cf111
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I think they use an A340 regularly on one of the LHR-MAD rotations because of the freight it can carry.
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Do you do plane haulage?
- Thread starter heart-of-wessex
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I think they use an A340 regularly on one of the LHR-MAD rotations because of the freight it can carry.
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R
RailUK Forums
Thanks for the info folks. May try and get on hat before it goes to an A330. A340 is my favourite kind of aircraft. Only been on one, LAN A340-300 from Auckland to Santiago on Christmas Eve 2011. Speaking of which can you still do the LAN 787 from Madrid to Fankfurt? Thinking of doing it to get my first 787.
WestCoast
Established Member
The 787 is indeed scheduled on the daily Frankfurt-Madrid service operated by LAN.
Cheers chief. Think I need to do some planning.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I won't mention I'm due aome serious mileage on 787s in March then 
I won't mention I'm due aome serious mileage on 787s in March then
Ha ha. Enjoy chief. All I have planned so far for the new year is a Ryanair 737-800 from Manchester to Riga and back and a probable Blue Air 737-300 from Liverpool to Bucharest and back. Hoping to get an Iberia A340-600 and/or a Singapore 777 in. The A340 is the main priority before they all get turned in to Coke cans. Love them.
atillathehunn
Established Member
Just my two cents, but the 787 is one of the most uncomfortable planes I've ever flown on, and that's up against jungle jets on unmade runways in central Africa.
The shoulder width is horrendous, the e-blinds don't work properly either. The only improvement is the air quality, which is a noticeable improvement.
The shoulder width is horrendous, the e-blinds don't work properly either. The only improvement is the air quality, which is a noticeable improvement.
WestCoast
Established Member
There's been quite a lot of criticism about the lack of comfort in economy class on BA's 787-8s over on the airline forums.
I've flown on Norwegian's 787 and enjoyed it, but that was only a short flight from Gatwick to Stockholm.
I've flown on Norwegian's 787 and enjoyed it, but that was only a short flight from Gatwick to Stockholm.
Surely this is almost entirely to do with the cabin? I've been on half a dozen Qatar 787s in business and found them lovely. The window blind was a bit strange from memory (get confused with the a350), but you have to press "down" twice to get the blackout function working.
My first trip on one had a flakey IFE which I was less than impressed with, but aside from that they've been far better than the older buses I sometimes get, didn't catch on fire once!
atillathehunn
Established Member
I fly at the back of the bus with the plebs. I found the seat width very poor, which meant I was not in a good frame of mind to enjoy the other facilities! I found the IFE on BA to be quite reasonable. I found the electronic window 'blinds' in the 787 failed to give a dark cabin when on an ostensibly night flight through a day light region. I also didn't like that most flights the cabin crew were in total control of the window shading, so the benefit of them somewhat diminished.
The electric window tinting was always going to be a bit meh. The person next to you can ask the cabin crew to have the windows blacked out instead of asking you. Just means your view gets blacked out without the person next to you having to ask if you mind.
Crawley Ben
Member
Flown 747's with BA & Virgin to the USA (various cities/airports). Have to say they are my favourite aircraft despite their advancing years.
Done the 777-300ER (I believe) with Air Canada, London - Toronto, that was a nice aircraft I must admit. Didn't like the 767 on the return journey, cramped & uncomfortable.
Done 757 with Thomsonfly previously (Gatwick - Sharm & return)
Done Airbus 319, 320 & 321's on various occasions with Easyjet & BA. Had brand new 320's to Barcelona & Funchal earlier this year with said airlines. Very comfortable etc.
Not done the A380 as yet but it's on my list.
Hope the earlier poster flying on Norwegian has his credit card handy on the flight as they don't accept cash so I believe. You will need to buy your food etc on board unless you pay for it in advance.
Thanks
Ben
Done the 777-300ER (I believe) with Air Canada, London - Toronto, that was a nice aircraft I must admit. Didn't like the 767 on the return journey, cramped & uncomfortable.
Done 757 with Thomsonfly previously (Gatwick - Sharm & return)
Done Airbus 319, 320 & 321's on various occasions with Easyjet & BA. Had brand new 320's to Barcelona & Funchal earlier this year with said airlines. Very comfortable etc.
Not done the A380 as yet but it's on my list.
Hope the earlier poster flying on Norwegian has his credit card handy on the flight as they don't accept cash so I believe. You will need to buy your food etc on board unless you pay for it in advance.
