I try not to harp on the South Africa route but it is my most regular trip (from when I was 9 years old!) Since BA have obviously sorted the local problems, VS should have been able to do so. I do understand that VS thought they could make more money elsewhere (this long before the Delta days) BUT as the routes have always been cash cows for BA - how not for VS? As mentioned, you only have to list the 744s, T7s and 380s that arrive at JNB + CPT everyday to know that this is a prime route.
Now, of course, there is no hope of building it back as everything has to be decided in Atlanta. Full membership of Sky Team must be on the cards! |
Originally Posted by Wycombe
(Post 10389218)
Indeed, apparently due to Union rules. The ramp workers can't come out to play until there has been no lightning detected for 15 mins within 5 miles (I think). We sat watching the bolts came down counting-up the further 15 minute delays :-)
|
Originally Posted by PAXboy
(Post 10389338)
Full membership of Sky Team must be on the cards!
Now that annoyed me on principle in January so I flew the time after that with UA through EWR to bolster my *A points just to spite 'em. Ha! (Edit: before anyone suggests it, no point in joining the VS flying club - especially now - you never get the critical mass from a single airline unless you fly from a a conventional hub). |
I don't know who handles VS in MCO, but if it is DL, who do handle VS in other US locations, it won't have anything to do with union rules as the ground crews are not unionised in most cities. Even in Mickey's parks there were warnings that lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the core of the storm. For me the daily lightning shows just made the holiday a bit more interesting! |
Originally Posted by 22/04
(Post 10386667)
Yes indeed. VS decided they really didn't want any seasonal routes ( misguided Brits go to Orlando in summer) - they cost more to promote and operate. The transatlantic and Delta feed are now the most important market. Am surprised by Tel Aviv though expect it will be okay- there is a lot of competition but the premium and Upper options may tempt those prepared to pay a bit more.
Also not all passengers who fly to MCO have the Orlando area as their final/only destination or are interested in the parks. For example, to get to the Gulf Coast from MAN the choices are to either fly to MCO and drive (only 2hrs from MCO to the beaches in the Tampa Bay Area), drive to LGW (4-5hrs drive depending on traffic plus stops) for the TPA flights with BA or Norwegian, or to change somewhere (whether it's in KEF or somewhere in the US). |
Originally Posted by pholling
(Post 10388878)
I have never been able to figure out why there isn't more UK-MCO traffic during the autumn and winter half terms and Easter. A much better time to get your Mickey fix, especially the half-term breaks when all the Americans are in school. Anyhow, VS's UK-US ops are now very much in the hands of the planners in ATL. So any changes there are well thought through by those folks. Now that DL and AF/KL have the vast majority of shares I would imagine similar treatment will be given to other ops, which were only partially controlled by ATL in the past. As for lightning, that always closes the ramp. Can't place or remove the jet bridge, fuel, or unload/load baggage for the duration. A pain, but everyone is equally affected. Lightning disruption can be a pain, but I fully respect any decision taken due to the risks. They deal with lightning on a far more regular basis than us Brits, so I acknowledge that they wouldn't be hiding inside just because they feel like it and they know what they're doing. |
Originally Posted by 116d
(Post 10389794)
I currently don't have kids and completely agree with you. I've been in September a couple of times shortly after Labour Day and providing you accept the fact that you may be impacted by a hurricane due to the time of year, you are rewarded with 25-30c temperatures and more comfortable levels of humidity, cheaper accommodation rates and much shorter queues at the parks (so much so you can get on some rides more than once within a short space of time whereas a few weeks prior you could be waiting for over an hour or so). Ditto with Mediterranean destinations - quieter, cheaper but the weather generally just as good/more comfortable than a few weeks prior.
