400D Metering Modes

So my trusty 300D has gone, and I have a shiny new 400D.

Went to my local airfield to get a feel for the new camera and its added features over the 300D, but seem to have got the metering all wrong.

With the 300D, I always just used a little exposure comp (+2/3) for in flight shots, none for ground or landing.

A quick read of the 400D manual suggested Partial metering mode would have the same effect, but it seems not. All my images were underexposed.

Any experience from other 400D owners appreciated