Old 777 J - are they maintaining it OK?

[rtyuiop]

Hi folks,

Anyone been on a 777 lately? Wondering if they are maintaining the interiors properly leading up to the refit as I have a couple of transpacs coming up in them. Any planes with seats that should be avoided?

Cheers,

Danny

 

[Lucas Groeneveld]

Anybody have any updates on the new J roll-out schedule?

 

[elbarto]

I would say yes because broken seats = unhappy passengers

 

[strezza]

Anybody have any updates on the new J roll-out schedule?

New seatmap is showing LAX-SYD on the 7th April and SYD-LAX on the 9th April. Every second day to start with (same day turnaround).

 

[Ausbt]

I flew SYD-AUH in J a couple of weeks back, seemed fine. Clearly scuffed but everything works. What I've noticed is a drop off in cabin service. No CSM greeting on last 4 J flights (not that I really care). But on the SYD-AUH cabin crew did not make up my bed at all. I waited and waited. Every other pax had their bed, but I had to chase down the CSM in her lovely new black uniform to get this done (fair enough, she was supervising people at the bar but she does have other crew, right?). Also that flight was very quiet - a total of only 9 J pax so hey, it's not like you are really busy right?

It was a points upgrade. I'm flying back this Friday and psyching myself up for EY Y LHR-AUH-SYD (A380 at least) as there is no VA metal returning from AUH right no so no upgrade. Last time I checked an EY J upgrade (or more likely purchase with points) was 93K points, if anyone has any experience upgrading a VA Flexi when on EY metal let me know but I don't think it's possible. WP with VA but only PS with EY. Oh yeah on EY AUH-LHR I was seated in Y (exit row) next to an EY WP - gee he got the full CSM greeting, extra F&B etc etc which only rubs a bit of salt into VA's declining levels of service, really.

 

[rtyuiop]

Thanks ausbt!

Yeah, I was on one back in September last year and they were a bit worn then too! Bit weird - I hadn't made it onto a VA 777 since they started flying, and now it's looking like 3 flights within about 6 months, just before they bring the J seats up to scratch.

 

[Kolo]

I've just done transpac return in J and all was fine. Looking forward to the new layout though.

 

[rtyuiop]

I've just done transpac return in J and all was fine. Looking forward to the new layout though.

Good to hear - thanks Kolo!

Yeah, it's a bit sad when the hardware is so much nicer on transcon (assuming an A330) than transpac.

 

[backofthebus]

Oh yeah on EY AUH-LHR I was seated in Y (exit row) next to an EY WP - gee he got the full CSM greeting, extra F&B etc etc which only rubs a bit of salt into VA's declining levels of service, really.

Yeah this has happened to me in Y on EY flights over the past 2 months. As a VA WP, it is a slap in the face seeing EY or EY 'Partner' Golds getting recognition/ treats!

 

[bubblyguy]

Yeah this has happened to me in Y on EY flights over the past 2 months. As a VA WP, it is a slap in the face seeing EY or EY 'Partner' Golds getting recognition/ treats!

When you say treats what sort of things are you looking for?

Some of my family live in AUH and fly with EY all the time and constantly get upgraded from Y to J being Gold Elites complimentary. Obviously VA only does this in an oversell situation along with WPs having their 4 upgrades to use at their leisure.

I know when I have had the CSM welcome at some airlines where they walk around with the manifest highlighted with all the premium frequent flyers I don't feel that it is very genuine and more of a chore. I would rather it not be done if they are just going to read names from the manifest.

 

[Ausbt]

I know when I have had the CSM welcome at some airlines where they walk around with the manifest highlighted with all the premium frequent flyers I don't feel that it is very genuine and more of a chore.

It's relatively pointless if you are flying J, but if you are flying Y then you might ask for your meal to be brought to you or a drink thus avoiding the wait for the trolley. That's about the only benefit, really. Oddly enough it has been partner airlines like AirNZ or Etihad where I've noticed it. VA only do it in J (occassionally) and again, what's the point?

 

[serfty]

Her's a useful post by SimonD just before Christmas:

Below are dates with the updated seat maps


VA1 SYDLAX APR 09 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 01 03 05 07. From the 9th May onwards, everyday.
VA2 LAXSYD APR 07 09 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 01 03 05. From the 7th May onwards, everyday.

VA7 BNELAX JUN 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 From the 30th June onwards, everyday.
VA8 LAXBNE JUN 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26. From the 28th June onwards, everyday.

Days in between still have the original seat map.

 

[Spacetravel]

It's relatively pointless if you are flying J, but if you are flying Y then you might ask for your meal to be brought to you or a drink thus avoiding the wait for the trolley. That's about the only benefit, really. Oddly enough it has been partner airlines like AirNZ or Etihad where I've noticed it. VA only do it in J (occassionally) and again, what's the point?

I've had it between SYD and LAX On VA every time (at least 8 flights in the last couple years) I haven't been in J. Whenever I'm in J I "just" get the standard J greeting.

 

[rtyuiop]

To report back on my own question - no real signs of deterioration on VA7 today. Cabin certainly needs a refresh with a few areas that needed new fabric or plastic, but that was the case 6 months ago as well.

Only slight weirdness is that from what I saw, everyone (including myself) got the women's amenity kit (which is great, as it includes tissues!) - possibly they're running them out? Is there a new kit coming with the new seats that I haven't heard about?

 

[Ausbt]

VA2 LAXSYD APR 07 09 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 01 03 05.

How could I have chosen the 24th to fly? Considering a change, although I'm only in PE so wondering how much better the new PE will be.

 

[clipped_wings]

How could I have chosen the 24th to fly? Considering a change, although I'm only in PE so wondering how much better the new PE will be.

Too funny! I love reading all this talk about J class, even though we're only booked in PE as well. I do know our seats were moved from 12 to 16 to accommodate the new, smaller cabin, but from all reports it should be a premium soft product, with improved (plated) meal service, refreshed seats and 41" pitch. A new larder will house snacks and beverages, but I did notice that the second toilet has been re-allocated to J.
Nothing will beat a lie down bed though, so we're still waitlisted for J both legs......
The current PE is ok, but 4 seats in the middle - ugh! No improvement scheduled for that unfortunately. Lucky we chose A and C.

 

[Ausbt]

The current PE is ok, but 4 seats in the middle - ugh! No improvement scheduled for that unfortunately. Lucky we chose A and C.

I priced changing my flights LAX-SYD to 23rd or 25th - ouch! AUD$1K fare difference. Looks like I'll be sticking with PE Mk1 and holding out for the waitlist.