VS011 18th August 2014 Aircraft Change

Hello,

I am new to v-flyer but a regular Virgin Atlantic flyer and having just checked what the fares have increased to, I have noticed that the aircraft has been changed from an A330 to A340-300 . This is the first time that I have been aware of an aircraft change and I am keen to understand how they will accommodate passengers? I am flying PE and the A340 PE cabin is smaller than the A330. If they cannot accommodate my party of 2 in PE, will they downgrade us to E or upgrade to UC?

Many thanks
Jay

[Neil]

Hi and welcome,

Firstly, there might not be any need to re-accomodate pax, if PE for instance was only half full, the new config might have been chosen for this reason.

If there is a need to move pax, then the airline is most likely to upgrade, if however there isn't space and you are involuntary downgraded then you would be entitled to compensation under the EU Regulations.

Not flown on this aircraft mysel but I've seen a lot of comments that it doesn't have the latest IFE so you've now got something like a 2/3 chance you'll have V:Reel rather than on-demand.

It's not guaranteed to be accurate but Flightstats suggests this flight is very busy in PE (2 tickets available) and Economy (8 tickets available). UC looks less busy though so you never know, you might strike lucky.

I'm on VS 12 the same day and it shows as a 330...usually that's VS11 going home?

I have read about the IFE not being the greatest, however, I understand that tablets are issued to UC and PE or have I made that up? If we are lucky enough to be upgraded to UC what would the decision be based upon? I think my chances might be scuppered as the seat that I am reserved on the A330 is available on the A340 in terms of row number.

Thanks for the replies

Thanks
Jay

[Neil]

I have read about the IFE not being the greatest, however, I understand that tablets are issued to UC and PE or have I made that up? If we are lucky enough to be upgraded to UC what would the decision be based upon? I think my chances might be scuppered as the seat that I am reserved on the A330 is available on the A340 in terms of row number.

Thanks for the replies

Thanks
Jay

The row you had reserved on the old config will have no bearing at all on where you end up on the new one.

They will look to move as few people as possible, and will move the pax that allow them to achieve that.

Still showing as an A330 from what I can see on the 18th August.

Thanks Neil.

When I search for the flight on VS' website it shows as the following:

London (LHR) to Boston (BOS)
Departing 18 May
Virgin Atlantic
Depart:
17:30
Arrive:
19:50
Duration:
7 hrs 20 mins
Flight number: VS011
Airbus A340-300

Thanks
Jay

I am an idiot!! Absolute fool... I have been looking at flight in May 2015 and that is what is showing for the flight on that day!

No worries--and makes sense as the summer changes won't have been put in place by May. Have a wonderful flight--and enjoy Boston!

They changed the VS1/2 on 5th August to a A343 from an A333. Didn't mind it, actually.

I am an idiot!! Absolute fool... I have been looking at flight in May 2015 and that is what is showing for the flight on that day!

That flight in May will very probably be operated by a 787-9, they seem to use the A343 as a default setting.

That flight in May will very probably be operated by a 787-9, they seem to use the A343 as a default setting.

Can't wait!