Up or down in PE

Hi guys, I've decided to join the site because I think it's fantastic how much information is on here and how everybody helps everybody else out.

Now I need your advice guys. Me and my partner are flying to Las Vegas from Gatwick in just over 4 weeks and we have pre selected our seats in PE up in the bubble. We want to know if people prefer seating downstairs or upstairs in PE? Whats the pros and cons on sitting upstairs?

[Neil]

Hi and welcome

I personally would now always choose downstairs, and ideally seats 19AK if travelling as a couple.

I now think that the downstairs cabin is the better overall cabin, it's nice and private, a good size so not too big/small, and it offers the best opportunity for disembarking first.

Upstairs is still nice, but it is now shared with Y pax, so the overall number of people up there has increased. You do get some traffic from the Y pax using the front toilets. Also the overhead bins are very small, so most large carry on's have to go in the large cupboard at the back which is a pain if you want to get things out. Also, disembarking is after the downstairs UC/PE cabin and the upstairs Y pax. There are also numerous reports of the downstairs Y pax not being held so it's a free for all after the downstairs UC/PE cabin.

I agree with what Neil says, downstairs is better, the last time I flew PE up in the bubble that was a couple years back on Ruby Tuesday but then it was PE only but since changed.

Hope you have a safe and enjoyable flight

Downstairs row 19 if possible, first off the plane, and invaluable when it comes to getting to the US border first!

I flew PE to Las Vegas in the bubble last year. We were in row 24 both ways. The Y pax weren't an issue. I still like the bubble, and you get the side storage. The only time I've flown PE downstairs was on a LHR config and was in the middle 4 seats. It wasn't the best.
I agree that disembarking can be an issue from upstairs, but luckily the downstairs Y pax were held back and we just walked quickly.

Hope you have a great trip to Vegas

19 A and C. Just came back from Orlando on these and we were first off the plane.
On the way out we were in 17 A,C and not quite first off but near to and straight through immigration control.
Dick D

Thanks for your advice guys! I think we are gonna move so we sit downstairs going to Vegas so we can get off quickly but comeback in the bubble. That way we can say we've sat upstairs on a 747 before Virgin slowly retire them.

Hello & a very warm welcome

It is personal choice, but going into the US by PE on a bubble plane, I would choose 19A & C as others have said.

If these seats aren't available then go for 18A & C.

If you want to experience the bubble, just because you can then do so. The experience isn't what it was when the bubble was all PE but it can still be a great experience. The side bins are useful but, trolley dolly sized suitcases have to be stored, albeit by the top of the stairs. I would take all the stuff from my case that I needed for the flight & then store my case. There's room for a handbag or ruck sack though, as well as bits & pieces. It can be a fairly quiet cabin which is always good.

Good luck!

Let us know what you decide. Do remember though that the seat selection is a request not a confirmed seat.

Happy flying & we'll be waiting for you TR

Roxy-Popsy

Glad somebody brought this up.

We are booked PE MAN-MCO for September and are facing the dilemma of whether To go down or up (seat availability permitting). Based on feedback in this thread, I'm leaning more towards downstairs, especially for the outbound flight in order to beat the immigration queues.

How much quieter is it upstairs compared to downstairs? I'm thinking for the return leg if it's quieter upstairs it might be the one to go for.

[Neil]

Glad somebody brought this up.

We are booked PE MAN-MCO for September and are facing the dilemma of whether To go down or up (seat availability permitting). Based on feedback in this thread, I'm leaning more towards downstairs, especially for the outbound flight in order to beat the immigration queues.

How much quieter is it upstairs compared to downstairs? I'm thinking for the return leg if it's quieter upstairs it might be the one to go for.

I don't think there is much difference tbh. We flew out upstairs in economy and back downstairs in PE on our New Years trip and both cabins were nice and quiet.