Old EK 330s - Something needs to be done

[DJVA]

As a gold Velocity member who frequents the SYD/MEL-PER route, every time I book and then when I board the plane, I get a pang of anxiety just in case I'm confronted with an old EK 330. While the J product may be acceptable (the IFE isn't), it's another story in economy. The shocking seats make a wall at the head rest, so I can't see through the seats ahead of me. It's the only time I've ever sufferd claustrophobia.

Not to mention the seats are very uncomfortable and the terrible IFE. Please Velocity, let the powers to be that a refurb, putting in the same seats and IFE as the new 330s would be so welcome! Your coast to coast product is so solid, except for the EK planes.

 

[MarkD]

I find nothing wrong with them. Better than a 737.
Dont think anyone other than a qualified medical specialist can help you with Anxiety over getting a particular aeroplane. Seriously, I thought this section was meant to be a section to communicate with VFF about real VELOCITY issues

 

[Velocity Frequent Flyer]

As a gold Velocity member who frequents the SYD/MEL-PER route, every time I book and then when I board the plane, I get a pang of anxiety just in case I'm confronted with an old EK 330. While the J product may be acceptable (the IFE isn't), it's another story in economy. The shocking seats make a wall at the head rest, so I can't see through the seats ahead of me. It's the only time I've ever sufferd claustrophobia.

Not to mention the seats are very uncomfortable and the terrible IFE. Please Velocity, let the powers to be that a refurb, putting in the same seats and IFE as the new 330s would be so welcome! Your coast to coast product is so solid, except for the EK planes.

Hi DJVA, sorry to read your post.
When booking, you are able to see which planes operate which routes and times, so you could choose alternate 737 flights to the A330s.
Guests should always be aware though that aircraft can be swapped out, but keeping in touch with us via the call centre closer to your flight might give you piece of mind.

 

[Virgin Bart]

VFF..... Never, ever suggest taking a 737 over an 330. Please.

 

[samh004]

VFF..... Never, ever suggest taking a 737 to a 330. Please.

So it wasn't just me that found that bit of advice the silliest he'd ever read on AFF!

 

[Velocity Frequent Flyer]

VFF..... Never, ever suggest taking a 737 to a 330. Please.

Well as an alternative for the OP.... our E-jets don't fly the trans-continental route...

 

[oz_mark]

Well as an alternative for the OP.... our E-jets don't fly the trans-continental route...

Might need to install the long range fuel tanks for that

 

[MarkD]

Might need to install the long range fuel tanks for that

I would line up for that. Love the E Jets

 

[Sprucegoose]

As a gold Velocity member who frequents the SYD/MEL-PER route, every time I book and then when I board the plane, I get a pang of anxiety just in case I'm confronted with an old EK 330. While the J product may be acceptable (the IFE isn't), it's another story in economy. The shocking seats make a wall at the head rest, so I can't see through the seats ahead of me. It's the only time I've ever sufferd claustrophobia.

Not to mention the seats are very uncomfortable and the terrible IFE. Please Velocity, let the powers to be that a refurb, putting in the same seats and IFE as the new 330s would be so welcome! Your coast to coast product is so solid, except for the EK planes.

Do you alternate with QF?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

So it wasn't just me that found that bit of advice the silliest he'd ever read on AFF!

I think that may have been VFF displaying a bit of satirical wit!

 

[Velocity Frequent Flyer]

I think that may have been VFF displaying a bit of satirical wit!

My comment about the E-jet certainly was Swanning_it!

While most would prefer the wide body aircraft flying transcon, if the OP finds issue with the A330 seats, then probably best to stick with a 737.

 

[serfty]

...

While most would prefer the wide body aircraft flying transcon, if the OP finds issue with the A330 seats, then probably best to stick with a 737.

The OP has a point though.

There's certainly a difference between the 332 seats on XFA/XFB when compered with the seats in the rest of the VA 332 fleet.

 

[lovestotravel]

Hi DJVA, sorry to read your post.
When booking, you are able to see which planes operate which routes and times, so you could choose alternate 737 flights to the A330s.
Guests should always be aware though that aircraft can be swapped out, but keeping in touch with us via the call centre closer to your flight might give you piece of mind.

So are there any plans to upgrade the EK A330's to the same as the new A330s?

 

[serfty]

So are there any plans to upgrade the EK A330's to the same as the new A330s?

I'm not VFF, but I believe the answer is currently No.

 

[TirEoghain]

I was told in the SYD lounge last year that they were planning to get rid of XFA/XFB once they get more 332s in service. Not sure how many more that was though. At the time XFC/XFD & XFE were all in service. XFE was only a few weeks old at the time.

As an aside, did the IFE in seat 1A of XFE ever get fixed??

 

[Velocity Frequent Flyer]

So are there any plans to upgrade the EK A330's to the same as the new A330s?

I have no info on this sorry.

 

[RooFlyer]

I have no info on this sorry.

Sorry, you mean the blighters won't tell you if they have any plans or not?

 

[mannej]

The seats remind me of the old CX regional seats, which weren't the worst seats ever.
I can see the issues with the IFE as it is outdated and from what I have heard not maintained very well either.

 

[lovestotravel]

I have no info on this sorry.

So that's a no then

Thanks