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Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 10:34
by VAflyer
Hi. I noticed yesterday that Tubular Belle was used to do the LGW to LAS route. (lots more Upper class seats ) Is this a regular thing or just a one off does anyone know? We are booked in a few weeks to go Upper Class on this route and looking forward to being in the 'small' Upper Class cabin. Does that mean they would freely upgrade people to Upper as there are so many of the seats (About 46 upper class seats I think!) Seems a bit unfair as we have saved so hard to do this!! (am I just moaning?!!) LOL! Just wondered if anyone was familiar with this situation. Thanks!

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 11:17
by Neil
Hi - sometimes they use LHR a/c on LGW routes, this can be due to various reasons, maintenance, demand etc.

Quite often if it is planned, then they will allocate it to a route / flight which they know that will fit the a/c seating config so they don't have to do any op-ups. They will also actively try to up sell pax with cheaper than usual offers.

However, logic suggests that there could well be some pax that are upgraded as there aren't enough seats in each cabin. This will be done is a specific order, so gold members first, then those on flexible tickets etc.

I wouldn't let it bother you, you will still get the same seat and service you paid for, and if it does happen on your flight, still select a seat in the A zone as it will give you the same feeling as being in the LGW UC cabin.

Neil

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 13:45
by LetThereBeFlight
That makes sense of the bargain UC trip I've bagged to LAS in April: outbound is showing as LHR config so 40 odd UC seats to sell rather than the usual 14.

I've never been on the LHR 747s. Are they as well appointed as the LGW fleet?

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 13:58
by pjh
LetThereBeFlight wrote:I've never been on the LHR 747s. Are they as well appointed as the LGW fleet?


They have not undergone the same refurbishment as the LGW fleet.

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 15:42
by Smudge the Cat
There was also a major tech conference in Vegas this week, so lots of execs and business travellers, that may also explain it? are VS even aware of things like this, and factor it into their planning

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 15:42
by clarkeysntfc
LetThereBeFlight wrote:I've never been on the LHR 747s. Are they as well appointed as the LGW fleet?


They're "fine" inside but no more. They do have mood lighting in PE and UC, and the IFE is AVOD but not the latest one as from LGW.

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 15:51
by VAflyer
Thanks for your comments. I know just getting myself in a tizz but just curious how much notice such a change in aircraft and how you could find out which aircraft is going to be used. Would it be when online check in opens? Thanks everyone anyway!

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 16:18
by MoJoJo
I've got a LHR 747 on my trip to Havana and back in March/April. Would of preferred a LGW 747 in all honesty as some of the seats on the LHR fleet are a little tired and there is no Aeromobile which is a PITA as I am supposed to be contactable on the outbound flight as it is YE at work

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 17:01
by jwhite9185
How times have changed.... Not so long ago people were complaint about being on the 'old' LGW fleet - now its the LHR fleet thats getting a bashing!

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 18:02
by hunty1
I was on this flight last night, they were selling Economy to UC upgrades at the check-in for $1900 and PE to UC at $1600. I don't think many took it as I overheard the steward talking saying there was 6 in UC.

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 21:16
by Jaguar41
G-VHOT is VS15 today l would say they are using the LHR aircraft because G-VROS has gone to XMN on the 12/2/14 , and G-VBIG is in XMN now and due back tomorrow.

Peter

Re: Larger 747 used yesterday to go LGW to LAS

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2014, 21:18
by gumshoe
hunty1 wrote:I was on this flight last night, they were selling Economy to UC upgrades at the check-in for $1900 and PE to UC at $1600. I don't think many took it.


I'm not surprised, that's not too far off the normal price for a Z fare once you've factored in the price of the original ticket.