VS026 - 8/9A or 5/6K for view and sun?

Hi,

I found this site and it is very helpful!

I know seating questions have been asked a lot (i've searched) but I haven't seen these two questions addressed together.

We are a couple on our first UC flight with Virgin. We are selecting 2 seats side by side as per the advice here.

Our questions:

-It seems the right side of the plan (A) has better views of London coming in (usually). But is this offset by the sun being on that side during a day flight?

-Anyone have issues with the proximity to the restroom on 5/6K?

Thanks for your help!

According to the toolbox on this site, the VS26 is normally an A346 aircraft. (This is historic info, the OP does not mention their travel date).

The approach into London all depends on the prevailing winds. Most of the time - can't remember the figure the ATC guy on BBC Airport Live quoted - they do approach over central London. In my opinion, seats on the right hand side / K side of the aircraft would offer better views here. 5K/6K on the A346 are very good choices - well away from the toilet and "facing the wall" so you have no passenger opposite looking at you.

If the winds change, you will approach Heathrow from the West over the Windsor area and only the flight deck crew will get a distant view of London out of the front windows.

Thanks for the response.

My apologies, I thought it was always the same aircraft.

It is indeed an A340-600. Departing at 8:15 AM New York time, arriving 20:10 or so London time.

Do you have any opinion or advice regarding the sun bothering you on these day flights? I know the seats are angled away, but perhaps it provides glare and heat if you are on the right side of the plane?

Well on daytime Westbound flights, it is normally the A (left) side of the plane that gets the sunshine, so it follows that on an Eastbound daytime, you would expect the K side to get the sun.

Do bear in mind that the exact flight routings vary daily - Google the "North Atlantic Tracks" - basically depending on the jetstream. Quite often the cabin crew will encourage most of the cabin to close the window blinds for the "quiet section" of the flight after the main meal has been served. You don't have to comply with this, but it only takes a few people not to close their window blinds to defeat the general purpose of the request.

Personally I always sit on the A side on a flight to the USA specifically for the sun. But as always, each to their own.

As Kraken said above it depends on the winds on the day, most of the time there on a western wind direction. Then it gets more complicated as if you get put into the stacks ( at LHR this is most of the time) from VS26 you'll probably be put into either Ockham or Bovingdon. From this result will decide if the views are on the A side or the K side. If you have good visibility on the day and are in the stacks for a long period so your altitude is high e.g 12,000 feet then you'll probably be able to see London City on both side as you circle above. Enjoy UC!

Do you have any opinion or advice regarding the sun bothering you on these day flights? I know the seats are angled away, but perhaps it provides glare and heat if you are on the right side of the plane?

If the sun bothers you then just close the blinds!

I always try to get 4/5 LHR/HKG - overnight so never see the sun! Washrooms never an issue.