UC losing its attraction months before my flight?

Hi all,

Not really sure why I joined up just to post this, I have been lurking and reading as guest for quite a while and have picked up lots of useful info so made sense I guess to vent with people who may actually understand my frustration!

Basically I booked a nice little trip to NYC for just before Xmas with the girlfriend, I didn't have enough miles to really push the boat out, but enough to spoil us flying UC out there and back economy by buying a few thousand miles. At the time I thought it was going to be a 747, and we would be able to get the seats in the nose as there was loads of availability. Turns out they're not flying them anymore by then and got bumped to one with 3 per row. No major issues but certainly a bit of a let down. Now last week I get another email and text, and not only has the time changed for the flight from 12:30 to 11:30 (again not a major issue on its own) but the plane has been changed again to a A330-300 with the stupid 4 per row UC. When I initially went to book I was happy with everything, but now with all of the changes I am tempted to just pack it all in and get my miles back. As it is I had to burn money to buy a few extra miles, and now that it's closer to Xmas there is now no PE availability on the way out on the 19th and I can't really do much else date wise.

If I had the option to do it again I would have just booked it all PE to be honest. I really like Virgin as a company and a brand but can't help feeling that UC is a bit of a non-starter for couples wanting a treat now!

[mitchja]

Welcome to V-Flyer

I really wouldn't worry too much about the fact you are now flying on an A330.

Yes Ok there's a lot of negativity about them, but having flown on the A333's several times now, both in Upper and Premium, I personally think a lot of the negativity is actually misplaced.

Until you have flown on them yourself, just take what you read with a pinch of salt. Make up your own mind about them.

The crew on any flight also play a big roll in the whole experience regardless of the aircraft type.

Please don't cancel your trip just based on what other people have said about the aircraft type

I agree 100% with Mitchja's last line reply to your post. Every individual has a different viewpoint, yes often based on their experience but even so everyone has a different opinion.

I've never travelled UC on a 330 but a few years ago we went to Orlando flying Economy seats in the middle row of four (F & G) and honestly I found the 330 was a perfectly okay .

Also my personal preference of aircraft is the Airbus 340-600 and I absolutely loathe the UC seats 12 A&K on a 747 whereas others on this forum are so pleased to have these seats! Recently we flew home from SFO in Upper Class and we did not enjoy to flight but other trip reporters say their flight was brilliant - so it is all down to personal choice.

Stop worrying and look forward to your Upper Class experience in what ever bit of metal you fly in

Thanks for the reply guys, appreciate it.

I just feel like I've wasted my miles on something that wasn't what I expected, and taking a step back, I honestly think PE is a better proposition for couples overall if you take out clubhouse.

Whilst I appreciate the massive role the crew play, I would still very much like to see my girlfriend's face during the flight without having to resort to a meeting at the back in the bar!

As it is, I am actually slightly upset that no one from Virgin has been in touch with me yet - The seats we were booked into don't exist on the new aircraft, and I was expecting something a bit more proactive from them at this level instead of a text message which is something along the lines of "we changed your times, which we told you about, and your plane, which we didn't tell you about, tough!" and an email which is not much better

I don't know. I love the thought of everything in UC, but i'd honestly be happier in PE at this point. Probably not what Virgin really want to hear, I wish i'd ploughed everything I had into Avios and gone with another carrier with a better setup if you don't want to be on your own!

I have to admit myself and my wife love the 747 nose , but like everyone has said I have really bad flights in the nose so spoilt my enjoyment. the great thing about UC is the clubhouse before, and if you get a great crew the best experience and the feeling of your own space.

But in the end it's your decision I hope you stick with it and enjoy your trip away.

Thanks for the reply guys, appreciate it.

I just feel like I've wasted my miles on something that wasn't what I expected, and taking a step back, I honestly think PE is a better proposition for couples overall if you take out clubhouse.

Whilst I appreciate the massive role the crew play, I would still very much like to see my girlfriend's face during the flight without having to resort to a meeting at the back in the bar!

As it is, I am actually slightly upset that no one from Virgin has been in touch with me yet - The seats we were booked into don't exist on the new aircraft, and I was expecting something a bit more proactive from them at this level instead of a text message which is something along the lines of "we changed your times, which we told you about, and your plane, which we didn't tell you about, tough!" and an email which is not much better

I don't know. I love the thought of everything in UC, but i'd honestly be happier in PE at this point. Probably not what Virgin really want to hear, I wish i'd ploughed everything I had into Avios and gone with another carrier with a better setup if you don't want to be on your own!

