Some random thoughts on my recent 787 experience. LHR-LAX
Posted: 07 Nov 2016, 18:04Not really a trip report, so posted this here. Last week was my first VS flight since 2010. When BA launched LCY-JFK I shuffled over to the dark side, but with a few Virgin miles to use up, I booked a flight to LAX on the 787
Clubhouse hasn't changed much. Staff quite attentive this time, I seem to remember being ignored quite a bit when sitting behind the bar before. I did enjoy a few "Chase the sun" cocktails which helped pass the time.
Boarding was fairly efficient. A few people clearly wanted to be the first onboard, possibly due to the amount of luggage they had.
Onboard I was in 6A. I really want to like the seat but I don't. I do find it uncomfortable and doesn't feel private when sitting up as your head sticks over the top. No cushion, and the pillow is too plump to use when seated as a headrest. I did miss the Z position you get in CW! The airbag is also annoying, not sure I see the point. Is there any real benefit to it? I see they've removed those little lights which always got in the way above the ledge though.
The safely announcement. Well, clearly trying too hard here to fit in with the Virgin brand. So much waffle and hard to pick up the important bits. Seemed to go on for far too long. Also, the screens weren't opened for anyone, so I was the only one around me who seemed to be paying attention. Maybe I'm far too used to BA where they always make sure your screen is out but they should make an effort to try and get people to watch.
The crew were great throughout the flight. Very visible. I seem to remember problems before where crew would vanish and you wouldn't see any for hours.
The bar - well, again style over substance. The seats are at a different angle to the bar, so you sit one way but find your body twisting to sit flat against the bar. Nice to have somewhere to go other than your seat, but not the same as the 747 bar.
It was too hot onboard. I asked what the temp was, and told 24C, which they said was too high, so they turned it down. No idea why crew turn it up so high in the first place. I know I'm often too hot, which is why I ask what it's set at, in case it's just me!
On landing at LAX there didn't seem to be any priority baggage, quite a few bags had come out before mine, though at least with global entry I didn't have to queue to get out.
So overall it's a nice plane, still looks mostly new, but not a fan of the suites, maybe I'd change my opinion if it was a night flight.
The next day I took a Delta flight to YVR. Lovely welcome at check in, thanking me for being a FC member and for flying Delta. My bag also came out first, so well done Delta!
Clubhouse hasn't changed much. Staff quite attentive this time, I seem to remember being ignored quite a bit when sitting behind the bar before. I did enjoy a few "Chase the sun" cocktails which helped pass the time.
Boarding was fairly efficient. A few people clearly wanted to be the first onboard, possibly due to the amount of luggage they had.
Onboard I was in 6A. I really want to like the seat but I don't. I do find it uncomfortable and doesn't feel private when sitting up as your head sticks over the top. No cushion, and the pillow is too plump to use when seated as a headrest. I did miss the Z position you get in CW! The airbag is also annoying, not sure I see the point. Is there any real benefit to it? I see they've removed those little lights which always got in the way above the ledge though.
The safely announcement. Well, clearly trying too hard here to fit in with the Virgin brand. So much waffle and hard to pick up the important bits. Seemed to go on for far too long. Also, the screens weren't opened for anyone, so I was the only one around me who seemed to be paying attention. Maybe I'm far too used to BA where they always make sure your screen is out but they should make an effort to try and get people to watch.
The crew were great throughout the flight. Very visible. I seem to remember problems before where crew would vanish and you wouldn't see any for hours.
The bar - well, again style over substance. The seats are at a different angle to the bar, so you sit one way but find your body twisting to sit flat against the bar. Nice to have somewhere to go other than your seat, but not the same as the 747 bar.
It was too hot onboard. I asked what the temp was, and told 24C, which they said was too high, so they turned it down. No idea why crew turn it up so high in the first place. I know I'm often too hot, which is why I ask what it's set at, in case it's just me!
On landing at LAX there didn't seem to be any priority baggage, quite a few bags had come out before mine, though at least with global entry I didn't have to queue to get out.
So overall it's a nice plane, still looks mostly new, but not a fan of the suites, maybe I'd change my opinion if it was a night flight.
The next day I took a Delta flight to YVR. Lovely welcome at check in, thanking me for being a FC member and for flying Delta. My bag also came out first, so well done Delta!
