VS076 MCO-MAN 24 JUL 12 (Premium Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Returned home recently after a great 2 week holiday in sunny Florida. Had completed OLCI the night before, and had selected 23C as it was the only available seat, and to my annoyance as it would be the 2nd trip in a row of which i was without a window, yet I hoped that there would be a 'no show' on the day.

Arrived at Orlando 2 hours prior to check-in; check in and security was a breeze again, and at 6.15pm, we made our way to Gate 81 where Beauty Queen(G-VSXY) was waiting to take us home. On arrival at the aircraft, the PE cabin looked fantastic-everything looked brand new, it was clean and looked much better than the LGW/MAN 747 PE cabin. Luckily, the cabin wasn't full (46/59 seats taken) which meant there was a scattering of window seats available; I took up 19A which was good as I had no seat mate in 19C, meaning extra room to stretch my legs. The seat itself was extremely comfy with ample recline. Boarding in both cabins was extremely swift, and we pushed back at 6.40pm, 20 minutes before our STD. We took off at 6.50pm, so well done VS for getting us off nice and early. Flight time was announced of 8 hours, and soon enough, the meal service commenced; I chose the beef which was nice,and the strawberry/rubarb crumble pie which followed was divine! The crew on this flight were good;the service was excellent and even during the night,they undertook in discrete drink runs which kept the awake passengers hydrated. I then took time to explore the JAM IFE; all I can say is WOW! I was amazed by the easiness, and how good the system was-miles,and miles ahead of NOVA/Odyssey in every aspect-the range of tv programmes,films,and games was superb-all in all, the best IFE I have ever used. It was so good that before long-we were commencing our decent in to Manchester, and we touched down at 7.50am, 30minutes before our STA. Security was MUCH better than MCO, and I was out of the terminal and driving away by 8.20am-which was our STA!!

I believe that Virgin, with the 2-class A330, have an absolutely fantastic aircraft of which they are using well on the Orlando runs. I think next time I travel to Orlando with Virgin, I would pick the A330 as it was a superb aircraft. I think by the time all the LGW/MAN refits have taken place, Virgin will offer exceptional aircraft all round on their leisure routes.

[buns]

Thanks for the TR

The fact that you could only select 23C when there in reality lots of seats available is not something that fills me with confidence

buns

Thanks for the TR.

re the seat some reports have mentioned problems when the seat in front is reclined; was this an issue for you?

Thanks for the TR.

re the seat some reports have mentioned problems when the seat in front is reclined; was this an issue for you?

I wonder too as I have heard and seen TRs about greatly reduced space when the seat is reclined - something I have not found on the A346s. I have now completed four sectors on the two-class A333s in PE and did not find this either on A333s but know others have....

thanks for the TR looks like VS are getting the food choice right,I am not a great lover of the A333s though

Very nice TR, thanks for posting Always great to get a few empty seats to be able to stretch out You seemed very happy with your flight and that's all that ounts

re the seat some reports have mentioned problems when the seat in front is reclined; was this an issue for you?

I personally did not find any issues with the seat recline, and by asking the seat mate behind me if she had any problems with my recline, she stated that everything had been fine.