I did draft quite a long TripReport, saved it to drafts and am now either being thick or it was time limited, so I will just plot some quick thoughts before I re-write the TR.
1 - I love the seat and its a step change from what we have, BUT I don't think it needed the level of change we have seen and I was in the minority that the current product was and is actually really good. I love the additional space afforded, I'm a big and tall guy, and I went for Row 1 (K) and I have to say that the extra space afforded under the monitor was really good and made for a really comfy spacious trip. The shelves need some kind of door on them so you don't have to clear them for take off and landing. Couldn't feel the seatbelt at your shoulder when it wasn't in use which I thought was good that VS covered the metal tab up.
Table - I see what they have tried to do, but it's way too big, A1 for effort but practicalities of use wasn't good.
The screen is beautiful, the ordering from the system was flawless and took only 2/3 mins. The Wifi was good when it worked, but it was patchy when it wasn't and constantly getting disconnected. I'm not sure why VS have chosen to go with TMobile when DL uses the GoGo system and its pretty flawless and is always flawless on the 330/340 and 747 fleet. I'm hoping this is still teething issues with giving everyone free wifi.
The connecting your phone to use as a remote didn't work, and I don't think anyone on board got it to work.
The tail and body cams are stunning!
The new amenity kit and menu look awful. The products inside are lovely and the new REN products have been rolled out consistently onboard and in the Clubhouse. I'm a bit sad to see CowShed and Noble Isle go, but these are good replacements. The menus need to change to look more upmarket.
The Loft - so here was potentially my biggest disappointment with this aircraft, again, its great what they have tried to do, the space works and people were using it for exactly what they wanted it to be used for, but there wasn't the same level of social interaction that I expected - now that may be because of the mix of people and crew on board that day, or it may be a changed dynamic because of the loft - we shall see.
The space itself is stunning, but again there's some basic things that they didn't think about - mainly if you're sat on the big sofa - when you get served a drink, you can place it behind you, and that area clearly has been designed with a lip to do just that but the surface is too shiny and the drink will move around - it needs like a matt surface on there of some kind.
Crew - so there's an increase of crew vs 330/787 with 14 crew, 1 FSM 2 CSS (1 for J and W and 1 for Y) and the position still exists for someone to be technically manning the loft, which means they are in effect in the small galley between L2 and R2 - the crew on my flight weren't amazing, I find New Yorks can be hit and miss - I have had some of the best crews on NY's and people who I have made and stayed friends with, but then similarly sometimes you don't get the interaction - and I definitely found that with this flight - think for the most part it was due to familiarisation with the 350 most of the crew having never been on one before and were clearly a bit unused to the new routine. Dinner service took forever! The FSM and CSS in J were both tiptoeing around us AU's (3 in the J Cabin) about feedback on the aircraft - what worked, what didn't etc.
Overall - I DO love the new aircraft and its so exciting, but there's still niggles that need to be worked out!
Luxury & Boutique | Miles & Points Usage | Long Haul
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