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#961928 by David
09 Jul 2023, 16:39
Ground Staff
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So after nearly 3 wonderful weeks at Disneys Saratoga Springs, it was time to think about packing cases and heading to MCO.

A few highlights were a fantastic upgrade by Disney. I had originally booked 9 nights in a studio and then 9 nights in a one bedroom but on arrival we found out that the first half of the stay had been upgraded to a 1 bedroom and we were in the same room for the whole 18 nights.

The monster truck from Hertz, a Ford Explorer Max which was absolutely huge and some fantastic weather with little rain and an only a bit of humidity.

The lowlights being the prices of everything, food, drinks and shopping which just seem to be out of control.

Anyways, the last day as ever was a bit frantic with no need for extra cases this trip. A fantastic last lunch at D-Luxe burger at Disney Springs and then a calculation to try and not leave the resort too early to drive the 14 mins to Orlando International.

The car was handed back without any issues and check in was done very easily although I have mentioned the issues with the Virgin boarding pass not showing TSA pre in the Apple wallet. This was dealt with by the check in lady without me having to ask.

Onwards through a very quick security (the TSA lines are now at the very left hand side) and soon into the Delta lounge for the last few hours.

The food has improved again, with more choice although it’s certainly not a clubhouse by any standards but it’s much better than it used to be a few years back. The tipping at the bar for a beer or two still feels a little strange.

The time passed very quickly and before long “a virgin representative is at the door to escort you to the gate”. This is a very nice touch and adds a little sparkle to your departure.

So far so good but for how long.

The plane was an A350-1000 leisure version with the small upper cabin.

Mmmm.

As much as I really wanted to like the new plane, I struggled. As along time leisure flyer, you always got the feeling that the fleet was just a little bit behind the Heathrow fleet. The 747’s with the older seats, the older IFE, no IFBT, smaller bar and older equipment and latterly the A330’s that were ok, the thought of the brand new halo product was exciting.

So where do we start. The cabin is strange with only 1 toilet on the right hand side meaning that exactly half the cabin has to walk through the front galley to get to the facilities feels like your intruding (although the staff seem to be fine about it). The strange social space in front of 1A which is just weird and should really be another toilet. The quality of the fitments which seem to be poor and not holding up to any use but the mood lighting is very nice especially on a night flight.

The seat. No storage. A TV that either doesn’t want to stay in or doesn’t want to come out. Blinds that need a hydraulic jack to move them. An armrest that wants to stay in the down position. A recline that seems to move in all sorts of funny ways to just recline (once you find out the bed button is actually the recline button as well.) A seat that’s extremely difficult to get out when reclined. A weird lap seat belt that felt really loose (might have just been mine). A bed that I just could get comfortable in and all in all a real disappointment.

It should have been so good.

It wasn’t.

So the food. Oh dear. The standard menu is just yuck. The pre order not much better. I’d opted for the sausage and mash. You can decide.

IMG_2023-7-9-160011.jpeg
IMG_2023-7-9-160011.jpeg (107.76 KiB) Viewed 22372 times


Do you think that was a kids portion ?

The breakfast I passed on and stuck with a nice mug of tea.

The crew were fantastic however and I had a feeling they were aware of the shortcomings. Nothing was an issue and infact 3 of them joined me on the flight back up to Edinburgh which was nice to see.

The flight was an hour or so late leaving so that ate into the slack time between landing and the BA shuttle from T5 so unfortunately meant no arrivals lounge. Infact it was a sprint from getting out the plane to arriving at the gate as boarding started at T5.

So, the A350. Could, should be so much better and with a little thought will be. Who signs these things off ? Is there no customer input ? Not having tried the A300-900 yet , would I choose the A350 again over the older A330-300 if there was a choice available ? Do you know what, probably not. I like the flip over seat. I like the bigger cabin which feels more spacious and I like the bar compared to the new social spaces.

Thanks for reading

David.
#961929 by mitchja
09 Jul 2023, 20:03
Thanks for the TR. Certainly looks like portions are shrinking now!!

I too often wonder who is involved with new cabin / seat design at VS as it's clearly not the pax using the product or the crews working on them!

