Talk to me about jumbo jets!

[Ari]

Very excited, just booked a flight to Orlando with Virgin and it says I'll be on a Boeing 747-300 which, if I'm not very much mistaken, is a pukka full on jumbo!

Never been on one before, what are they like?

I'm in economy I'm afraid, not upstairs, sadly...

[MitchT]

If you’re anything like me you’ll be mind-numbingly bored after the first hour or so, albeit on a bigger plane.

[Eric Mc]

They don't fly 747-300s for a start.

All their 747-400s are the more advanced 747-400s.

Flying in a 747 is no big deal really. Yes they are big inside but the novelty value wore off the 747 about 1980 or so. I first flew in a 747 (a series 100) in
1977.

[Pugland53]

Are you sure it says 300 and not 400? I thought Virgin got rid of all it's early jumbos a few years ago and only have 400s left. Pretty sure they never had a 300? Anyway, yes it's a full fat jumbo and Virgin are a great airline imo. Enjoy Florida, I've been many times and love it.

[Pugland53]

Beat me to it Eric.

[Munter]

Ari said:

Very excited, just booked a flight to Orlando with Virgin and it says I'll be on a Boeing 747-300 which, if I'm not very much mistaken, is a pukka full on jumbo!

Never been on one before, what are they like?

I'm in economy I'm afraid, not upstairs, sadly...

Imagine a Bus. Now give yourself a bit less leg room, and a narrower seat. But upgrade the seat in front so it can play you videos you don't want to see.

Enjoy!

[eharding]

I thought Virgin mix the 747-400 and A340-300 on transatlantic route - so the booking system is probably trying to tell the OP he'll be on a Boeibus 747-300, in the hope it will be at least 50% correct.

[Ari]

Just double checked, you're absolutely right, it's a 747-400

[Ari]

A lex said:

Virgin IFE is very good. If you have the option to select your seats I always go for the ones right at the back on either side in the 2x2 config on the 744 - you get more legroom off to the side and if you are travelling as a pair it means you are not stuck with some random stranger.

Thanks for the tip. Looks like everyone else had the same idea though, all taken.

[Pugland53]

Ari said:

Thanks for the tip. Looks like everyone else had the same idea though, all taken.

One downside to sitting at the back is its noisier, I prefer to sit in front of the engines as its quieter and if you choose your seat wisely you can be one of the the first 'cattle class' off the plane .

[Tiggsy]

Pugland53 said:

One downside to sitting at the back is its noisier, I prefer to sit in front of the engines as its quieter and if you choose your seat wisely you can be one of the the first 'cattle class' off the plane .

I like to remain asleep until all the cattle have long gone. If you fly across the planet, you can wait 10 mins to avoid a queue when you get there!

[Ari]

Dammit, I've put myself at the back! I've chosen a window seat, starboard side, where there's only one person in the row and they're in the aisle seat. I figured no one would choose the middle seat between two strangers unless the plane was full so I might get an empty seat next to me.

[Pugland53]

Tiggsy said:

Pugland53 said:

One downside to sitting at the back is its noisier, I prefer to sit in front of the engines as its quieter and if you choose your seat wisely you can be one of the the first 'cattle class' off the plane .

I like to remain asleep until all the cattle have long gone. If you fly across the planet, you can wait 10 mins to avoid a queue when you get there!

Good point, but I like to be first at the car hire desk to get the best choice of car possible. We went to Miami a few years ago and wanted a convertible, and among the usual Sebring rubbish was one Camaro convertible. We just managed to bag it before somebody else.

[miln0039]

OP - do get over to V-Flyer. Some very knowledgable bods over there when it comes to Virgin flights and the various seating plans and configurations.

As a rule of thumb though...Config 1 & 2 are Gatwick/Manchester based for the "holiday" type route (Orlando etc)- these will have an older IFE system (Odyssey or Neptune IIRC), these are based on a loop system rather than being the modern AVOD systems most run of transatlantic routes.

If you however have a config 3 or 4 plane, these are the LHR based planes, set up for business travel. This typically means 3 x as many upper class seats, and the V:Port AVOD in flight entertainment system. Which is MUCH better!!

When abouts do you fly? I know Virgin are FINALLY starting the upgrades on the Gatwick/Manchester 747s to have a new AVOD system and a full cabin refresh. These upgrades have been put back for the last 3-4 years on and off due to the global economic crisis. In reality however, they are perhaps 10 years overdue as the Gatwick 747s are VERY tired.

Get on your online booking and get some seats picked though. You will be able to see from the seating plan on the Virgin website which configuration you have (again use the maps over at V-Flyer to help). I hope you get a config 3 or 4...if not, buy a Tablet and load it with movies...

I feel like an anorak now....FML!!!!

[Ari]

Flying from Gatwick in about four weeks, so I guess it's the earlier type of plane.

[Big E 118]

I flew to San Fran earlier in the year and they had economy seats upstairs, behind First Class. Seemed to be more leg room up there, more storage and certainly quicker service. Best flight I've had in a long time!

Returning from Las Vegas the entire upstairs was first.

[Ari]

Looks like all first class upstairs on the seating plan.

[uk_vette]

Pugland53 said:

Ari said:

Thanks for the tip. Looks like everyone else had the same idea though, all taken.

One downside to sitting at the back is its noisier, I prefer to sit in front of the engines as its quieter and if you choose your seat wisely you can be one of the the first 'cattle class' off the plane .

.
I always try to get as far forward as possible, try keep away from the noise.
The noise is just deafening from say the middle of the engine to the fullest aft of the plane.

vette

[AB]

Ari said:

Looks like all first class upstairs on the seating plan.

Last couple of times I've flown Virgin, Upper to St Lucia from Heathrow and Premium to Orlando from Manchester premium has been upstairs and Upper towards the front of the lower deck.

[AB]

Oh, and both were on crappy planes I think!