Tips for getting the best out of 340-300 UC?

I have to go to Washington in the Autumn, and will be in PE out and UC back. I don't like the 300 but that's what I'm almost certainly going to be on; does anyone have any top tips for making the most of a trip in PE and UC on a 340-300???

Thanks.

quote:Originally posted by vizbiz
I have to go to Washington in the Autumn, and will be in PE out and UC back. I don't like the 300 but that's what I'm almost certainly going to be on; does anyone have any top tips for making the most of a trip in PE and UC on a 340-300???

Thanks.


....apart that is, from tips about flying via NY [:D]!

Most of my DC trips have actually been on the 600 series. Not sure what to say about getting a better experience.

For PE, I like the fact that the 600 series has the PE toilet, however the galley in front of my favourite seat can be a pain. I often get whacked with the curtain, so the 300 series layout is better in that respect.

Then plane differences in reality are minor, the crew can make or break the flight. On a couple of DC trips, I appeared to have booked on a day when they were breaking in new crew. Although they were not fully aware of all the VS process and emenities, the service was very polite and professional. Although not as relaxed and friendly as you normally get.

Enjoy DC, it's a great place.

Mark

Though I only travelled PE on my recent A340-300, I'd say go for rows 1-9 on your UC leg as they are forward of the boarding door.

Paul

My last few flights on the IAD route have all been on 600's.

the only main difference between the 300 and 600 is the entertainment, as all the 600 have vPort on them (which is so much better)

DC is one of my regular Virgin routes.

On your outbound PE leg make sure you are as far forward as possible and away from the rear of the PE cabin.
Sometimes the bulkhead seats can be noisy with the galley in front and constant crew movement on a night flight.
I try and bag 19 or 20 A/C as the best bet and hope for a low load and an empty seat next to me.

On your inbound leg ensure you are in the front half of the U/C cabin, the rear half has crew walking through all night and PE Pax sneaking through to the upper loos!

As for seat choice I prefer the K row about half way back 4/5 as you have no one opposite just a wall and are far enough away from the bar not to hear the chatter.

Last good tip for DC is the mobile lounges, make sure you stay close to the door by the driver so you get out 1st to head for customs. If you get stuck at the back it can add 30 - 40 mins to your queue time!

re the mobile lounges -

I agree and although (and my last trip to DC was with UA a couple of years ago so I may have got this wrong) its counter-intuitive you need to stay near the door you get on at rather than go to the other end as the driver reverses out of the in-field terminal but into the main terminal.