This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I fancied along weekend away so looked at flight/hotel packages and VH had a pretty good price to Boston staying at the Langham. Interestingly, I priced it online, but called to book direct with VH to get my FC Au 10% discount. It turned out that it was still cheaper to book online - makes the 10% "discount" seem a little worthless (although I do appreciate that I missed out on some extra FC miles by booking online).
Anyway, this was meant as an inexpensive little break, so I booked economy. I asked on here about advice on seating and got some very helpful replies. This was my first time in VS economy for a long time, so I didn't really know what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised, I thought it was great.
I pre-booked parking at T3 short term, which although not the cheapest option, it's so nice just to walk straight into the terminal without getting a bus - something that I especially don't like on the return. So apart from a little hiccup of my car registration not being recognised (my fault) I was parked and in the terminal in a matter of a couple of minutes. UC check in was empty so no wait at all. I had seat 44A requested (only window available to me in MMB), so I asked if there was any chance of moving to a seat with a bit more room or if there were any cheap PE upgrades available. The upgrade price was £250 and the agent said any leg room seats would also be charged for, so I politely declined, happy enough with a window seat and I knew that the Y cabin wasn't going to be full.
Made my way upstairs and through the magic door, quickly through security and to the CH. Dumped my bag and coat and then had some tasty bits from the deli and a coffee. I sat at the deli bar area and I now realise not far from JoeyC (of these parts) as he mentioned in a recent post about a gentleman eating a banana. The very same gentleman was sat along from me, I remember seeing the manky banana skin left on the bar! I didn't bother with a treatment - I didn't need a haircut and I'm currently sporting a beard, so no shave required. I moved over to the window seats behind the bar and as it was now after midday, had G&T. I think JoeyC mentioned that the service wasn't so hot in the CH, but I thought service was great, so I really think that it is down to the individual server as the person who was covering my area was really great - attentive without being intrusive, warm, chatty and genuinely friendly. I did notice staff chatting in a group at the end of the bar but it didn't affect service that I received.
On the way back from the loo, I thought I would ask about seats again and was very kindly given a bulkhead 40K after a call to get the seat released. Top service, and I was really chuffed. I also mentioned about the Delta flights being moved over to T3 and was given what I can best describe as a "knowing grimace". Absolutely professional at all times, but I got the impression that the jury was out with regard to whether the CH staff welcome the change. It was mentioned that the seating had been increased in anticipation and that it was a "wait and see" situation. I said that it would be a terrible shame if the CH experience was diluted as (for me) it makes the virgin experience special and I was urged to give feedback when the changes come into place, so perhaps VS will be open to adjustments?
Another G&T and a burger before boarding which was quick with no queues.
On board, the Y cabin looks great on the A330 - all nice and new! Not only did I have the bulkhead window, but also the next seat was empty, so I had plenty of space - far more than if I had taken the PE upgrade. I did think the seat was a little "under padded" and you do have the pax behind tapping their screen which can be irritating (I can imagine if sat in front of a child, it could be very annoying). But to be honest, having the great luxury of CH access (at least for this year), I would think very long and hard about shelling out for UC if I could always get a bulkhead or exit seat. Having been in the UC cabin on the A330, I really don't think the "extras" warrant the extra (and considerable) expense, it just doesn't feel that special up there given the seating density. I know it's a personal thing and being able to lie flat can make a huge difference, but for me on this relatively short flight, Y was great. I also think the whole service has been very well thought out and really suits the Virgin brand - the meal presentation, funky coloured cutlery, card boxes for afternoon tea, refreshers offered prior to landing (I've never had that in UC, is it part of the service?), even down to the bags used to collect the rubbish - everything looked coordinated and slick. Contrast that to the faff in UC of the afternoon tea with those gimmicky plastic stands on the doily - kind of cute, but they are a pain for the crew to put together and fairly impractical on your table.
Food was tasty enough, I had the beef out of the standard beef, chicken or pasta choice, with a leaf salad and a Gu desert after a little break (again, I think a nice touch). Drinks and pretzel snacks offered before and more drinks with the meal followed by water runs and an ice cream. Afternoon tea about 1 hour before landing - a cheese and pickle finger sandwich and a cupcake with tea or coffee. I like the card box presentation, it's not pretentious and it's practical.
IFE absolutely great, so much choice and easily navigable. We had a fair amount of turbulence so the seatbelt signs were on a fair amount, but that kept the cabin quiet.
Landed on time as far as I remember - is BOS a short runway? as it seemed a hard brake, maybe that was to get off the runway for other traffic. Immigration was almost empty, so only a very brief wait, so much better than my experiences of LAX and JFK.
My biggest tip is to go for the bulkhead or exit seats, but with the proviso of being aware of any infants travelling for the bulkhead seats (row 40) as it's a basinet position. For the exit row, I would only go for the window pairs as the middle section seems to be prone to pax and crew cutting across between aisles although these seats weren't occupied on my flight so that might not happen if people are seated there.
Overall, I great flight.
