Unlike past road trips, where we have booked directly with VA, this time we booked a fly-drive package with Virgin Holidays. When we booked there was a sale on and we got the return flights plus a car (midsize SUV) for less than the cost of our flights to Vegas 2 years ago. We also got free access to the Virgin lounge in Manchester airport so - quite good value really.
Being PE we could choose our seats months before we flew and as I am super organised I had the date saved and did this asap. I wanted to choose seats early as I was keen for us to sit in the bubble. For those that aren't aware the "Bubble" is the top deck of a jumbo jet and it looks like this
with so few seats in it feels like an oasis of calm compared to this (and this is just the economy section of the lower deck)
As well as more space PE comes with quite a few advantages - extra luggage (handy if your hubby wants to bring a chainsaw back from USA and yes that did happen 2 years ago), priority boarding, upgraded food and drink options. Because there are fewer seats in the bubble the flght attendants also seem to have more time for you. If you are flying economy I would also recommend you choose seats in the bubble when you can. You may not get all the perks but you get the peace, the attentive service and you're off the plane quickly as the top deck is emptied before the economy section downstairs. I always check out my seat selection on seatguru.com before finally committing. It lets you know of any issues such as limited seat recline / foot room etc.
Our flight was just over 8 hours. There is hours (days probably) of entertainment to watch - all latest releases too. We had a problem with hubby's screen so they gave him an ipad to watch the films on. Food and drink is excellent. Glass of prosecco on boarding then a constant steam of food, drinks and ice cream - even afternoon tea before we landed (warm scones and clotted cream - mmmmmmmm!) Hubby was driving as soon as we landed but I wasn't so I took full advantage of the drinks on offer.
Here's some photos..
Hubby is never going to "enjoy" flying but at least doing it this way it's as stress free as it can be for him (and I get the vodka - hic!).
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