulkhead seat, I do that for my daughter who has knee problems.

[MystikPiglit]

MP, I think the downstairs cabin is a bit noisier.



Thanks, Joanne. Will stick with upstairs then. :thumbs:

[PaulaK]

We booked upstairs because the UC bar is downstairs. I can't see people sitting at it all night flying home, but it's something to bear in mind :)

[Chris/Lisa]

Thanks Paula, I just wondered. Our friends are trying to save to go in 2007 and I've told them it would be better if they could afford PE, the Dad has leg problems. They were worried they would be the only ones with children. Good idea about splitting them up, I can just imagine the boys sat together :afraid:

we have flown PE 2 times with our boys - youngest was when they were 1 and 3

they were fine and there were other kidlets up there as well

not too much hurumphing from the fogies either - kept them entertained - what do you expect on a flight to Disney territory - if they are that grumpy they usually fly nto Miami (like my parents :rolleyes: )

[PaulaK]

not too much hurumphing from the fogies either
They can hurumph at me all they like, it's water off a ducks back :wink:

[Wendy L]

we have flown PE 2 times with our boys - youngest was when they were 1 and 3

they were fine and there were other kidlets up there as well

not too much hurumphing from the fogies either - kept them entertained - what do you expect on a flight to Disney territory - if they are that grumpy they usually fly nto Miami (like my parents :rolleyes: )

Their boys will be 6 and 8 so they will be fine then. It's made me laugh a few times when we've been in the queue waiting to check in, just how many people comment on the amount of children, You feel like saying - err hello this flight is going to Orlando :rolleyes:

We had an elderly couple in front of us when we flew into LA, we were talking to the stewardess at the back of the plane and she was laughing about how they were more trouble than children:lol:

[MystikPiglit]

We booked upstairs because the UC bar is downstairs. I can't see people sitting at it all night flying home, but it's something to bear in mind :)

That's a good point, Paula. Thanks :)

[Chris/Lisa]

On the first flight Thomas looked out of the window as we took of and shouted - oh 'wow Daddy I can see the whole world'

the whole cabin laughed :thumbs:

[Vikki]

Can you book the exit row seats?

[AlecK]

Can you book the exit row seats?


I don't think so Vikki, they are normally only assigned at check-in where the staff can check you meet FAA guidelines for opening the emergency door. The best thing to do is pre-book your next best choice then turn up early at check in and see if you can swop. :)

[Vikki]

Lovely, might just do that :) We did online checkin last time but I don't think we'll bother if we're going PE :D

[susieh]

We flew PE last Sept for my brother's wedding in WDW. We told them at check-in that they were on their way to get married but we didnt ask for an announcement on the plane because it didnt occur to us to.

Some time into the flight the Captain made an announcement on the plane and asked everyone to wish them well and applaud them - they were really chuffed :D

[Wendy L]

Can you book the exit row seats?

No you can't Vikki, we normally do twighlight checkin so we are there early and ask for the exit seats. Virgin normally change £50 per seat but on the Orlando flight they were free last time, they said it was because they always had lots of children on board.

[MystikPiglit]

No you can't Vikki, we normally do twighlight checkin so we are there early and ask for the exit seats. Virgin normally change £50 per seat but on the Orlando flight they were free last time, they said it was because they always had lots of children on board.

Yep, that's what we do too :thumbs:
No extra charge last trip.

[Slowhand]

We had exit row seats in PE in July and there was no mention of any extra charge, but they did say that those seats cannot be pre-booked as they need to verify that the passengers are fit enough to operate the doors in an emergency.

There is loads of legroom [obviously] with these seats, but the downside is that you are not seated by a window and also you don`t have your own personal storage locker by your side. Our carry-ons were taken to the rear of the cabin by one of the attendants without any problem and we collected them at the top of the stairs as we disembarked.

I think that when we go out in October, we will try to get the seats immediately in front of the exits outbound. This way we will be able to fully recline our seats without annoying anyone who is seated behind us, and also my DW will be able to look out of the window if she wants.
On the return journey though, we`ll try for the exit seats as hopefully we will be getting some shut eye for most of the journey.

