Proposed New York Trip March 2013

Hi all,

I am thinking of going to stay with a friend in New York in March next year (proposed dates 14th - 21st March), and am considering flight options. I did a dummy booking and a return economy fare in an L bucket is £681. I was thinking about then upgrading to upper on the way out, but is is possible to only have the flexible ticket one way? This doesn't seem to be offered on the website, but I would have thought it would be possible to do this? If so, the price should be about £560 or so, I am hoping.
Also, what are people's opinions on each of the LHR - EWR/JFK flights? I have been on the VS45 before, and from what I've read, flying on a 747 in upper is a bit better than on an A340? What would people recommend for a first time trip in upper?
I may in fact decide just to go there and back in economy (for £440 - I would have thought this price would be available even after the sale ends, or at least not increasing dramatically?), in which case, which flight times have people found best, jet-lag and comfort-wise?

Many thanks.

Can't answer many of your questions, but IMO

What would people recommend for a first time trip in upper?

Nose of the 747....whilst the Airbus UC experience is still excellent, it does have the feeling of a dormitory.

but is is possible to only have the flexible ticket one way?

Yes it is. Probably best to call to book this, though -- I can't recall if the website offers it.

Also, what are people's opinions on each of the LHR - EWR/JFK flights? I have been on the VS45 before, and from what I've read, flying on a 747 in upper is a bit better than on an A340? What would people recommend for a first time trip in upper?

It doesn't really matter, especially for your first time. I prefer the Airbus but I think a majority here prefers the nose of the 747 (which is fun).

I may in fact decide just to go there and back in economy (for £440 - I would have thought this price would be available even after the sale ends, or at least not increasing dramatically?)

Difficult to say -- but I think you could well see the fare increase by a bit after the sale. I had to buy a non-sale economy return recently and I think it was nearly £600! (Maybe I was unlucky.) The golden rule is that if you see a fare you like, book it and don't look back!

in which case, which flight times have people found best, jet-lag and comfort-wise?
Many thanks.

Outbound I find it doesn't matter too much. VS3 gets in nice and early (but an early start at LHR) and immigration is usually quick. VS45 is convenient but immigration queues are usually long. VS1 and VS9 are well timed but you won't have much of the evening left when you arrive (which some prefer). VS17 is a late arrival but good if you can't get the day off work!

Inbound is more interesting. Many people swear by the day flights -- VS18 or VS26 in this case. I actually prefer the overnighters, though, because I find it hard to adjust after the day flight -- VS4 and VS46 are typical early evening departures, quite tough for jetlag, but it is easier to doze off on VS10 if you are on US time, and the short day in the UK is then manageable. If you are in UC Revivals helps with the red-eyes, and of course dining in the JFK Clubhouse is all part of the experience!

Hope this helps.

Hi Daniel, will see if I can help out..

I was thinking about then upgrading to upper on the way out, but is is possible to only have the flexible ticket one way?

Yep definitely possible. One of those things that you will have to call VS reservations for though... Their IT system cannot handle requests that are not straight forward unfortunately.

I would suggest hopping into premium on the way out and if your milleage balance supports it upper on the way back... If you have work the next morning nothing beats a flat bed.

Also, what are people's opinions on each of the LHR - EWR/JFK flights? I have been on the VS45 before, and from what I've read, flying on a 747 in upper is a bit better than on an A340? What would people recommend for a first time trip in upper?

Personally I prefer to head out on the VS3 into JFK - it gets there nice and early to enjoy lunch and still have something left of the afternoon before no doubt crashing in the evening depending on what you are drinking ): - also as you are flying out on a Thursday and if you go UC you will get to try out the new seats.

I may in fact decide just to go there and back in economy (for £440 - I would have thought this price would be available even after the sale ends, or at least not increasing dramatically?), in which case, which flight times have people found best, jet-lag and comfort-wise?

In my experience the price for the vs flights into NYC are fairly competitive so they do tend to hover around this mark if booking in advance - if looking for L class fares anyway the sale prices are more or less irrelevent to ya.

For the flight back my vote would go for the vs46. Depends on cabin that you are thinking of travelling in, but it gets into heathrow at a fair time in the morning and gives you the day in NYC. - this being said, vs are launching a fourth service out and into JFK starting in october. Keep your eyes peeled for a TR for those flights as the timing may better suit you.. vs 25/26 I think..

I haven't mentioned the EWR flights given I don't usually like to travel through that way. Will be doing so when the new clubhouse opens out of simple curiosity but otherwise JFK has grown on me.

Think i have covered everything but let us know if ya need any more info. y)

Yes all this info is really helpful - thanks! I'll post on here once I've decided what I'm going to do!

for the OPs dates next march VS 25 will leave LHR at 19:25 and arives JFK at 23:40 so fairly comparable with the VS17/18 EWR routeThe 25/26 will be an A330

The 26 leaves JFK at 08:40 and arrives at LHR at 19:40

Of course you can mix and match your out and inbound flights to meet your particular needs and desires

exactly when does 25/26 start ?

exactly when does 25/26 start ?

VS25 flight restarts out to JFK on 28th October. VS26 heads back the following morning.

The 26 leaves JFK at 08:40 and arrives at LHR at 19:40

Slight correction tonty - the VS26 is currently showing as leaving JFK at 0740..

The 26 leaves JFK at 08:40 and arrives at LHR at 19:40

Slight correction tonty - the VS26 is currently showing as leaving JFK at 0740..

But NOT for the dates when the OP is flying next March and they take into account the early clock change in the US !

so

The 26 leaves JFK at 08:40 and arrives at LHR at 19:40

Slight correction tonty - the VS26 is currently showing as leaving JFK at 0740..

But NOT for the dates when the OP is flying next March and they take into account the early clock change in the US !

so

^) ^) ^) Ha ha ha, you have got me there oo) oo) oo)