Thanks
Ben
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Hi Ben,
I'm flying Norwegian LGW-JFK and back in March, I'd best look into that then. Good thing I'm slowly clearing out the magic plastic!
Fortunately we booked the Low Fare Plus option, as it worked out cheaper after including mandatory seat reservations and hold luggage. So we have meals included for free effectively, although I will need to check if I'm allowed to take something of my own on board in case I don't like the food available.
Not much longer to go, 93 days I think until we fly out. Bring it on already, going to be one amazing adventure!
Like your good self, I too haven't flown in an A380 but would love to sample the experience. Mind you, I still haven't sampled anything with 4 engines so that's on the agenda for 2016!
Yes, you can take your own food onto the plane. You should be able to get it through security (although any liquids need to meet the regulations). You can also bring anything purchased airside onto the plane. Norwegian cannot and will not stop you eating your own food!
However, when you land in the US, if you haven't eaten your food you need to declare it at the border or face a potential fine of up to $10,000! The guidance is here. Of note meat and animal products are "generally restricted or prohibited". This means a ham sandwich or an egg sandwich should probably be confiscated!
So, if you're going to bring a sandwich for the plane, best to make sure you eat it before you land!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Cheers for the gen, I figured that would be the case for going on board with it. I have a feeling I'll have no problem devouring a couple of chicken and bacon sandwiches on the long flight!
I am now more concerned with how to pass the time on such a lengthy flight, bearing in mind my longest flight to date was about 2 hours!
I am now more concerned with how to pass the time on such a lengthy flight, bearing in mind my longest flight to date was about 2 hours!
atillathehunn
Established Member
There's AVOD in the 787s. The flight to New York is only 6 and a bit hours. By the time you've had the interesting bits during take off, found a couple of movies, eaten something, and had the interesting low level bits over New York time will have flown. Alternatively read.
In the last 12 months I've done 4 13+ hour flights. One with a dodgy TV. Now that took some perseverance.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Ouch, that can't have been any fun! I think I shall certainly find a book or at the least a railway magazine to read, I'm also planning to shove some stuff onto the tablet for the journey. I guess I'll also have time to tap away on the tablet with the trip report too, and we're apparently due to get WiFi so that might come in handy. Guys, get some long trip reports posted by Sunday 6th March please! 
Crawley Ben
Member
Ouch, that can't have been any fun! I think I shall certainly find a book or at the least a railway magazine to read, I'm also planning to shove some stuff onto the tablet for the journey. I guess I'll also have time to tap away on the tablet with the trip report too, and we're apparently due to get WiFi so that might come in handy. Guys, get some long trip reports posted by Sunday 6th March please!
I've not travelled with DY on either their long or short haul ops but I've never heard anyone slate them so I'm sure you will be just fine. Wi-fi is fitted to a large chunk of their fleet I believe. Only thing is I'm not sure if you pay for it or not. Seeing as how they are a low cost carrier I wouldn't be too shocked if they charged you for the in flight wi-fi...
Be intrigued to know how you get on with them. I am aware they are looking at substantial growth from Gatwick in respect of their long haul ops. Boston & Oakland (San Francisco) due to be started from Gatwick in May 2016.
Ben
atillathehunn
Established Member
The only benefit of such situations is that subsequent ultra long haul flights seem like a doddle with working IFE etc.
WiFi is unavailable on their flights to the US and Thailand. The AVOD is quite reasonable though. Really, just read or watch a movie. The flight is really quite short.
Be aware they are super strict on carry-on weight requirement on TATL flights.
When IRROPS occur, do not expect to be put on another carrier. That will not happen. They go full LCC mode in this situation.
On Norwegian Air Shuttle there is free WiFi across the fleet, including access to their AV streaming service. Speeds not bad.
I don't mean to put you off. You are going to have a great trip. The flight there is not the reason you are going, and they are going to drop you off safely and in a moderate amount of comfort.
LCC TATL flights are transforming the market. There is strong growth out of Gatwick to North America, and now DY has registered as an airline in Britain they can begin to exploit agreements with countries such as South Africa. DY have also announced the start of flights from the US to the Caribbean. On the one hand a good example of growth, but on the other hand they may be spreading themselves quite thin.
I'm annoyed with myself that I didn't jump on a WOW air promo fare to BOS for $99 from DUB.
WiFi is unavailable on their flights to the US and Thailand. The AVOD is quite reasonable though. Really, just read or watch a movie. The flight is really quite short.