[Wendy L]

We had or I had a window and I had a side bin, I think it depends on what side of the plane you sit on. We were on the right, we did have to share the overhead locker though, much to the disgust of the man behind us :lol:

[MystikPiglit]

We too were on the RHS and had a window and side bin. Maybe it varies in different planes. I agree that not being beside a window would be a downside.

[Chris/Lisa]

Can you book the exit row seats?


Really though you don't need them - plenty of room in PE

[happymealUK]

Ok, no laughing at me you lot when I ask this :wink: :lol: but we are flying PE with virgin and have prebooked seats upstairs. We've never ever been on a plane before and I'm just wondering where our carry on luggage will go?? Does each row of seats get an overhead thingy and both mine & my boyfriends bags go in that?? :wacko: Its just that I'd planned to take a small rucksack (Based on the allowances etc...) that I could put in the overhead and then I wanted to put my 'paper boy' type bag under the seat because that will have the things that I actually want to use on the plane - will this be ok?? :unsure: Its just that i've read on here that people take their rucksack as their handluggage and then also take a handbag, laptop bag, camera bag etc... :wacko: :wacko: I knew the nearer the holiday got the more into panic mode I'd get :lol: :hehe:

[Chris/Lisa]

Ok, no laughing at me you lot when I ask this :wink: :lol: but we are flying PE with virgin and have prebooked seats upstairs. We've never ever been on a plane before and I'm just wondering where our carry on luggage will go?? :

Each set of 2 seats gets its own overhead locker - loadsaroom :D

[PaulaK]

If there are no overhead lockers, you get a storage bin beside you :thumbs:

[Deano1977]

Arrived late for flight in 2003 and were upgarded. It was great, better service, bigger seats, more leg room, and best of all no small, screaming kids

[plutomad]

Arrived late for flight in 2003 and were upgarded. It was great, better service, bigger seats, more leg room, and best of all no small, screaming kids

Were you going to wdw??? If so did you expect there to be no kids on board? My last flight to wdw i went with airtours and the adults were the noisy ones

[Slowhand]

If there are no overhead lockers, you get a storage bin beside you :thumbs:

...and also there is a seat pocket in the back of the seat in front of you.
This is ideal for storing anything small you may need to get your hands on during the flight.

[Vikki]

Really though you don't need them - plenty of room in PE

Ah good, without actually seeing them obviously I wouldn't know, but I trust you Dr :D

Although, not having a window wouldn't bother me, in fact it would be an advantage :D

[happymealUK]

Okies, Thats great - thankyou for the tips :thumbs:

[happymealUK]

Although, not having a window wouldn't bother me, in fact it would be an advantage :D

Are you not one for window seats either?? I was really glad when my boyfriend said he wanted to sit near the window - I'd probably pass out if I looked out and saw the sky / clouds :lol: :lol:

[Vikki]

Are you not one for window seats either?? I was really glad when my boyfriend said he wanted to sit near the window - I'd probably pass out if I looked out and saw the sky / clouds :lol: :lol:

I hate it, I am not a very good flier so DH always has the window seat :D

[happymealUK]

I hate it, I am not a very good flier so DH always has the window seat :D

No idea what kind of flyer I am yet, but knowing what i'm like - I'll probably be a very nervous flier too! :afraid:

[happymealUK]

After reading the other thread about people who recline their seats etc... I am now a little worried about it! I totally agree that everyone has the right to recline and make themselves comfy etc... We're flying PE and have booked seats upstairs. If the person in front of me reclines am I still going to be really squished and will I be able to watch the tv and put my drinks on the shelf thingy (if there is one :unsure: ) I've never flown before, hence the questions!! :lol: Just want to know whats what :wink: :)

[PaulaK]

You'll be fine in PE. Even when the seats are reclined you can move easily. I've never had a problem with the TV's either, always been able to see them okay. If you book 79 C or 80 H you get an extra table on the side of your arm too. There is no-one behind you so you can recline and the loos are at the front so no passing traffic apart from the FA's. You're also nearest the stairs for a fast exit! :wink:

