Boston on an A330 in Y

Hello,

I'm a long-time lurker on V-Flyer and have gained a huge amount of valuable info, so thank you to all of you.

I'm off on a long weekend to Boston in a week or so and was after some advice.  I'll be on an A330 which I've been on before in UC (UCDS which I didn't mind, but like most, found the cabin far too cramped).  This trip I'm on my own and in economy (not flown Y on Virgin for very long time) and wondered if any of you had any advice about seating.  I've looked in the toolbox and read any info there as well as other places, but wondered about any recent trips anybody has done on this aircraft in Y.

I was also wondering about options for upgrading to PE or even the exit or extra leg room seats - are they worth it?  I've read the exit row gets a lot of foot traffic from pax cutting across.  I booked through VH as they had a good price with a hotel, so I can't upgrade direct with VS (I think?).  I was thinking to just ask at check in. Also, I have a FC AU card - does that offer any advantage in getting a "better" seat? Apart from one of those mythical op-ups!

If anybody has any tips for Boston, they are most welcome too!

Thank you.

[Nottingham Nick]

Welcome to V-Flyer.

I did the BOS run in September in Y and it was fine.

I got exit rows both ways and had absolutely no issue with people around me - the exit row seats are slightly narrower and the location of the windows isn't great but IMHO the extra legroom more than makes up for this.

Nick

I've flown on the 330s a few times and I think the PE cabin is nice on this plane so if you can get an upgrade I don't think you would be disappointed ,only been to Boston once but I thought it was a fantastic place and can't wait to go back ,you prob wouldn't want any tips from me unless they are about resturants or bars !

I've mostly been on the 330's in PE or UC. PE is my cabin of choice on the 330 nowadays, even on a personal trip. That said, the further rear left/right exit row seats in Y are generally okay, me and my wife had them on honeymoon due to nice check-in staff. I'd go for 50A if possible.

As every, check load factor on flight to determine chance on op-up (it may help make your mind up on exit row anyhow) - That said, personally I think it's luck more than anything for op-up.

I thought that PE on the 333 was terrific. Personally I'd upgrade if possible!

I fly in from Boston at lot on the VS12. While PE is nice, I do have a money saving tip.....
If the wind is with you the flight can be as short as 5h 30mins, it's also a night flight so sleep is good.
Why not save your money?? By the time you have watched a few movies, had food etc it will time to land ):

The extra leg rooms are best... Call up and reserve in advance.

Personally prefer extra leg room to the exit seats as you don't get people lining up in front of you for the toilets.

Thanks everyone for all the very helpful advice - this is exactly why v-flyer is so great.

I have seats requested currently which are both A, with the C currently empty (but of course, who knows how the flight will fill up). I think I will do OLCI and then turn up at the airport and see if they have any cheap outbound upgrade to PE as I've never been in PE, so it would be great to try it and potentially save myself some money in future by not buying UC!

I would be very happy if I could get a pair of regular economy seats to myself, but if not then maybe an ELR seat or exit if available.

Coming home - LovingGold, I take your point about a short flight, and I think you are right - save some cash for the next trip!

I have to say that on the A330 I would definitely think twice abut spending my hard earned cash on UC as it just didn't seem that special to me, in contrast to a 747 A-zone seat which I absolutely LOVE and would choose a flight because it's operated by a 747, even though the LHR fleet are looking a little battered and tired these days.

All this fretting on my part is down to getting too used to turning left! It really is very true about never wanting to turn right ever again! Wherever I end up sitting, I am sure it will be a great flight.