Someone cheer me up about these LGW planes!!!

Hello all! I'm new to the site, but have been investigating Virgin for a while, as I have a flight coming up from MCO-LGW on July 27. I have not heard good thing about the equipment that flies this route...older, bad IFE, worn. But, is it all that bad?! I have to admit I'm a little less excited about the flight experience after reading about the LGW 747's. But, it is a reward ticket so I guess I can't worry over it too much. Anyone have any more info on how good/bad these LGW planes are and why? Many thanks and Cheers!
Nancy

what class are you flying?

Economy...Yikes?![:$]

[Neil]

I have only flown on an LGW Plane once and it was fine, yes you are correct in what you say about the older IFE systems, whilst they are not as good as V-Port, they do offer quite a good range of films/programs/music compared to a lot of other carriers.

The interior again is not as new looking as some of the new LHR planes, but they are still clean etc and I very much doubt you will have any problems.

I think the problem is that now the VS fleet has got a fairly new fleet of the Airbus' some of the 747's don't feel as new once you have flown on the Airbus.

I am sure whatever plane you get on you will have a good VS experience, and don't forget to write a TR once you have come back.

Neil

Originally posted by utwriter
Hello all! I'm new to the site, but have been investigating Virgin for a while, as I have a flight coming up from MCO-LGW on July 27. I have not heard good thing about the equipment that flies this route...older, bad IFE, worn. But, is it all that bad?! I have to admit I'm a little less excited about the flight experience after reading about the LGW 747's. But, it is a reward ticket so I guess I can't worry over it too much. Anyone have any more info on how good/bad these LGW planes are and why? Many thanks and Cheers!
Nancy

I've flown out of / into LGW on VS in Economy a good few times and never had any issue with the aeroplanes themselves. The vast majority, if not all, that fly ex Gatwick are around 5 years old. The IFE systems on these aircraft are not video on demand, but there's a decent range of movie, tv channels and audio. It's true that IFE systems sometimes breakdown but that happens on the newer aeroplanes also.

You can see which aircraft you may be on if you use a combination of the site's FAQ / Current Aircraft, Resources / Which Aircraft Will I Be On and Resources / Aircraft Database.

Paul

I personally do not mind the LGW a/c. I fly in these 90% of my VS flights, due to them being mostly for hols.

They are for a start all reasonably new 744 a/c 2001 onwards
UC cabin is the best, smaller and more personal, but no IFBT
PE is as good as the rest of the fleet, especially up in the bubble
EC again is as good as compared to the rest of the fleet.

The only downside is the IFE which is not AVOD ( stop and start when you want) and the choice is limited. But you will certainly be able to watch a couple of decent movies or listen to several cahnnels of music.
The food in EC is at this moment some of the best about according to recent TR's. The ammenity kit is better than the current UC offering[}:)]

For the price it is a good service IMHO.

You will enjoy and please do make sure you file a TR on your return.

Have a great trip

Iain

I think everyone was quite pleased with the LGW planes untill they heard about V-Port, I guess sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Would be nice if Heathrow didn't always get the best stuff though, just for once.

Originally posted by easygoingeezer
I think everyone was quite pleased with the LGW planes untill they heard about V-Port, I guess sometimes ignorance is bliss.

True. We flew out to LAX at Easter in Economy with V:Port and back PE from LAS with Nova (?) and I know which experience my long legged 18 year old son preferred....

Well they've got two wings and four engines what more can you ask for.

On average the 8 LGW 744s are newer than the 5 LHR 744s by almost 2 years - although the very newest 744 (VROC) operates out of LHR. The LGW 744s are between 5 and 9 years old.

While, of course, it is great to have v:port, the real advantage of this is for the regular traveller who appreciates the range of titles and would otherwise have little to watch. The occassional traveller should easily be able to find enough to watch for two 8 hour flights - unless they visit the cinema very regularly.

Don't worry about the flight utwriter - it'll be great.

Phil

Originally posted by FamilyMan
The occassional traveller should easily be able to find enough to watch for two 8 hour flights - unless they visit the cinema very regularly.

Remembering also that the films and programmes offered differ across the two legs of a return journey, so there's variety within a return trip.

Paul

Originally posted by Lipstick
Well they've got two wings and four engines what more can you ask for.

Haha... reminds me of my reply to a rental car person to the question "what sort of a car do you want", my reply was "one with wheels and an engine". This was in Boston, so they understood my dry Northern wit, and gave me an upgrade!

But, think about why the pax is choosing VS over, say Travel City Direct and their mixed bag of Air Atlanta 747s, Thomson, or FCA? Then understand that they are asking for more (or maybe just "better") when they book VS for their hols.

Mike

Thanks everyone...I feel much better. I was mainly concerned for my mother, who will be joining us on her first transatlantic and I so want her to have a good experience. She's certainly a bit nervous, so I just want her to enjoy her flight! Thanks for all of your help!
Nancy

Knew we could do it;)

Don't forget the TR.

Iain

Well, having never experienced V:Port, my first taste of Odyseey on G-VAST in Feb was a real treat. Fine the LHR people complain when they get it, but I found it excelent. One thing I wasnt expecting though was they way it worked lol. It had solitaire on it, I was happy. (Who doesnt love solitare).
Nova isnt as bad as it was once, more channels mean more TV to watch.
LHR has spoilt a lot of you on here lol

Kev.

Originally posted by Lipstick
Well they've got two wings and four engines what more can you ask for.

[:o)]landing gear:D

seeing as though most of us will never get to experience UP, unless they reduce the price i guess we will have to make do with being the second class lol

Originally posted by Lipstick
Well they've got two wings and four engines what more can you ask for.

Two wings and two engines. [:w]