[Deano1977]

I don't mind kids, but if I can pay a bit more to be away from them, I will.
I object to their parents claiming i'm kneeing the back of their childs seat when my knees don't even touch the seat as i'm only 5 foot 4"! (which happened on my flight back with Airtours)

[PaulaK]

I don't mind kids, but if I can pay a bit more to be away from them, I will.
I object to their parents claiming i'm kneeing the back of their childs seat when my knees don't even touch the seat as i'm only 5 foot 4"! (which happened on my flight back with Airtours)

Travel City Direct have a cabin that doesn't allow small children. :)

[happymealUK]

You'll be fine in PE. Even when the seats are reclined you can move easily. I've never had a problem with the TV's either, always been able to see them okay. If you book 79 C or 80 H you get an extra table on the side of your arm too. There is no-one behind you so you can recline and the loos are at the front so no passing traffic apart from the FA's. You're also nearest the stairs for a fast exit! :wink:

Hey there, Thankyou for the tips :thumbs: We've prebooked our seats near the front because I kinda wanted to be near the loo :lol: I've no idea whether I get travel sick, plane wise anyway, so thought it best to be near there :lol: Thats good to know about not being totally squished when people recline. I keep worrying about nothing it seems :rolleyes: I'm just so nervous about everything, I'll probably pass out once I'm on the plane and its taken off because I'll feel like all the stress has been left at manchester :lol:

[plutomad]

I don't mind kids, but if I can pay a bit more to be away from them, I will.
I object to their parents claiming i'm kneeing the back of their childs seat when my knees don't even touch the seat as i'm only 5 foot 4"! (which happened on my flight back with Airtours)


They are are probably the same parents who cant see their children jumping on the seat and leaning over the back of the seats and in your face!!!:rotfl: I have 3 kids (15,13,4) and thankfully they are ok flying. I am more worried when we fly next year that my hubbys snoring will be to loud for people in pe!!!!!:rotfl: :lol:

Has anybody put up with snorers or are snorers themselves??

[happymealUK]

Has anybody put up with snorers or are snorers themselves??

I sometimes snore, or so my boyfriend says :rotfl: I normally talk in my sleep though :unsure: But luckily I can never sleep while travelling so thats ok :lol: Most people will either be asleep themselves or have their headphones on so dont worry about it :thumbs:

[Isafari]

:blush: Will I or won't I admit to snoring :scratch:
I have never snored on a plane that I know of :)
On our last trip to Florida, we went over to Tampa for a couple of days to visit BG and the Big Cat Rescue.....we stayed at a Holiday Inn overnight. After BG, we went to the cinema before turning in for the night. I may...or I may not have started to snore really loudly during the film and DH was or wasn't asked to wake me up.
If I had to be woken up, I may have just been so embarrassed that I just giggled for the rest of the film.

:whistle:

[ukwdwnut]

cant ever get to sleep on a plane :(

[triciacarole]

:blush: Will I or won't I admit to snoring :scratch:
I have never snored on a plane that I know of :)
On our last trip to Florida, we went over to Tampa for a couple of days to visit BG and the Big Cat Rescue.....we stayed at a Holiday Inn overnight. After BG, we went to the cinema before turning in for the night. I may...or I may not have started to snore really loudly during the film and DH was or wasn't asked to wake me up.
If I had to be woken up, I may have just been so embarrassed that I just giggled for the rest of the film.

:whistle:

:rotfl:.

[happymealUK]

:blush: Will I or won't I admit to snoring :scratch:
I have never snored on a plane that I know of :)
On our last trip to Florida, we went over to Tampa for a couple of days to visit BG and the Big Cat Rescue.....we stayed at a Holiday Inn overnight. After BG, we went to the cinema before turning in for the night. I may...or I may not have started to snore really loudly during the film and DH was or wasn't asked to wake me up.
If I had to be woken up, I may have just been so embarrassed that I just giggled for the rest of the film.

