V-Flyer

I've booked a return from LAX on VS008 but didn't know they use the 747 for that trip until the seat selector came up. I've flow that route many times but always on VS024 which uses an Airbus. Virgin's 747s seem to be in poor condition and I'm worried about it having the old IFE. Would I be better off with VS024?

Advice appreciated. First post so sorry if I've made any mistakes!

Adapsys wrote:I've booked a return from LAX on VS008 but didn't know they use the 747 for that trip until the seat selector came up. I've flow that route many times but always on VS024 which uses an Airbus. Virgin's 747s seem to be in poor condition and I'm worried about it having the old IFE. Would I be better off with VS024?

Advice appreciated. First post so sorry if I've made any mistakes!

Hi and welcome to V-Flyer

The 747s out of LHR have the same IFE as the A346 which is V-Port so you have nothing to worry about on that score. In addition the LHR 747s have a different configuration to those at LGW and seem to be in better condition although the LGW fleet is to undergo a refurb this year

Hi Adapsys, welcome

I wouldn't worry too much -- it's not unknown for equipment to switch, so you might end up on an A346 on VS8 in any case. Also, I believe it's not unheard of for one of the LAX flights to be cancelled, with passengers switched to the other one, if loads are very light.

As honey lamb says, you may be thinking of the Gatwick jumbos, which get a bit of stick. (Although I think some of those aircraft were fitted with UC more recently than the LHR planes.)

Personally I much prefer the Airbuses because I find them so much quieter than the 747s. You didn't say which class you are flying -- but if it's UC then even I wouldn't mind the 747 too much. I think the bigger differences are to be found in economy and premium economy.

In any case, given the choice I think that the type of plane is actually a secondary factor. I'd decide based on which departure/arrival time is better for you. If you are firmly on Pacific time, then VS24 gives you a much better shot at some sleep.

Have a good trip.

Thank you both for your responses and the warm welcome! I'm travelling premium economy and chose the earlier flight as I'm landed on Easter Sunday and was worried transport from the airport might be more difficult so wanted to arrive earlier.

I know it's silly but the most important factor of a flight for me is the IFE. Having been on flights to LAX with no IFE you realise how important it is! And yes, I was referring to the 747s they use on the Vegas route out of Gatwick.

There will be no difference between the IFE on the A346 and B747 on this route as both have V:Port.

VS 8 was the Airbus Tuesday...

W.

The VS24 doesn't seem to have been cancelled occasionally this winter like normal, so perhaps good loads all around. I quite like the 7 out and 24 back, all my 24's have been full-ish, and I wonder if LAX might be a candidate for a MAN flight in the future, or even a third LHR!