Is PE worth the extra

[:o)]

He's in my walk-in cupboard at School. The kids are starting to ask questions about the noises Straight down to Jewsons for an industrially soundproofed door tomorrow then [}:)]

[Nottingham Nick]

Originally posted by Spidey
Ok sorry,[:I] I am new and maybe not searching properly.

I wasn't having a dig, Spidey... I was saying that Pete has had to archive a lot of threads and the old debates have gone, thanks for searching before posting a new thread.

Also, just because something has been discussed before in the distant past, it doesn't mean that people new to the site shouldn't be able to throw their opinions into the ring. [8D].

Personally I am erring on the 'no' side - possibly as a (selfish) individual travelling alone it MAY be worth it but, as a family, the maths of adding the supplement to each traveller means handing over a big wodge of cash, that could be better spent on arrival.

We are all different though, whichever side of the fence you fall - it doesn't mean that you are wrong - just have diferent priorities / expectations.

Nick

I'm split down the middle. Personally, I prefer PE, but it is more expensive. As others have said though, you need to weigh the difference in service, and it being worth it for one person doesn't mean it's worth it for you.

I prefer to sleep (especially on overnight sectors), and I have found sleep in PE to be much more refereshing than sleep in Y. Additionally, as a FlyingClub member, my ultimate goal is miles and trip points. With the additional miles you get and the trip points for PE, that factors in also. I don't look at it as paying XXXXXX more for my seat. I look at each trip as in investment in future travel with VS.

If paying XXXXXX more per trip is going to allow me to reach a higher FF status, increase the chances of an op-up, and ultimately allow either discounted or free/redemption travel in the future, then I see it as being worth it.

Now looking at it from the flip side, if you're a non-FF, I don't think it's worth it because then really all you are getting is a bigger seat.

I'd say its worth it. Probably only just on an Airbus, but on a 747 when you can grab a sear upstairs, its well worth the money. What it does for me is make the flight a part of the holiday, rather than a way to get to the holiday. It makes the whole experience a lot more relaxed, which is exactly what I want when going on holiday. Having shorter queues at check-in is a big bonus, getting on the plane first without trying to navigate the scrum trying to get into Economy is great, the extra room upstairs on a 747 makes you feel 'special', the champagne before take-off seems to signify the start of th holiday, less rushed serviced by the crew is great, and less waiting to get off the plane is just bliss after an 8 or 9 hour flight. Getting your bags quicker at the other end, and hopefully clearing imigration quicker as well isn't such a bonus in my mind, as inevitably you still have to wait around, and by that point I'm nice and relaxed anyway so really don't care

So yes, I'd say it was worth the extra to go PE

Hey Spidey,

Speaking as someone who will have a similar decision to make within the next year (in fact we'll be travelleing to MCO in Dec07 too) I think I would come down on the 'No' side here. A few years ago and travelling as a couple with two salaries I think the answer would be different but as Nick said for a family the economics are different and I would rather spend the cash on other extras.

Also it is worth pointing out that when travelling with kids the little things that PE offer pale into insignificance when what is really important is keeping the kids amused for 9 hours - something that PE is unlikely to do anymore than Y. OK maybe shorter queues at check-in and at immigration on arrival.

A few other reasons why Y might be better when travelling with kids.

You can seat 4 abreast with no aisle in between - not so important with older kids but much better when the kids are young.
There are more likely to be other kids of the same age in the cabin (especially to MCO) - hence they make new friends and give you a break.
The armrests go up which means:
a) they can stretch out easier - PE seats are not ideal for kids to sleep on
b) Everyone potentially has a bit more room - unless the kids are quite large
You're more likely to be surrounded by other families and less likely to feel awkward if the kids are disruptive

Not to say that there are not benefits in PE and if I could get the family in there for around 600-1000 extra I might go for it but 1400 is a bit steep. I guess at the end of the day it just depends on what price you are willing to pay.

I am at the moment thinking of all combinations of reward tickets and companion tickets for our trip but as you mentioned it is peak season. Of course I will be boioking through VS so have a few months before I can book anyway.

Phil

[Decker]

I'm in the Yes 747 No Airbus camp. If I was on an Airbus I'd try my hardest to upgrade to UC with miles. But then I normally travel solo or just a deux. With children I can see some merit in the 4 abreast argument.

I have always travelled Y as I could never justify the extra cost ( actually I never even considered upgrading until I joined V-Flyer [:p])

As we travel with our 5yo twin daughters the cost increase is significant.

However I've saved my miles and booked four reward flights to MCO in PE this August. I'm looking forward to seeing the difference.

And whilst 4 abreast has been great in the past, I'm looking forward to letting the kids have a window seat for the first time rather than being stuck in the middle of a metal tube.

DD

There is of course the other option I havent seen mentioned...
One-way in Y , one-way in PE ...[:?]
That starts a whole new debate about which way you would take the upgraded cabin.[?]
If your hyped up, going on holiday etc - might not care about it too much going out & will enjoy the bigger seat/more room for night flight back. It would also be a nice surprise for the return flight, especially if you dont tell your other half .
Or , your off on holiday - PE would add to the holiday feeling, nice start etc (although your then faced with Y for the return!).
Dont have kids yet , not sure I would be willing to pay that much extra for a seat - although depends on kids ages I guess...
Havent flown PE yet - but Ive made the decision to do so, I was only booking for me and the wife (who doesnt know yet [:X]).

Originally posted by williestott
There is of course the other option I havent seen mentioned...
One-way in Y , one-way in PE ...[:?]

MarkJ did mention it earlier in the thread and it does have some merit - I think I would opt for the return leg too.

Phil

It's a deal-breaker for me. If my company's travel policy didn't allow me to travel PE on Virgin, I probably wouldn't use Virgin at all. It's PE that makes it work for me.

- I get a better seat and, when you fly long haul a lot, small comforts make a big difference

- The extra Tier Points mean that I can maintain Gold status - something I would not be able to do on VS or any other airline without being able to fly in PE

Without PE, Virgin would be a non-starter for me. With it, they are absolutely brilliant and I fight hard to avoid flying with anyother airline! However, this does come down to my own individual employer's travel policy.

Then again, my family have got the PE bug now and refuse to travel anywhere in Economy!

Chris

Resounding yes.

Lots of reasons, all mentioned. And just think, if you don't, when you walk onto the plane and see the extra space you'll wonder what if ... then before you know it the question will be "is UC worth the extra over PE?".

Originally posted by FamilyMan
MarkJ did mention it earlier in the thread and it does have some merit - I think I would opt for the return leg too.

Phil

Apologies to MarkJ - missed it first time round.[:I]

[mcmbenjamin]

Originally posted by cshore
It's a deal-breaker for me. If my company's travel policy didn't allow me to travel PE on Virgin, I probably wouldn't use Virgin at all. It's PE that makes it work for me.......

Then again, my family have got the PE bug now and refuse to travel anywhere in Economy!

Ding Virgin's Marketing at it's best.

Its worth it unless its an empty flight in which case the economy seats are better because you can lift the arms and stretch out and sleep.

I'd say you should go for it, even if it's only on one leg. You can always work more, but for lots of people, a holiday is more of a limited occurence.[8D]

VS.