V-Flyer

Hi, just a few questions from a Virgin "virgin", I am travelling PE on the outbound VS029 to BGI. I have pre-booked seats 79C and 80H+K for my family. Are they good seats?
I have noticed that there are 2 different paint schemes on their planes? Which is newer, white or silver? I prefer white
Also, should I hope for an Op-Up on the way back from BGI as I flew PE on the way out?
Oh, one more, are the screens on the IFE bigger than Y?
John?

Teenflyer,

All VS aircraft are of the same livery. White is the old livery and all the aircraft have now been re-painted.

AFAIR the IFE screens are the same size in Y and W, however im am not 100% this is true with the re-fitted LGW aicraft as they have the new WASH premium economy seating on the main deck. Im sure someone will be able to clarify.

With regards to the Op-UP, i wouldnt get your hopes up too much, but you never know. I dont think the class you travelled on your outbound flight doesnt plays much of a role in the upgrade procedure.

I think with Op-ups you can always hope, but holding your breath might result in asphixiation

As I understand it, VS only use Op-ups when they need to, and then priority will depend on your flying club status and the type of ticket you're travelling on. So if you're a gold member and on a full fare ticket you'd have a pretty good chance of an upgrade if they needed to move someone, if you're red and on a discounted ticket, it's unlikely.

quote:Originally posted by Vrocking
All VS aircraft are of the same livery. White is the old livery and all the aircraft have now been re-painted.

I don't know if anyone has noticed this, but G-VFAB seems to look more "silvery" than "pearly" to me whenever I see her, here's some examples:

G-VFAB: http://www.airliners.net/open.file/710614/M/, and http://www.airliners.net/open.file/702908/M/
G-VWOW: http://www.airliners.net/open.file/496600/M/
G-VROC: http://www.airliners.net/open.file/652270/M/

If you look at all the photos on file, AB looks more of a grey/blue silver than the others, which seem to be a more creamy pearl colour, although I know that this mica paint is designed to do funny tricks dependant on the lighting conditions!

Cheers!
Mike

Hi,

Please take some time to read the Upgrade guide:http://www.v-flyer.com/pages.asp?click=2&pageid=2

But in a nutshell for your scenario, its very unlikely you will be upgraded. First in line will be Gold FC members. OpUp's are kept to an absolute minimum - VS want to keep their Premium cabins exactly that.

May sound harsh, but if you want to fly in a certain class, then book it from the outset - never expect an upgrade.

Thanks,
Richard

With regards to your seat requirements; 79c is my fav seat in PE as I like the shelf/table by the side of this aisle seat. Also there is nobody sitting behind. Good choice there.

However, depending on your preference if you manage to get a refit LGW aircraft you may want to try out the new PE seats downstairs.

Matt

teenflyer,
There are less PE seats on the non UCS config than the refitted plane.
On that basis your more likely to get upgraded on the old layout than the new one..

That being said Richard is quite right that FF status is a big factor..
It depends on who else is flying on that flight..if there are lots of Gold/Silver holders..you chances arent so high..also your more likely to be upgraded if traveling alone etc..

Mike,

You are exactly right about G-VFAB. It is a different colour to the rest of the fleet. It was the first aircraft to get the new livery. Apparantly someone "near the top" didnt like the look of it and the colour was toned down for the rest of the fleet, to the current pearl colour.

I flew FAB on in and out of LAX last week and i was suprised, looking at it at the gate just how much it varies from the rest of the fleet.

Well Spotted!!!!

So, the downstairs seats on PE will be nicer than upstairs! Ah, well I don't care, I have always wanted to ride up stairs. Still no chance on V:port then! I am glad about my seat selection though,
John

Upstairs is quieter though so you might want to consider that for the way back as its a night flight..