Tickets arrived toady...what should I have expected to receive

LEJC

I have deleted the questions originally asked in this post as I feel that the queries raised in this thread have now been answered.


However some posters felt the need to potentially take a step away from well intended replies to something that seemed to be an uncalled for character judgment of me, therefore there is little point in me leaving the post here for those who wish to contine to post whatever sarcasm/humour/wit they wish.

Thanks again to all those who did post the information that enabled me to answer the question raised .

cubegame

They still send tickets out?

travellerboy

You also need a Gold Medal for flying Virgin.

malkie76

Slight comment, but Virgin don't have a First Class product, and don't have a First Class lounge to relax in. Their 'Upper Class' product is in line with other carriers business class product - ie large seat that turns into a fully flat bed.

I'm going to make the assumption you are flying out of Gatwick, based on your Vroom passes invite ? Shame, because the Virgin Clubhouse at Heathrow is extremely nice ( http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/airport-guides/london-heathrow.html ), however I imagine the lounge at Gatwick is ok too - http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/airport-guides/london-gatwick/clubhouse.html

So, you'll have lounge access on the ground, and entitlement to use UC check in and fast-track security. You'll also have a greater luggage allowance if you need that.

On the plane you'll have far better food and alcohol, and importantly the seat that turns into a bed. I think all Virgin planes have a bar area in UC - essentially a few seats infront of a bar where you can relax, socialise or order a snack.

You'll be first off the plane, which helps cut time at immigration (I'm going to make a wild guess you are going to the USA).

On the return you'll again have UC check in and fast track security, but your lounge experience will depend on where you are at (might be a help to tell us where you are going).

Same seating on the way back. You get a far better amenity kit, and possibly a set of pyjamas to change into (I'm not sure).

You'll have arrivals lounge access upon return - meaning you can get a shower and a decent breakfast prior to onward travel. Again, Heathrow is better, but at Gatwick you'll have access to US Airways arrivals lounge - just keep a hold of your boarding passes from your flight.

The main difference is the comfort on board, and that's where the difference in price goes. A painful 12hour flight in stuffed into economy becomes, take off, decent dinner, a movie then 8hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Few people get to enjoy the comforts of a business class product, so you should remain excited and enjoy your flights.

blindman

LEJC wrote: »

As I said I feel a little deflated and wonder if anyone else who has ever flown upper could let me know what to expect as at the moment it doesnt seem substantially different to the usual ecomomy we fly..

Sounds like you've bought a Virgin Holiday package?

1. UC luggage lables will be attached when you check-in\bag drop and they are marked as such and a diffferent colour.

2. As said the check-in process and fast track through security can make you feel a "bit" special

3. The LGW lounge is smaller than LHR but you can still eat well, get some free treatments (hair, nails etc) and relax in relative peace before the flight.
You also get called at the last minute to board so there's no waiting about at the gate.

4. On board cabin depends where you are flying (type of aircraft). You should be able to select seats-though none are "poor" IMHO

5 Meals are from a menu and are far better than economy as well as free copious amounts of drinks

6. Video "should" be on demand (some older planes at LGW may not have this :eek:)

7. Cabin crew should be more attentive

Where are you going?

LEJC

blindman wrote: »

Sounds like you've bought a Virgin Holiday package ?



Where are you going?

We've booked a package to a lovely caribbean island that we've visited previously,knowing that the flight is long we took the decision to upgrade the outward leg as in honesty all we ever do on the way back is sleep...so we are hoping to make the most of the enhanced outward facilities....it just seems a little strange that there is no mention of the upper clubhouse in the pack thats been sent with the etickets....and I'm beginning to wonder if the facility at gatwick is via the vroom which we know about and have used previously....as vroom passes have been included...
I really want to enjoy this "once" time and whould feel a little deflated if we used the vroom and then subsequently found out we could have been in the clubhouse but were not told about it!

blindman

LEJC wrote: »

We've booked a package to a lovely caribbean island that we've visited previously,knowing that the flight is long we took the decision to upgrade the outward leg as in honesty all we ever do on the way back is sleep...so we are hoping to make the most of the enhanced outward facilities....it just seems a little strange that there is no mention of the upper clubhouse in the pack thats been sent with the etickets....and I'm beginning to wonder if the facility at gatwick is via the vroom which we know about and have used previously....as vroom passes have been included...
I really want to enjoy this "once" time and whould feel a little deflated if we used the vroom and then subsequently found out we could have been in the clubhouse but were not told about it!

