V-Flyer

Having flown on all types of VS aircraft in the past six months, I've put together a review of the four Upper Class cabins that feature a bar. It is over on YouTube.

I think the new A330-300 configuration has the best bar as it is slightly further away from the main cabin, compared to the 787-900. Although it is also a bit smaller.

Whilst the A340-600 has the largest bar, the aircraft are really starting to look tired. And the 747-400 bar is a bit too much in the middle of the cabin for my liking.

Does anyone have a different view?

Hate the 744 bar. You're on display with the whole cabin.
A340 bar is great, but the aircraft is knackered and I avoid flying it.
B787 bar is great, but I do not like the angle of it.
A333 bar is the best due to being further away from the cabin, and not on an angle like the 787.
A332 bar is.... oh wait.

I wish the bars had laptop power at though. That annoys me.

I am going to be a pedant and point out that it's 787-9 and not 787-900

Sorry!

My favourite personally is the A346!

I am going to be a pedant and point out that it's 787-9 and not 787-900

Hanging head in shame at not spotting that one myself! Have corrected the thumbnail over on YouTube, but can change the video now.

346 for me. It’s a proper bar.

Really dislike the 789, seems just like a plastic counter jutting out, not a proper bar set up. Never been on a 333 due to a late equipment swap.

Curious as to where the bar would be (if there will be one) on the new leisure configured A350s given unlikely to have whole of space between doors 1 and 2 dedicated to upper class.

346 upper cabin i love, just wish they had updated the IFR. The bar space is excellent and feels like it was genuinely designed for that purpose. All others are a centrepiece but compromised in execution....and never any staff close by.

I suppose our favourite is the 346. Brings back memories of when V Flyers occupied the original bar on the 747 for virtually the entire flight from London to San Francisco

One wonders what the 350 will hold - if at all.

buns

I honestly can’t see the A350 having a bar. It’s only ever really used on daytime flights so for well over half the time it’s dead space. And the cuts to staffing two or three years ago mean there aren’t enough crew to staff it any more.

Let’s face it, the bar is really a throwback to the quirky, edgy, innovative VS of the SRB era, along with the long gone on-board massages. It doesn’t really sit well with the new corporate, Delta UK brand VS has become - and as none of the other TATL airlines have ever felt the need to have a bar I can’t see it surviving.

I have no doubt VS will have evaluated feedback on the A332s (and Tinkerbelle) to glean customers’ views on the lack of a bar and I suspect very few people really care as long as the crew keep the drinks flowing at-seat.

Regarding 350's Ive heard different versions from different people within VS, including that there is no bar to the bar is there, to the bar is a sit down lounge... I think its a central part of the product so I think it will feature.

Personally for me its a mix up between the 330 and the 340. The 330 is great that its away from the cabin, and you can be having a party in there and not disturb others, whilst the 340 is my favorite because of the space it affords.

From what I've heard, there won't be a bar as such, more a "social space".

From what I've heard, there won't be a bar as such, more a "social space".

I’ve heard that one too. But when I pressed the point, was told it would be a bar.

It will be interesting to see what VS do actually do. This has the opportunity to be a real differentiator from other airlines, who just want you to stay in your seat for the entire flight.

And if there’s a bar, it means I’ll have to remake the review... hic

Well like Richard Branson said, if they don’t have a bar they just become another ordinary airline. They have to have a bar on their a350s, regardless of weather or not it is used like it used to be it is what they are renowned for and is a stable in the Virgin Atlantic experience.

I have no doubt VS will have evaluated feedback on the A332s (and Tinkerbelle) to glean customers’

I haven’t heard many good reviews of the A332s, even the refurbished ones, and as for Tinkerbelle, there’s litteraly gundereds if message forums out there of people saying how much they hope it isn’t the “dreaded tinkerbelle”

As long as there is somewhere you can move to that is a bit different on the A350's I really don't mind.

Getting up and just getting a change of scenery for a little bit really does help pass the flight during the day. It's somewhere different you can eat as well. It's always nice to socialise with the crew and /or other pax as well.

On a night flight, I'm not particularly bothered as I barely use the bar in that case.

I just hope VS don't go down the non-existent cabin ambiance that Delta A332's have. The Delta One cabin on those is so boring, dull and just meh.

Having flown on IB333/346 BA772 and the Latam 787 none of them have the ability to go somewhere else and it made even short sectors a bit less interesting! I would hate to go long haul without the bar!

It would also seem somewhat unfair(?) on upper class passengers if they don't install a bar presuming they're going to be installing a wonder wall for PE.

mitchja wrote:

I just hope VS don't go down the non-existent cabin ambiance that Delta A332's have. The Delta One cabin on those is so boring, dull and just meh.

Couldnt agree more, i thought Delta One was pretty clinical and not particulary special...service patchy too

Will always have a soft spot for the A340. Yeah they're old but so comfy...