VS PE v. Emirates Business

This may sound a no brainer, but would appreciate any comment ... am going out to Hyderabad next week and could go VS to BOM and connect on Jet, or Emirates via DUB and then straight to Hyderabad. Can do PE price level but for almost the price of VS PE (without the internal flight on Jet) Emirates are offering business class to Hyderabad.

Seems like a no brainer but have read some comments on FlyerTalk about how business in Emirates' Gatwick planes are older, no beds certainly but can't be sure how much leg room is on offer either because of conflicting comments? I believe the LGW-DUB leg is a 773 and the DUB-HYD is a A330 so appreciate any experience on those too (PS all the Emirates TRs appear to be first or economy so no help there)?

Thanks

We tend to fly PE if we go on Virgin and Business on Emirates. I don't really compare the two. Sorry to say this as I'm on v-flyer, but I think Emirates business is far superior to Virgin PE simply because one is a business class product and the other is enhanced economy.

In terms of seat pitch etc, on the 773 I have found the seats are slightly wider than those on the 330 and they just felt a little more spacious in pitch (something like 60"). They're not flat seats like virgin upper but they do electronically recline and have electric footrests too.

I tend to fly from BHX when the 2 class planes are used in which the staff give a more attentive service than when you're on a 3 class plane as all the attention seems to go to 1st class passengers. You will get champagne and better choice of wines throughout the flight, a good choice of food on the business menu which is served on a cloth and on china plates and a dessert trolley which lots of choice followed by cheese and biscuits etc.

To my mind, if the price isn't much different, I'd definitely go with Emirates (sorry Virgin).

If you want a picture of a 332 business class seat, please PM me and I'll pop one on email to you.

NB. FYI Emirates are currently fitting out their 777's with VOD but not all have been done yet (it could be 'luck of the draw' as to what you get) and their 330's definitely have the normal 'roll around' IFE. If you get a 77W or 77ER code, you will get VOD but you may be lucky and get it on a refurbed 773.

Lynne

[honey lamb]

Er, slinky, I don't think Emirates flies from Gatwick to Hyderabad via DUBlin. [:0] I think it's only Aer Lingus or good ole Ryanair that do LGW-DUB [:w]

[mcmbenjamin]

Originally posted by honey lamb
Er, slinky, I don't think Emirates flies from Gatwick to Hyderabad via DUBlin. [:0] I think it's only Aer Lingus or good ole Ryanair that do LGW-DUB [:w]

I know HL. It is so silly. Most everytime people get airport codes correct but Dubai has been DUB, DBX among others. Pet peeve really.

Ooops [:I] Dublin is lovely though, but it might make the journey a bit too long

[mcmbenjamin]

Originally posted by slinky09
Ooops [:I] Dublin is lovely though, but it might make the journey a bit too long

Well come to think of it you could go London-DUB-DXB if you wanted using Aer Lingus' new services...

Definitely EK biz - although the seats may not be as good as VS UCS, the food service etc will be much better than what you'd get in PE. Although this may sound harsh on VS, the two products are different, despite the price.

VS.

Thanks Lynne and all ... all now booked and Emirates it is. Sorry that VS loses my business on this occasion but it's priced out of the market compared to Emirates. I think I even get a car at this end though need to check the fare code.

The EK A330's are 2-3-2 in business class - which is the same as PE on VS's A340's (which have the same cabin cross section as the A330's)

But of course, EK have bigger seat pitch, and biz class service.

The 777's have a 2-3-2 config - I have to say I'd be reluctant to pay a buinsess class fare for a middle seat - although having said that, EK's J fares are usually dirt cheap,

Definitely contact Emirates now that you have booked the flight and request your seat - as said before, you DO NOT want to end up in the middle seat.

You may want to join Skywards to get some miles as at least if you get to silver tier you can use the lounges in Dubai.

Well done[^][y]

I think you made the right decision.

Now I must go and punish myself for recommending that you betray VS;)...

VS.

Originally posted by lynnewob
Definitely contact Emirates now that you have booked the flight and request your seat - as said before, you DO NOT want to end up in the middle seat.

You may want to join Skywards to get some miles as at least if you get to silver tier you can use the lounges in Dubai.

Thanks - I have my seats, am in business so get the lounges, have joined Skywards and should be Silver next month since I'll be doing this regularly, and best of best business from DXB-HYD was full so am in first ... which means I get the first loung at DXB with its bedrooms with en suite shower rooms!!! Also have the chauffered car from home to LGW and back.

And all this for less than the cost of PE on VS and much less than the overall VS + Jet equivalent trip through BOM to HYD.

Shame really, I suppose Emirates get their fuel for 5cents a gallon and VS just can't compete. Will report back ...