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Preferred seat choice

Posted:
19 Nov 2013, 16:51
by Derek Mc
Hi all, new to the forum, new to Virgin Atlantic as a passenger but I hope it marks the start of long affair.
I fly with my wife and daughter Glasgow Orlando in April, I was originally told that on that date it was the A330 however as I have been keeping an eye on the bookings it has switched now to the 747/400
Looking at the typical seating layouts in economy where would you experienced flyers suggest is better, I was looking around row 26 or the section of economy on the upper deck around 76 to 80?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Derek
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
19 Nov 2013, 18:08
by Blacky1
Welcome to vflyer Derek , haven't flown on this config much but if I was you I would def try for the bubble upstairs , you should find it much quieter and more relaxing
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
19 Nov 2013, 18:27
by Derek Mc
Why thank you good sir, It was the more appealing location to me initially but wanted to check the thought with those who will know.
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
19 Nov 2013, 19:20
by gumshoe
Agreed, upstairs is best if you can get it. Just be aware that the upper deck isn't always available to select when the seat map opens at T-90. If it's not a busy flight, VS sometimes seem to keep the economy section empty and only fill it up as and when they need to.
If that's the case (and if you're travelling around Easter it probably won't be), I'd try for seats as far forward as you can. You'll get off faster, which can be a big bonus at immigration, and as each section of the cabin is served from front to back you'll get your meals and drinks faster with less chance of your first choice running out (which is common).
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
19 Nov 2013, 19:47
by LizzieP
Defer to the wise words of wisdom from the experience of the V-flyer gurus - I've learnt so much from my learned forum friends - 747/400, bubble or as far forward as possible. Might be worth checking 'Seat Plus' (pay a small sum to reserve a spare seat in your row to spread out a bit). Have a great trip!
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
19 Nov 2013, 20:26
by Neil
Another vote for the bubble, it's a better flight experience in our opinion and also you will some of the first pax of the a/c which is always a good thing when you have the joys of the MCO immigration awaiting you.
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
19 Nov 2013, 20:40
by Derek Mc
Many thanks everyone. Well at (roughly) 8am 90 days I will be right online to book the bubble

I will keep you posted on my success, or lack thereof!
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
19 Nov 2013, 20:57
by Blacky1
Derek Mc wrote:Many thanks everyone. Well at (roughly) 8am 90 days I will be right online to book the bubble 
I will keep you posted on my success, or lack thereof!
Glad vflyer has been of help to you Derek .
Do let us know how you get on and start checking a few hrs early at T-90 as it often lets you request seats a bit earlier y)
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
21 Nov 2013, 16:34
by Derek Mc
Hmmm,,, I see another point raised that I would like to clarify here.
I have booked as a Virgin Holidays pax, does that alter the seating plans and available seats, as it was when booking the whole holiday as part they mentioned the 90 day seat thing in the first instance.
Thanks
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
21 Nov 2013, 20:00
by darthlemsip
I'd like to know that too - have booked my first ever trip through Virgin Holidays, Grenada in UC. Once I have my airline booking reference (tomorrow is 11 months until the return leg so flights will be available from then - I assume Virgin Holidays will allocate at some point soon?) can I select the seats myself at T-90, or do I have to contact Virgin Holidays?
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
21 Nov 2013, 23:49
by LizzieP
Once you have a flight booking reference from VH (it will be on your invoice) you can go to the Manage My Flights area on the Virgin Atlantic site like anyone else. T-90 seat reservation applies for each flight so you will have to wait to reserve the return journey until T-90. On line check-in as normal.
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
22 Nov 2013, 00:12
by darthlemsip
Thank you, that's great
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
22 Nov 2013, 09:21
by Derek Mc
Thanks for that too. Sadly I was hoping it meant that they had an allocation of seats block booked in areas of the plane. Wishful thinking I suppose.
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
22 Nov 2013, 10:07
by Mysandytoes
In my experience the PE seats on the left hand side of the bubble are greyed out at T90. I suspect that those who have booked through VH will see these seats as available. It will be interesting to know if this is the case.
Re: Preferred seat choice

Posted:
22 Nov 2013, 12:28
by gumshoe
I believe VH have an allocation of seats that are block booked on every holiday flight, including a significant proportion of the PE cabin upstairs.
Of course many (most, I suspect) customers won't select their seat in advance so they'll be given seats from that allocation. Those who do can obviously choose where they want, and any of the VH allocation that aren't required are released for all to select a day or two before OLCI opens.