VS004 JFK-LHR 28 APR 12 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

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Some of the changes are just plain daft- clear screens (because despite the spin they're NOT opaque)??? Whoever on the design came up with that idea needs to be shot .
DL

I suspect it's to create the illusion of more space.

[Neil]

Some of the changes are just plain daft- clear screens (because despite the spin they're NOT opaque)??? Whoever on the design came up with that idea needs to be shot .
DL

But surely that is personal opinion? I'm a miserable git and I like the cut off/private feeling in the current UCS, on the other hand my mum hates it, and when she saw the new glass screen, she thinks it is a much better - the old saying that you will never please all the people all the time will again be true here.

Well obviously that's DL's personal opinion, as are all the opinions on here.

I don't like it when sometimes on here, and frequently on FB, people disagree with others opinions, instead of saying they disagree, they say the other person is wrong.
I'm not saying that is happening now, but I don't want it to become a thread of "I'm right, your wrong"

That is completely what I am saying. Of course some people won't like the changes, but on the other hand some will, it all comes to down to personal likes/dislikes.

As I said, Virgin (or any company for that matter) will never be able to please everyone, all they can do is make a decision that they think is right and hope the majority of their customers agree.

I love forums like this, because while everyone does not agree on everything, it is done in an adult and sensible way, and it is always good to hear all points of view.

Let the debate continue

From my understanding, the width of the bed at the shoulders is bigger than the A340-600, but a little smaller than the 747, which isn't bad for a smaller aircraft.

If this is the case (assume will need to some how make a straight comparison), it is an improvement (well will be when rolled out), ok maybe not the staple US runs but high proportion of rest of VS's longer destinations seem to be on 346's.
All our own UC experiences have been on 346's so I for one will be happy if some
extra shoulder width...

From my understanding, the width of the bed at the shoulders is bigger than the A340-600, but a little smaller than the 747, which isn't bad for a smaller aircraft.

Hi - it's not the width of the 'bed' at shoulders that I am interested in, it's the width of the 'suite' at shoulders when in bed mode. What I have seen, and VS's lack of a response about this, infers to me that it's considerably narrower, and I'll wait a couple of weeks to try it for myself. If it is narrower then that's bad, that space is very useful when in bed mode, but also contributes to the overall space of the UCS.

So how does this 'higher density' and 'tighter suite' compare to BA CW which is 8 seats across?

Oh goody, debate! Yes, must admit that I would like to see some other views as people start flying on the new planes, lest anyone think this is a one man rant against VS, or for that matter 'change' in general. Funny really, when change management is one of my many jobs...

It's been a manic day at work, I'll try and get back with some answers to people's questions when I get a moment...

[Darren Wheeler]

So how does this 'higher density' and 'tighter suite' compare to BA CW which is 8 seats across?

At least with VS you're not flying backwards....

Sorry, should have phrased that slightly differently. It's the suite that's wider on the A330 than the A340-600.

RC - you're just the first lucky reporter!!! I felt your report was presented as you saw it without any contravercy - that's all you can do really!

I look forward to other reports, with others presenting their own views from their own perspective which will all be equally valid.

Thanks for the TR on the new UCS. I'm flying to JFK in 3 weeks so your feedback has given me some highlights on what to expect. i did look at the video of the suite online and wasn't too impressed as it looked really cramped now your TR confirms that. I've reserved seat next to one you had and I'm now seriously thinking of moving over to row K per your comments. As yours is the first report and a really honest one I'll have to keep checking back to see if others follow before my flight. Will ensure I provide one from my flight.

Its a definite better use of space. think its called fish tailing.

Everyone hates change and thats a fact. I think people will like it once they get used to it.

It's a better use of space for the airline (ie it generates more money). Sorry, for me, more passengers in the same space isn't something to like . More crowded cabin, longer waits to be served, longer waits for the loos..... As Tinuks has asked, will pax be happy to fork out the extra over W for this ? I'm not sure I will to be perfectly honest.
I'm quite happy to be proved wrong, but I think (in Mystic Meg fashion) that there will be more pax unhappy than happy with the new cabin.
Some of the changes are just plain daft- clear screens (because despite the spin they're NOT opaque)??? Whoever on the design came up with that idea needs to be shot .
DL

There are only 3 extra seats, hardly a major change in numbers.

There are only 3 extra seats, hardly a major change in numbers.

In fact, due to the better use of space in Upper Class, the galleys, the bar area and the absence of the Flight Deck crew rest area, there are actually 25 more seats on the A333 compared to the A343. 1 less in J, 13 more in W and 14 more in Y.

There are only 3 extra seats, hardly a major change in numbers.

In fact, due to the better use of space in Upper Class, the galleys, the bar area and the absence of the Flight Deck crew rest area, there are actually 25 more seats on the A333 compared to the A343. 1 less in J, 13 more in W and 14 more in Y.

The issue I see is that where an A333 replaces an A346, there's a lot less J seats, so G's will become harder to get .

Ok, I'll 'fess up under the influence of a few glasses of very good wine that one of my suppliers treated me to this evening... I've intended to post an update to this thread a few times so I could post a few pics that I took from my iPad. But can I figure out how to embed them into a reply... What do you think... Anyway, it's mostly boring stuff showing my legs hanging ungainly over the new and narrower ottoman, and maybe a couple showing how visible people in other seats were (no clear face shots so guess these are ok, but welcome advice from mods here...) But I guess someone might want to see it. So if anyone wants to help this luddite out with some instructions of how to attach from an iPad, I will post them ASAP.

As far as the general points about overall space go, it certainly FEELS like it's tighter at the shoulders both when seated (upright or reclined) or when the bed is converted (especially so in that case). And that comment goes when comparing to a 340 or a 744 - to be honest, I could only tell the difference between those 2 aircraft in terms of bed length.

RC