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Seating

PostPosted: 30 Jul 2005, 14:40
by MixedUpRichard
Hello

Just a quick question and I'm hoping you can help.

I'm flying with Virgin Atlantic in November to Orlando from Gatwick (so will probably be on the 747-400 Gwk).

I'm 6ft 3 and so leg room is fairly important. I've been looking at the Seat Ratings on here and the recommendation for 61/62/63/64 AC & HK are quite high.

As far as legroom go, do they have more than the rest of economy? Or would you recommend to sit in rows 25, 38 or 49 (which are exit rows)?

What are your thoughts and recommendations?

Richard

PostPosted: 30 Jul 2005, 14:56
by Nottingham Nick
If you are prepared to pay extra - and are physically fit, so that you can sit in the exit row seats. IMHO they are by far the best option.

Nick

PostPosted: 30 Jul 2005, 15:26
by preiffer
Welcome Richard [y]:D,

There is no more seat pitch in the seats at the back - what there is (either virtually or in reality) is more perceived "personal space" because of the removal of the middle seat.

The window seat has a void to the side of it, to put legs/things (although not for take-off/landing ;) ) and there's just a general feeling of being able to stretch out a bit more.

Having said that, is the back of the seat in-front further away than in other rows? No.

If in economy, exit seats are the way to go - £50 for BC/HJ (free for A & K, as you end up with even less legroom due to the inflatable slide in front of you [:0] ) They can only be assigned at physical check-in though (not online or pre-booked).

The only things that are reported to be consistent issues with exit seats is the slight increase in noise (due to the the door!) and the fact that you tend to get those passengers doing their "mid-air exercises" and bathroom waiting lingering around at your feet.

PostPosted: 30 Jul 2005, 16:58
by ChuckC
Originally posted by preiffer
Welcome Richard [y]:D,

There is no more seat pitch in the seats at the back - what there is (either virtually or in reality) is more perceived "personal space" because of the removal of the middle seat.

The window seat has a void to the side of it, to put legs/things (although not for take-off/landing ;) ) and there's just a general feeling of being able to stretch out a bit more.

Having said that, is the back of the seat in-front further away than in other rows? No.

If in economy, exit seats are the way to go - £50 for BC/HJ (free for A & K, as you end up with even less legroom due to the inflatable slide in front of you [:0] ) They can only be assigned at physical check-in though (not online or pre-booked).

The only things that are reported to be consistent issues with exit seats is the slight increase in noise (due to the the door!) and the fact that you tend to get those passengers doing their "mid-air exercises" and bathroom waiting lingering around at your feet.


Paul's right, of course, but oh, the extra legroom!

A 6'5" fellow ... Chuck

PostPosted: 30 Jul 2005, 19:43
by Scrooge
just my vote,at 6'3 VS coach and just about all major airlines suck,for this length of flight get an exit seat which will run you 100 pounds round trip or spend a touch more and go PE

just did a rough pricing

Coach is coming out at 530.20 plus the 100 for more room,which is not guaranteed to be available when you get to the airport.

PE 750.20 which gives you the legroom plus not having to stand in line for an hour plus more miles

PostPosted: 31 Jul 2005, 00:56
by p17blo
I too am 6'3" and I can tell you from personal experience that those seats at the rear of economy actually are worse as you can end up where the first row of 2 seats start with the seat in front arm rest support pressing right into your knees. For some reason, and I have said this before, but nobody agrees with me, is the seats nearer the front of the cabin seem to me to have just maybe an extra 1/4" or so leg room. Not much but it all counts.

My best tip is sit in PE if you can, or arrive VERY early for check-in (remember Gatwick has twilight check in) and pay the £50 or whatever it is now for the exit seats.

Paul

PostPosted: 31 Jul 2005, 01:19
by kkempton
that those seats at the rear of economy actually are worse as you can end up where the first row of 2 seats start with the seat in front arm rest support pressing right into your knees.

I agree here, but got the worst seat i think personally in economy last year, the one with no window :-(
Perhaps, when they were putting the seats in the plane, they were putting them in, and then realised, that they didnt have enough room for all the seats, so they crammed them all in at the back! ;)

PostPosted: 31 Jul 2005, 13:10
by Matt
I just wanted to add a quick comment here regarding the £50 charge for exit row seats.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I thought that on the MCO route only, there was no charge for these seats and it was just a first come first served (as long as you meet the criteria of course).

Matt

PostPosted: 31 Jul 2005, 15:21
by p17blo
Originally posted by Matt
I just wanted to add a quick comment here regarding the £50 charge for exit row seats.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I thought that on the MCO route only, there was no charge for these seats and it was just a first come first served (as long as you meet the criteria of course).

Matt


I have definately paid the £50 on the MCO route, but the last time I did you paid for 1 (either middle or aisle) and you can take the windows seat for nothing.

Havent flown economy with virgin since 2003 so may have changed since then.

Paul

PostPosted: 31 Jul 2005, 15:49
by preiffer
Originally posted by p17blo
I have definately paid the £50 on the MCO route, but the last time I did you paid for 1 (either middle or aisle) and you can take the windows seat for nothing.
They never charge for either A/K (windows), as those seats have reduced legroom over even the regular Y config due to the slide.

You don't have to buy one of the others to get it - if you're willing to sit there [:0] then they'lll bung you in for free, regardless.

PostPosted: 01 Aug 2005, 00:19
by p17blo
That may be the case now, but definately in Easter 2003 this was not an option and it was the first time I ever had to pay for an exit seat. You couldn't buy or take the one by the door, but only take it for free if you paid for one of the others.

Paul