UC A330 & 747 Seat Advice!

I consider myself as a fairly seasoned Virgin traveller, (I'm silver and usually fly a couple of times per year). I've done SYD, LAX and SFO in UC before, and this year i'm going to Antigua on 15/3 and San Fran 10/9, both UC.

It suddenly dawned on me that my experience is solely A346 and I'm not sure where the best seats are on the A330 and 747 are. With seat maps open for both legs of Antigua and opening soon for the 747, I wondered if anyone can offer some good advise re: seating?

I'm excited to see how the A330 dream suite compares for myself... (after reading negative reviews) and will post a TR (hopefully a positive one!!)

One final thing, any recommended LGW treatments in the CH? I love the hot tub and getting a hair cut at LHR, but I guess facilities aren't as good at LGW?

Thanks everyone and sorry if this is the millionth time this has been posted!
Chris

On the 747 - no contest - go for something in the small section right in the nose of the plane (rows 12-19).

If you're flying as a couple and want to be close, go for the front row (12) where your feet are practically touching. Otherwise any seat will do - it's a lovely intimate cabin with only 14 seats.

The upper deck is also a possibility - but with Y occupying the rear half of the cabin opinion's divided on its attributes.

Just make sure you avoid the 20s - that section is 4 across and the bar's there.

On the A330 - most V-Flyers prefer the window seats as they're more spacious than the middle ones. I'd go for mid-cabin but there isn't really a consensus on which is best!

Always interesting to get another view of the 330... After avoiding it like the plague since my initial experience, I'm on one in about a week's time. Will see if my perception has softened at all (i.e. How long can I sit at the bar for...)

What gumshoe said

Gumshoe has given you excellent advice -

The nose on the 747 is good. On the 333 I'd go for a window seat, mid- or front-cabin on the port side, anywhere on starboard. The seats to avoid, in my opinion, are row 9.

Most people seem to be quite critical of the 333. A few of us on here (not many) are a bit less strident, but it clearly isn't the best configuration. The main problem in my view is the very cramped nature of the cabin. Otherwise it is a very pleasant aircraft to fly on - particularly in PE.

we were on a330 (g-vine) on monday, seats 2k/3k were fine, no disturbance (aside from my snoring apparently...)

i've been on the inner rows, window seats are much better

the audio wasn't working on most of the seats on that side, before landing the CC came round to get details, they're giving people some FC points as compensation, not sure if was for the audio or the snoring

The window seats A and K on A330 are 5 inches longer than those in the centre. On a day flight I like 8 and 9* as they are more private but yes close to the bar. On a night flight I would take 6a and 7a.

The nose on the 747 is the best IMHO for all the reasons those above have said. Again, 16 and 17a are spacious yet close enough to the exit to be off first.

9a has no window, so you may prefer 7 and 8.

2K/3K on 330 is quite nice I have found. Quite quiet being near front, and no bar noise. Quick off too on locations with front jetbridge. I personally also like 1K - as can dash to Loo in nose quite easily and it has some nice "dead space" room us tall people can whack an arm in when sat up. This one can have galley noise though. Positives of 1K is last time I flew it I was woken by aroma of bacon.

Avoid the centre seats though on 330 - no good for tall people.

And on the 747, I agree the nose is best - best UC flight of my time ever on there (I'm mostly only on 330 routes, so thats all I get - and then only if op-uped, or it being cheaper than PE)