Failures of new suite

Just returned from JFK in UC on VS004 operated by VRAY. I was moved from my original seat due to the seat being declared unserviceable. On trying to get a new seat I was informed that 18 of the seats were unserviceable due to electrical issues. There were only 10 or so pax in the cabin so not sure if this issue caused some to be moved to VS046.
The seat I was moved to was already showing signs of wear, loose trim, fraying fabric. Doesn't bode well for the future.

Due on the 330 on the VS3 in a couple of weeks, but after all the negative reviews I'm considering switching to the 45. The cabin looks horribly cramped as well.

Seany, I wouldn't worry too much. This sounds like a freak electrics issue.

It's a great seat, and the facilities are much improved over the old suite. The original UCS had far more teething issues than this one. You'll be fine, especially when you convert the bed. It's a lot more comfortable.

If anything, request an outer seat, as they have a bit more space. Look forward to your trip report.

I was on the VS4 on Sunday evening on "Miss Sunshine" - what a total nightmare of a flight. I really wanted to love the new UCDS but I don't and have already provided extensive feedback on my own experience to VA.

I am preparing a TR which I will publish later this week but in short - several seats could not be turned into beds and broken tables- to see people eating off trays in more than one seat is just not on. Sadly, no spare seats which just added to the problems which already included no sleep suits, no newspapers, no headphones for some of the aircraft and a crew who realy didn't engage and spent some of the time criticising the cabin too...

Maybe an isolated flight where multiple things came into play, will say the suite did feel softer when I managed to get my seat down briefly before it had to be put up again and when I walked into the cabin at first, I did think "wow" but it just didn't come together at all. I left feeling so disappointed and annoyed that I had no sleep and was heading straight into work....I will be avoiding the A333s like the plague from now on or until these teething issues are resolved.

Something is just not right and it needs sorting. ?|

Jon v(

Due on the 330 on the VS3 in a couple of weeks, but after all the negative reviews I'm considering switching to the 45. The cabin looks horribly cramped as well.

If you were I I'd try it ... go with an open mind and then share a TR. Even though it sounds from posts here though that issues with the seats were not offs the UCDS has some positives, and some not and I'm sure we'd be keen to add your views to the small set so far y) .

Due on the 330 on the VS3 in a couple of weeks, but after all the negative reviews I'm considering switching to the 45. The cabin looks horribly cramped as well.

I am pleased I did give the aircraft a go - I too had read both on here (and elsewhere) some difficult reviews but I could not believe it was that bad - on my flight it was that bad and worse.

The cramped feel of the cabin was the main talking point amongst the other passengers and the "ski slope" bar as it was referred to, well don't get me started....I am real VA advocate and can't really believe I am writing this but this is just not on.

The crew really struggled on my flight to execute the service as it should be...but again, maybe just an isolated case as we did have an FSM who rarely put in an appearance but at least the forward loo was in use....

Flipping 'eck... I was thinking about holding off booking my next business trip to NY for another week or so, but now I think I'll do it now before all the A zone seats on the 744 flights are gone!

The crew really struggled on my flight to execute the service as it should be...but again, maybe just an isolated case as we did have an FSM who rarely put in an appearance but at least the forward loo was in use....

Sounds like a double whammy of inoperable seats and a poor crew - my experience on Miss Sunshine included a fabulous crew who were on top of things. Poor luck to you.

My thoughts on UCDS on the A333 are well logged, some good pluses, and some big minuses and I am glad I tried it but like you would prefer the nose of a 747 with old UCS (working, and with a well padded bed please) .

I'm on the VS3 on Saturday - Friday seems to be the day off for maintenance of the 330 operating the VS3 - fingers crossed she'll be in a better state by then (although DEL doesn't operate on Saturdays so the other 330 may be free too?)

Will of course report back and give some thoughts on the UCDS!

I've been on the new A330's three times (twice on G-VRAY and once on G-VNYC) in a mixture of PE and UC. I was disappointed with the UCDS on G-VNYC, no technical problems (but it was only its second day flying!) but you really feel like you are packed in in UC without any privacy. I really like the old UC when you are facing a wall and have complete privacy. The aisles are way too narrow as well.

Interestingly I was in UC on an A346 on the way back from Boston just over a week ago and the FSM was happily telling people that the UCDS has been getting bad feedback.....

I was on the VS4 on Sunday evening on "Miss Sunshine" - what a total nightmare of a flight. I really wanted to love the new UCDS but I don't and have already provided extensive feedback on my own experience to VA.

