V-Flyer

I have nearly enough miles for 4 upper class one way flights Heathow to JFK and will be buying the additional miles for a family holiday in August.

As I have never travelled first class and assumng that availability / flight time was not an issue, would welcome any readers views on which are the better planes to fly on Virgin Upper (747-400 or A340-600 or A340-330)

Hi and welcome.

If I had the choice, I would always fly on the 747 in UC, in the A Zone (the very front section). I think the overall cabin environment is the best offered on any VS a/c.

Neil

I would second the upper class a-zone. The feeling of space is amazing.

As for the return flight, I feel that the airbus aircraft are quieter and less dehydrating so are far better for sleep. That might persuade you for the return flight.

As Neil says, it's the A zone in a 747 (LHR config) every time for me. I will choose a flight based on the fact its operated by a 747, although I know that can change sometimes. The seats are showing a fair bit of wear and tear these days on the LHR aircraft (that I've been on) but I will still choose them. The new UCDS on the A330s I don't mind, but the cabin is far too cramped and really doesn't feel as special as UC should - a bit of a shame.

Whatever aircraft, I am sure you will have a fantastic time and do make the most of the whole experience, Clubhouse especially!

Steve.

The beds upstairs on the 744 are 2" longer than those downstairs.

All suites on the 744 are also 1-1.5" wider than those on the A340 (a fact VS originally tried to deny when selling the A340 experience)



On that basis - if you want space, the 744 it is.

1967stuart wrote:I have nearly enough miles for 4 upper class one way flights Heathow to JFK and will be buying the additional miles for a family holiday in August.

As I have never travelled first class and assumng that availability / flight time was not an issue, would welcome any readers views on which are the better planes to fly on Virgin Upper (747-400 or A340-600 or A340-330)

Stuart, you should note that Virgin's Upper Class is not First Class, it is Business Class.

And having walked through UC on a 340-600 at the weekend I would be inclined to avoid it, it simply doesn't look very special at all.

Have fun. y)

I concur with the majority view that the 747 offers the best Upper Class experience.

However, you may need to be flexible as to get 4 Upper Rewards on the same flight may be a tall order

buns

747 definitely.

my only qualm would be the East Coast trips are relatively short and you don't get that long to either enjoy the UC experience or sleep on the return
of course you do get the clubhouse at LHR

I am very much in the minority, but I would say the A346 by a country mile. Quieter and in better shape than the jumbos, and noticeably more stylish inside.

I agree though that the A zone of the 747s is good.

buns wrote:I concur with the majority view that the 747 offers the best Upper Class experience.

However, you may need to be flexible as to get 4 Upper Rewards on the same flight may be a tall order

buns

This is exactly what I was going to write, UC reward availability on flights can be very limited especially if you require 4.

-Steve

Another vote for 747 A Zone

oldboy

Hi Guys and Girls

Thanks for all of the responses and really appreciate the advice you have given.

Have been able to find 4 seats that fits my travel plans and went for the 747. Only down side was I only had enough points for one way (and no availability to use the points on virgin UC or PE coming back anyway) so were having to travel back in cattle class on the way

Now need to make sure that I put the date in the diary for when I can reserve the seats (which seems to be 30 days before the flight date ?)

Thanks again

Well done! As for the date you can request, to me, it's as clear as mud. I'm flying in July and gave been told two different dates by two different Virgin staff.....it will either be T-30 or 1 April....unless someone here knows better.

Unfortunately with UC you will have sampled the Garden of Eden as far as VS goes.....

747 for me not just because of the less cramped ambience but also I just love the majesty of jumbo's