Lightning disruption can be a pain, but I fully respect any decision taken due to the risks. They deal with lightning on a far more regular basis than us Brits, so I acknowledge that they wouldn't be hiding inside just because they feel like it and they know what they're doing. |
......although I've talked quite a bit about the stormy (and hot/humid) MCO we experienced last year (June/July) our previous trip was at this time of year. Mainly sunny, warm enough (70's), no storms or humidity. Very pleasant as I remember and less queues in the parks, although a few (esp. waterparks) were closed. Also managed to do a bit of space (Cape Canaveral) and aviation (The Kermit Weeks/Fantasy of Flight Museum at Polk City). Have fun.
Sorry for going OT! |
Originally Posted by Wycombe
(Post 10390372)
......although I've talked quite a bit about the stormy (and hot/humid) MCO we experienced last year (June/July) our previous trip was at this time of year. Mainly sunny, warm enough (70's), no storms or humidity. Very pleasant as I remember and less queues in the parks, although a few (esp. waterparks) were closed. Also managed to do a bit of space (Cape Canaveral) and aviation (The Kermit Weeks/Fantasy of Flight Museum at Polk City). Have fun.
Sorry for going OT! Back OT, I paid a little extra for the Virgin Economy Delight offering, thinking the extra legroom would be worth it. It's a 744, not sure if anybody else has tried it? |
Originally Posted by andrewn
(Post 10390547)
thanks Wycombe, I checked and the waterparks re-open just before we go.
Back OT, I paid a little extra for the Virgin Economy Delight offering, thinking the extra legroom would be worth it. It's a 744, not sure if anybody else has tried it? Dont let that put you off. Enjoy AF7 |
VS PE is indeed very good - way better than BA WT+. I've used it on 744, 346 and 330.
In my opinion, the best seats in economy (with no extra charges) on the 744 are at the very back on the main deck (last 3 rows I think), the side seats where the fuselage narrows are 2-across with extra space between the outermost seat and the side-wall. Nice if travelling as a couple. |
Originally Posted by Wycombe
(Post 10390570)
VS PE is indeed very good - way better than BA WT+. I've used it on 744, 346 and 330.
In my opinion, the best seats in economy (with no extra charges) on the 744 are at the very back on the main deck (last 3 rows I think), the side seats where the fuselage narrows are 2-across with extra space between the outermost seat and the side-wall. Nice if travelling as a couple. |
Originally Posted by andrewn
(Post 10390639)
But I'm not actually sure we are in what you call PE? If you look athe link there's the 3 different Economy flavours (of which we are in Delight), Premium and Upper Class.
W is Premium Y separate smaller cabin and bigger seats, enhanced service and meals |
Thanks Rog - I thought as much
|
Originally Posted by andrewn
(Post 10390547)
thanks Wycombe, I checked and the waterparks re-open just before we go.
Back OT, I paid a little extra for the Virgin Economy Delight offering, thinking the extra legroom would be worth it. It's a 744, not sure if anybody else has tried it? If you can, make sure your Delight seats are in the bubble. Although if you can wangle an upgrade to PE, you won't be disappointed. That's right about the water parks. I know that during the winter months Disney closes one of them at a time for annual maintenance (they call it "rehabilitation"), but best to check beforehand which one will be open as they don't close them in the same order every year. I saw why in March 2016 as Blizzard Beach was open whilst Typhoon Lagoon was closed and, maintenance aside, it wasn't that busy - mind you it was a weekday. In the previous couple of years before, Blizzard Beach was closed at that time. Anyway, back on topic...enjoy the 747 experience! :ok: |
Originally Posted by azz767
(Post 10388917)
In my experience a week just isn’t enough for the land of the mouse. The problem with half term is going for longer than a week at these times means taking your child out of school, which now means our stupid government give you a stupid fine meaning you have to spend stupid money on going in the holidays. I have however seen cases where the fine for taking the child out of school has worked out less than the increase in cost for going in summer so the parents have swallowed the fine It depends if it's your first time or not. If you're going for the first time then I agree a week isn't enough and 2 weeks is needed to do all of them at a reasonable pace and still have time for a chill day by the pool or shopping or go further afield. If you're going in low season, you could get away with doing it in 10 days if you're prepared to do 2 parks in one day. If you know what you want to do and what you don't want to do, then you might get away with 1 week. It also depends on the individual/group. For example, I find there isn't enough at Epcot or Magic Kingdom to keep me there for the whole day (again, please remember I don't have kids), so I once visited both in the same day. I also find that Epcot only really has enough rides of interest to keep me occupied for half a day and the World Showcase is heavily food & drink orientated, whereas Magic Kingdom is great for the day if you have young kids/families. |