Be more specific please-it matters as to what AC you get :cool:
Most likely the cabin will have 14 seats:

Vroom and the UC Clubhouse at LGW
These are TWO Completely different lounges.

I've never been in the former but it sounds like it si NOT as good as the Clubhouse

http://v-flyer.com/forum/index.php?f=4&t=271511&p=792596&hilit=Vroom&rb_v=viewtopic#p792596

As to your Q re the lounges at LGW - As you are flying UC you will have access to the VS CH. The V-room is a virgin holiday lounge designed for their pax.

As you are in UC you should get access to the CH.

Good_Money

I have never flown Upper Class but had to recently fly on Virgin from Heathrow to New York for work. I was put in Premium Economy and the special luggage tag is put on your case at check in with a separate check in desk.

Upper class and premium economy get on first and get off first.

I didn't get a ticket - just an email!

LEJC

blindman wrote: »

Be more specific please-it matters as to what AC you get :cool:
Most likely the cabin will have 14 seats:

Vroom and the UC Clubhouse at LGW
These are TWO Completely different lounges.

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I've already been online and reserved our seats so I'm reasonably happy that they are aware that we are flying upper class....its just the issue over the clubhouse/vroom that I wanted to clarify...

Previously we have used and enjoyed the vroom for about £20 per person (or free when we've mentioned that we're frequent virgins) and I was just expecting perhaps details of the clubhouse to be sent this time rather than vroom passes.

blindman

LEJC wrote: »

I've already been online and reserved our seats so I'm reasonably happy that they are aware that we are flying upper class....its just the issue over the clubhouse/vroom that I wanted to clarify...

Previously we have used and enjoyed the vroom for about £20 per person (or free when we've mentioned that we're frequent virgins) and I was just expecting perhaps details of the clubhouse to be sent this time rather than vroom passes.

You still don't say where you are going.

reason I ask is that the fleet is being refurbished and you may get a new plane or an old one.

Just trying to give you what to expect (as you asked)

I've never flown on a Virgin Package holiday but if you check in as per normal at the UC check -ins (don't know if there's a dedicated Virgin Package check in) then the UC desk will giev you the correct lables and invites to the UC lounge.

pelirocco

malkie76 wrote: »

Slight comment, but Virgin don't have a First Class product, and don't have a First Class lounge to relax in. Their 'Upper Class' product is in line with other carriers business class product - ie large seat that turns into a fully flat bed.

I'm going to make the assumption you are flying out of Gatwick, based on your Vroom passes invite ? Shame, because the Virgin Clubhouse at Heathrow is extremely nice ( http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/airport-guides/london-heathrow.html ), however I imagine the lounge at Gatwick is ok too - http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/airport-guides/london-gatwick/clubhouse.html

So, you'll have lounge access on the ground, and entitlement to use UC check in and fast-track security. You'll also have a greater luggage allowance if you need that.

On the plane you'll have far better food and alcohol, and importantly the seat that turns into a bed. I think all Virgin planes have a bar area in UC - essentially a few seats infront of a bar where you can relax, socialise or order a snack.

You'll be first off the plane, which helps cut time at immigration (I'm going to make a wild guess you are going to the USA).

On the return you'll again have UC check in and fast track security, but your lounge experience will depend on where you are at (might be a help to tell us where you are going).

Same seating on the way back. You get a far better amenity kit, and possibly a set of pyjamas to change into (I'm not sure).

You'll have arrivals lounge access upon return - meaning you can get a shower and a decent breakfast prior to onward travel. Again, Heathrow is better, but at Gatwick you'll have access to US Airways arrivals lounge - just keep a hold of your boarding passes from your flight.

The main difference is the comfort on board, and that's where the difference in price goes. A painful 12hour flight in stuffed into economy becomes, take off, decent dinner, a movie then 8hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Few people get to enjoy the comforts of a business class product, so you should remain excited and enjoy your flights.

As you said they dont do first class , its upper class , and they do have an upper class lounge , you just need to go to the lounge your name will be on their list . didnt see where the OP was flying out from but the Lounge at Gatwick is nice , you used to be able to pre book treatments , not sure if you still can

I find Virgin UC very comfortable for day flights , but those beds are horrendously uncomfortable , and of course you are all tucked up so although you can go and use the bar , there is no service to speak of