MaxJet

[MTP]

Anyone thought of using the MaxJet flight to Washington or NY and then getting a cheap connecting flight? When you compare it to the price of PE it is very good and the long flight should at least be comfortable.

All thoughts appreciated.

[Katys Grandad]

The anecdotal evidence is that it's a great product but they've had lots of problems with their aircraft meaning regular cancellations. A friend of mine had his return flight cancelled at the last minute and was put on BA economy. More recently they've put people on Virgin Upper Class!

I don't know Stansted but the regional connections aren't as good as for Heathrow/Gatwick.

[domster]

It could be an option if you are looking at cheaper (non-direct option). At least the long haul part would be in comfort.

[MTP]

That's what I was thinking, but I'm not sure if all the transiting will offset the benefits mmmmh....

[domster]

I know what you mean. I think it is nice sometimes to break up the journey and get a coffee before boarding the short internal flight.

[Katys Grandad]

I actually prefer the indirect routes. Give me a good seat, full service and the virtual elimination of the 5 year old kicking the back of my seat for 9 hours and it's no contest for me. Maxjet is another world from Virgin PE.

Actually the increased journey time isn't as significant as it seems because of the immigration check at first point of landing and not having to compete with another 200 people for the rental car desks. Door to door there's often not much in it.

Have you thought about having a couple of days in New York or Washington on the way there/back?

[canarypam]

I agree we prefer indirect routes also. As has been said quite often there isn't much difference in total time because of clearing immigration at point of entry.

[MTP]

Was toying with getting off at Washington or NY and then motoring down (perhaps with RV). Have used indirect routes before and this works well, the only problem is that when we arrive back to the UK we have to also get back up to the Highlands, so that adds on another leg. Interesting comparison to Virgin PE, KG, as we have been happy with this the last few times (and wouldn't now like the thought of economy). Our other thought is to use BMI PE, but we weren't sure where you would be ticketed for the internal flight down from Chicago or Washington - anyone have any experience of this?

[Katys Grandad]

Better all round on Maxjet. Check-in, lounge facility, seat pitch, inflight meals and entertainment are head and shoulders above Premium Economy offerings on any airline.

I fly US domestic First Class very regularly. In most cases it's better than economy but not that great really and nothing like international Business Class. To be honest, for a fairly short trip to Orlando, I'd be happy with economy. Spend the money on the transatlantic leg.

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Was toying with getting off at Washington or NY and then motoring down (perhaps with RV). Have used indirect routes before and this works well, the only problem is that when we arrive back to the UK we have to also get back up to the Highlands, so that adds on another leg. Interesting comparison to Virgin PE, KG, as we have been happy with this the last few times (and wouldn't now like the thought of economy). Our other thought is to use BMI PE, but we weren't sure where you would be ticketed for the internal flight down from Chicago or Washington - anyone have any experience of this?[/quote]

It's 2 days drive each way from NY or Washington.

Can you get to Dublin easily from the Highlands?(Glasgow/Inverness) There are some decent flights from there - AA via Chicago for one, and you avoid the UK 'green' tax for a long haul flight.

[MTP]

Whatever happened with the court case about the green tax, or has it not been heard yet?

[Katys Grandad]

You've just reminded me of another plus with Maxjet! In PE you pay the £80 rate of tax because it's a seperate cabin from the economy seats. (In line with the definition in the legislation).

Because all the seats on Maxjet are the same (Business) with no seperate Premium cabin, the rate is only £40.

[MTP]

now you're just tempting me!

[ravtino]

Now why can't Maxjet fly from Manchester, I wish someone would give Virgin a run for there money[msnwink]

[50sumtng]

Have just booked with the other "business class" airline, Silverjet, out of Luton to NY and then on down to Florida with Jet Blue. Combined cost is very competitive and am going to spend a few days in NY. Think that this represents a good alternative to the usual direct flights.
But, strongly suspect that the wifes shopping in NY will offset any potential savings [msnoo]

[Katys Grandad]

Maxjet shares were suspended earlier this week after the authorities requested 'Financial Clarification'.

Hope no members on here have reservations with this lot. A friend of mine is still waiting for a refund for a cancelled flight almost 2 months ago.

[mdj101]

Well if it does all go belly up then if you booke with your visa debit/credit or master card then you will be ok. Same for the guy whos waiting for a refund, pass it to the card company to deal with.