V-Flyer

As V-Flyer has the ears of Virgin Atlantic - wouldn't it be great if there were family/small group pods available in all 3 classes on the new A380? Only a few obviously but a nice way to fly.
I was thinking 4 seats in a circular/square pod, maybe enclosed (a la Emirates First Class) and maybe in separate section?

Just a thought

Sounds like trouble to me,though the idea of it being soundproofed and families with babies being in there is a good one.

We may see some couples suites in UC,but I get the feeling that PE and Eco will be the same old seating set up.

Seems such a waste of all the additional space there will be on board to have the same old front facing row upon row, you know?

One thing I would like to see generally would be better seating for couples in UC. For a day flight I'm really not that keen on the look of the present removable divider arrangement, coupled with the fact it's limited to the 747's only.

By the looks of it, I wonder why the suite couldn't be straightened up more in the centre section to make it more similar to BA / SQ First type centre layout, for example? I suspect the obvious answer would be 'cost' due to the extra space taken up.

Thanks,

David.

It is always cost unfortunately. Just seems a wasted opportunity especially for a progressive airline like Virgin, who like to push the envelope in terms of on-board experience

Well from a pax point of view,sure it's a waste of space,but the airline will be more than happy to put seats in that "wasted" space.

What it comes down to is who's going to pay for things to go in that space,as has been proven over the last few years most airline pax are very price sensitive,in the end they would not be willing to pay the extra money to have the "toys" in that space,hence when I hear about airlines thinking about putting in showers,casinos etc I have to laugh,in the end only the highend cabins will get any of these perks that are being talked about.

As such we may see couples suites in the A380,but again only if they can be converted back into singles suites quickly as well.

Dave,

I know you are right - just nice to dream sometimes!!

Originally posted by jetwet1
As such we may see couples suites in the A380,but again only if they can be converted back into singles suites quickly as well.

I hope so - but not quite the 'double bed in the sky' type image that was as per the original Virgin promotion for the 'double' suites!

It would just be nice to have some sets of suites with the removable divider, but at a less acute angle so that you could talk to your partner without having to have the neck of an owl.

Thanks,

David.

Originally posted by MiloD
Dave,

I know you are right - just nice to dream sometimes!!

Oh for sure [y]

With all this in mind, does anyone actually know when Virgin are likely to announce their launch seating plan for the A380?

Originally posted by MiloD
With all this in mind, does anyone actually know when Virgin are likely to announce their launch seating plan for the A380?

All of the launch carriers seem to be keeping this very very quiet!
Though I did read on the SQ A380 email that they've finally chosen a 488 seat config, which is even less than the 500/550 I've heard of from Qantas, Emitrates etc.

Originally posted by MiloD
As V-Flyer has the ears of Virgin Atlantic - wouldn't it be great if there were family/small group pods available in all 3 classes on the new A380? Only a few obviously but a nice way to fly.
I was thinking 4 seats in a circular/square pod, maybe enclosed (a la Emirates First Class) and maybe in separate section?

The EK FC product in their A345's is most certainly the most private way to fly without taking your own private jet IMHO. Each suite has a sliding door. In a 1-2-1 config, the centre pairs are good for couples, although it's still no good for a bit of ladies-and-gentlemen. Firstly, even with the central separator dropped, there is quite an obstruction between the two seats, similar to that between the centre pairs on BA's FC. Secondly there's a little camera above the suites that has a view (albeit fairly restricted) of the pax for the crew. The sliding doors don't reach to the ceiling, but if you want to take a peek over the top you would have to stand pretty unsubtly on tip-toes.

Last time I took EK FC on an A345, a well-known F1 racing driver was on his way to Melbourne for the Grand Prix. Him and his partner had two window seats, one in front of the other, although only one was occupied for most of the time

Cheers, Howard.

488? Now that will be worth seeing - Will we see a competition between the A380 airlines for the least amount of seats whilst keeping prices sensible for passengers?

Any thoughts on a winner?

Originally posted by MiloD
With all this in mind, does anyone actually know when Virgin are likely to announce their launch seating plan for the A380?

Havn't you seen This :D

Paul

I have, but this only 'possible' isn't it? Or do you know something the rest of us don't?

Originally posted by MiloD
I have, but this only 'possible' isn't it? Or do you know something the rest of us don't?

Nope, but to be honest, these type of scheme maximises revenue for the airlines who are currently complaining that they don't make enough money

Paul

All I know is, I am looking forward to my first UC flight on an A380 - hopefully it will be at true 21stC experience!

Miles

Originally posted by p17blo
Havn't you seen This :D

Paul

Haven't you seen this: "Please Note: For the benefit of our friends from A.net, this map is far from final and was based on very early data. It WILL change, and the layout will probably look nothing like this!"

[}:)]

That layout does look nice, however I am surprised by only 1 bar for all those UCS Pax, Unless it's a larger one than normal.

That layout does look nice, however I am surprised by only 1 bar for all those UCS Pax, Unless it's a larger one than normal.

A 10 seater bar would be nice! or one upstairs and one downstairs?

Originally posted by MiloD
I have, but this only 'possible' isn't it? Or do you know something the rest of us don't?

Well it wont be VS,with no F product to take up a lot of room they will be able to squeeze lots of Y seats in

As we learnt in November, it's not the seats that limit the number of people at the bar - it's the number of oxygen masks... [:I];)

Originally posted by preiffer
As we learnt in November, it's not the seats that limit the number of people at the bar - it's the number of oxygen masks... [:I];)

Paul do you have D-license? If yes than grab a mask and you'll have a seat at the bar everytime.

Or of course take your own bottle from the sheraton skyline - preferable taken from one of your friend's mini bars.

Originally posted by sailor99
Or of course take your own bottle from the sheraton skyline - preferable taken from one of your friend's mini bars.

... several times. [}:)]

Can't quite remember how much the bill was, but at £9 a can, ouch... [:w]