LGW 747 new config...who decided that layout?

Indeed.

Instead of regarding the all-PE bubble as a right that's being taken away, we should probably regard it as a luxury that we were lucky to have for so long.

The newly expanded PE downstairs may be seen by some V-Flyers as a downgrade, but it brings it into line with the LHR fleet and the LGW 330s.

And remember, for the typical economy passenger, getting to upgrade to it is a real treat.

So... re that last point, I wonder how long it will be before VS thinks about charging a fee to Y pax that want the treat of sitting upstairs. Perhaps they may even market it as coming with priority disembarkation! I'm guessing that the service levels must be better than on the main deck as well...

Slightly O/T and controversial

I mostly fly on LHR 747s and regularly get the upper deck economy exit row seats. I reckon they are some of the best on the plane.

Quiet, good service, occasional use of the UC storage cupboards, a nice galley to stand, drink and chat, priority disembarkation. I have even had a (discreet) glass of poured but unwanted UC champagne. :w

I don't speak on behalf of the UC passengers, but IMHO long live the mixed upper deck.

Slightly O/T and controversial

I mostly fly on LHR 747s and regularly get the upper deck economy exit row seats. I reckon they are some of the best on the plane.

Quiet, good service, occasional use of the UC storage cupboards, a nice galley to stand, drink and chat, priority disembarkation. I have even had a (discreet) glass of poured but unwanted UC champagne. :w

I don't speak on behalf of the UC passengers, but IMHO long live the mixed upper deck.

Yes, there's an element of doublethink here from me as well. On a holiday flight ex-LGW, for as long as I am outvoted into flying Y, then having an upper deck option sounds quite appealing.

But the other side of me (that's hoping that next year might be my first shot at PE to BGI) thinks that I'm missing out on something that was pretty special here.

Oh yes, and the third side of me (which is the business traveller coming out) says who cares, nothing compares to UC in the A zone...

I'm going to take some aspirin and lie down now... ][|)