Has anyone sat in “Row 5” on VA?

[Homer]

We’re travelling VA J SYD-LAX at the weekend and I just noticed a whole lot of seats open up. Previously the cabin looked full but I was just now able to move us forward out of row 3 and into row 1. I also notice that the enticingly marketed (if not in reality) row 5 is available - the one with the curtain. Has anyone tried it? Is it noisy being close to the bar/close to Y+? Is the curtain a good idea or does it feel claustrophobic?

 

[markis10]

If AFF ever gets T shirts done I reckon "been there done that, now read the trip report" would look good on them

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....d-trip-photos/good-bad-bne-hkt-mel-25421.html

 

[notzac]

We’re travelling VA J SYD-LAX at the weekend and I just noticed a whole lot of seats open up. Previously the cabin looked full but I was just now able to move us forward out of row 3 and into row 1. I also notice that the enticingly marketed (if not in reality) row 5 is available - the one with the curtain. Has anyone tried it? Is it noisy being close to the bar/close to Y+? Is the curtain a good idea or does it feel claustrophobic?

Yes -- both of my flights were in row 5. The privacy is v nice, but I definitely preferred the seats on the side rather than the block in the middle. I didn't have an issue with noise, though I could certainly see it being a problem if things got noisy (you're right in between the whY+ and J bars, as well as being right by the whY+ toilets).

 

[Homer]

Thanks notzac. I’ve read VA trip reports before but I haven’t read any particular opinions about how row 5 feels in terms of being closed in. I called my TA just now and she says she gets mixed reports. Some people love it while others don’t. Some of the photos I’ve seen make it look a bit closed in and given your comments about the middle seats (that’s where the three of us will be) I think I’ll stick with row 1.

 

[extracta]

I haven't travelled in row 5 but I would find the proximity to the bar a little disturbing.

Depending on who is at the bar and wether they are trying to work their way through the spirits, it can get a bit noisy down there.

My favourite seats are 1A and C as they have a bit of extra leg room. I have travelled in other seats in the cabin and all have plenty of leg room.

 

[Major]

SWMBO and myself were allocated row 5 H and K last year on a BNE to LAX flight. We did not find it claustrophobic at all. It was just like our own little world.
Not noisy, mainly because when I left the bar so had everyone else. We felt quite snug when the curtain was drawn and time for sleep. I thoroughly recommend it.

 

[Homer]

SWMBO and myself were allocated row 5 H and K last year on a BNE to LAX flight. We did not find it claustrophobic at all. It was just like our own little world.
Not noisy, mainly because when I left the bar so had everyone else. We felt quite snug when the curtain was drawn and time for sleep. I thoroughly recommend it.

So you can leave the curtain open until you are ready for sleep? While the curtain is open, does it feel like an ordinary set of seats?

 

[777]

My wife, infant son (5 months) and I did row 5 MEL-LAX-MEL. Absolutely perfect for those with screaming babies (see other thread which i've stayed out of about babies in J). He was actually pretty good both ways but the separate cabin area felt like it was plenty of space for all of us and the noise wasn't very intrusive.

Both ways we had most of it to ourselves -- on the way over they op-upped up a couple of people in flight from PE to the seats on the far side because they had some kind of IFE issue but they asked us first if we'd mind and i said no. On the way back it was probably the closest i'll get to a private jet any time soon -- pretty much the entire row to ourselves.

Claustrophobic? try sitting in the middle of a 4 abreast Y section with two huge guys on either side of you. THAT's claustrophobic!

 

[Major]

So you can leave the curtain open until you are ready for sleep? While the curtain is open, does it feel like an ordinary set of seats?

Yes it does, from 5 H you can see through into the rest of the J cabin. It's your curtain, open and close as you wish

 

[Homer]

Yes it does, from 5 H you can see through into the rest of the J cabin. It's your curtain, open and close as you wish

We’ll be in the middle three seats so no seeing through to J for us. But if we have independent curtain control then I’m happy enough.

 

[Homer]

OK Row 5 it is. I just called VA customer service to confirm a few things. The guy couldn’t understand how I was able to select Row 5 but he said it was a valid change on his system so that’s all good. He told me that if somebody decides to pay for Row 5 in the next two days and they want the three middle seats (you’d think unlikely) then we will be moved but as the loadings are light with 14 seats unsold in J the risk of an unfavourable move is highly unlikely.

Thanks for all the fast responses. I appreciate the opinions and insights.

 

[Major]

We’ll be in the middle three seats so no seeing through to J for us. But if we have independent curtain control then I’m happy enough.

You have a curtain on each side. Enjoy your trip

 

[malmacdowall]

Homer, how did you do online seat selection for your flight? is it via the website or do VA send you a link just before you fly? I'm doing the VA SYD to lax on Easter Monday ...

 

[Homer]

Homer, how did you do online seat selection for your flight? is it via the website or do VA send you a link just before you fly? I'm doing the VA SYD to lax on Easter Monday ...

Ah, I’m going on Sunday.

I just went to the VA web site, clicked on the Bookings menu and chose Retrieve Booking before entering my record locator and last name.

 

[malmacdowall]

Thanks for the tip.... Been on and done my selections... Y+ on the way over (hoping for an op up to J). And J on the way home.... Both look 70% full....

 

[Justinf]

My only trip in J on VA LAX-MEL was in 4D. Row 5 looked perfectly OK although when I did use the loo, you do tend to look at who is in row 5.Not sure why? The flight was full and the J bar didn't get a huge workout. Most (inlcluding myself) preferred to sleep.
Enjoy the trip.