UPPER CLASS WING & PURPLE PARKING.

Yes I do want to do this and on the phone they said PP will meet me and drive us around to the Wing.

We are pleased to announce that Upper Class passengers who have organised their own private car transport to London Heathrow are now welcome to use the Upper Class Wing. This service will extend the number of check in options for all Upper Class passengers (regardless of booking class) travelling from London Heathrow and enable them to experience the exclusivity of the Upper Class Wing.

We will need a minimum of 12 hours notice if you would like to use your own vehicle for drive thru check in.

Access is by appointment only. Passengers can book by calling the Upper Class Support team on 01293 493600 (7am - 8pm) up to 12 hours before their flight with the following details:

Their flight details, including their unique locator reference or ticket number.
The names of all the passengers in the vehicle, and whether or not they’re flying ( this includes passengers booked in other cabins travelling with the Upper Class passenger).
The full passport details of flying passengers, and the address of their first night stay if they’re travelling to the U.S.
Their car registration, make, model and colour.
The chauffeur or drivers name.
A mobile number of the driver or passenger.
The number of bags to be checked in.
An email address for the confirmation.
Their estimated time of arrival.
Once this information has been submitted, you'll be sent a booking confirmation and a map with full details of how to access the Upper Class Wing.
Access to the wing is not available without pre-arrangement.
If you are arriving by black cab, or do not know the name of your driver at the time of booking, please provide this information no later than 30 minutes before arrival, by calling 01293 493600.
If the Upper Class team does not have this information, access to the Upper Class wing cannot be granted.
Valet parking and parking facilities aren’t available, and certain restrictions apply to the size and weight of vehicles.

^^ Ha ha ha, whoops.. My bad...

In my defence they never asked when I called to give the car info, but best to follow the rules guys

^^ Ha ha ha, whoops.. My bad...

In my defence they never asked when I called to give the car info, but best to follow the rules guys

That was my experience too when I called with the details of my taxi when I was actually in it being driven! - I'd booked my slot a few days earlier - they wanted details of the car but never asked for the name of the driver.

Mind this was a few years ago when use by G and Z UC fares were allowed to use DTCI as part of a 'trial' so they may have tightened up the rules.

Penny, do you have a link to that? Might be able to tell what's mo up-to-date :-p

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/th ... style.html

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/the-virgin-experience/upperclass/arrive-in-style.html

Thanks Penny. Looks like that's the correct information.

I've also never been asked for the name of the driver, and I've even called to book a slot on my way to the airport cos it started raining just before I got to Earl's Court. I was probably lucky that it was a quiet time for DTCI.

I've also never been asked for the name of the driver, and I've even called to book a slot on my way to the airport cos it started raining just before I got to Earl's Court. I was probably lucky that it was a quiet time for DTCI.

Interesting. How long ago was that? just out of interest.

When I called to inquire about booking a slot I was told to provide full information as per the links above.

I've also never been asked for the name of the driver, and I've even called to book a slot on my way to the airport cos it started raining just before I got to Earl's Court. I was probably lucky that it was a quiet time for DTCI.

Interesting. How long ago was that? just out of interest.

When I called to inquire about booking a slot I was told to provide full information as per the links above.

It must have been October or November. Can't recall which trip exactly. But when not using CDC I only get asked for the make, model, colour and reg of the car.

Thanks Tinuks
I wonder if as has been mentioned before they are loosening certain aspects of the DTCI to keep the traffic up as otherwise they could lose the license to operate it to say SQ?

I have done DTCI both with PP and with a Tristar driver and I'm in the non-grouch camp. Definitely do it - its a great way to start the trip especially if there are kids and bags to be lugged. Or even if not.

It also guarantees no waiting as you sometimes get at busy times at the UC check in downstairs.

For anyone like me driving their own car round to UC Wing..... just take care.... the turn is tight and do respect the bollard system. PP drivers told me of a few customers who have been a little impatient and been impaled or taken the turn to sharp and brushed up the wheels a little.
Personally I am a major major fan of the whole UC Wing.

On Laphroaig's comment: My last trip through was in a big Tristar Volvo XC90 and at the second set of rising bollards, the car got so close at the front that it emergency braked itself. It gave the driver quite a shock! :0

On the question of the driver's name, always give that as Parker. When he answers the intercom instruct him to say "Yes M'lady"!

They're bound to let you through!

Actually isn't that a good idea?
Just give them any name and tell the CDC driver to use that name? As you may not find out the CDC drivers name till he/she picks you up ?

Actually isn't that a good idea?
Just give them any name and tell the CDC driver to use that name? As you may not find out the CDC drivers name till he/she picks you up ?

I don't think that would be too wise in an airport security environment.

Actually isn't that a good idea?
Just give them any name and tell the CDC driver to use that name? As you may not find out the CDC drivers name till he/she picks you up ?

I don't think that would be too wise in an airport security environment.

That's very true.
Don't worry hamster I have stressed to the CDC company that I absolutely need the drivers name at least the day before so that I can pass this on to VS.
I was merely posing a thought.
However I 100% agree with you.

I have done DTCI both with PP and with a Tristar driver and I'm in the non-grouch camp. Definitely do it - its a great way to start the trip especially if there are kids and bags to be lugged. Or even if not.

It also guarantees no waiting as you sometimes get at busy times at the UC check in downstairs.

For anyone like me driving their own car round to UC Wing..... just take care.... the turn is tight and do respect the bollard system. PP drivers told me of a few customers who have been a little impatient and been impaled or taken the turn to sharp and brushed up the wheels a little.
Personally I am a major major fan of the whole UC Wing.

On Laphroaig's comment: My last trip through was in a big Tristar Volvo XC90 and at the second set of rising bollards, the car got so close at the front that it emergency braked itself. It gave the driver quite a shock! :0

On the question of the driver's name, always give that as Parker. When he answers the intercom instruct him to say "Yes M'lady"!

They're bound to let you through!

I will have to try that when I book it.

It reminds me .......

Lady Penelope to Parker...

Parker take off my dress.
Yes M'lday.
Parker take off my tights...
Yes M'lady.
Parker take off my knickers....( mod's do not worry see punch line)

Yes M'lady....

And if I find you ever wearing them again I will fire you!!! ii)

My cars are xc90s. Purple parking meet us and drive through. Never had an issue but last time we were in my lovely one not my oh's and I did breathe in for it slightly as it is a tight fit. booked his in again for the next trip.

This time when we got to dtci there was a queue of 3 cars. Waited several minutes and then 1st one pulled off as not allowed in. Waited several more minutes and second one pulled off as not allowed in. Thought there may be a issue or problem but they let us straight up.