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#789253 by miln0039
25 Aug 2011, 11:12
Hi All from a new member and former lurker!

I've seen loads of great advice on this site and decided it was about time I signed up 8D

I was fortunate enough to win a holiday to Barbados at Hampshire Cricket Club a few weeks back (courtesy of VA and Barbados Tourist Authority) :D . So feeling very very fortunate! Anyhow, my girlfriend and I are now off to Barbados for an all paid up week in December (Departing 2nd; Returning 9th - both Friday flights as I thought they'd be quieter!) - excited doesn't quite cover it!

I'll be honest, it's a while since I've used Virgin to cross the Atlantic (I think my last trip was 2003 or 2004) and that was LGW - MCO. I only remember that the flight was PACKED as it was in the summer and that the 747 we traveled on felt very tight, a bit old and had what would now be an outdated IFE system (looping system if I remember correctly!). After this I've been a sinner and used a combination of North West Airlines/ KLM / Delta offerings for transatlantic travel. The economy cabin on these flights has always been very impressive in my opinion seeing as they've kept free drinks on offer (as with VA, but unlike a lot of carriers) and have the AVOD system. I personally think the AVOD system is a huge plus point as it keeps me out of trouble during the flight - I'm 6ft3 and get irritable if not distracted!!!

So - coming back to VA for flights VS029/30 I was slightly alarmed as these are operated out of LGW that I might be going back to an old loop IFE system (Nova even! :0 ) However, I've been on to manage my booking and it looks as though the seat map for the flight is configuration 4 of the 747 (with economy in the bubble). Does this mean it is one of the notional LHR 747s, so likely to have the AVOD system on board? If somebody could clarify I would be very grateful as I've seen so many answers I'm confused!

Also, I've provisionally booked seats for both legs of the trip - choosing 62 H&K outbound and 64 H&K inbound as I understand these are the best seats for couples and have extra storage space between the window and the seat due to the narrowing of the cabin to two seats (so we don't have to keep opening the overhead bin!).

I think these are the best to have booked, having looked at the usual Seat Guru sites etc. Although if the bubble becomes available would that be better? Any input on seating choice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks all in advance and I will be sure to give a full TR on my return! y)

Cheers,
Alex
#789259 by Guest
25 Aug 2011, 12:37
Hi Alex and welcome!

The type 4 747 is an LHR aircraft (as you've mentioned Economy in the bubble this is definitely the case) so it will have V-port (AVOD).

Obviously the aircraft is subject to change, but most likely will remain the aircraft type listed in your booking.

Fantastic result on winning a lovely prize, have a great trip!

Cal
#789276 by miln0039
25 Aug 2011, 15:59
Thanks for the reassuring responses :)

Is it normal for LHR 747s to do this LGW route? I though VA tried very hard to keep "Business" and "Leisure" routes separate - partly why I started using other airlines!

@Cal - yes, I thought it was rather a result too. Tad jammy perhaps?!
#795369 by miln0039
10 Nov 2011, 16:05
Well....three weeks until departure for me now and still showing as Config-4 seating plan 747 - so this is very good news for me as we'll have the V:Port system. Perhaps even better news for my girlfriend as I'll be less irritating for 9 hours!!! :D

I have seen a few TRs though saying that the V:Port system can freeze at times? Is this true?!

Also, I've ordered Champagne for delivery on the plane as a surprise for the gf - is it safe to assume that Virgin will deliver this on the basis it's going to get drunk there and then?! :)

Very excited now, I will post a full TR of both legs on my return!

PS - anybody been through Gatwick recently? I know they've spent loads of money on it - but is it any better than it used to be?
#795397 by tontybear
11 Nov 2011, 14:09
Yes Champagne is the only alcoholic drink you can drink if bought on the plane / pre-ordered . Crew will put it in an ice bucket for you as well.
#795416 by buns
12 Nov 2011, 07:12
Concorde RIP wrote:Gatwick is still a bit of a shambles, at least getting inside, there's still lots of work going on.


Went through Gatwick South last month. Yes, the external works are causing havoc with drop off, but inside things are getting better. Remember that Gatwick will be particularly busy at that time of the morning, but there is now an entirely new security channel on the upper level after you have checked in


My advice would be to get there early and get airside as soon as possible - have you put your flight on the Itinerary Calander?

Congratulations on winning the prize and hope you have a fab time

buns
#795427 by flabound
12 Nov 2011, 13:14
those seats are excellent ,yes they are two together but also 64 's window seat has a bit better leg room as you can stretch down the side of 63.

if you are lucky some kind soul might be travelling UC the same day and give you a CH invite
#795445 by Roxy-Popsy
12 Nov 2011, 22:10
Hello & welcome miln 0039

Congrats on winning the holiday :D

Hope you enjoy your flights & have a wonderful holiday.

How thoughtful are you to surprise your GF with bubbles oo

If you have time, do visit the Animal Flower Caves in the far north of the island

Look forward to the TR.

TTFN R-P
#796481 by miln0039
28 Nov 2011, 14:06
Pretty excited now! Although the weather looks a bit average out there which is a shame.

Is it possible to do a load check on this flight? I'm curious as if there's space out back I won't look to try and buy and upgrade, if it's packed I might try and pay for PE...
#796570 by miln0039
29 Nov 2011, 20:06
David wrote:VS029 J9 D9 I9 Z9 W8 S8 K7 Y2 B2 R2 L2 U2 M2 E2 Q1 X0 N0 O0

VS030 J4 D4 I0 Z0 W5 S5 K4 Y9 B9 R9 L9 U9 M9 E9 Q9 X9 N9 O9

David


What a Gent! :)

Now to figure out what it all means!

Cheers,
#796572 by David
29 Nov 2011, 20:28
Lol !!

VS 029 economy nearly full, 8 seats left in premium and at least 9 in upper

VS 030 at least 9 seats in economy, 5 seats in premium and only 4 in upper

Enjoy your trip !

David :)
#796599 by josepg10
29 Nov 2011, 23:24
Hi
i am going with my family of 4 to barbados on 4th december in premium economy....a couple of questions
a)how full is premium on the way out to barbados?
b)is there a way you can go through fast-track security at gatwick if you pay? i recall luton introduced a similar system
c)does anyone know if there is a porter service in LGW as we may need some additional help and will be arriving via gatwick express.

glad to see the site is still rocking!
#796611 by David
30 Nov 2011, 09:06
josepg10 wrote:Hi
i am going with my family of 4 to barbados on 4th december in premium economy....a couple of questions
a)how full is premium on the way out to barbados?
b)is there a way you can go through fast-track security at gatwick if you pay? i recall luton introduced a similar system
c)does anyone know if there is a porter service in LGW as we may need some additional help and will be arriving via gatwick express.

glad to see the site is still rocking!


There's at least 9 free seats in premium - thats the best you can tell from the figures.

I haven't heard any way to buy "fast-track" but if you go upstairs and use the new security section, its seems to be much faster than normal.

Can't tell you anything about porters I'm afraid.

Enjoy your trip :)

David
#796637 by josepg10
30 Nov 2011, 20:22
thanks all - 9 seats in premium sounds good. might be a relatively non-busy flight. can anyone tell the loads in J and also the plane they are using?

keep up great work on the site!
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