Welcome to vflyer , as James says UC on the A333s isn't that bad so I really wouldn't worry about it .
I guess you could always swap with a couple in PE , I'm sure someone would bite your hand off

I'm guessing you're on VS111 with the flight times. I'm on the same flight (probably a different day mind) and just had the text / email to say flight time changed. No big deal, and easier for them to automate this rather than phone everyone as every pax needs to be notified of the schedule change.

I knew I was getting an A330 on this flight, and I've flown UC in a 330 before. I wasn't massively impressed, mainly with the fact that the seat to bed isn't easy but other than that it's fine. Seriously, I'd take UC on a 330 (or any VS metal) over PE & Y (that said I've never flown PE & Y on VS metal).

Okay, so the 747's are going. Something that's been known for some time. You could sit opposite each other on the 330, one A side and one D, although the central seats are slightly shorter - but to be honest I think you'll really enjoy it when you get there. And you can sit together to eat as one of you can sit on the ottoman.

Wishing you happy travel

As it is, I am actually slightly upset that no one from Virgin has been in touch with me yet - The seats we were booked into don't exist on the new aircraft, and I was expecting something a bit more proactive from them at this level instead of a text message which is something along the lines of "we changed your times, which we told you about, and your plane, which we didn't tell you about, tough!" and an email which is not much better

Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by flight time changes this autumn/winter in the last few days. There's no way VS could contact all of them by phone so an email/text is the easiest way to inform them. For most people it'll be an annoyance but not a major problem. For the minority for whom it is a major problem, they can call VS and discuss options.

And I'm afraid you'll never be told if your seat's changed - as annoying as it is, in the airline's view it doesn't materially affect your booking so it isn't something you need advising of in advance. That's not just a VS thing - BA's the same. You just have to keep checking your booking if it's something that's important to you.

As others have said, while being in the nose of the 747 is the icing on the cake when it comes to flying UC, being on a 330 is no reason to think about cancelling. The service is the same whichever aircraft you're on and if you're new to UC that's what you'll appreciate most. The 747s will be missed on the LHR routes but sadly they're going and we'll just have to move on.

As it is, I am actually slightly upset that no one from Virgin has been in touch with me yet - The seats we were booked into don't exist on the new aircraft, and I was expecting something a bit more proactive from them at this level instead of a text message which is something along the lines of "we changed your times, which we told you about, and your plane, which we didn't tell you about, tough!" and an email which is not much better

They have proactively been in touch with you - by text and email. This is how they do it these days.

Long gone are the days of personal phone call - especially when several flights have being changed and there are 100's of people on each flight.

Flight time changes are important (even 5 minutes) so they will tell you about them.

But the plane type can be changed at any time so they don't. It's been known for a plane type to change more than once.

I think when you have set your heart on something and then your plans get changed, it is always a big disappointment.

I have never flown UC on VS so far, I have flown PE and I have flown Business on many other airlines. I can honestly say PE is very nice but any modern business class cabin is going to surpass it, and even on a 330 I am sure your girlfriend will be very impressed. You should be able to eat together, but most VS UC seats are not ideal for couples who wish to sit and chat to each other. Fortunately we don't care about chatting- watching films and reading/ sleeping is what we do on a long flight

The front seats of a 747 are special, but even if you book them there is a chance you may be moved on the day. No reservations are guaranteed.

PE is absolutely fine for medium-haul flights such as NYC, should you choose to change cabins. We have flown LHR-NYC return and had a great flight, both ways. But In your shoes I would stick with the UC seats on the 330. They do get a bad press on here from regular flyers but overall product reviews are not bad at all. Are you departing from LHR? If so the CH is a great (maybe the best) start to any trip. This would trump PE again for me (although we used it when flying PE using the "Guest List" option).

The one thing that may tilt the balance in flying PE both ways over UC out on a 330 and return in EC is that I would hate to be on a night flight in Economy, but I am a grumpy middle-aged man who likes and needs his sleep at night!

Have a good trip whatever you decide, remember the main part of the trip is seeing NYC, how you get there is of less importance

I guess its almost the fault of forums like this, that expectations can be dashed in advance. Aircraft changes, time changes, and seat changes happen all the time. That is certainly unfortunate, but that's just the way it works. As for specific layouts and design, I hate the A333, but that's my personal opinion and should be given no more credence than my opinion about the best football team.

I understand your disappointment, I personally feel there is a significant difference in experience on offer...The 346 and 747 are great, but the 330 I avoid at all costs.

I don't know if this is a viable option for you, but if it really is getting you down, have you considered changing flight?

The VS009 the day before is showing a 747, or the VS025 on the same day is a 346, both have G availability...I haven't done it in a while but I think it's around £50 per person, may be someone can correct me there.