Be aware they are super strict on carry-on weight requirement on TATL flights.
When IRROPS occur, do not expect to be put on another carrier. That will not happen. They go full LCC mode in this situation.
On Norwegian Air Shuttle there is free WiFi across the fleet, including access to their AV streaming service. Speeds not bad.
I don't mean to put you off. You are going to have a great trip. The flight there is not the reason you are going, and they are going to drop you off safely and in a moderate amount of comfort.
LCC TATL flights are transforming the market. There is strong growth out of Gatwick to North America, and now DY has registered as an airline in Britain they can begin to exploit agreements with countries such as South Africa. DY have also announced the start of flights from the US to the Caribbean. On the one hand a good example of growth, but on the other hand they may be spreading themselves quite thin.
I'm annoyed with myself that I didn't jump on a WOW air promo fare to BOS for $99 from DUB.
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Hey Tech, need to get yourself on a 4 engined aircraft soon, they are getting harder to get and it is going to get worse quickly with the A350 and newer 777's. Only done 2 747-400's and an A340. Lots of fun, the A340 especially. You can still get an A340 short haul in Europe with Iberia by the sounds of it. Used to be able to do an LAN A340 from Madrid to Germany but that is 787 now. I'll be honest I'd rather do another A340 than get my first 787.
You'll have a TV screen with loads of movies, TV series, games etc... and I usually find time for a couple of movies on the way over. On the way back, you can try and have a sleep. Or, again, you'll have time for a couple of movies (the return flight is generally shorter). When the IFE broke on Virgin, I got an iPad! Sadly, I had to return it at the end of the flight, but it kept me entertained.I'd bring something just in case - I don't expect Norwegian will have a hundred iPads just in case. At least not for the low cost people.
The reality is that being completely isolated from the outside world for 6-8 hours is actually quite nice! Yes, even in economy! Airline cabins are completely isolated, and in today's world I quite enjoy the time without e-mails an phone calls. Just relax, watch a movie, eat your "food" and look forward to your vacation!
Totally agree. I have done loads of relatively short flights but 3 of around 12-13 hours and one of about 8-9. Once you took out the meal serving times, three films and a few TV programs the time, ahem, flew by with a few beers.
TheEscapist_
Member
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Surprised that a couple people dislike the 787, i loved it! My first long haul flight was Edinburgh to Doha. Me and my two friends loved it, leg room was good, IFE was great so much choice and the windows worked well. Much better than the next plane which was an a330. That was horrible. No room what so ever, the IFE didnt work and was just a horrible plane compared to the 787.
Peter Mugridge
Veteran Member
On my longest flight, 8h32, I spent the whole journey looking out of the window.
atillathehunn
Established Member
The QR 787 is rated as slightly better than the British Airways or VS one, but I have yet to manage a QR ride. Horses for courses.
An A340 is not a particularly exhilarating experience. The A380 is a bird to fly on, even if just once. The seats are good, and the size has to be seen to be believed. If you fancy a weekend trip for the experience you could head to Dubai for the weekend. Not a huge amount to do but, but from Manchester and London you have about 8 daily A380 flights to choose from. Or if you can get a decent ex-EU deal to Hong Kong on BA I really recommend HK for a week or weekend visit and a much better destination than Dubai, but more expensive. A return to Dubai off season will set you back about £250 and get you A380 flying hours.
An A340 is not a particularly exhilarating experience. The A380 is a bird to fly on, even if just once. The seats are good, and the size has to be seen to be believed. If you fancy a weekend trip for the experience you could head to Dubai for the weekend. Not a huge amount to do but, but from Manchester and London you have about 8 daily A380 flights to choose from. Or if you can get a decent ex-EU deal to Hong Kong on BA I really recommend HK for a week or weekend visit and a much better destination than Dubai, but more expensive. A return to Dubai off season will set you back about £250 and get you A380 flying hours.
Crawley Ben
Member
Booked a trip to Dubai (first visit, along with the wife) this morning on EK ex Gatwick for September 2016. So will be travelling onboard an A380 for the first time. I can't wait
atillathehunn
Established Member
I've never done 'haulage' of either planes of trains. I don't keep numbers of anything. Mainly because the chance of me ever being able to make a satisfying dent in the required number is small and therefore depressing.
EK economy can be great, with great service. It can also be a total miss. But overall the service is great, and the product, while kitchy and a bit tacky, is great.
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