:whistle:

:rotfl:

Deny everything, its the best policy :wink: :lol:

[Vikki]

If you book 79 C or 80 H you get an extra table on the side of your arm too. There is no-one behind you so you can recline and the loos are at the front so no passing traffic apart from the FA's. You're also nearest the stairs for a fast exit! :wink:

Ah, that was going to be my next question! I'm just counting down the days till I can actually book it now!!!!!!

[PaulaK]

I'll try to take a few pics in Oct for you Vikki! :thumbs:

[Vikki]

Oooooo, that would be wonderful, thanks :) Never seen any 'real' pics of PE, only the glossy ones on the Virgin site, which, I never believe :)

[happymealUK]

YAY I've just been checking out the films that might be shown and theres quite a few that I want to see :D With cinema prices lately, the money I would have spent there has paid for the PE upgrade :lol: :lol: :wink:

Do we get to choose which film we want to see and when?? :unsure: Or is it set times :unsure:

[happymealUK]

Oooooo, that would be wonderful, thanks :) Never seen any 'real' pics of PE, only the glossy ones on the Virgin site, which, I never believe :)

I agree with that!! I've tried looking everywhere for PE pics, I found a couple of good ones but thats it. I'll see if I still have the link for you :)
I'm

[Slowhand]

Do we get to choose which film we want to see and when?? :unsure: Or is it set times :unsure:

On the Manchester flight in PE, the films are at set times, although you can choose which film you want to see.

[happymealUK]

On the Manchester flight in PE, the films are at set times, although you can choose which film you want to see.

Thats great :thumbs: Thanx for the info!! *Adds bag of popcorn to hand luggage* :lol: :wink:

[Vikki]

I agree with that!! I've tried looking everywhere for PE pics, I found a couple of good ones but thats it. I'll see if I still have the link for you :)


Ooo, thanks, of course you could take some yourself too :)

[happymealUK]

Ooo, thanks, of course you could take some yourself too :)

Definately, No problemo - that goes without saying :thumbs: :thumbs:

I've found one of those links, I'll message it to you :)

[Vikki]

Ta :D

[jim81563]

Flew PE LGW/MCO in 2004 and 2005 and also did LHR/JFK in normal Y in 2005, never again in normal Y!!! The differences between the 2 are just too great!!

My recommendations are as follows.....

1 - If you can get the upper deck, then take it. The 2-2 configuration on the upper is brilliant. Loads of room to move about.

2 - Rows 70 (bulkhead) and 75 (emergency exit) are the best, but the 2 things you have to take into consideration are that 1 - if you have row 70 prebooked you can still have the seats taken from you as this row also has the fixture points for the bassinets (sky cots). 2 - row 75 allocation is usually left to check in at the airport.

3 - In any class of travel ex LGW, try the twilight check in. Until 9pm the night before the flight you can drop your bags off and get your boarding cards. Seen a few families do this, and once we tried it we were hooked. Ok - it only really works if you live near to LGW or are staying there the night before at a hotel. But well worth it when you see the queues for check in the next morning - great if you love crowds considering that on any given morning VS are checking in up to 3 Orlando flights, 1 Barbados, 1 Antigua, 1 Las vegas - all on 747-400's, 6 full 747s = a lot of bodies , enough to make anyone :demonstra .

Oh well, its UC next year as part of the honeymoon :maninlove

[triciacarole]

I'd love to try UC but fear if I did save enough points for an upgrade I would never go back to PE :)

[jim81563]

I'd love to try UC but fear if I did save enough points for an upgrade I would never go back to PE :)

Hopefully with the miles earned from that trip the wife and me can then go for 2007 on a freebie :thumbs:

[susieh]

Hopefully with the miles earned from that trip the wife and me can then go for 2007 on a freebie :thumbs:

We're doing UC for the first (hopefully not last) time June 2006 and we did PE in Sept 2004. Do you know how many points we should have got/get for each and how much a free flight or upgrade is? (Both LGW/MCO)

[jim81563]

We're doing UC for the first (hopefully not last) time June 2006 and we did PE in Sept 2004. Do you know how many points we should have got/get for each and how much a free flight or upgrade is? (Both LGW/MCO)

As long as you had a flying club card at the time of your trip you should have the following.......

