LGW 747 PE Seating

I'm due to take my first Virgin atlantic flight next summer. We're doing LGW to MCO in May and decided to fly Premium Economy. Having never had the pleasure of sitting upstairs on a 747 before, my other half is concerned that on most seat maps and photos it looks like there's very little space in that cabin, and that it appears there's only one wc and will probably have to go downstairs to the toilet.

Whats the story with the upstairs cabin? Is it really worth the extra £'s we've splashed out?

[mitchja]

Hello and Welcome

PE on the upper deck is fantastic and I assure you you have nothing to worry about. There are 2 washrooms at the front of the upper deck (not sure if both are used though as 1 sometimes is locked for flight deck use only) but even so there's only 30 odd people up there at any one time and there is a lot of space - the aisle is very wide allowing room to walk even when the trolleys are out. You have handy side bins down the length of the upper deck between the seats and the cabin wall for storing things. They also make a great extra table whilst in-flight too. The over-head lockers are smaller than those on the main deck but there is storage space at the back of the cabin if needed.

I've found this pic (this is a LHR 744 on the upper deck - they only difference is that on a LGW 744 PE seats go all the way to the front of the cabin)

All I can say is enjoy

Regards

Absolute agreement with mitchja, the upstairs PE cabin on the Gatwick aircraft is a very pleasant place to be.

There are actually 3 washrooms at the front, and on my most recent flight, all 3 appeared to be in use (although most people seem to avoid using the one nearest the flight deck). This means you'll rarely see anyone queuing for them.

All rows are very similar so I wouldn't be too bothered as to which seats you choose, except to say it's worth trying for the exit row on the day of your flight as you get to have a chat with the cabin crew and you'll have a bit more space.

The sidebins are excellent for storage and table use as already noted, and it's also worth pointing out that the service up there is always good.

Agree with everything that's been said, don't think that PE in any other cabin/aircraft is anywhere near as good as it is in the 744 bubble.

Would just point out, though, that on the LGW 747 exit row 75 seats A & C don't have as much access to the side storage bins and you have to look back to see out of the window. 75 H & K don't have the same problem.

Regards

Pat

Some people might even say that being upstairs on an LGW 747 is even better (more exclusive) than UC[^]

Miopyk

[buns]

I echo everything said so far - being upstairs on the LGW 744 is a really great place to be for the price[8D][8D].

As is posted elsewhere, the a/c will be undergoing some refit and getting UCS seating; the refit will also put PE seating downstairs so you might want to make sure that your seat assignments show being in the bubble. (the seat plans on the site here will help you)

(BTW I know my "outlaws" have just booked their May trip through VH and have secured seat assingments in row 71 so you should be able to find out.)

all the best

Buns

Wow, thanks so much for your responses

I've managed to get access through the VA website and booked the seats on the plan... definately upstairs!

Being a Virgin "Virgin" these forums are a fantastic place to read up on the finer points.

Thanks again.

Weren't they removing a WC from upstairs as part as the UCS refit?

[fozzyo]

Upstairs in PE is fantastic, its like a little exclusive private cabin. If you can check in early and try to get the Emergency Exit seats ... you have more leg room them the Upper Class Suite.

Definately nothing to worry about, these are some of the best seats in the plane. The only thing is that if you go downstairs to see everyone in Economy or use the toilet then you have to go past the Upper Class bar.

Foz )

Does anyone know if you can get the Emergency Exit seats via the on-line check in?? Just that I have seats in row 71 pre-reserved for a PE flight and wondered if I would be able to change them to the row in front 24hrs prior.

cheers,
Paul

[mitchja]

I doubt it as VS (or any other airline) need to see you face to face at check-in in order to assign exit row seats.

The only seats that become available during OLCI that are not available during the booking process are Upper Class seats in snooze zones on UK bound east coast US flights.

Regards

[fozzyo]

We purchased the upgrades at the airport, even then we were assigned other seats (happened to be either side of the aisle). Only once we reached pysical checkin were we offered the Emergency Exit seats. As I say to get these checking in a little earlier helps.

Foz )

[buns]

Jonathan

quote:Weren't they removing a WC from upstairs as part as the UCS refit?

Currently thre are three loos on the starboard side of the bubble. If the seat plans on this site are correct, then these will be reduced to two and no doubt reducing the space for the bed on the flight deck will allow the extra row (70) to be added.

What will be interesting will be to see if this row is "old" or "new" style PE seats

Buns

I've found the best way to get Exit seats are to phone FC in advance and get them to make a note on your on you bookoing ref.

Has work'd for me 9/10 times

Cheers

Phil