Virgin Atlantic drops mandatory makeup for female cabin crew
Airline says crew can work without makeup but must follow chosen palette if they do The Guardian |
Brazil
Virgin Atlantic are launching flights from Heathrow to São Paulo from 2020.* https://www.businesstraveller.com/bu...merican-route/ |
Virgin Atlantic are launching flights from Heathrow to São Paulo from 2020.* |
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/201...im-unfair-pay/ good luck to the cabin crew. I just don't understand why in Europe it's a constant battle with so called "management" |
Originally Posted by ATIS
(Post 10426641)
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/201...im-unfair-pay/ good luck to the cabin crew. I just don't understand why in Europe it's a constant battle with so called "management" The power of a brand. |
Flew out last Sunday to lasvegas with virgin from Gatwick not many happy VS cabin crew with the loss soon of the 747 from gatwick being transferred to Heathrow on 787 also being flown back next day as passengers to uk I was impressed with all the staff happy done jobs well |
Originally Posted by 116d
(Post 10390797)
Last off-topic post from me!
It depends if it's your first time or not. If you're going for the first time then I agree a week isn't enough and 2 weeks is needed to do all of them at a reasonable pace and still have time for a chill day by the pool or shopping or go further afield. If you're going in low season, you could get away with doing it in 10 days if you're prepared to do 2 parks in one day. If you know what you want to do and what you don't want to do, then you might get away with 1 week. It also depends on the individual/group. For example, I find there isn't enough at Epcot or Magic Kingdom to keep me there for the whole day (again, please remember I don't have kids), so I once visited both in the same day. I also find that Epcot only really has enough rides of interest to keep me occupied for half a day and the World Showcase is heavily food & drink orientated, whereas Magic Kingdom is great for the day if you have young kids/families. |
Originally Posted by 116d
(Post 10390789)
The Economy seats in the rear half of the bubble on the 747 are sold as Economy Delight seats along with a number of seats in the main cabin. I am 6ft tall and the legroom does make a difference having sat up there coming back from JFK 3 months ago and downstairs on the way out, plus the bubble has a more quiet, intimate atmosphere and there's storage bins at the side in between the windows and the window seat (the overhead bins are there as well, but are slightly smaller than downstairs). As the front half of the bubble is also PE, you will be let off the aircraft before the rest of the Economy cabin which will be just what you need when you land at MCO to avoid the immigration queues.
If you can, make sure your Delight seats are in the bubble. Although if you can wangle an upgrade to PE, you won't be disappointed. That's right about the water parks. I know that during the winter months Disney closes one of them at a time for annual maintenance (they call it "rehabilitation"), but best to check beforehand which one will be open as they don't close them in the same order every year. I saw why in March 2016 as Blizzard Beach was open whilst Typhoon Lagoon was closed and, maintenance aside, it wasn't that busy - mind you it was a weekday. In the previous couple of years before, Blizzard Beach was closed at that time. Anyway, back on topic...enjoy the 747 experience! :ok: Other than that nothing but good things to say about VS and the 744 - both flights ran either to time or early, cabin crew were great, the 744 was fantastic to fly on - still the queen of the skies, despite both our planes being circa 20yrs young! And the flightcrew were happy to show the kids round the cockpit on landing in MCO - always a nice touch, and very much appreciated. |
With the double daily flights from both LGW and MAN to MCO a good chunk of the year, what A/C is likely to take these routes over from the 744. |
Originally Posted by goldeneye
(Post 10450439)
With the double daily flights from both LGW and MAN to MCO a good chunk of the year, what A/C is likely to take these routes over from the 744. |
But as the A350 at LHR and MAN are both high in business class they are more likely to go to JFK and ATL possibly LAX
|
Originally Posted by chaps1954
(Post 10450451)
But as the A350 at LHR and MAN are both high in business class they are more likely to go to JFK and ATL possibly LAX
|
The travel weekly interview with the CEO seems to suggest that there will be 7 A350's based at Heathrow and 5 at Gatwick, with the latter presumably in the leisure configuration. I guess either the two 332's from Gatwick will be used for expansion there (possibly the BOS/JFK routes if Delta don't fly them), or they will move up to Manchester to expand that base.
