New LGW Config

as a regular PE flyer who chooses the LGW fleet espcecially for the bubble, this gets my vote.................as the crappiest idea going. sorry Virgin that may be another lost customer as I may as well fly BA to TPA now.

whoever thought this up should be fired

whoever thought this up should be fired

The same genius who came up with the split J/Y cabin on the 744 fleet from LHR I suspect.

On average, LHR passengers pay more for thier tickets than those out of LGW.

I would have agreed with that statement 2 or 3 years ago but definitely not now.

An upper fare to MCO out of LGW or MAN is now around £2250 for a Z

Little or no difference to a Z to MIA or NYC

FYI a Z 2 or 3 years ago was around £1500 so definitely a difference back then.

David

I try and avoid hyperbole and knee jerk reactions, but this sounds like a significant backward step... at least in terms of my ongoing and somewhat futile battle to persuade Mrs RC to fly PE - I was trying to sell it on the 'bubble exclusivity' bit, but nope, that's not going to work any more is it, not if they're going to let us commoners up there as well.

Thank you very much SRB...

Great to hear some news on the refits, thanks - what is the source of the information?

Great to hear some news on the refits, thanks - what is the source of the information?

the ministry of silly walks .....sorry, ideas ?|

What do u think!?!

are you getting the jist of what we think??? Sh1te

On average, LHR passengers pay more for thier tickets than those out of LGW.

I would have agreed with that statement 2 or 3 years ago but definitely not now.

An upper fare to MCO out of LGW or MAN is now around £2250 for a Z

Little or no difference to a Z to MIA or NYC

FYI a Z 2 or 3 years ago was around £1500 so definitely a difference back then.

David

I take your point about Z bucket fares, but I was more thinking with regards to the higher J/D/R buckets - proportionally a higher number of the more expensive fares are sold for flights EX LHR than those from LGW.

Great to hear some news on the refits, thanks - what is the source of the information?

the ministry of silly walks .....sorry, ideas ?|

Oh I wish that was true

Great to hear some news on the refits, thanks - what is the source of the information?

the ministry of silly walks .....sorry, ideas ?|

Oh I wish that was true

I think that's what I'll refer to The Office as in the future

Maybe the split upper deck is due to pressure from VH who will be able to advertise it as 'their' space??

That would be the most unfair policy mentionable.

Referring to the 2012/13 Florida brochure how can they justify allocating all those 'forward rows' bubble seats to Virgin Holiday customers just because they booked a 4/5star hotel from VH brochure v(

However, the brochure does clearly state "We have an exclusive allocation of seats on the upper deck and can confirm your seats at the time of booking". Our only hope would be the VH small print in the booking conditions which states "this is subject to availablity and change"

A really hateful and thoughtless move but as long as the revenue comes in do they care - obviously not.

Is there any more news on when G-VROM will be back in full refitted service ex-LGW and the refits well uner way? I'm flying from LGW mid June and trying to assess likelihood of refitted plane.

Maybe it's just me, and VS may have missed some tricks here, but surely the refits are positive news??

Maybe it's just me, and VS may have missed some tricks here, but surely the refits are positive news??

I agree... refits are good news. But it takes the genius of VS to then go and b*gger it up with half baked config changes that go against the pretty universal negative feedback we have seen on the LHR split bubble cabin, and conversely the strong positive feedback on the 'pure PE' bubble layout.

This is pure theoretical beancounting at its finest.

[preiffer]

Going to be the one to break the norm here and say I'd have preferred to see the upper deck converted to 20 x J's on the LGW planes.
The 14 J seats sell out fast on many flights, and reward inventory is impossible as a result of the low number of seats. Granted, they probably can't sustain 48/54 J's on the LGW/MAN routes, but I do wonder if they considered an *increase* of J if they're going to re-config the aircraft anyway.
As for PE being "split" upstairs - PE isn't *going* from upstairs - there will just be less seats (so a lower chance) to grab up there. Not impossible though...

Maybe it's just me, and VS may have missed some tricks here, but surely the refits are positive news??

I agree... refits are good news. But it takes the genius of VS to then go and b*gger it up with half baked config changes that go against the pretty universal negative feedback we have seen on the LHR split bubble cabin, and conversely the strong positive feedback on the 'pure PE' bubble layout.

