Virgin's Boeing 747 or Airbus A-340

Hi everyone!

First ever post, and I hope I'm not opening a can of worms here!

Flying to LA at the end of March for our anniversary, really lookign forward to it!

Flying on VS23 which I notice uses A-340's for the route. Was really lookign forward to flying on one of Virgin's jumbos, such as Cosmic Girl or Hot Lips, but sadly not to be.

However, which is really better? I have always been an admirer of the graceful 747, but are the A-340's just as good, maybe even better?

Someone said in a recent post they were roomier inside and a quieter cabin?

[HighFlyer]

Welcome to V-Flyer [:)]

Which class are you flying in? While most of us love the jumbo (myself included), if you are sitting in Economy as a couple, then the 2-4-2 config down the back of the Airbus is prefferable to the 3-4-3 config on the Boeing.

As for which is 'better', it all comes down to personal opinion and what is important to you. As a side, lets keep this topic friendly please.

Thanks,
Sarah

[preiffer]

Bear in mind that as a PASSENGER...

The seats are the same.
Service is the same.
Crew are the same.
Food is the same.
IFE is (broadly) the same.
*Technically*, the A340 is quieter, but REALLY, are you going to notice?

I'd say not, and the technical A340 vs 744 debate is not one that will happen here. If it does, I'm afraid the topic will get locked.

Hi there

Thank you both for your replies.

Flying 'Economy' so cheers for the useful info about the seating config towards the rear of the cabin on the airbus - it would be nice toi get that.

As much as it would be cool to be on a jumbo, I take your point exactly that as a passenger it really makes very little difference.

At the end of the day, we are flying long haul to California with Virgin - an experience I am so looking forward to.

When you are sitting inside the plane, it makes no difference at all - its still Virgin service!

I hope Virgin continue with their jumbos for some time to come, as they are a fantastic graceful sight to see land or take-off.

Thanks for your comments - it def wasnt my intention to spark any sort of boeing v airbus debate (just wanted to fly on Cosmic Girl one of these days!)

Speaking as someone who sits at the back on a regular basis. I recently experienced my first time on a 346 and a 343. Both the wife and I really loved the 346 over the 744. It 'felt' more comfortable compared to the meat market that can happen on a full 744.

Being a 2-4-2 format, as someone has mentioned, you don't have to worry about the stranger who will be sitting next to you if you have window seats. [:)]

Originally posted by Kipperman

Flying 'Economy' so cheers for the useful info about the seating config towards the rear of the cabin on the airbus - it would be nice toi get that.

FYI the comment 'at the rear' was intended to mean Economy in general. On the Airbus Economy is 2-4-2 entirely (except for the very last rows where the plane tapers to 2-3-2.

[HighFlyer]

San Francisco is your route if you want to be sure of getting a Boeing 744. [:)]

The 'Boeing Vs Airbus' topic can be a hot debate for some people, and a practical slanging match on other forums so we do try to discourage it here as from a passenger point of view, as preiffer mentions, there is very little to it, but hopefully our members can give you some good reasons why they prefer either aircraft.

I hope you have a fantastic flight and anniversary trip [:)]

Thanks,
Sarah

[Darren Wheeler]

The only difference I've noticed is a bit more headroom and slightly larger toilets on the Airbus. On a purely physical level, the 744 is more impressive. The ability of something that big and heavy to actually leave the ground and return safely is quite amazing, but that applies to most airliners.

Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
The ability of something that big and heavy to actually leave the ground and return safely is quite amazing, but that applies to most airliners.

Of course not forgetting that the A346 is the longest passenger plane in the world ... taking off from Shanghai with a full cargo load is impressive.

I must admit the only real advantage I have noticed is the seating layout in Y. Myself and the other half much prefere the 340 for this reason.

The other main difference I notice is that the 744 is much more powerful down the runway, the 340 can seem to climb for ever but I doubt many notice this.

Thanks everyone! That was all very helpful.

Sarah, we did actually try to get in and out of SFO, or into LAX and out of SFO or vice-versa but the cost went up quite a bit due to availibility. Ah well, maybe another time, it wont affect our enjoyment of what promises to be a great trip.

And Darren, I totally agree - when you see a fully laden jumbo head off down the runway, it really is a marvel how something so vast is able to leave the ground at all!

McMaddog, it does sound like economy in the Airbus will be a nice config, so thanks for that info.

Happy travels to everyone!

Hi,

I've just returned from a trip to JFK in Y. Outbound was on the 346 and return on the 744. As I see it, these are the advantages pf each:

346:
Quieter cabin - to me this is a significant difference, and especially important on a night flight.
Cabin layout - the 2-4-2 arrangement of the 346 is my main reason for chossing VS over BA or others and is much more pleasant for a couple than 3-3-3 or 3-4-3.
Leg room - for the seats we had, the 346 had slightly better leg room
(row 40HK on 346 vs 61AC on 744).

744:
There's something special about flying on a 747.
Seats seem slightly more comfortable (I may be making this up).
You can still get the 2-4-2 layout at the back of Y, but not advised on an outbound to the US.

Hope this helps.

An insightful comparison Mark.

I know someone else mentioned it in a previous post, however I too love the smoked grey panelling and metallic air vents/overhead bin handles on the 346 - a touch of class!

Does the 744 have the circulation/galley area at the back of Y like the 346 does? It's like a cavernous hall and I find it great for leg stretching without annoying/blocking other PAX.

The galley on the 744 is in the middle of the Y cabin rather than at the back, but there is a small circulation area around the lavatories/doors at the back.

Good point about the grey panelling - this along with the lighting also makes the washrooms more pleasant on the 346.

