First time on a 747

Hi all,

I'm LisaNaomi. I'm a pretty nervous flyer and I love flying Virgin because somehow it makes me feel better. Flying to Newark for an extended stay with the family and a bit of travelling around the USA, very excited. Used some Miles Plus Money so worked out very reasonable. Thing is I've never flown on a big bad 747 before so I'm VERY nervous. Any insider info? Wheres good to sit? Also anyone have any hotel suggestions for cheap easy to reach from the tube station hotels. Just got to gte my tourist visa sorted now then I can relax until the day.

Hi Lisa and Welcome.. y)
Well done for snagging that MPM seat.. You haven't indicated which cabin you'll be in..?

As a general rule, to some extent applies to all cabins, sit as far forward as possible, as helps get further to the front of the queue at immigration on arrival, and as arule its generally quieter (less engine noise). Its assumed you have flown before...the 747's are just bigger- appear more roomy inside, which is better and twin aisled, so easier to stretch your legs with a little walk, other than that not much difference, so no need to worry..!
Not sure on your hotel question- are you talking about at LHR or in London town itself? ?|

NH

Hi Lisa, trust me - the bigger the better! Definitely sit as far forward as possible as if there is a little turbulence you wont feel it so much. Let the crew know you're a little bit nervous and they'll look after you and answer any questions and make you feel more reassured and relaxed. Hope you have a great trip!

Northern Henry I am flying Economy can't afford much else but I've had no problem comfort wise with Economy before and I'm only little. Flew to LA last year and asides from finding it hard to sleep couldn't really grumble. I'm looking for hotels at Heathrow rather than London.

LisaNaomi - if you're a nervous flyer and haven't flown a 747 before, here's a couple of things to know about so that you don't consider them in any way unusual when onboard.

The 747 takes longer to take off! What this means is, the acceleration on take off is ever so slightly less than on smaller planes as a rule, but it's all totally normal, and there's loads of safety margins built in - just don't worry if it seems a litle slower to gather speed, and si on the runway for longer.

Once they take off though, they'll climb and feel much like any other plane - there are incredible machines.

One more things I'd mention, is that the 747 does a little tremble just after it takes off - it's very slight, but if you're nervous, you may wonder what it is. It's just the wheels being slowed and folded up, and has been no different from the millions of other times a 747 has taken of.

Othere than that, really they are just bigger versions of other planes, and feel much rommier inside - I hope you enjoy it.

Hi Lisa!

The 747 are amazing!! Make sure you make time to walkaround as you really get a feel for the size by doing this!

Have fun!

Luke

Hey Lisa, welcome. Flying on a 747 isn't that much different to other planes, just bigger. it's quite an experience in my honest opinion, I love being on a 747.

I am sure that the excitement of the trip will help with the nerves, but relax and enjoy. And do take a walk around, get the feel for the size of the plane your on Have a fab trip

Northern Henry I am flying Economy can't afford much else but I've had no problem comfort wise with Economy before and I'm only little. Flew to LA last year and asides from finding it hard to sleep couldn't really grumble. I'm looking for hotels at Heathrow rather than London.

Economy's fine, and as re-enforced try and sit as far forward as poss..
You'll likely be looking along Bath Road then for hotels..
A separate thread is currently discussing those with Parking deals, and to be honest hinges on your wants & budgets. Some would say most are mediocre at best :w , however as a bed for the night there are numerous alternatives..
Personally we have generally been happy with the Premier Inn, as nice modern and clean, many of the large chain ones, are known for being "tired", although some are sprucing their act up a little as competition increases..

Do some trawling on likes of Tripadvisor/ Expedia etc and each hotel site and plumb for the best price vs review.. others on here can give you specific experiences in most cases.

NH

Economy's fine, and as re-enforced try and sit as far forward as poss..

I completely agree with this. I recently sat in 26A on a 747 and found that because it was up the front we were off straight after UC and PE and not only that was served meals and drinks first. If you're not bothered about any of that, I would try and see how busy it is and try and bag a few seats together so you can spread out as it were.

Hi & welcome

Just have a think that as well as trying to bag a seat as far forward as possible, decide whether you prefer an aisle or window seat. Everyone has their own preference.

Are you flying on a configuration that now has Econ seating in the bubble? (I haven't looked it up, sorry :# ) if so, you might decide to reserve a seat there.

Trust me, 747's are fab & so are Virgin crew oo)

Do let CCMs know that you are a nervous flyer & they'll look after you y)

Suzanneme recently posted her outbound TR from LGW to MCO & how various techniques helped her. Do read it as it may help you.

Enjoy the whole wonderful amazing experince that flying is

Don't forget to post your TR, there's loads of us that will be waiting to learn how the 747 experience was for you. y)

R-P

Northern Henry I am flying Economy can't afford much else but I've had no problem comfort wise with Economy before and I'm only little. Flew to LA last year and asides from finding it hard to sleep couldn't really grumble. I'm looking for hotels at Heathrow rather than London.

the best thibgs come in small packages !!

as a treat you could stump up 50 quid for an exit row -more room

Thanks so much for everyones advice so far. I like to be prepared as possible. I'm always meaning to tell the Cabin Crew that I'm nervous but I never know how to approach it, and I've always been with someone before who have kindly tried to distract me

I'm a nervous flyer too, and just returned from trips to and from Orlando on 747s. I find it much easier to fly on a big 747 than a small plane because you just don't feel anything like as much movement - with being so solid it resists the air and cloud bumping much better. If you're sat in Economy, choose a seat over the wing. I've graduated from 2 Flying Without Fear courses and they both said that, and it's because it's the part of the plane that moves least during any turbulence (the nose and tail move up and down a bit in relation to the centre of the plane in currents, according to the pilots). And I find the Flying Without Fear iPhone App (and audio channel on Virgin planes) really useful too.

Good luck, you'll be fine!

You can always write to VS Customer Services & tell them you are a nervous flyer.

The 747 rattles a bit but it's now the safest aircraft in the sky - very well tried and tested. It would always be my first choice for a long haul.

It looks as though your flight is heavily booked in Y - worth early OLCI/turning up early & trying for an exit row.

Yeah I think I would probably check in online I did that last time and me and my friend got the seats we sort of wanted. We got asked if we wanted to pay for extra leg room or exit row seats but passed up on them for some reason I can't fathom now as it was pretty reasonable money for a 10 hour flight