Take their newest A339 loft - it's all style over substance. You cannot sit there for more than a few minutes, it's too uncomfortable as those seats are too high up and too narrow!!
#961930 by Claphambear
10 Jul 2023, 10:51
I agree the seats/beds on the A350 are by far our least favourite

It’s difficult travelling with my partner as even the 2 in the idle are far from ideal - we spent much of it last flight using the loft (which is always very popular on my flights ) but the 787 is our preferred plane - better quality sleep and bar to use where we can dine together

I cant post photos on here for some reason but I had pre-ordered sausage and mash for our flight home the other evening. After having it several ties before I knew what it “should” look like and what was served to me was vile ! I couldn't even touch it except the CC suggested I take a photo and sent to Mr Weiss (who we met on way out and have his private email address )

We did, got a phone call a few hours from landing from his office and really took onboard our views ! Plus a huge amount of points as a thank you for bringing the disappointing catering to his attention.

The A350 and the current menu both need urgent attention
#961932 by mitchja
10 Jul 2023, 11:56
The A339 J seat is actually wider than the A350 one.

VS's approach to seat width is an interesting one.

The A350 Upper Class seat is actually the narrowest in the fleet. As it's only 20" wide where as all the other Upper Class seats (A339/A333/B789) are all the same at ~22" wide.

The Premium seat width also continues to shrink as the A333/B789 Premium is 21" where as the A350 and A339 is only 18.5"

The only seats that are getting wider with newer A/C are economy seats as those are 17" on the A333/B789, 17.4" on the A350 and 17.9" wide on the A339.

All details can be found on the VS website here.
#961933 by VS075
10 Jul 2023, 22:38
I must admit, when it comes to Premium on A330neos and the A350s, I’m struggling to understand the value of it compared to Economy Delight now the seat width has been reduced.
#961936 by roadrunner
11 Jul 2023, 19:59
Glad your Florida trip was lovely and good TR. Sorry about the meal, it does look revolting.

Claphambear curious about the 'huge' amount of points you (rightfully) received. My last UC VS flight was miserable, delayed hours and cost us a host of knock on costs and effects that had us arriving home at dawn. I did raise it as an issue but did not receive what I would judge anywhere near a 'huge' amount of points in compensation, VS shrugging, "it is what it is." My partner on same flight, same issues, received none. Good to know Mr. Weiss is more thoughtful than Customer Service!
#961939 by Claphambear
12 Jul 2023, 11:22
roadrunner wrote:Glad your Florida trip was lovely and good TR. Sorry about the meal, it does look revolting.

Claphambear curious about the 'huge' amount of points you (rightfully) received. My last UC VS flight was miserable, delayed hours and cost us a host of knock on costs and effects that had us arriving home at dawn. I did raise it as an issue but did not receive what I would judge anywhere near a 'huge' amount of points in compensation, VS shrugging, "it is what it is." My partner on same flight, same issues, received none. Good to know Mr. Weiss is more thoughtful than Customer Service!



I guess it comes down to what you are after.

IE you suffered hardship for various reasons and quite right wanted to be made whole for the issues you faced.

I simply had a duff meal - it even looks awful ! I wasnt overly bothered but wanted to give feedback so catering could be improved.

Being offered points (which I initially refused) was a Brucie Bonus for me so any points I received was, to me, huge as wasnt expecting even 1 ! I already have a shed load which I have problem utilising but thats another thread for another day ……..
#961940 by CommanderB
12 Jul 2023, 13:13
Claphambear wrote:
roadrunner wrote:Glad your Florida trip was lovely and good TR. Sorry about the meal, it does look revolting.

Claphambear curious about the 'huge' amount of points you (rightfully) received. My last UC VS flight was miserable, delayed hours and cost us a host of knock on costs and effects that had us arriving home at dawn. I did raise it as an issue but did not receive what I would judge anywhere near a 'huge' amount of points in compensation, VS shrugging, "it is what it is." My partner on same flight, same issues, received none. Good to know Mr. Weiss is more thoughtful than Customer Service!



I guess it comes down to what you are after.

IE you suffered hardship for various reasons and quite right wanted to be made whole for the issues you faced.

I simply had a duff meal - it even looks awful ! I wasnt overly bothered but wanted to give feedback so catering could be improved.

Being offered points (which I initially refused) was a Brucie Bonus for me so any points I received was, to me, huge as wasnt expecting even 1 ! I already have a shed load which I have problem utilising but thats another thread for another day ……..


If you want to do a bit of points farming, sit in row 1 on the A350. The screen mechanism will almost always be broken in some way. I've had 10k, 5k, 4k and another 10k of points just for that issue alone :cool:
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