We're not doing that again

Now I've chilled out a bit from my other post I thought I'd share a decision my wife and I made on our trip back from Miami last month.

As we were heading towards the south coast and about half an hour or so from landing we were talking about the trip and all the things we had done and enjoyed and then suddenly we both looked into each other eyes, you know one of those deep knowing looks and after a pause, together we both announced to each other that this was the last time we're ever flying long haul in economy.

Most of our trips across the pond up until now have been a mix of economy and PE with a rare venture into UC but after this trip and the problems we had (see other posts) we're going upstairs for good.

I wonder how long it'll be till we get bored of PE[:I]

Miopyk[8D]

It's a slippery slope my friend. I now have a real problem flying PE (favouring UC) and it may be the case that a soon, unexpected trip may be in Economy (OMG!) - How will I survive?

Paul

[mitchja]

Do what I did, book yourself a very cheap return VS economy flight to SYD [:0]. Once you've done that, you can fly anywhere in Y on VS!!!! A 7hr flight in Y to East coast US is then a piece of cake [:w]

Regards

Yup, I've found that an ocassional foray down the back makes one appreciate flying up front more.

VS.

[HighFlyer]

Absolutely.

I've been flying J constantly for a good while now, but last weeks return to JFK in PE (744) was actually pretty good. The seats are still damn uncomfortable for a night flight (no chance at all of me sleeping) but the improved service was in effect and certainly much better - real glasses, proper cutlery and reasonably good service from the crew. I was quite happy with the flights and wouldn't have a problem flying East Coast PE again. Seriously. Given the cost difference between PE and UC for East Coast, i'd probably prefer to fly PE and save the pennies for some shopping. West Coast flights, another matter ... J all the way

Thanks,
Sarah

I am the same, I have done my years down the back! Not anymore, on all long flights it has to be J class, or the very least PE! [y]

[RichardMannion]

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Absolutely.

I've been flying J constantly for a good while now, but last weeks return to JFK in PE (744) was actually pretty good. The seats are still damn uncomfortable for a night flight (no chance at all of me sleeping) but the improved service was in effect and certainly much better - real glasses, proper cutlery and reasonably good service from the crew. I was quite happy with the flights and wouldn't have a problem flying East Coast PE again. Seriously. Given the cost difference between PE and UC for East Coast, i'd probably prefer to fly PE and save the pennies for some shopping. West Coast flights, another matter ... J all the way

Thanks,
Sarah

Mmm, strangely enough I was on the same flights flying in PE and I'm not so sure PE is improving to the standard that marketing are portraying. Remember the photos we all saw with the member of crew serving PE passengers with bread (a la Upper Class), well no such thing happened on the outbound.

But then when you do compare the cost for PE to UC for the East Coast then it is just fine. Yes the service has improved a bit with proper cutlery and crockery, not so sure on the actual food. The presentation standard has actually declined on the experience I encountered, it was that bad I took photos and sent the meal back. The ground staff couldn't even load the correct menus (the inbounds were loaded on the outbound, and yes on the inbound no menu at all 3 days later on a different plane as they had loaded the wrong menus again - shocking).

Though it could be interesting depending on your choice of flights, on the outbound the flight was empty in Y and many people had entire rows to themselves, something that is not of much real use in PE due to the armrests.

Thanks,
Richard

Originally posted by RichardMannion

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Absolutely.

I've been flying J constantly for a good while now, but last weeks return to JFK in PE (744) was actually pretty good. The seats are still damn uncomfortable for a night flight (no chance at all of me sleeping) but the improved service was in effect and certainly much better - real glasses, proper cutlery and reasonably good service from the crew. I was quite happy with the flights and wouldn't have a problem flying East Coast PE again. Seriously. Given the cost difference between PE and UC for East Coast, i'd probably prefer to fly PE and save the pennies for some shopping. West Coast flights, another matter ... J all the way

Thanks,
Sarah

Mmm, strangely enough I was on the same flights flying in PE and I'm not so sure PE is improving to the standard that marketing are portraying. Remember the photos we all saw with the member of crew serving PE passengers with bread (a la Upper Class), well no such thing happened on the outbound.

But then when you do compare the cost for PE to UC for the East Coast then it is just fine. Yes the service has improved a bit with proper cutlery and crockery, not so sure on the actual food. The presentation standard has actually declined on the experience I encountered, it was that bad I took photos and sent the meal back. The ground staff couldn't even load the correct menus (the inbounds were loaded on the outbound, and yes on the inbound no menu at all 3 days later on a different plane as they had loaded the wrong menus again - shocking).

Though it could be interesting depending on your choice of flights, on the outbound the flight was empty in Y and many people had entire rows to themselves, something that is not of much real use in PE due to the armrests.

Thanks,
Richard

You must have been unlucky [^] I had hot bread & garlic bread in PE to JFK and back from Logan last week As Sarah has said, I was pleasantly surprised in the new PE Service. Would now probably get my vote when flying to the East Coast, and even MCO.

BTW loads must be a problem at the moment ... 113 going out to JFK on a 747 - 400, and 116 coming back on the A340 - 600 [^]

As I've already posted ... Not enough PE passengers to cover the Emergency Exits for Take Off & Landing [?]

[HighFlyer]

The meal service on the way back was fine - bar the lack of menu's onboard, but as Richard says, it wasnt brilliant on the outbound. No bread came round, the meals suffered from seepage and didnt look at all attractive, and Richard didnt have a dessert on his tray either. Its too late in the day to say that this is teething trouble, so i can only assume that it was a one off as the return flight was much better. I felt bad at first as my parents and sister were onboard with us, and i wanted them to have a good experience, though they all thought the meals were great. I guess Richard and I view things from a different perspective.

Im still not a fan of the paper cups onboard for the second tea/coffee round, and wasnt happy that the sandwiches have been substituted for cakes/flapjacks. I much prefer savoury over sweet, so didnt have anything to eat on the second meal round.

PE is not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination. The point i was making is that i found the flight much better than I had anticipated and would happily fly PE to BOS/IAD/JFK again.

Thanks,
Sarah

[RichardMannion]

Oh yes the paper cups for the second run, and as for the tiny crockery to serve the first cup of tea - not enough there to feed an anorexic wasp. You can't beat a proper mug of Twinings.

Thanks,
Richard

Originally posted by RichardMannion
You can't beat a proper mug of Twinings.

I beg to differ. Venti Latte at Starbucks [:p]

Tea doesn't really hit the spot with me.

In my experience of NPE, it is very good and I, like many others, was pleasantly surprised at the quantity/quality of service.

OK, it's definitely not perfect but for what is intended as a Y+(+) product, it's pretty good. Other than some tidying up in the consistency of service as Richard/Sarah and several others have commented on, PE is just about how I would expect/like.

VS.