Of course though, there is no guarantee that these aircraft will remain the same.

I'm guessing you're on VS111 with the flight times. I'm on the same flight (probably a different day mind) and just had the text / email to say flight time changed. No big deal, and easier for them to automate this rather than phone everyone as every pax needs to be notified of the schedule change.

I knew I was getting an A330 on this flight, and I've flown UC in a 330 before. I wasn't massively impressed, mainly with the fact that the seat to bed isn't easy but other than that it's fine. Seriously, I'd take UC on a 330 (or any VS metal) over PE & Y (that said I've never flown PE & Y on VS metal).

Okay, so the 747's are going. Something that's been known for some time. You could sit opposite each other on the 330, one A side and one D, although the central seats are slightly shorter - but to be honest I think you'll really enjoy it when you get there. And you can sit together to eat as one of you can sit on the ottoman.

Wishing you happy travel

As bretty said, you can sit opposite each other.
I don't think you'll be able to dine together as the suite is smaller than the "other" suites and it's just to cramped. I tried to dine with Simon on a A333 and failed.
Being in the nose is nice but I don't like 12A and K. 18 and 19A being our seats of choice.
UC will be better than PE regardless of aircraft. Don't let the aircraft change ruin your plans.
The crew make or break the flight...I had one of my best ever flights on a A333 and one of the worst on a 787!!


Just to add....if you do change to PE, when you turn right your girlfriend will not be happy. Neither will you I bet...when you see them handing out the champers and the onboard bar. You'll be kicking yourself thinking I could have been up front!!! Why did I change my ticket!!!
Darren

..... The VS009 the day before is showing a 747, or the VS025 on the same day is a 346, both have G availability...I haven't done it in a while but I think it's around £50 per person, may be someone can correct me there.

Of course though, there is no guarantee that these aircraft will remain the same.

Seany I enquired about alternatives early this year when my flight times got changed, nearly causing me major problems and the price quoted was £100 per person.

The whole Upper Class experience starts with the DTCI (a must if possible) the Clubhouse and then the flight which to New York is quite quick. It has been said on this forum before that Upper Class is actually not that 'couple' friendly but the overall benefits far outway the negative. Finally and most importantly, the OP is going to an absolutely wonderful city

In the last couple of years, we've flown LHR to either JFK or EWR on 787, 747 and 333. 787 is our choice, particularly the A seats. I worried a lot about the 333 before the flight but would not worry again. You're out on a daytime flight so the slightly shorter seats in the middle row won't affect you - that's only noticeable if you're sleeping. I'm with others who say they don't like 12A/K, our favourites were always 15A/K.

Change from UC to PE? And have someone in front recline in your lap for the entire flight? No thank you.

Bottom line is that it's your choice but I certainly wouldn't lose sleep over flying UC in a 333, I'd be sure to book DTCI, have a ball in the CH, a wonderful time on board, several drinks at the bar, enjoy my seat even if it's not a 787/747 and have a wonderful time in NYC. Don't forget Top of the Rock which will have all the trees outside festooned with lights and don't miss Macy's shop windows with the animated displays.

Relax, it really won't be as bad as you seem to think.

..... The VS009 the day before is showing a 747, or the VS025 on the same day is a 346, both have G availability...I haven't done it in a while but I think it's around £50 per person, may be someone can correct me there.

Of course though, there is no guarantee that these aircraft will remain the same.

Personally I don't choose my flights based on the plane type scheduled to operate it - it can soon change and changing your flight date and / or time won't make you immune from further changes.

Base the flight you choose on what you need to do to get to LHR or what you need to do when you arrive at the destination and you won't go far wrong.

Don't forget Top of the Rock which will have all the trees outside festooned with lights and don't miss Macy's shop windows with the animated displays.

Aah Macy's... where I go to pray

To the OP: are you in NYC for Christmas?

have you considered flipping the cabin around?
fly out PE & have a good rest on the return in upper.

have you considered flipping the cabin around?
fly out PE & have a good rest on the return in upper.

Yeah - this.

I don't mind flying PE in daytime as it's perfectly comfy and I'm wide awake so make the use of the IFE and free booze. Night flights though, given the choice I'd fly UC for the bed any time and given the flight is so short back from NYC you need all the rest you can get.

Saying that I've just seen I can get to NYC for under £400 from Malaga so economy is looking tempting!

..... The VS009 the day before is showing a 747, or the VS025 on the same day is a 346, both have G availability...I haven't done it in a while but I think it's around £50 per person, may be someone can correct me there.

Of course though, there is no guarantee that these aircraft will remain the same.