This is pure theoretical beancounting at its finest.

I do agree that if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

As for PE being "split" upstairs - PE isn't *going* from upstairs - there will just be less seats (so a lower chance) to grab up there. Not impossible though...

Maybe not impossible but highly unlikely if VH keep their current allocation n(

Maybe the split upper deck is due to pressure from VH who will be able to advertise it as 'their' space??

That would be the most unfair policy mentionable.

Referring to the 2012/13 Florida brochure how can they justify allocating all those 'forward rows' bubble seats to Virgin Holiday customers just because they booked a 4/5star hotel from VH brochure v(

However, the brochure does clearly state "We have an exclusive allocation of seats on the upper deck and can confirm your seats at the time of booking". Our only hope would be the VH small print in the booking conditions which states "this is subject to availablity and change"

A really hateful and thoughtless move but as long as the revenue comes in do they care - obviously not.

But VH have had a bubble allocation for years so it's not something new.

I'm not sure i'd call it 'hatefull' though.

Going to be the one to break the norm here and say I'd have preferred to see the upper deck converted to 20 x J's on the LGW planes.
The 14 J seats sell out fast on many flights, and reward inventory is impossible as a result of the low number of seats. Granted, they probably can't sustain 48/54 J's on the LGW/MAN routes, but I do wonder if they considered an *increase* of J if they're going to re-config the aircraft anyway.
As for PE being "split" upstairs - PE isn't *going* from upstairs - there will just be less seats (so a lower chance) to grab up there. Not impossible though...

And how far up the priority list for the refit do you think that "facilitating an increase in G availability" came? I could hazard a guess ):

Not that I disagree with you of course! Although could you imagine the complaints from bubble UC pax having to traipse through PE and Y to get to the A zone bar :0

The new LGW config will see the layout of the upper deck change to half premium economy & half economy (similar to the LHR 747 with J & Y on U/D)
Premium will be expanded on the main deck to cover all of the B-zone area (doors 1 to 2) The lav and office will go from fwd of doors 2 as will the large double galley at doors 2 to make way for more of these premium seats.
All cabins are going to be completely refurbished: new galleys, toilets, latest Y/W seats, ife. With the exception of upper class which will only have a 'deep clean' with no plans to install the new generation upper class suite.
The 1st A/C to be done will be G-VROM on her return to the fleet. All LGW based 747 will be refitted with the exception of G-VTOP as she will leave the fleet in Dec.
What do u think!?!

Where has this been announced? I've not seen it on any internal websites or announced on any forums?

It's already been confirmed that all cabins will receive the new Jam entertainment.

[Darren Wheeler]

I'm sure the OP has their sources...

[preiffer]

Going to be the one to break the norm here and say I'd have preferred to see the upper deck converted to 20 x J's on the LGW planes.
The 14 J seats sell out fast on many flights, and reward inventory is impossible as a result of the low number of seats. Granted, they probably can't sustain 48/54 J's on the LGW/MAN routes, but I do wonder if they considered an *increase* of J if they're going to re-config the aircraft anyway.
As for PE being "split" upstairs - PE isn't *going* from upstairs - there will just be less seats (so a lower chance) to grab up there. Not impossible though...

And how far up the priority list for the refit do you think that "facilitating an increase in G availability" came? I could hazard a guess ):

Not that I disagree with you of course! Although could you imagine the complaints from bubble UC pax having to traipse through PE and Y to get to the A zone bar :0

Ah, no - I meant strip out J from the A zone, and make the whole of the upper deck (only) a J cabin.
Although, having said that, just realised what I was saying. The airline legally has to offer all classes on the ground floor, right? (this was always the case) - so putting J upstairs only wouldn't work. W and Y split up and down gets around this...

"But VH have had a bubble allocation for years so it's not something new.

I'm not sure i'd call it 'hatefull' though"

Absolutely agree, I know VH has always had their own allocation of the 'front rows' but that was ok for as long as the bubble was all PE. I have heard of a large family booking who have supposedly taken all of VH priority allocation of PE seating on the upper deck. Not sure how that can be a guarantee because the aircraft could be any configuation but this is what is being said for a 2013 PE booking via VH.

Yes you're probably right delete 'hateful' then. I too am disappointed with Virgin Atlantic's future seating plans.

