V-Flyer

So I think this is the first time I have actually managed to do a complete set of TR's since 2008, aren't you all lucky readers Although when I first wrote this it was on 5 days after I got home, so it has taken a little bit longer than I expected and it has been done over numerous days, so sorry if it doesn't make much sense (what's new with me!)

The main reason I decided to write this TR is because it was on the new A330 and after some mixed initial reviews I thought I would try and give my opinions on it. With our op-up to PE on the way out, it gave me a really good chance to compare the two PE products now on offer ex MAN.

OLCI was playing up the night before, and after initially saying it could let our whole group check in except me (I was quite happy to stay another month or two if needed), but then failing at the last minute, and after about 5 different attempts and ways around the system, each getting me more and more frustrated, I managed to complete it, securing our 7 seats across row 22, but only SEQ45

So, after 14 VERY warm days in Florida, it came time to head back home. It hadn't been quite the holiday we had envisaged for various reasons but a great time was still had by all. Thankfully the villa we stay at, had not being booked out for a few days, and our ever growing relationship with the owners, we were able to spend most of the day just lounging about until we decided to head off at 3:30ish. After killing about 8 billion love bugs on route, 30mins or so we were dropping our car hire off at Dollar.

We arrived at a very chaotic looking Virgin check in area. Having 4 flights leave within two and a half hours is always going to make it busy, but the organisation was very poor. Straight over to the PE line, which wasn't very long and eventually we were called over by the free UC agent as there wasn't anyone in the queue. She was quite polite and friendly, but checking in took forever and she kept getting herself confused with the number of bags we had and who she had already done. Finally done, we headed straight through security without any issue and on to the monorail.

This was the first time we have had to wait in the general departure lounge at MCO, having always previously had access to the Delta lounge (we actually did have access for 4 of us due to our gold cards, but now priority pass no longer use that lounge we had no way of getting the other 3 in). We just waited down by the gate, which gave me good chance to have a look at both A330's parked up next to each other.. The wait wasn't that long, and I helped pass the time by laughing at some of the wonderful outfits my fellow passengers decided to wear, and soon enough priority boarding was called. It felt like half the people waiting jumped to their feet descended on the gate, and we were at the back of a quite large priority queue.

Boarding G-VSXY we turned left in to a very chaotic and full looking PE cabin. Found our seats 22A&C and straight away noticed the overhead locker was already full, as were pretty much all the lockers in the cabin. As reported there are no lockers over the middle 3 seats, so this means all those pax end up using the side lockers. Slightly annoying but not a real problem as we keep all the things we will actually use on the plane in one bag, and as there are three really big cupboards for bags, the crew stowed my bag in one, and we squeezed Luke's in the next overhead along.

Finally sat down and was more than happy with the legroom and seat width. Yes, the overall space is nowhere near that you get in the bubble, but even fully stretched out as someone who is nearly 6ft, the space was good. The seat still felt very new still though, I think they will become more comfortable once they have had a few thousand more pax and their holiday weight excess to wear them in. We have flown in the new leather PE seats only once prior to this flight (again only a few weeks after they were installed), and it was actually my worst VS flight ever, and I do think that personally I prefer the cloth PE seats, there is just something about these that I can't get comfortable in. Maybe it is the fact the both times the seats have been very new.
One thing I did notice was how small the seat back pocket was and one decent sized book and bottle of water, added to the already existing magazines and safety guides, really made it bulge. The chaos soon calmed down and the crew came around with the usual pre flight drinks.

We pushed back and took off pretty much on time and the usual flight routine started. After two runs through of the SRB welcome message, the IFE was started for us to use. I know a lot has already been mentioned about the IFE but the system really is very excellent. The screen size and simplicity of use make it fantastic, so much to choose from, I really can't think of any complaint about it, well only that it was a night flight so we didn't have long enough to play with it more. And for that reason, we didn't get chance to play with the other connections really for ipods etc, although it is slightly annoying, if not a whole lot surprising, that to get full use of what the system can offer for connecting your own device you need to buy a non standard connector (which they do sell on board!!)

The crew came round with hot towels and then started a drink run which is where the tightness of the aisle is more noticeable. Sat in the C seat I didn't get knocked by the cart of the crew as such, but you really are aware of how tight and close everything is. With family in the middle three seats, I could easily have a conversation across the aisle without any need to raise my voice even slightly. It is a shame that they weren't able to make it a 2-2-2 config but obviously that would result in a lot of dead space and would never be practical for the airline. Food was served (and was actually VERY good), although the tray tables in the armrests are a bit small and flimsy in my opinion, but having the extra PE armrest helped with the lack of table space issue.

