Exit seats vs Premium Economy

I am due to fly to MCO at the end of August from LGW. I have paid to sit upstairs in the bubble in the exit seats (have done this a few times before)

What are peoples view on whether this is better than PE and why...?

TIA

[Neil]

Hi,
I guess it depends on what your definition of 'better' is.
The benefit of the econ exit row seats is that you will have paid a fair amount less and have more legroom, probably they are the best seats for legroom other that UC, they are upstairs and are some of the best econ seats available imo.
However those seats are the narrowest on the a/c due to the IFE being stored in the seat, have no moveable arm rest, limited in seat storage and compared to the overall PE product, the econ offering isn't as good.
Ultimately it comes down to what you want from a flight and compared like for like, PE is a much nicer experience but if you can't, or aren't prepared to pay for PE then you've got some cracking seats.

Have a great flight.

Neil

Thanks, I'm 6ft2" so need the extra leg room and from where i'm sitting can always see people in the back seats in PE and they look so squashed. I am building up a large amount of miles and have a virgin AMEX so will in future be able to use PE and UC but from my opinion couldn't justify going for PE when it doesn't appear as comfortable as the exit row seats.

Out of curiosity how much can you pay to access the UC club lounge? I'm flying out on the 25th via DUB with my girlfriend and have three hours in Gatwick before there 1330 to MCO and as i'm celebrating my 30th would like to do it properly.

You can pay to go into the Clubhouse a) if you are flying PE and b) If they have room. Thats what I am hoping to do on Sunday. When I spoke to Virgin yesterday they said it was £45 (but Im 99% sure I paid £60 before but could be wrong)

Gatwick is £45 I think. Heathrow is £60. All strictly subject to availability and at the discretion of the staff on the day.

Thanks,
I do have two passes with my AMEX Gold from No 1 Lounge etc, but would much rather the Virgin Clubhouse

[Neil]

If you're only in econ, you can't buy access to the CH unless you are booked through VH unfortunately.
If legroom is your main aim, then those seats are great, we used them coming home at New Year and they were perfect for our night flight. Personally I prefer other econ seats for a day flight as I find those a bit narrow.

As a fellow 6'2" grumpy traveller I'd pick the economy seats with extra legroom every day of the week.

As I've whinged about elsewhere this week, PE is a no go for me as it is ruined if the person in front of you reclines.

hmm personally if I had the choice I would take PE over the exit seat in Y. My opinion is based on the time I paid for the exit seat at check in at NRT, only to be really dissapointed when I sat in the seat as I had forgotten that they are narrow. so yes you get leg room but you dont get and wriggle room.

Indeed, if I had a choice between extra legroom or an exit row seat, extra legroom would win hands down for me. I'm 6'4" but not particularly slim and so width is just as important for me. Of course, it is entirely down to personal preference. As you say - if you're building up a large amount of miles then the best opportunity to try PE at minimal extra cost is to use your miles and judge for yourself.

I have approx 160k miles at the moment so I think i will save them to use on UC , and when travelling EC just pay for the extra leg room/ exit seats as i don't notice the width of the chair (pretty slim). The cost of around £75-£80 for a return flight for the extra room and ease of access when needing the toilet or to get snacks..