V-Flyer

Hi all,
I noticed that for the last few days a 343 has been running on the VS001 and VS002 routes, and I just wondered if anyone had any info regarding on-going plans? Or is it just because of light-loads, do you think? I'm flying this route in UC in Feb, and it's still showing as a 346 in my booking - I'm hoping it stays that way, or at least goes to a 744, but a 343 would be a bit of a shame for my next UC trip! Or can anyone cheer me up about UC in a 343??
Thanks!

I think there have been some changes because of maintenance but yes light loads may also be a factor.

The only real difference between UC on the 343 and the 346 is that (other than on one plane) the IFE on the 343 is Odyssey (so looped) rather than being on-demand. The suites, bar and meal service etc are the same.

Have a look at the IFE Guide

The downgauge was due to light loads and also due to some 346s being into maintenance but the flight is back to 346 from today, so you should be fine.

Dan

adey2011 wrote:t a 343 would be a bit of a shame for my next UC trip! Or can anyone cheer me up about UC in a 343??
Thanks!

I've just returned from Dubai on a 343. OK, so it was G-VSUN which is the only 343 with V-Port but for me the IFE isn't the be-all and end-all of the flight. I frequently read during flights and was preparing to download a few things to watch before I saw it was going to be that particular plane.

IFE aside, I really don't mind the 343 in UC. The cabin is smaller and therefore "cosier" than the 346. Think of the break up of the various zones on the 747s and you will see what I mean. The one thing I really dislike about the 346 is the long corridor of suites somewhat reminiscent of boarding school dormitories or hospital wards in the '50s and '60s

vsa380 wrote:The downgauge was due to light loads and also due to some 346s being into maintenance but the flight is back to 346 from today, so you should be fine.

Dan

Thanks Dan - much appreciated. That's put my mind at rest.

Thanks also to you both for the info honey lamb and tontybear,
Yes - I know what you mean honey lamb; my favourite UC cabin is actually in the nose of the 747 for exactly those reasons. I don't fly UC that often, so the IFE is quite important to me to get the maximum experience!

adey2011 wrote:Hi all,
a 343 would be a bit of a shame for my next UC trip! Or can anyone cheer me up about UC in a 343??
Thanks!

If there's nothing on the IFE that entices - 57 channels with nothing on - then taking it out of the equation actually makes the A343 a more pleasant propostion than the A346. Avoid disappointment - bring a book.

pjh wrote:

adey2011 wrote: Avoid disappointment - bring a book.

Why should you? A modern airline should provide contemporary IFE methinks ... and all the options it brings.

slinky09 wrote:Why should you? A modern airline should provide contemporary IFE methinks ... and all the options it brings.

Thanks slinky09 - I fully agree! (and the quote "Avoid disappointment - bring a book" isn't mine, rather it's from pjh's post). I don't think it's too much to ask for a decent IFE system in all cabins, let alone UC.

pjh; It's not so much a case of if there's "...57 channels with nothing on", it's more a case of having to fit everything around those channels and their timings. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they are on a loop on the older planes IFE aren't they? 57 Channels or not, what happens if I need a toilet visit when I'm halfway through a film? Or a drink is required? etc etc.

I love reading, but I don't think a book would particulary help my disappointment if my next UC flight has an antiquated IFE system, frankly. It may help ease the pass of time, but certainly not the disappointment. I guess if you travel in UC all the time then it wouldn't matter, but I only do maybe one or 2 UC round-trips each year, and it sure matters to me! I agree that it's not the be-all and end-all, but it would definitely lessen my UC experience by a fair amount.

It's a funny thing, but I look forward to a good film or 2 when flying in UC. It's not so much the film itself - I've got a blockbuster card and a local cinema, thanks very much - it's more about catching a film I've not seen yet, sitting there at an angle with my feet up, glass of somthing nice in hand, and feeling the complete "UC experience". y)