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A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 31 Dec 2016, 15:25
by shaneg17
Hi

I currently have my NYC trip booked on the LHR > EWR route in UC. The flight was originally the 787 but has recently changed to the A330.

Anyway Virgin Holidays have offered me the option of going on the LHR > JFK route in the A340 with some compensation back (they changed plane and time hence the gesture).

Both airports look to be equally convienient for midtown manhattan so not fussed. So it comes down to the aircraft...

Given the choice would you guys / girls stick with the A330 and Newark or swap to A340 and JFK?

Cheers

Shane

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 31 Dec 2016, 15:33
by pjh
When is your flight (as the A330 configuration in UC is due to be improved over the year) and from which airport is your return flight?

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 31 Dec 2016, 16:45
by shaneg17
Hi

Flight is the end of July 2017.

Return is from EWR also at present.

Thanks

Shane

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2017, 00:24
by pjh
Mmmmmm...

Plus side of the 330 is a more up to date IFE than the 340, and if the aircraft has been converted to 3 rather than 4 across then it should be a comfortable experience. Problem is the schedule for conversion isn't yet publicised (or started?) and the only way to tell whether the specific flight is expected to be on a converted aircraft is to check manage my booking to see if one of the centre runs of seats is unavailable for selection....which you can only do once you've booked the flight.

Plus side of the 340 option is flying from JFK which has a bigger Clubhouse than at EWR and has windows, but it does host more flights and can be busy.

If it were current 340 vs current 330 (pre conversion) then I think I'd go for the 340 all other things being equal.

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2017, 02:35
by Sealink
I prefer the A330.

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2017, 09:23
by shaneg17
Thanks for the replies

My current manage my booking section shows the middle row being single with the other row being unavailable for selection so I assume that means it's in line for upgrade. Someone else mentioned that block may just be to avoid VA overselling the flight 'if' the upgrade happens.

I think I'm going to keep it with the EWR route and A330 for the time being.

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2017, 13:14
by chriski
340 & JFK would be my choice

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2017, 14:25
by tugpilot
Me too! the A346 is probably the best aircraft from a passenger point of view that VS have ever operated. Quieter than the 744, comfortable UC cabin and although the IFE is now dated, perfectly adequate.

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 03 Jan 2017, 20:19
by shaneg17
All sorted

VS 0009 outbound on the A340-600, VS-0004 again on the A340 on the way back.

I've managed to sort my seats and have selected those that face the 'wall' (think that's how you'd best describe it) on the aircraft so im not directly facing any other passengers (of course nothing against any of the other passengers on these particular flights)

I also got my self into the Ritz Carlton down near Battery Park. I know not everyone's cup of tea but I think the location will be grand...I'll catch a cab or subway if I need to get up to any sights like Central Park etc.

Looking forward to experiencing UC in about 7 months time

Thanks

Shane

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 03 Jan 2017, 20:43
by pjh
Have a great time when it comes around. The south of Manhattan is a great location. During our time in NYC between Christmas and New Year we ventured as far as 36th Street (for a beer in The Ginger Man) only the once.

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 03 Jan 2017, 20:44
by Blacky1
It's lovely down there especially in the summer, enjoy

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 03 Jan 2017, 21:00
by Richie
A340 all the way.

You can't be 100% sure which aircraft they wil use until the day of departure on the New York route.

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 03 Jan 2017, 22:34
by shaneg17
Too true

Anyway I'm glad it's all sorted now and although I've not booked directly with Virgin I'm still on their metal and in UC

Re: A330 or A340 UC

PostPosted: 04 Jan 2017, 04:09
by whiterose
Enjoy Ritz Carlton Battery Park. Good walkway by the Hudson, you'll be very near the Freedom Tower, there are restaurants by the river and you'll be able to have a drink in the Ginger Man which we all seem to like.