One thing I will comment on is that when I popped to go to the toilets, the front PE toilets weren't working so we had to go back to the back of PE through the curtain and use the toilets which are Y toilets. The only problem with this was that it resulted in two different sets of pax queueing from 2 different sides to use the same toilet and it was confusing as to who was next etc. Anyway, back to the point I was going to make, at the front of the PE cabin, the gap between the bulkhead and row 18 is HUGE, and I mean stupidly HUGE. You couldn't get another row in there or anything, but it just doesn't make sense why the gap is so big. If they had moved row 18 forward a lot more, and spread the rest of the rows out a bit more, it could well have given the cabin a much greater feeling of space, countering the narrow feeling it does have.

Trays cleared away, time to try and sleep. The people in front decided to recline (no problem with that, although they were told to wait until we had our dinner trays cleared first), now this is where lack of space becomes an issue. If you don't recline, then your space becomes zero, knees right on the reclined seat, no way of getting access to the seat back pocket, and as for trying to get out of the window seat, nooooooooo, not going to happen unless you are Victoria Beckham thin and even then it would be a struggle. Recline your own seat and everything is hunky dory once again. I do like the folding head rests on the PE seats, they do make sleeping and getting comfy much easier, even if one side kept go back to the flat position very slowly when you lent against it. I slept for a few hours on and off before the cabins lights were switched on and breakfast was served. It was the new hot breakfast but I have to say it looked very unappetising and I could only manage a couple of mouthfuls before I had to go hunt out some orange juice from the crew to help take the taste away. To be fair, it might have just been me, as I had a very upset stomach for the first few days back home and I might just have been off my food (well, there has to be a first time for everything).

Rest of the flight was uneventful, although they turned the whole IFE about 45mins before landing, so not even the skymap to watch like we had going in to MCO.

Landed at MAN on schedule, straight off and through the automatic immigration devices, and we were the first in the baggage hall. Priority baggage really didn't work that well, but after about 20mins we were on our way to collect the car from the excellent Manchester Valet Parking. I really can't recommend this enough, it is like parking at the short stay car park, but quicker and easier and cost less than £50 for two weeks over Easter.

So, how do I compare the two PE products Virgin are currently offering, well it is difficult. I personally love the 747's and the bubble is a great place to fly, but they are looking very tired and the IFE is very dated now. The A330 is new, has the latest seat offering and the IFE is fantastic. Which would I choose to fly on?....

Well it isn't even close, without doubt I would always choose to fly on the 747 still, even in it's current internal condition and with the less preferred time slots to MCO from MAN. The main reason is the feeling of space, even in economy, the sense of space on the 747 is so much better than that on the A330 in PE. I've already mentioned my own personal issues with the seats, and whilst the IFE is excellent, it just isn't that important to me personally, I have my iPad and just put what I want to read, watch and listen to on that, so I am well covered there. Maybe it is just the geek in me that likes flying on a 747, maybe I am being to picky, but the A330 just didn't do it for me.

Thanks for reading.
Neil

Thanks Neil well worth waiting for and a good comparison of the two PE products which will help a lot of people.

Thanks Neil for the TR and the new system like you the bubble has always been my favourite but alas we have to move on

Thanks Neil. I am interested in PE on the 330s, having flown on LGW planes in PE, with both types of seats, and frequently on A3xx variants in the purple seats, my massive preference is for the latter. The seat width and comfort, general cabin ambience and more makes it for me. And don't forget that the cabin cross section on a A333 is exactly the same as an A346.

Now, is it just possible that VS has shortened the legroom on the A330s?

slinky09 wrote:=

Now, is it just possible that VS has shortened the legroom on the A330s?

I don't think so - with all seats up, seat pitch is excellent. The cabin just felt small and cramped and not very spacious at all.

Good TR.

The bubble will always be a hard act to follow.

I hope VS keep it when refurbishing the LGW/MAN 747's.

Yep 747s all the way

Thanks Neil, great TR. I will be flying in less than four weeks to MCO from LGW and had the option to book the A330, or in the bubble. I chose the bubble for both legs and, going on your report, think I have made the right decision - even though it will be a scrammble to try and get our seats again in the bubble. Early OLCI for us....

Thanks for a really detailed trip report and a good review of the new A330.

I do want to try the new IFE it sounds excellent.

Love bugs!! I had those last September. I'll never forget the commercial on TV with half naked 60+ lady offering to wash your car of love bugs for $10 - not sure I'd take her up on it if it was free!

Neil, Thank you for the great TR.

Interesting to read about the comparison of the PE cabin between the A330 and the 747.

Great TR; good, impartial perspective on the A330/PE product.

We're flying back from Orlando tomorrow, 24th, but going via JFK. Hoping that the Jet Blue terminal will be more civilised than the usual bun-fight before the various VS flights go later in the day.

I think that Priority Boarding is the past; be the last one on! We're so critical of the space, seat, IFE, etc... so the less time on the bloody thing - the better!

We always liked the Bubble but can be difficult to get with the V Hols reserved seats, and downstairs really isn't the same.

My vote in terms of seat is the purple ones; headrests and general 'leatheriness' do it for me! (not in a fetish sense!)

Re the IFE; I wonder, as more and more people get portable electronic entertainment devices, if IFE will become less of a factor?

