Hi Geoff,

The Virgin experience is usually a very different one to many other airlines, so even if you fly with Virgin only once, I think you'll enjoy it! And I could be wrong here, but I think the route you're flying is benefiting from the first of Virgin's long awaited updates to its fleet, if that's the case you're in for an even bigger treat. Anyway...your specific questions:

1. I personally love flying on the upper deck of a 747. With only a dozen rows it feels a lot more like a private plane. If you deliberately avoid a 757 across the pond however, then maybe the upper deck isn't for you. It is narrower (of course) but also headroom is lower than the main cabin. If you think you could do it once, just for the experience, then I reckon Virgin would be a good bet to give you the best possible experience 'up top'.

2. The 6Kg weight limit (in my experience) isn't strictly applied. If the carry on meets the dimensions requirements then you'll be fine.

Enjoy your trip!

James

I haven't flown Virgin, but I've flown in the upper deck of a 747 plenty of times, typically in Biz class. While upstairs is quieter and feels more private, the storage space for carry ons is seriously limited. Most of the time, even small carry-ons are kept by the flight attendants in a storage area near the stairwell, so you don't have access to your carry on through the flight. There is really only space for a briefcase or tote bag or large purse at your seat. A standard sized carry-on won't fit at the seat upstairs.

I'm sure someone will chime in if the configuration on Virgin is so different that you can have a standard-sized carry on at your seat.

Here's a pic on a.net of the upper deck economy cabin:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Virgin-Atlantic-Airways/Boeing-747-41R/1792393/L/

BTW, from my own experience and other's, it's better not to hold too much expectation on VS. It's more hype than anything. Just expect a normal experience like on other airlines, and you won't be disappointed.

Those overhead bins are not full-sized. Your carry-on space at your seat is very limited.

While checking in at Gatwick this week, the agent weighed our carry-ons which were slightly over weight. She commented they were close enough but please do not add any additional weight to them.

Leeway? A little (depending on the agent). But they do weigh them and you can expect carry-ons that are too much overweight to be required to be checked.

Thanks very much guys! Got the upper deck seats and added to my Gate8 collection with a lighter carry-on (http://www.gate8-luggage.co.uk/suit-carrier-hand-luggage.html), and was well within the weight restrictions. Had a great trip! Geoff