I am preparing a TR which I will publish later this week but in short - several seats could not be turned into beds and broken tables- to see people eating off trays in more than one seat is just not on. Sadly, no spare seats which just added to the problems which already included no sleep suits, no newspapers, no headphones for some of the aircraft and a crew who realy didn't engage and spent some of the time criticising the cabin too...

Maybe an isolated flight where multiple things came into play, will say the suite did feel softer when I managed to get my seat down briefly before it had to be put up again and when I walked into the cabin at first, I did think "wow" but it just didn't come together at all. I left feeling so disappointed and annoyed that I had no sleep and was heading straight into work....I will be avoiding the A333s like the plague from now on or until these teething issues are resolved.

Something is just not right and it needs sorting. ?|

Jon v(

TR still to come from this flight but I have already received a reply from the feedback I provided to VA straight after this flight. The response from a board member at VA confirming that he takes on board the comment about feeling less width and the centre seats are indeed shorter.

He also mentions his team are already looking at some seat foam issues and reviewing feedback on the privacy screens. Tuning up or modifications are not ruled out. A very reassuring response and especially around the crew issues and missing aspects of the UC service on this flight. I do feel less anxious now, but for now (at least) I am giving the A333s in UC a miss. Thankfully I currently fly on routes served by the A346s and 744s which is a blessing.

Jon

Interestingly I was in UC on an A346 on the way back from Boston just over a week ago and the FSM was happily telling people that the UCDS has been getting bad feedback.....

I'd like the CC to be a little more noncommital than verbally agreeing or sharing negative feedbacks, I think that's a little more professional - but the same has happened to me. I do wonder if CC dislike the A333 because it has no crew rest and use UCDS as an excuse?

Interestingly I was in UC on an A346 on the way back from Boston just over a week ago and the FSM was happily telling people that the UCDS has been getting bad feedback.....

I'd like the CC to be a little more noncommital than verbally agreeing or sharing negative feedbacks, I think that's a little more professional - but the same has happened to me. I do wonder if CC dislike the A333 because it has no crew rest and use UCDS as an excuse?

I agree Slinky actually I would like to see the CC be not so critical - I have my own thoughts as I am sure they do and I am sure the lack of a crew rest area is an important point - but to hear negative comments as I did on my flight from them actually wound me up more.... !

It's sad to hear all of these bad things but as with anything new issues may take a little while to iron out.. Hopefully if some modifications are made it'll make the UCDS much more pleasurable to fly in.

[Darren Wheeler]

It's also worth pointing out that exactly the same things were said about the UCS when it was first launched.

I'd like the CC to be a little more noncommital than verbally agreeing or sharing negative feedbacks, I think that's a little more professional - but the same has happened to me. I do wonder if CC dislike the A333 because it has no crew rest and use UCDS as an excuse?

I agree with you, I don't think it is right for crew to be blatantly negative on flights, however from what I know, the main issues for the crew are not about crew rest bunks. Yes the total lack of privacy for crew during their legally required breaks on duty periods over 6 hours (all VS flights) is an issue, and we are talking about sit down breaks, not bunks. There is nowhere that the crew can sit during their required break that is not in either full view of customers or in the pathway of toilets or the crew who are working. In addition to this, crew injuries and complaints have risen due to the narrow aisles and sloping side walls at foot level which have resulting in an increased trip hazard especially at night, along with repetitive strains and aches from manually converting seat to bed and bed to seat for the entire cabin due to the removal of the motors. The tight galley, forward toilet and narrow aisles have made service delivery in Upper Class harder and since the crew are the first port of call for customer concerns, the crew will reach a point where they have no options other than to agree with you. J2000... enough said.

I agree with you, I don't think it is right for crew to be blatantly negative on flights, however from what I know, the main issues for the crew are not about crew rest bunks. Yes the total lack of privacy for crew during their legally required breaks on duty periods over 6 hours (all VS flights) is an issue, and we are talking about sit down breaks, not bunks. There is nowhere that the crew can sit during their required break that is not in either full view of customers or in the pathway of toilets or the crew who are working. In addition to this, crew injuries and complaints have risen due to the narrow aisles and sloping side walls at foot level which have resulting in an increased trip hazard especially at night, along with repetitive strains and aches from manually converting seat to bed and bed to seat for the entire cabin due to the removal of the motors. The tight galley, forward toilet and narrow aisles have made service delivery in Upper Class harder and since the crew are the first port of call for customer concerns, the crew will reach a point where they have no options other than to agree with you. J2000... enough said.

Interesting from the CC perspective thanks.

Oh and I loved J2000 ):