Premium Economy upgrade - a few questions from a newbie...

Hi All,

I am wondering if anyone can help? I am toying with the idea of upgrading to Premium Economy on a Flight from LGW to MCO next year (April 28th - 15 May) with 2 adults and 2 kids. This would double the cost of the flights and I want to ensure we get the best possible experience for the investment. The questions I have are:

1) I have heard that to really to make it value for money you need to be in the "Bubble" as downstairs PE is not as good an experience. I am booked with an agent and Virgin and have advised I need to book the upgrade with the agent. On that basis would anyone know once I have purchased the upgrade when and how I can reserve my seats on the Virgin website so I can ensure the best available position?

2) Would anyone know how busy that flight might be? I had thought that as it was out of school holidays and Easter was over the flight would be quiet anyway but someone recently told me it would be rammed!

3) Has the information I have read about PE downstairs been accurate - am I making a mountain out of a mole hill

Many thanks in advance for any answers.

I think the 28th is the end of the easter holidays in the UK isn't it? I am returning home for my mother's birthday at the end of April and this is in the holidays and explains the slightly higher pricing.

You need to have paid for your tickets (so they are issued) and have your PNR to stick into the VS website before you can select your seat. Our corporate agent has some odd deal where they sometimes don't pay for the tickets until the day of travel and so I have been unable to select a seat until I get to the airport.

I can't see the difference between being up or down. The LGW seats are aren't worth the doubling of price IMO. When I took a walk upstairs it was more intimate with more space either side but the ceiling seemed a little lower. I am a self confessed airline snob though, someone might correct me on this PE seat selection ...

[Neil]

Welcome to the site.

Your question is slightly more complicated by the fact next year Virgin will be operating some of the LGW-MCO flights on the new A330 a/c, which will have the new PE seats on them, a new IFE, but there is no bubble as it is all on one level. These a/c are due to start operating ex LGW from the 1st May, but only on certain flights and certain days.

Assuming you are on the current 747 fleet, then I agree that being upstairs is a lot better, but ultimately you are paying for the extra legroom, and that is the same both upstairs and down.

Virgin are correct that any changes/upgrades much be made with the agent, and as already mentioned, you should be able to get your PNR number to allocate seats, although some agents don't release the booking to Virgin until a few weeks before the flight, and if this is the case then you wouldn't be able to select seats until then.

MCO flights are generally always fairly busy, but Easter next year is all over the place, we are flying out on the 19th April until the 4th May, because that is when the school holidays in our area are on holiday, but I know other schools are having different weeks.

Neil

[buns]

Hi and welcome to V-Flyer

I think it is fair to say that with the existing LGW fleet, the perception is that the exclusivity of having a dedicated cabin in the bubble is what makes being downstairs a big no-no

The reality is that you are paying for a bigger seat, more leg room and the ability to get off the aircraft sooner. If you believe that is worth what you are being asked to pay, then go for it.

The only thing to warn you is that once you have upgraded, it is VERY difficult to go back - tell me I know!!!

buns

One point in favour of downstairs is that if you're travelling with pre schoolers or other small offspring is that you can get a row of four seats together.

Neil's on the money with his observation about school holidays - my wife's term Easter holiday runs 9th - 25th April. Holiday companies must just love the spread this produces.

Paul

Prefer "the bubble" when available as well, but it's the novelty of walking upstairs and a smaller cain making it feel "exclusive" - that's it really.

Final observation I'd make is that you typically have the option of upgrading one way or both. Given that the outward flight is typically shorter and full excitement about upcoming holiday, and the return is typically the "over nighter", it's well worth considering flying econ outbound, and using the upgrade on the return - it's all a balancing act with what you'd really like and the money you're prepared to spend.

Personally, when budget is the primary concern, I opt for upgrading on the return from the US - you get more for your money at the right time that way - just in my opinion.

Assuming you have this option through your agent, might be worth considering?

Al

Given that the outward flight is typically shorter and full excitement about upcoming holiday, and the return is typically the "over nighter", it's well worth considering flying econ outbound, and using the upgrade on the return - it's all a balancing act with what you'd really like and the money you're prepared to spend.

Erm the outward flight can be up to an hour longer than the inbound flight on the way to the US/Caribbean.

Given that the outward flight is typically shorter and full excitement about upcoming holiday, and the return is typically the "over nighter", it's well worth considering flying econ outbound, and using the upgrade on the return - it's all a balancing act with what you'd really like and the money you're prepared to spend.

Erm the outward flight can be up to an hour longer than the inbound flight on the way to the US/Caribbean.

You're right - thanks Tinkerbelle! Just testing...

Actually, I should and did know that, just got carried away and made a mistake!

Anyhow, the main point re upgrading for one leg of a return trip is still valid, and I personally prefer to do on the return leg from the US given usual timings etc - even if it is, in fact, the shorter leg usually!

'nuff said, just another idea to throw into the melting pot.

Al

Personally i think that downstairs falls way below the bubble. The seats feel very cramped and you are squeezed in between UC and the bulkhead rows of Econ and the possibility of screamers.

More than one member of CC has commented that PE downstairs isnt worth it. If I couldnt get the bubble I would prefer to pay for extra legroom Ec onseats over downstairs PE.

i agree with Al/concorderip. if you are going to upgrade one way upgrade the night sector. the PE seats are slightly larger and more comfortable to sleep in.

Thanks everyone for your help, have another quick Q. Does anyone know if there is a chance that Virgin will have an offer on the premium economy seats between now and when we travel (end April 2011)?

I've seen Economy seats on sale during an Easter time period, but don't recall seeing a PE one.

Given that the Easter School holidays fill up quickly and there is limited space, my suggestion is to make your buiying decision soon, and never check back again on the pricing once you have committed.

[Neil]

You mean a sale? A good question, and a tough one to predict, there is usually a sale around the new year, although it would be unlikely to include MCO at Easter time, which is a very popular route, and if you want to grab some PE seats, I would suggest you do so as early as possible, otherwise they are likely to be all gone.

This site is great and thanks to all the people who have responded thus far - there may be many more questions to come!! I have just noticed that the return flight next year MCO - LGW VS028 on May 15th could be one of the new A330 is there any way to tell now if it will be the new aircraft? It would certainly help to decide on the upgrade on the way back.

[Neil]

I have merged your new thread to your old one as it will keep all the info in one place.

Thanks Neil.