I guess if this is the case the question remains if Manchester will see the A350's rotated through to operate the MCO route, or if it will go over to the A330, presumably with a frequency boost? It will also be interesting to see how they will expand LGW if Delta end up operating the BOS/JFK routes, since they seem to have been slowly shrinking there for the past few years. Link here: http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articl...irgin-atlantic |
I read somewhere else a quote that referred to the first 7 A350s being based at LHR & MAN, but the quote in that Travel Weekly article only mentions LHR.
Weiss said: “The first seven will be based at Heathrow, then five at Gatwick perhaps by 2021.” So unless some of the a/c are rotated through MAN, it would seem we may have to rely on the A330s when the B747s are phased out. |
https://www.ausbt.com.au/virgin-atla...e-a-new-design
Daniel Kerzner in this article seems to suggest that MAN will get some of the more premium heavy batch of the initial seven. Whether 1/2 of the LGW will do MCO and rotate down route is another question but the article above definitely suggests that of the initial 7, 'some' (I would say two) are destined for MAN, probably for JFK and ATL ops |
Yes they were mentioned and that they are the high end business machines 44 business class from memory.
my feelings are that we will see the Gatwick ones as well but just on MCO as it is very high demand from Manchester and will involve aircraft changing over at MCO as the B747s do now |
VS 75 and 109 cancelled from MAN today. Is there a problem with the 744's?
|
Presumably there is profit to be made but how much expense is there is what seems like disproportionate ferrying of 747s for Orlando weekend flights. As per VirginSource there are multiple short ferry flights eg GLA-BFS, MAN-GLA, LGW-MAN etc which must be a crewing and logistical nightmare. |
Originally Posted by azz767
(Post 10451842)
VS 75 and 109 cancelled from MAN today. Is there a problem with the 744's?
This mornings VS074 from MCO was cancelled after the aircraft due to operate the flight G-VROS, was diverted to MIA due weather which resulted in the aircraft night stopping there. VS plan to add and additional flight tonight from MCO to MAN operating as VS1074. |
There was a lot of shifting around of times and gates before the decision to cancel the VS74 Manchester flight was announced. Annoyingly, at least for us Manchester bound passengers, the inward flight from Glasgow (which was already running late) on which we were due to return was switched to cover the Gatwick flight, leaving us in Orlando for another 24 hours. One service rep said it might be because of slot problems at Manchester. Does that sound realistic? With over 100 flights cancelled at MCO yesterday some disruption was always likely - but was there some advantage in choosing to drop VS74 rather than Gatwick? |
Bid for TCX
Just being reported on sky news that VS are bidding to buy TCX long haul operations. |
Originally Posted by johnw1951
(Post 10452033)
There was a lot of shifting around of times and gates before the decision to cancel the VS74 Manchester flight was announced. Annoyingly, at least for us Manchester bound passengers, the inward flight from Glasgow (which was already running late) on which we were due to return was switched to cover the Gatwick flight, leaving us in Orlando for another 24 hours. One service rep said it might be because of slot problems at Manchester. Does that sound realistic? With over 100 flights cancelled at MCO yesterday some disruption was always likely - but was there some advantage in choosing to drop VS74 rather than Gatwick? |
Originally Posted by fatmed
(Post 10467458)
Just being reported on sky news that VS are bidding to buy TCX long haul operations. |
VS orders A330neo for A330ceo (-200 and -300) replacement plus 6 options for expansion at Paris.
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