A PE roundtrip gets you about 13000 miles and UC around 17000 miles I think. A free PE ticket costs about 62000 (you still have to pay for the airport taxes), upgrades depend on exactly what you want to do. In most cases you have to be travelling on 1 of their more expensive fares, meaning the non flexible tickets are generally not upgradeable - which is a shame, and a bit of a mystery :confused: but I guess thats how some airlines reward loyalty.

[rainy]

We're doing UC for the first (hopefully not last) time June 2006 and we did PE in Sept 2004. Do you know how many points we should have got/get for each and how much a free flight or upgrade is? (Both LGW/MCO)


For your PE flight you should get 13,008 points,for you UC flight you should get 17,344.
For a free flight you need 40,000 Economy, 62,500 PE and 80,000 UC.
To upgrade you need economy to PE 20,000
PE to UC 40,000
economy to UC 60,000
All this info can be found at www.virginatlantic.com (http://www.virginatlantic.com)

[triciacarole]

For your PE flight you should get 13,008 points,for you UC flight you should get 17,344.
For a free flight you need 40,000 Economy, 62,500 PE and 80,000 UC.
To upgrade you need economy to PE 20,000
PE to UC 40,000
economy to UC 60,000
All this info can be found at www.virginatlantic.com (http://www.virginatlantic.com)


and theres always miles plus money ...

[joanne]

I've always got good deals on upgrades using miles :yes:

This time, I got the most unbelievably helpful guy at VFC. He went above and beyond to help. One of the things he did was because when I rang at 335 (is that right?) days out, only the more expensive PE fares were released, he rang me back first thing the morning after once he'd checked that the cheaper fares were out.
Can't remember how much it was now, but it wasn't that expensive for PE.
Still can't believe my luck in getting someone so great :wow: I emailed Virgin afterwards to pass a message onto his supervisor to commend him.

[triciacarole]

How much longer did you have to wait for the cheaper PE seats? We are coming up to our 335? days but I am worried about leaving it too late and the companion seats will be all gone :(.

[joanne]

I think it was about 1 day.

[Vikki]

Thats worth knowing. Are these cheaper on the net as well? Our flights will be released next week and we were going to book them online? Also, do you know the name of the guy you spoke to? :wink:

[Wendy L]

If I were you Vikki, I would phone and speak to someone. Companion flights aren't available on line (I don't think) and the miles plus money fares come out a little bit later. It takes them ages to update their on line booking system. When I booked our companion flights for next year, the person I spoke to went through all the different options with me and worked out what was the best and cheapest way to do it.

[AlecK]

Wendy's quite right - companion fares only by calling. the person you speak to will be able to see all available reward fares on or around your requested date and be able to advise you of the best/cheapest option :)

[jim81563]

If I have 1 criticism of Virgins PE it has to be the inflight entertainment system. On all the flights ex LHR they use the brilliant V-PORT system, video on demand and all that. On the flights the concern us the most, the MCO flights ex LGW and MAN they have the seriously inferior NOVA system (even their old Odyssey system would be an improvment - this is what happens when you buy 2nd hand planes I guess). :tantrum:

Now I know why this is the case - the 747-400's they use on the routes ex LGW were not ordered directly by VS. They, I believe are ex Alitalia aircraft that VS managed to pick up on the cheap. But you would think that as the leading carrier to MCO (IMHO) they would consider updating the IFE systems to have a consistent system across the fleet. Even if it is done as each aircraft goes in for an overhaul.

Does anyone else think the same and feel disappointed by what ife they have to offer out of lgw/man?

[triciacarole]

I think it was about 1 day.

Thanks Jo, not long now until I can book :)

[Vikki]

I'm booking the miles plus money flight, then DH is booking a seperate flight (we didn't realise we both needed an account, we presumed all the miles would go into one.....duh!).
Just looked and we only have to wait two more days, and the miles plus money flights are available online as soon as the 'normal' flight are released....trust me, I've been checking!

