change of plane from manchester to las vegas

We've been going to Manchester to Las vegas for longer than I care to admit to and I was SO pleased when the planes finally received a long overdue make over a few years ago. Just booked seats to go again July 2015 and I noticed the plane has been changed to an airbus A340-600. I'm worried that they might have given this route some tired planes again whilst the new ones have gone elsewhere. We've treated ourselves to Upper class on the return journey for the first time and if it's a tired old plane I will be annoyed Anyone have any info on why they've changed planes after all this time?

I'm guessing you have booked on the newly introduced Tuesday flights that are running in July and August only. The Sunday/Thursday flights are still being operated by the 747's.

hi there...no...it's a Thursday to Thursday flight (23rd july to 6th August)That's what got me stumped...I know they do airbuses sometimes but never during the summer hols normally. Am sure it will be fine...just not sure why the change

Oh...that's unusual. We are flying Sunday to Thursday in September and seat maps are showing 747 as we are used to.

Isn't that strange? Hope it's not a blip on the seat map and they've used the wrong one? Will have to keep checking. Never flown on an airbus so totally unsure of best seats to reserve but flying PE there and UC back so am sure it will be fine

I can't advise on PE seats as I've never flown in that cabin but the UC cabin on a 346 is just fine. They might be a bit tired in places but generally in good condition. If you like privacy then seats on A side from 8 or 9 onwards face the partition wall, and on K side from 2 to 9. No overhead bins for centre aisle. My preferred seats are any of 3-6K.

As for plane changes, as VS are upgrading their fleet with new metal over the coming year or so you can expect that they will have to move planes around and also to accommodate any maintenance schedules etc.

A346 has a lot more seats, and thus potential for much more reward seats...

Isn't that strange? Hope it's not a blip on the seat map and they've used the wrong one? Will have to keep checking. Never flown on an airbus so totally unsure of best seats to reserve but flying PE there and UC back so am sure it will be fine

I was looking at the MAN-LAS route for July-August 2015 and did see some of the Thursday flights were also on the A346. Could be interesting for those looking for reward seats especially Gs........

That said, I know VS have been really happy with the performance of the MAN-LAS route but moving from 14 to 45 J seats is a huge vote of confidence....can't imagine what the Escape lounge will be like on the days the A346 operates fully loaded

Jon

That said, I know VS have been really happy with the performance of the MAN-LAS route but moving from 14 to 45 J seats is a huge vote of confidence....can't imagine what the Escape lounge will be like on the days the A346 operates fully loaded

Jon

A very good point Jon. The Escape Lounge (both sides) are hardly huge. I guess the saving grace may be that the early wave of US-bound flights that use the Escape Lounge for J class pax will have departed by the time the LAS bound Virgin UC pax need the space. Still the pre-booked pax / pay on door pax (if they let them in).

Virgin really do need to look at their lounge offering - fares from LGW & MAN to the leisure destinations are all but identical (less than £1 in it normally). Clubhouse at LGW, Escape Lounge at MAN.

Virgin really do need to look at their lounge offering - fares from LGW & MAN to the leisure destinations are all but identical (less than £1 in it normally). Clubhouse at LGW, Escape Lounge at MAN.

In which case you could argue that fares should be lower on the LHR to MIA, ATL, ORD, DXB, LOS, PVG & DEL routes as they don't have Clubhouses down route.

Ain't going to happen though. The shared lounges are perfectly adequate, we've just been spoiled rotten by the VS Clubhouses.

You're right, though: of all the airports VS serves MAN is now the one that most needs a Clubhouse. I guess there just isn't room for one in what is a relatively small terminal.

Thanks for the reply guys. I've booked 4 and 5 K for our return UC seat (agree Bretty they look the best seats). Not too bothered about PE going there - will be too excited to sleep! Does anyone know if there is a separate lounge/clubhouse at Las vegas? I just can't see so many people paying UC fairs so probably lots of lucky people getting upgrages...but hey ho...I prefer to know my seat in advance. SO much better being able to relax after choosing a seat rather than burning the midnight oil 60 days prior to flying. Vegas here we come !!

just checked my flight from las-man in aug and its changed to the 346,also my flight to Los Angeles from heathrow in july now changed from a 747 to a 787... anybody know what the upper class cabin is like on this and best seats theres 3 of us travelling ??

Was thinking about this a little more and I think the A346 is operating on some LAS flights out of MAN in July and August on a Thursday so a 744 can be released to operate from Belfast to MCO which just happens to be on a Thursday...

Could be wrong of course but just a thought. I am sure the dedicated "DL/CX/VS" Escape lounge will cope though it will be tight. I don't think it even holds 45 seats!

Mind you with two MCO services, an ATL, a LAS and the DL JFK flight it could be very busy indeed on certain days!

That said did also see some Sunday services on the A346 in the peak summer months so maybe the aircraft flying plans just haven't been finalised yet.......

Jon