Neil - thanks for the TR. A very detailed review of the A330 which is very helpful. I must say the bubble is fanatstic on the 747s but might just have to try out the A330 just to see.....thank you for your hints and tips.

A good read.

Jon

Yay for another Neil TR!!

I'm very much looking forward to getting to try out the seats on the A330 myself in the future.

Are the row 18 seats reserved for young children and or medical reasons or can anyone request these ?

byeo wrote:Are the row 18 seats reserved for young children and or medical reasons or can anyone request these ?

They are held back first for families with infants as the bassinet positions are located here and then for passengers with special assistance. You can ask if they are still available at the airport.

Neil wrote:One thing I will comment on is that when I popped to go to the toilets, the front PE toilets weren't working so we had to go back to the back of PE through the curtain and use the toilets which are Y toilets. The only problem with this was that it resulted in two different sets of pax queueing from 2 different sides to use the same toilet and it was confusing as to who was next etc. Thanks for reading.
Neil

Sorry to pick up only on the toilet aspect, Neil, but needs must. I flew on the same aeroplane on 16 May in PE and the cabin was advised then that the PE toilet 'wasn't working'. Now, far be it from me to suggest that the forward WC was being 'reserved' for the crew but . The 'double queues' for the toilet(s)at the rear of the PE cabin were very confusing and it does seem rather strange that the 'not working' forward toilet on 3 May was still 'not working' on 16 May Perhaps a VS staffer would like to comment ?

Well done on completing the TR

Where are the photo's

Brand new airplane and already a sequence of comments over numerous flights with Loo issues...

Interesting TR. Thanks

I am flying on a A330 today so will report back on how I find it. I must admit that your report has made me concerned. I thought when booking that I would try it out but have changed my mind now..........is it too late......I want to be in bubble world

Sunshine

Neil

Thanks for the TR

Some interesting observations about the seating, no doubt the refurb of the 747s will fuel the wider debate

buns

Treelo wrote:Sorry to pick up only on the toilet aspect, Neil, but needs must. I flew on the same aeroplane on 16 May in PE and the cabin was advised then that the PE toilet 'wasn't working'. Now, far be it from me to suggest that the forward WC was being 'reserved' for the crew but . The 'double queues' for the toilet(s)at the rear of the PE cabin were very confusing and it does seem rather strange that the 'not working' forward toilet on 3 May was still 'not working' on 16 May Perhaps a VS staffer would like to comment ?

I thought exactly the same. I must admit when I went to the front and through the curtain I was surprised at how open the galley area was. If the toilet it located near there I can imagine the crew don't want pax stood around where they are working (or resting etc). It was also strange how the front toilet signs kept changing to red every so often, why would this be if they weren't working at all.

To me, it seems like a bad design layout, having the toilets right up there, and it wouldn't surprise me if they are ever 'fixed'!!

Neil wrote:

Treelo wrote:Sorry to pick up only on the toilet aspect, Neil, but needs must. I flew on the same aeroplane on 16 May in PE and the cabin was advised then that the PE toilet 'wasn't working'. Now, far be it from me to suggest that the forward WC was being 'reserved' for the crew but . The 'double queues' for the toilet(s)at the rear of the PE cabin were very confusing and it does seem rather strange that the 'not working' forward toilet on 3 May was still 'not working' on 16 May Perhaps a VS staffer would like to comment ?

I thought exactly the same. I must admit when I went to the front and through the curtain I was surprised at how open the galley area was. If the toilet it located near there I can imagine the crew don't want pax stood around where they are working (or resting etc). It was also strange how the front toilet signs kept changing to red every so often, why would this be if they weren't working at all.

To me, it seems like a bad design layout, having the toilets right up there, and it wouldn't surprise me if they are ever 'fixed'!!

Yes. I noticed the red-green-red colour changes too, Neil. In fact that's what first planted the loospiracy theory However, if this is the case, and the crew simply do not want passengers to use the forward facilities, then surely that is the answer that should be given to enquiries.

I've never flown on the A330 so cannot comment too much however even if a toilet is not working, it still needs to be checked constantly throughout the flight. It's not an excuse but am just mentioning a possibility.

Great TR Neil - thanks for posting. haven't booked our next MCO trip yet but if there is choice, I think i'd go for the bubble...

MrsB

i wouldnt have thought the crew would close a toilet off just for their use not really virgins style! they have to be checked frequently even if not working so that would be why the sign changed, but then i dont work at MAN and they do tend to do thing slightly differently up there. having not yet seen the 330 i did enjoy reading your take on it. and im in the same opinion i love working on the jumbo's. as crew you do tend to prefere either boeing or airbus, and as the saying goes
"if it aint boeing i aint going!!!"

johnvscrew wrote:i wouldnt have thought the crew would close a toilet off just for their use not really virgins style!

I don't think so either. But, you have to admit, the forward toilet being u/s for Neil's flight (3 May) and still be u/s for mine (16 May) does stink a bit (no pun intended )