[Vikki]

Ok we're booked :woohoo:

We have seats 71H and K on the upper deck. Are they any good? Was looking on the seat map at row 74, which is in front of the exit. Is there anything behind these seats? Was just thinking about reclining......

[Slowhand]

Ok we're booked :woohoo:

We have seats 71H and K on the upper deck. Are they any good? Was looking on the seat map at row 74, which is in front of the exit. Is there anything behind these seats? Was just thinking about reclining......
In 74 A & C, there is nothing behind, [apart from 75A & C :lol: ]. and that is a long way back.
The jump seats for the cabin crew are immediately behind 74 H & K.

[Vikki]

If it was you, what would you do?

[Slowhand]

If it was you, what would you do?
Funny you should say that Vikki!
In July, we had 75 H & K outbound and 75 A & C coming home. We opted for these because of the loads of legroom. The downside being that we did not have an "in-line" window or a storage locker right alongside or overhead.
When we go in a couple of weeks, I`m going to try for 74 A & C going out and row 75 coming home so that we can stretch out for a few zzzz`s.

[Vikki]

Whats the difference between 74 and 75?

[plutomad]

We are going pe next april and have booked the upper deck so hopefully this will still be there for us by the time we board!! I cant remember the seat numbers but there is 7 of us going and i think the seats are a 2 then 2 then 2 then 1 behind each other - my dad has bagged the seat on its on away from us lot:rotfl: :rotfl:

[Slowhand]

Whats the difference between 74 and 75?
Basically in row 75, which is the "emergency exit row", you have LOADS of space between you and row 74. [i.e. plenty of legroom]
In row 74 however, especially in the A & C seats, you can recline fully without having to worry about upsetting anyone sitting behind you.

[Vikki]

Basically in row 75, which is the "emergency exit row", you have LOADS of space between you and row 74. [i.e. plenty of legroom].

You can't book that online though.....might have to have a go at checkin

In row 74 however, especially in the A & C seats, you can recline fully without having to worry about upsetting anyone sitting behind you.

That sounds like a plan.....I hate to recline into people!

[Slowhand]

You can't book that online though.....might have to have a go at checkin





Yes that`s right. The check in staff need to see you in person to make sure that you are fit/strong enough to open the door in an emergency. For this reason I don`t think they allow children to occupy an emergency exit row seat.

[Vikki]

Yes that`s right. The check in staff need to see you in person to make sure that you are fit/strong enough to open the door in an emergency. For this reason I don`t think they allow children to occupy an emergency exit row seat.

Oh dear, hope I'm not too wimpy :) Did it coming back from Tenerife though, more fool them :shrug: Only kidding, I'm sure I could be perfectly safe with opening the door if need be

[Wendy L]

Yes that`s right. The check in staff need to see you in person to make sure that you are fit/strong enough to open the door in an emergency. For this reason I don`t think they allow children to occupy an emergency exit row seat.

Your right, no under 16s are allowed to sit in the exit row seats.

Vikki, if you can get to Gatwick early for Twighlight Checkin or to DTD for their checkin you will more than likely get one of the exit seats if you want them. The Orlando flight is the only flight that Virgin don't charge you an extra £50 pp for the exit row seats, which is good news. We always get there early for exit seats, whether we are in Economy or PE (not that we will probably fly Economy again if I can help it :wink: )

[Vikki]

We were going to do online checkin to avaiod the queue, but then I remembered we're going PE and would have a shorter line anyway. We'll ask, can't hurt. If we don't get it, can't say I'll be too bothered :)

[Slowhand]

Just a thought Vikki.
Earlier in the thread I was extolling the virtues of seat rows 74/75 in PE. These rows represent the layout on the Virgin flight from Manchester. :blush:
The seating plan may be different on the Gatwick flight...best to check first before booking any preferred seats.

