Got a question - re UCS suites to HKG

Hi all and please bear with me as am a "newbie" to this website.

Firstly let me say how very interesting, informative and enjoyable I have found the contents to be, thanks to everyone for their input.

This brings me on to my "question". Have only flown Virgin twice before - Gatwick/Orlando in "Club Orlando" - or what ever it was 6 or so years ago. I fly quite a bit but mostly to Asia and had never really thought of Virgin as an option (apols). But having read all the great reports about the UCS I am almost smitten.

Thing is, I am going to Hongkong then on to Bkk in December and returning to the U.K. via Hongkong. I got a quote from Trailfinders for Virgin UCS and one for Cathy. Now the U.K. Hongkong (return) sector is only slightly more with Virgin, but for the Hongkong Kong/Bkk sector Cathy are very much cheaper in Business Class.

I really want to experience the new UCS but the difference in price on the second leg of my journey is making me ere towards Cathy.

Finally - getting around to my original question. Does Virgin have any agreement with another airline on the Hkg/Bkk route that I might be able to avail myself of a more competetive price. Know the flying time is just under 3 hours but am 6'4" and really need the extra leg-room.

Would appreciate any feed back.

shoreside

Hi Shoreside,

I've just done a quick search on Expedia with some random dates in december..

For Virgin UC to/from Hong Kong, and Gulf Air on the Hong Kong/Bangkok route this actually came out cheaper than doing Cathay all the way.

Obvisouly this could be different depending on the dates you have chosen. Gulf Air are also a Flying Club Partner with Virgin, so if you are planning on joining the Virgin Atlantic frequent flyer club then you will be able to earn miles on the entire route.

However.. The seat map that was shown for these flights was an Airbus A340-600 without the suites. I think the current schedule should mean that this will change nearer to december as (some-one correct me if im wrong) all A346's should have suties by then.

Steven

Tks "muchly" Steve for your info and shall look into that. Had a feeling Gulf used quite old "equipment" but could be wrong on that score.
Will be flying from BHD to LHR with BM so know I shall be able to earn miles on that leg and also "online" my luggage.
If the UCS is not up & running on the LHR/HKG journey am afraid shall be tempted to go Cathy, Whom I should add, have also a very good Business service.
But - I wanna be a UCS Virgin flyer!!

Tks again,

shoreside