FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - NZ/Virgin Atlantic via Shanghai vs. NZ via HK
Old Apr 7, 2011, 2:27 am
  #5  
libertyuk
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NZ
Programs: NZ Gold, BA Gold, QF Silver, IHG Platinum Elite Ambassador, Accor Diamond
Posts: 1,048
Originally Posted by Rebound
The A340-600 offers a great product in Y/Y+/Business
Not in Y it doesn't, and in Y+ it is variable.

Upper Class hard product on VS on A346s is marginally better than NZ (1-1-1 cabin offers more privacy at the seats that face the partition) and the LHR Clubhouse is always worth a visit (with the T3 express checkin and security).

VS in Y+ has better seats than NZ on the 77Es (2-3-2 on A346) in that they are marginally wider, although seat pitch is a little less. However you need to avoid the rows in the middle between bathrooms that regularly get invaded by Y passengers. My other half flew this once and never got any sleep. VS Y+ soft product is significantly inferior to NZ. I'd fly VS in Y+ only if I knew I could avoid the back three rows.

VS in Y is dire. 31" pitch (used to be 29-31). Service largely by young WAG wannabes who primarily get animated if they find an attractive male passenger they can entertain at the other end otherwise they ..... in the galley and talk doggerel not caring how loud they are. Many of the Y seats have half of the footspace taken up by the IFE boxes.

I have flown once in VS in Y, LHR-HKG and never again. NZ seats are wider, with more seat pitch, more comfortable contouring and cushioning and less floor space taken up.

The status points issue has already been mentioned and is entirely valid, if these matter to you, VS will not offer them.

In short, I'd fly VS Upper Class no hesitation, Y+ if the money mattered more than status points, and avoid Y.
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