[AlecK]

Just to clarify :- VA uses the same planes from both MAN and LGW on the MCO route. They are referred to as 747-400 (LGW/MAN Suite) on seat plans offered by V-flyer and other websites. There are 7 planes of this type 5 of which have NOVA IFE (no games) and 2 have ODESSEY IFE ( with nintendo). Apart from the games all 7 planes are identical.

As SH said the PE exit row is 75 :thumbs:

[Vikki]

Just a thought Vikki.
Earlier in the thread I was extolling the virtues of seat rows 74/75 in PE. These rows represent the layout on the Virgin flight from Manchester. :blush:

Well, thats where we're going from anyway :)

[uscwest]

OK, my dear UK friends I have a question about this Premium Economy thing. I realize it is too early to book for our 2007 trip but I'm trying to get an idea on how much the flights are going to cost by looking at the same time frame in 2006. How much do you normally pay when you fly PE from the UK to Orlando and back? When I go into the Virgin US Site the price is coming to almost $5000.00.

[triciacarole]

OK, my dear UK friends I have a question about this Premium Economy thing. I realize it is too early to book for our 2007 trip but I'm trying to get an idea on how much the flights are going to cost by looking at the same time frame in 2006. How much do you normally pay when you fly PE from the UK to Orlando and back? When I go into the Virgin US Site the price is coming to almost $5000.00.

I am checking costs at the moment for our trip next year, heres an example

Aug 21st - August 29th £1274.40 . This seems to be pretty average for that time of year, we are hoping to get a discount on points or free companion flight:)

[Slowhand]

Like many airlines John, Virgin do come up with some good deals from time to time.
I vaguely remember paying around £700 each [approx. $1,200] a couple of years ago, but more recently, because we have decided to go at the last minute almost, then we have paid a darn sight more!:blush:

[Vikki]

Anthonys was £1300 for 3 weeks in August, mine was just over £1000 as we did iles plus money.

[triciacarole]

Just booked mine, got two free companion flights for the girls and paid for myself and DH :D

[Vikki]

Yey!

[Vikki]

Ok, we changed our seats to row 74 :) Thanks all :)

[Slowhand]

Ok, we changed our seats to row 74 :) Thanks all :)

I`ll let you have a mini "trip report" on them after we get back Vikki! :lol: [We fly out this Friday].:banana:

[Vikki]

Oooo, yes please :D

[triciacarole]

Oooooo, that would be wonderful, thanks :) Never seen any 'real' pics of PE, only the glossy ones on the Virgin site, which, I never believe :)

Vikki I've found some photos of the seats on another site (http://www.v-flyer.com/forum/flyer_search.asp?category=2&catname=Cabins). You may need to search through them.

[Vikki]

Thanks, will go take a look :)

This one is nice, PE seat http://www.v-flyer.com/forum/flyer_viewphoto.asp?photo_id=1431&airline=&aircraft=&registration=&airport=&photographer=&keywords=&category=2&lastpos=&fromsearch=yes

[joanne]

Here's Around the World Mickey enjoying PE
http://www.wdisneyw.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=584&page=5&sort=1&perpage=12&=

I asked him what he thought of it and he said
"Hey, I just love it! More than enough room for a little Mouse like me. I wish Minnie was here to share it with me." :micbounce

[Whitequeen]

Here's Around the World Mickey enjoying PE
http://www.wdisneyw.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=584&page=5&sort=1&perpage=12&=

I asked him what he thought of it and he said
"Hey, I just love it! More than enough room for a little Mouse like me. I wish Minnie was here to share it with me." :micbounce

I'll have whatever Joanne's drinking.:D

[joanne]

Lemon and lime (or you could blame the antibiotics :wacko: ) :nutty:

[Vikki]

Those pics are so cute :)

[uscwest]

Might have to seriously consider PE from Washington - London in 2007. Prices, at least right now for 2006 look very reasonable.

[Wendy L]

Might have to seriously consider PE from Washington - London in 2007. Prices, at least right now for 2006 look very reasonable.

It's definitely more comfortable if you can afford to go PE, it's also a lot less hectic than the economy section.