Other points to note, which you can find plenty of information on elsewhere on this site:

On the 346, avoid the centre DEFG seats in the middle of the cabin between the WCs - these look very chlostrophobic and I would avoid them at all costs.
On the 744, I'd avoid the window seats in the centre of the cabin alongside the galley - there could be noise disturbance from the galley here.

Overall, I'd go with the 346 for an economy trip, everything else being equal.

As already said - If flying just you and your wife then the Airbus due to the 2 seat layout. If its with 2 others or more the Boeing.

Personally i love the 747, an amazing, beautiful aircraft that never ceases to amaze me.

In terms of technology and safety record then obviously the Airbus wins hands down, but the 747 has been in service (in one form or another) since 1969.

[preiffer]

Yup - first commercial service was in 1970 - it's coming up to its 40th birthday [:0]


(And we all know that 40's worryingly close to 'the other side', right? [:p])

Throwing in a bit of a curved ball here but on the outbound leg I would be inclined to sit as close the the pointy bit as possible to give you a reasonable chance of avoiding lengthy immigration queues.

Have you chosen your seats online yet? If not (and of course if there is availability) I would do this now.

Miopyk [8D]

On my last trip we went out on the 346 ehich was great, as everyone else says the 2-4-2 layout is great if you're travelling as a couple, it was especially good for us my wife is a nervous flyer and so we didn't want to be disturning/scaring anyone else. Coming back it was a 744, I'd had a look on seatguru and got one of the two seat rows at the back of the cabin. All in all I certainly preferred the 'bus, it seemed more bright and airy and just plain newer, which is understandable I suppose.

I find the toilets in the 340-600 are better than the 747. I really like the blue mood lighting! [y]

Yes, flying on a 747 is certainly a special experience, I've done it with other airlines and it would have been nice to be on one for our first flight ever with Virgin!

However, the Airbus it will be as we fly LHR - LAX on VS23, and I am def looking forward to it. I really like the way Virgin have the 2-4-2 combination. It would be absolutely ideal to get the two seats by the window, particularly as its our 1st anniversary trip. The views out the window as you cross North America are sensational!

Can I pose another question? What is the best way of securing such seats. The Manage Flights option on the virgin website is sayign that seats will be allocated at check-in for this particular flight. Our travel agent has requested window seats, but rather worringly our seat numbers on our intinery are 58f and 59f! Which is obviously less than ideal. We arrive into Heathrow a good 6 hours before our flight - would an early check-in help or is that leaving it to chance?

[Neil]

Originally posted by Kipperman
Can I pose another question? What is the best way of securing such seats. The Manage Flights option on the virgin website is sayign that seats will be allocated at check-in for this particular flight. Our travel agent has requested window seats, but rather worringly our seat numbers on our intinery are 58f and 59f! Which is obviously less than ideal. We arrive into Heathrow a good 6 hours before our flight - would an early check-in help or is that leaving it to chance?

What it basically means is that the flight is pretty full and at the moment all the seats that can be pre-allocated have been done so (abt 60% of the seats).

As you say at the moment you haven't got the best seats, so I would suggest your best option is to use OLCI 24 hours before your flight. At the stage the rest of the seats open up (not exit rows/bulkheads) so there is a good chance you will be able to bag some better seats. If this doesn't help then getting to the airport early will of course help, but usually there are only the exit rows/bulkheads additional to OLCI stage, but there is a charge for these seats (£75pp).

Neil

It sounds like you are on a very full flight. I'd suggest using online checkin 24 hours before departure to try and secure the best seats. If you still can't get what you want, then check-in online anyway with the best that is available, then ask at the airport if there is anything better - some seats aren't available via OLCI.

You may be able to grab some exit row seats at the airport, although there is a charge for these.

Thanks for that. Yeah, I figured as much - our travel agent said the flight was very full indeed, couldnt get seats on it originally and then just managed to hold a couple that became available.

Since I was unable to book a seat through the Manage Flights, I guess it means that 60% of them are already pre-allocated.

Doesnt look too good, does it?

Anyhow, at least we are on the plane and going to LA, which is great!

A window seat would be nice as the views on a clear day are fantastic as you head up over Canada and the far North!

Thanks everyone, I'll take your advice and see what I can get!

Here are my advantages of each a/c: (LHR fleet only)

A346:

Now that PE has been relocated downstairs I would say the 340 wins hands down - 2-4-2 on the 744 feels just a bit too cramped for my liking and the cabin is far too large.
2-4-2 in Y is infintely better for reasons that have already been stated.
WCs are much more aesthetically pleasing with mood lighting and the space age feel.
Enhanced lighting throughout the a/c is much more ambient.
744s feel long in the tooth with VS.
Noticeably quieter compared to the 744 except with the nose section in the latter.

744 (LHR):

Wider seats in UC
Upper deck has a private jet feel
Better spacing of windows in UC

I suppose I'm a 340 fan[8D]

I've done Y on the 343 and the 744 (haven't been fortunate enough to pick up a 346 to date). For me, if I'm traveling in Economy then the Airbus is best... as the entire cabin is 2-4-2 (rather than just a few rows in the very back of the 744). However... if I'm traveling Premium Economy then it's the 744 for me. Nothing beats the quiet service on the upper deck...

Edit (because I just noticed your other question)...

As others have said, OLCI 24 hours before your flight, if that fails show up really early although at that stage your only option might be to buy the exit row. A third option that might be worth a shot is to give VS a ring and play the 'it's our first anniversary and we'd really like window seats' card. You're sort of at the mercy of the agent that answers the phone but I've known that approach to work sometimes.