UC MCO-MAN A330-200 or A330-300

Looking at what is being released every day it is looking increasingly likely that they are not going to release PE reward seats for my return leg next year, so I am actually considering upgrading to UC.

There are 2 flights from MCO to MAN every day, an earlier one on the A330-200 (flagged as 'new interior') and a later one on the A330-300. I would always book the later time to get more time in the resort, but thought it was worth checking regarding the cabins and experience - is there any benefit to UC in the A330-200 versus the 300? Thanks

[mitchja]

Pick the -300 A\C flight. The UC seat and cabin on the -200 version is very poor, cramped and claustrophobic IMHO. The *only* thing going for the A332 UC seat is the good quality IFE screens.

Avoid the A332’s!

Do remember though that A/C can change at any point. Apparently even the B789’s have now been scheduled for some MAN departures later this year (if they go ahead).

I would personally go for the time which best suits you. I went to LAs 4 years ago and when I booked it was due to be a 744, changed to a 340 and then eventually flew on a 330.

I prefer the 330 because of the bar but have flown the 320 and love the window seat but hate the middle love seats as very cramped even when flying with the other half.

We were dreading the A330-200 when we first flew it...and ended up not hating it. Screens better, nice to recline to full bed mode rather than flip...being 6ft 6 the bed length was an issue but at least my feet were poking forward along the side of the fuselage into my wife's seat area rather than being bashed by every single person walking past (as happens every single flight with the herringbone config grrr!). Swings...and roundabouts.

In 'normal' times...I'd choose the 300 if given the choice. But in these pandemic times, the bar presumably is out anyway and the 200 perhaps gives more distance from fellow passengers? With a window seat in UC on a 200 are you really going to have to sit with a mask on for 8 hours?

I'm assuming next summer isnt going to look much different to now on the SD front, but who knows.

[mitchja]

With a window seat in UC on a 200 are you really going to have to sit with a mask on for 8 hours?

Yes, the current on-board mask rule applies to every seat. Masks also have to be replaced every 4 hours.

From the VS website:

It is mandatory for both customers and cabin crew teams to wear masks throughout the flight, at all times, except when eating or drinking.

VS are also blocking seats (in all cabins as well I believe) to help with social distancing.

How likely is it that the -200's will ever fly again....?

Thanks guys

This is a re-book from a disrupted flight this year so I'm going to get it booked with my fingers crossed that things have improved a little bit by next Summer!

I don't think a lot will change until there is a vaccine & it has been deployed to a large % of the population. This is despite the fact that the survival rate is over 99.9%. Makes me really pleased we managed to get two weeks in MCO last November before it all kicked off & things were normal.

Back on-topic...! I too have not heard over glowing reports on the A330-200's in Upper Class. It's basically the old Air Berlin seats & layout. The plus side is the IFE screen is reportedly very good. The downside is the seating layout & lack of bar (although the bar will be irrelevant as doubtless out of use for a good while when flying resumes). Having mentioned the seating layout, it is important to note that the herringbone layout of "normal" Upper Class has an element of marmite about it. Some people love it, some hate it.

I thought the A330-200's were only bought in on relatively short leases (4 years rings a bell). If so, their time in the fleet will be running out soon - quite possibly it will come sooner as VS re-evaluate their fleet requirements in the current situation.

Another vote for the -300.

I've flown the -200 in a window and aisle seat. The aisle seat was poor IMO; it's easy to lean slightly into the aisle and get knocked by people and carts, you feel on show when lying down and the arm rest on the aisle side is very thin. The window seat improves on all that, but feels a bit claustrophobic. The cabin as a whole feels cramped and the lack of bar (when things are back to normal) is a loss. The only positives were a better screen and a more adjustable seat, although I also count the latter as a negative when it comes to sleep time because the sleeping surface isn't as level because there are more moving parts.

I actually really like the herringbone, always have done. The bed is the most important aspect for me in UC and the -300 has the best bed simply because it provides a very flat surface to lie on when flipped over. That makes it worth it being a less adjustable seat to me. I also really like the new bar layout on the -300. I think they did a great job of creating a decent sized area without impacting on the closest seats to badly, especially given the size of the plane.

Having said all that, with covid, all the fleet changes and constant change in the flying programme, I'd simply book the most suitable flying time. The chances of a change to your departure time and/or aircraft between now and next year have never, ever been higher IMO.

Thanks guys.

Quick question for those in the know - if I book UC reward seats, and PE are released at a later date, can I downgrade and get my miles and £ back?

Interesting question, I've never wanted to downgrade before

I would be interested to here from someone that knows for sure. But if I had to guess, I would assume this would be possible with the regular £30 admin charge applied because reward bookings are essentially flexible fares.

We are booked onto MCO flight in June, My daughter-in-law suffers with asthma and 9 hours for any of us with a mask fills me with dread. I do not like my face covered as i tend to panic, a child thing that was a traumatic experience. My booking was transferred from this June to 2021. Do other people find this a long time to wear them, i know we can remove them to eat and drink. Also what are the arrangements for going to the bathroom, especially if further back from them. Will it be a free for all race. Hopefully it will settle down into a routine for all of us. Happy flying all. Please as you fly report on all the on board and checking in safety arrangements and meals etc for us due to fly in the future. Much appreciated.

I too can't stand wearing a mask, but comply with the law when on public transport / in shops. I do have the "please remove your face covering so I can understand you better" PDF on my phone - I am partially deaf and lip-read a fair bit, so face masks really mess with me.

Given that Virgin say face masks should be replaced every 4 hours, you would hope the crew are pro-active on this and prompt passengers to change masks. Pass through the cabin to collect used masks in a rubbish "burn bag" that is sent for incineration on landing. The last thing you want passengers doing is shoving used masks into the seatback pockets etc. As long as the crew wear PPE and don't touch any used masks (i.e. let passengers drop them into the rubbish bag) the risk should be minimal - and far more preferable than having to fish used masks out of seatback pockets.