VA A330 and 737-800 legroom

[GladstoneTim]

Hi,
Recently flew BNE-PER return with the forward journey via MEL. I was under the impression that the 737 had less legroom, especially critical on coast to coast flights. Hence going via MEL (737 and then transfer to A330). It actually seems that the 737 had more legroom. Would others agree that is an accurate observation?

Not worth doing a trip report about, but found the VA service excellent. Yes, the "meal" was small but quite filling and the drinks and chocolate bar offered fulfilled their purpose. Crews were excellent. The only downside was the lack of a gluten-free option which we knew about beforehand.

 

[Mattg]

I haven't flown the VA A330 in economy, but if the legroom on the 737 is better then I don't think I want to! :shock:

 

[pauly7]

I haven't flown the VA A330 in economy, but if the legroom on the 737 is better then I don't think I want to! :shock:

When I fly trans con I fly business so don't normally experience Y in an A330 as that is where VA normally routes them. Having said that I call the VA A330 a slippery species as they constantly downgrade them to 737s when they didn't have a viable load so I've switched as much of my PER flying that I control to QF.

I have flown it a couple of times and didn't notice it being any tighter than their 737s. Maybe it just feels that way with cabin design?

 

[andyhui01]

The newer 737s with the ambient lighting and 30 rows have pretty poor legroom. But the older ones with 29 rows are much better. Maybe you got the older 737's

 

[Bagpuss]

When I fly trans con I fly business so don't normally experience Y in an A330 as that is where VA normally routes them. Having said that I call the VA A330 a slippery species as they constantly downgrade them to 737s when they didn't have a viable load so I've switched as much of my PER flying that I control to QF.

I have flown it a couple of times and didn't notice it being any tighter than their 737s. Maybe it just feels that way with cabin design?

I've been on both and often feel tighter in the B737 than A330. Though apparently the pitch can slightly vary in some rows on aircraft.

The better seat pitch is actually on F100's.

Also on the QF comment, they also do switch / downgrade to B737 from A330's on the coast to coast routes.

 

[Lemon_Party]

The A330 feels bigger to me, but that could well be subjectively based on the overall feeling of space the wide body gives. I find 5 hours on a 737 too long. Get a little claustrophobic cabin fever by the end...

Really interesting your comments on food though - I personally didn't think virgins food/'meal' offerings could get worse on coast to coast service, but they've had a pretty good attempt at lowering the bar with the new tiny microwave tray and 25g snack bar...

 

[Ausbt]

Does anyone know if Row 10 on the A330 is the equivalent to Row 3 (in terms of legroom space)? Specifically 10A, thanks.

 

[MH_fan]

Does anyone know if Row 10 on the A330 is the equivalent to Row 3 (in terms of legroom space)? Specifically 10A, thanks.

It's not unfortunately. There is more knee room but you can't stretch your legs out like you can on row 3 of the 737s.

 

[Ausbt]

It's not unfortunately. There is more knee room but you can't stretch your legs out like you can on row 3 of the 737s.

Thanks, I might go for an exit row then. Had some WP free upgrades but couldn't justify the cost of a Flexi, unfortunately, so no chance of getting into J.