Buster CT1K

I just wanted to relate how wonderful a flight was that I had from London to New York. It was a Sunday and there was not too much traffic in the Clubhouse. Nose section and upper deck were full but second cabin on main deck was only half full. No raucous happenings at the bar that I saw. Crew were particularly attentive and helpful, and food was acceptable.

It was my 1st time in the VS 747. I must say it is my favorite aircraft, with the nose section feeling particularly uncrowded. The A340-600 is OK; the A330 is just overcramped and those translucent dividers insufficiently private.

Boarding was smooth. I would gladly fly VS in Upper Class again.

ANstar

Enjoy the 747 while you can. The Heathrow based 747's are being retired between September this year and April next.

The JFK route over winter is going to be predominantly A340-600 (A346)

VS 3/4 A346
VS 9/10 mix of 346 / 747
VS 25/26 A346
VS 45/46 A346 (some days operated by 789 from the end of JAN)
VS111/112 346 5 days a week and 333 2 days a week

This is a change from last winter which was mostly 333/747.

I guess its a combination of factors....
- The 346 is fuel thirsty so better used on shorter routes now the 787's will be doing JNB/HKG/SFO/PVG
- By replacing 333's with 346's it balances out the capacity lost from replacing 747's with 346's ie 747 has 367, 346 has 308 and 333 has 266 capacity. Overall though it is an increase in J seats on the JFK route.

Also it means the unpopular 333 business seat is rarely seen on the important JFK route.

StingWest

Possibly/probably a rookie question, but how does one find out the schedule in advance for the utilisation of new aircraft on a particular route?

Buster CT1K

Yeah, I agree that the 333 UC seat was a terrible mis-step on the part of VS.

I do wish the videoscreens were HD on the 747 and 346, but alas they are not. The experience is grainy and outdated.