Seany I enquired about alternatives early this year when my flight times got changed, nearly causing me major problems and the price quoted was £100 per person.

The whole Upper Class experience starts with the DTCI (a must if possible) the Clubhouse and then the flight which to New York is quite quick. It has been said on this forum before that Upper Class is actually not that 'couple' friendly but the overall benefits far outway the negative. Finally and most importantly, the OP is going to an absolutely wonderful city

If you're booked on a full miles ticket changes are £25 per person, I did it about about a month ago.

Hi all, thanks for your kind advice.

I'm going to stick with it for the moment - After all, the UC experience is just a massive perk for us, I am lucky to have a job that allows me to expense most things on my Amex and claim back so I can save the points. I love NYC at Xmas and that is the most important thing

I'm guessing you're on VS111 with the flight times. I'm on the same flight (probably a different day mind) and just had the text / email to say flight time changed. No big deal, and easier for them to automate this rather than phone everyone as every pax needs to be notified of the schedule change.

I knew I was getting an A330 on this flight, and I've flown UC in a 330 before. I wasn't massively impressed, mainly with the fact that the seat to bed isn't easy but other than that it's fine. Seriously, I'd take UC on a 330 (or any VS metal) over PE & Y (that said I've never flown PE & Y on VS metal).

Okay, so the 747's are going. Something that's been known for some time. You could sit opposite each other on the 330, one A side and one D, although the central seats are slightly shorter - but to be honest I think you'll really enjoy it when you get there. And you can sit together to eat as one of you can sit on the ottoman.

Wishing you happy travel

As bretty said, you can sit opposite each other.
I don't think you'll be able to dine together as the suite is smaller than the "other" suites and it's just to cramped. I tried to dine with Simon on a A333 and failed.
Being in the nose is nice but I don't like 12A and K. 18 and 19A being our seats of choice.
UC will be better than PE regardless of aircraft. Don't let the aircraft change ruin your plans.
The crew make or break the flight...I had one of my best ever flights on a A333 and one of the worst on a 787!!


Just to add....if you do change to PE, when you turn right your girlfriend will not be happy. Neither will you I bet...when you see them handing out the champers and the onboard bar. You'll be kicking yourself thinking I could have been up front!!! Why did I change my ticket!!!
Darren

I would agree with the above.
Also personally if it is a day flight out and a night flight back I would fly back in UC then you can enjoy the ability to sleep. Having said that though, I think that (as others have said) that the UC experience will most certainly be better than PE and Y. I have flown in all three cabins on VS on long haul and after experiencing UC have not looked back.
As other have said, if travelling out of LHR in UC then definitely look to utilize DTCI as this is just too cool! No other airline does this like VS for us mere mortals lol and then try not to get too distracted on way to CH.

It will be interesting to hear about your views after you have returned in Y after experiencing all that travelling in UC can offer.

One way to look at it is that if UC wasnt all that then why are most of us here on V-flyer constantly on the look out for the Gs .

Well thats my nickels worth.

No mater what the plane UC is always way better than any other cabin. There is a medium leap in comfort from Y to PE and a huge leap from PE to UC. The food, the service, the seat - everything.
I agree the nose on the 747 is special and it really is from a bygone era - if they were fitting them out now there is no way they could keep all that free space in the middle.
Whilst the 330 are technically 4 across they are in the herringbone and you are not aware really what is across from you. They fixed the biggest bug bear - the clear screen between seats - which is now frosted.
It is still a wonderful experience - if you have any doubts then take UC one way and Y the other and then see which you preferred !

When travelling with someone I find it better to sit side by side in rather than across the isle as you will be able to chat better than having to shout across the isle.

As bretty said, you can sit opposite each other.
I don't think you'll be able to dine together as the suite is smaller than the "other" suites and it's just to cramped. I tried to dine with Simon on a A333 and failed.

Tish and further, pish! I am not exactly slim but we managed to dine a deux on the 330 a couple of times with me in the ottoman (well, it is the gentleman's place to take that seat). That said they could have looped the loop and even with no seat belt I would have been securely fastened in.

To the OP, as the others have said it's the end to end experience that matters....

I've recently taken to requesting to dine at the bar when in UC (which I always used to do 'unofficially', but it is now clearly listed as a 'formal' option on the menu). Whether alone or with someone else, it's now become my dining preference.

Also, some people don't like the 747 nose seats (I've seen a couple request to move seats once); they found it 'too intimate'.

Unless you're really looking to have a bad time, I just can't imagine how UC is not going to be a better experience than PE.

Besides, look: you've bagged some in-demand Gs in VS UC to NYC: be happy and enjoy (and report back)!