Hi all,

My views on the Upper Class refit I don't find it odd that VS has done this (For the time being). Correct me if I am wrong but the new UCS will be installed on the A330-300's first which will arrive at various points in 2012. Now if these refits of the LGW/MAN fleet are due to start in April/May surely on the basis that there is no actual VS confirmation of the date of arrival of the first LHR A330 implies that perhaps the seat will not actually be ready in time without delaying the much needed and grumbled about Y and W upgrades? I think it's just a case of patience I strongly doubt they will have two J class products running. I know some of you may say well look at Premium but lets face it the refit for the W super seat was scheduled but cancelled due to the recession so maybe i'm digging a grave to some of you but I think we have to have abit more faith in VS. I know we have all put up with it for a while but it is not something that can be done over night and we all need to take that into account.

As for the W/Y split. I don't quite understand why people are saying they are off to BA to fly downstairs on a B777 (on applicable routes) bit of an exaggeration and a reason why airlines sometimes have to do what they have to do. The A346 doesn't have an upstairs yet the majority of us sit in it quite comfortably. I fully understand to some it's more exclusive but I won't rant about it each to there own. In terms of the toilets and such i'd imagine we just have to wait till the aircraft is in the air in the config before commenting. Surely they will adopt arrangements (if any) as per the J/Y config at LHR. Haven't actually heard a complaint yet about the J/Y set up on the LHR might have to dig through the forums. Must be working out though.

IMO there is a solution for everything.

J/Y Split Not happy about it = Private Jet it
TFL Cant stand it = Drive, Ride, Walk!
Congestion Charge *Vomit* = Toyota Prius (Alright granted its ugly but an option otherwise dont moan)
NHS Despise it = BUPA

I'm sure we get the idea!

I know some people think VS do not listen to the passenger when they complete surveys etc but lets face it we will all have are 'niggles' as they are called on here. I for one simply cannot stand the smell of the breakfast when its being prepared. Tastes alright. However, I doubt it is VS not listening but more us assuming that our 'preference' is the correct one and that everyone agrees with us unfortunately we have to accept on some suggestions we may be in the minority! Without going off subject I'm sure we would love more alcohol but some people cannot behave on board when this is flowing freely have you not seen the fight on the VS29 on YouTube??? Do we want drunks near doors at 40,000ft no thanks!

Well thats my 2 pence. From a loyal VS flyer who is staying loyal! Sorry but as long as I see them investing I'll stand-by as long as it takes!

We've all made it this far LOL!

Happy V-Flying

we have to have abit more faith in VS.

Haven't actually heard a complaint yet about the J/Y set up on the LHR might have to dig through the forums. Must be working out though.


I know some people think VS do not listen to the passenger when they complete surveys etc but lets face it we will all have are 'niggles' as they are called on here. I for one simply cannot stand the smell of the breakfast when its being prepared. Tastes alright. However, I doubt it is VS not listening but more us assuming that our 'preference' is the correct one and that everyone agrees with us unfortunately we have to accept on some suggestions we may be in the minority

Unfortunately, it's experience of many years of using VS that makes us more than a little sceptical of these sort of changes to the VS onboard product. More often than not, VS have a potentially great idea, but fail in thier delivery, probably by paying too much attention to the bean-counters, and not enough to thier instincts.

I find it remarkable how you can claim that there hasn't been any kickback from the absurdity of having a J/Y mix upstairs - perhaps it would be worthwhile looking over the forums on here for proof of that. Needless to say it has precious little support on here - and I can't imagine any J class passengers enjoying the experience of seeing someone, who potentially, has paid ten times less than they have, being able to get off the plane first.

I think your being terribly optimistic to think that VS actually listens to it's surveys; the words I dread to read from any company are 'We have listened to our passengers' - as all it means is that they cherry pick the responses that fit in with thier pre-determined idea. The J/Y split is a prime example, but the other examples of this attitude from VS are legion.

A big thumbs down from me, I love the bubble all PE and think its a bad move. If you think there are 40 seats PE at the moment, average return fare of say £800 each= £32,000. 20 PE seats sold = £16,000 + 30 Y seats at say 450= £13,500. A total in the new config of£29,500 against £32,000, doesn't make sense. I know there are plenty of variations such as VH booking, reward seats, plus tax payable etc, but in pure revenue terms, it doesn't add up.