First 'Proper' PE Flight!

Hello!

I'm new to the forum, but heard about it from the V-Jam event at NESTA a few months ago.

I'm quite excited as I am about to take my first proper PE flight with Virgin (actually, ever!) I say proper as I was once upgraded mid flight, but it's not quite the same!

I'm off to NY on Friday then back on Sunday!

Anything I should be reminded to take benefit of?

Emma

[HighFlyer]

Welcome to V-Flyer, Emma.

Take a look at the Trip Report forums, these will give you a good idea on what to expect in PE on your flight. I believe GingerFlyer uploaded two PE trip reports for JFK yesterday but there are plenty of others.

Most of the perks should be part of the service, but do watch out for the little things, such as the Brandy and Bailey's offered at the end of the meal, and the fruit bowl around 2/3rds into the flight. Its easy to miss those. Otherwise, sit back, relax and enjoy the flight [y]

Thanks,
Sarah

And the hot towels just after take off.

an extra $600 on top of economy for hot towels, a fruit bowl and a baileys you can order for free in ecomony anyway? Its not good value, it not value for money. Infact its a complete rip off.

Iw would expect much much more for that, like the opportunity to purchase discounted lounge access.

I will stick with economy and good luck to those who spend more money or have their seats paid for on business.

quote:Originally posted by earthquake
an extra $600 on top of economy for hot towels, a fruit bowl and a baileys you can order for free in ecomony anyway? Its not good value, it not value for money. Infact its a complete rip off.

Iw would expect much much more for that, like the opportunity to purchase discounted lounge access.

I will stick with economy and good luck to those who spend more money or have their seats paid for on business.


Enjoy your flight though Emma..! [;)]

quote:Originally posted by earthquake
an extra $600 on top of economy for hot towels, a fruit bowl and a baileys you can order for free in ecomony anyway? Its not good value, it not value for money. Infact its a complete rip off.

Iw would expect much much more for that, like the opportunity to purchase discounted lounge access.

I will stick with economy and good luck to those who spend more money or have their seats paid for on business.


Well you also get separate check-in, priority boarding/disembarking, bigger seats and more legroom, boarding drinks, proper glasses for your drinks, menus, different meals than economy served on china dishes with proper cutlery, dedicated crew looking after you, priority baggage as well as Baileys, hot towels and a fruit bowl.

[:X]

[Decker]

and most of the time if you use your priority boarding to get on early and you have 28A/C on a 400 you get to drink unlimited free champagne at the bar prior to doors closing...

intrigued as to why people in PE need luck though? If they can happily afford the extra $600 it implies they're not doing too badly already? [:)].

Which flight is the OP on?

[HighFlyer]

quote:Originally posted by Decker
Which flight is the OP on?

OP is going to NYC [:)]

Earthquake - PE might not be your cup of tea, and you may not see the value, but it would be a dull world if we were all the same. I wouldnt pay an extra £1000 for PE but $600? Yeah that's worth it.

Thanks,
Sarah

[Decker]

Sorry which flight? Might know someone on same flight...

quote:Originally posted by earthquake
I will stick with economy and good luck to those who spend more money or have their seats paid for on business.


There have been several 'Is PE Worth It?' threads over time here. In summary, for me, yes it is. Every week I fly economy on business and when it comes to flying for pleasure, particularly long distance, I like a little more comfort. I want to treat the flight as an integral part of the fun and enjoyment of the trip. The 'frills' that others have noted, the bigger seats, the legroom and on the LGW fleet the 'private cabin' feeling of the bubble all add up.

When the prices are right and I can afford it, I'll do it.

Emma - enjoy the experience!

Have you got your ESTA?

If not do it NOW ! If you're not ESTA approved you may not even get on the flight!

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/dhs/esta_info.html

Oh yes enjoy PE and NYC !

quote:Originally posted by earthquake


I will stick with economy


Fair enough - enjoy the cramped seat and minimal legroom.

Enjoy your flight Emma. PE is a real treat, particularly so, as pjh says, on the LGW fleet in the bubble. Also, the 'perks' as described by tinkerbelle really do make a difference. [y]

Wow, I log off for 18 hours and my first topic goes wild!

I'm really looking forward to it. I fly fairly often, and mostly in E... this time the price was right (about £200 extra return) to convince me to fly PE. That and the Virgin marketing peeps have done a wonderful job of selling it to me If had not had that once in a lifetime mid air upgrade and experiences some of PE, I'm not sure I would have forked out. But that extra legroom and seat comfort made such a huge difference.

Horses for courses I guess.

FWIW I have a few E flights book in the near future, so will be returning to the rear of the plane, though I do have a trip to NRT in PE booked. Currently contemplating another PE hop to NYC under the current special offer, which, annoyingly, is even cheaper than my current booking tomorrow!

As for the ESTA, yea I signed up when the opened registration as I'm often stateside at short notice... Will try to sign up properly here and do a trip report in a few days!

Emma

[mitchja]

Welcome to V-Flyer Emma [y]

The other thing PE gets which economy doesn't is a bigger baggage allowance which will come in handy for NYC!!! (2 x 32Kg instead of the 2 x 23Kg you get in economy on trans-Atlantic flights)

One thing I'd also try and do (if the A/C is either a A343 or an A346, which i think most of the NYC flights currently are) is grab row 18 in PE. This is the front bulk-head row so you get lots more leg room and more space to stretch out. You can only ask for this row when you get to the airport though.

Have a great trip!!

Regards