1st Timer Queries: SYD>LAX (rtn) with Virgin

[acstewart25]

Hi All

My first post here, hoping for some advice from fellow travellers. I am a Gold Velocity flyer gained almost 100% from domestic travel and now travelling SYD>LAX (then Vegas, yet to be booked) return flight with Virgin in February 2016. A few questions for a novice on this route:

1. I have a saver fare and a currently sitting in 27D on both legs. I am considering paying for emergency seat (26A) for the return flight as its a night route. Considering I am 6ft 3" does this seem sensible choices for both legs? Its not cheap at $135 one way. I am concerned that the window seat (26A) might have the large door blocking leg room (as on some 747's).

2. Are there any other ways and means by possibly trying to use gold status / chance of upgrade(??). I would use points but require them for another trip later in the year. Just throwing it out there but fully understand I'll likely just have to pay up!

3. If I land in LAX at 6.30am, how long should I allow to then connect to a Virgin/Delta flight to Vegas? I might be able to just take hand luggage as its a very short trip so that will obviously help things.

Thanks very much, all advice much appreciated.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Row 26 is the overwing door, there's no slide bustle (protrusion) on that door because the slide is stored in the body of the aircraft, not the door itself.

 

[rioter]

Hi All

My first post here, hoping for some advice from fellow travellers. I am a Gold Velocity flyer gained almost 100% from domestic travel and now travelling SYD>LAX (then Vegas, yet to be booked) return flight with Virgin in February 2016. A few questions for a novice on this route:

1. I have a saver fare and a currently sitting in 27D on both legs. I am considering paying for emergency seat (26A) for the return flight as its a night route. Considering I am 6ft 3" does this seem sensible choices for both legs? Its not cheap at $135 one way. I am concerned that the window seat (26A) might have the large door blocking leg room (as on some 747's).

2. Are there any other ways and means by possibly trying to use gold status / chance of upgrade(??). I would use points but require them for another trip later in the year. Just throwing it out there but fully understand I'll likely just have to pay up!

3. If I land in LAX at 6.30am, how long should I allow to then connect to a Virgin/Delta flight to Vegas? I might be able to just take hand luggage as its a very short trip so that will obviously help things.

Thanks very much, all advice much appreciated.

1. I am a touch taller than you and even if it was my last 135$ i would do it in a heartbeat. It makes that flight in economy almost bearable.
2. Always expect to fly in the seat you paid for. Having said that, apart from the width i actually find the seats in virgin Y+ to be a little worst for leg room that exit rows as there is a foot rest in the way and my shins hit it. Save your points and money and go the exit row.
3. I think they require a 1:45 connection. I personally wouldn't allow for anything under 2 hours.

 

[Warks]

Just flew both ways in row 27 in the past month and if I were 3-4 inches taller like you I think it would be a struggle but that's the same in any seat in Y I guess. Plenty of space in front of the seats and you get the lovely waft from the toilet near there! Don't let that put you off though, 27 isn't much further away.

I'd almost suggest anything less than 3 hours could be asking for trouble in LAX but then sometimes things go swimmingly and you are straight through. On that flight there are a few planes that come in together but then it clears - we took a good two hours to get right through immigration, collect bags (which were waiting for us as immigration took forever -having to use the kiosks and the desks didn't help - walk to the Alaska Air terminal and go through security again. So two hours may be close. However there were four of us and luggage so your case could be different.

 

[acstewart25]

Thanks all, very useful - I've booked emergency aisle and will be sure to book my connection to Vegas with plenty of time to spare. If all goes quickly then I'll just pop to the Lounge!

Cheers.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks all, very useful - I've booked emergency aisle and will be sure to book my connection to Vegas with plenty of time to spare. If all goes quickly then I'll just pop to the Lounge!

Cheers.

Wouldn't emergency window be better? (for row 26, row 39 would have the slide in the way). Aisle seat kinda loses anywhere to store stuff.

 

[acstewart25]

Wouldn't emergency window be better? (for row 26, row 39 would have the slide in the way). Aisle seat kinda loses anywhere to store stuff.

My mistake - booked emergency window, meant to say emergency row - rookie error!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

My mistake - booked emergency window, meant to say emergency row - rookie error!

seems a good choice - at least you get a fraction of privacy there.

 

[Milboo]

Row 26 is my go to seat on this sector with VA. Be sure to grab a second blanket and bring warm socks as it is a bit colder due to the door. It is well worth the $135.

I was going to suggest upgrading (using the Gold benefit) to PE. I'd use the points for that rather than a later trip.

 

[cove]

Are you eligible for the 110,000 Velocity point American Express Platinum card for $349?

 

[acstewart25]

Don't think so - I have a velocity AMEX (red one - no fee) which I've had for a few years. I assume I am not eligible as already AMEX cardholder? Thanks.

 

[cove]

Ok that was the same sort of issue our family has with that running offer. My sister in law could qualify but not us.

 

[Demon_fan]

To upgrade you need to make sure that award seats are available for that flight.

You also need to be booked on a Flexi fare, as you're on a saver you have zero chance.