GC Benefits... on the decline BIG TIME!

Because when it was confirmed that infact I was a FC member I saw the manifest

Ahh apologies, I withdraw part of my previous statement. Did they stick it up on the galley wall again?

Def lacking in professionalism and I just hope that when the news was delivered they showed a bit more tact than I imagine in my head.

Because when it was confirmed that infact I was a FC member I saw the manifest

Then if that's the case it is most unsatisfactory v(

Because when it was confirmed that infact I was a FC member I saw the manifest

Ahh apologies, I withdraw part of my previous statement. Did they stick it up on the galley wall again?

Def lacking in professionalism and I just hope that when the news was delivered they showed a bit more tact than I imagine in my head.

Nope, it was in the FSMs hand when she came to apologise and prove that I was listed as a FC member

Nope, it was in the FSMs hand when she came to apologise and prove that I was listed as a FC member

Ha ha, was on the VS46 on Monday and the full manifest was left in the front galley for anyone to peruse whist awaiting the loo.... amusing.

Nope, it was in the FSMs hand when she came to apologise and prove that I was listed as a FC member

Ha ha, was on the VS46 on Monday and the full manifest was left in the front galley for anyone to peruse whist awaiting the loo.... amusing.

And I bet you couldn't resist could you ? ):

Ha ha, was on the VS46 on Monday and the full manifest was left in the front galley for anyone to peruse whist awaiting the loo.... amusing.

Every flight I have been on the Manifest has been stuck up on the galley wall. When I mentioned the manifest (and it's location) in a letter to VS once, I was accused of accessing the confidential information by hacking or other means..?

Back on-topic, I do think being greeted by name makes the world of difference, and judging by the number of times it comes up here on VF, many others do too.

The first time I flew BA, the CSD (BA's FSM)came and greeted me at my seat, and noted that it was my first time flying in First, and talked me through the suite controls. Every other time flying since, the CSD just asks if I remember how to use it, or something along those lines. They have all this information on their iPads (that you don't see, they use short term memory to remember your name!)

I know VS put something in people bookings if it is their first time flying UC, as they phone you after to ask you what you thought of it (well they used to!) so why not make this information available on the manifest?
Though saying that, I got my "first time" call after my second time, as my first one was on a G and not linked to my FC account!

To be honest,as long as I get the service i've paid for that's all I expect. I really don't find it necessary to be referred to by name and I certainly wouldn't be upset about it if I wasn't, just my personal opinion.

I've come to expect the inconsistency as part of the VS way of doing things. (Sad but true)

I have been AU for 5 years and normally fly business routes to SFO, JFK and last week to HKG. Most times there is a name check on the door bur no welcome back, which is fine by me. Very rarely on these routes does anyone say or do anything about my status (I'm generally in Y or W).

Twice in the last 40-50 flights when I have been in economy or PE, I have been given a glass of champagne and a thanks for being a regular, which was lovely to receive. However, when I now see the crew coming down the aisle with a tray and a couple of boob glasses - and then they walk straight past me - I feel just a little bit miffed. I don't expect it, but I know how good it feels when they do do it.

However, earlier in the year I flew to St Lucia in PE, and on both the outbound and inbound flights the crew the made a point of coming up to me and welcoming me back and having a chat. Indeed on one leg, they were so keen, that two separate crew members did this, much to my wife's amusement.


My interpretation is that on business routes there are loads of us AU's so its too much trouble to have that chat with 10 or 20 people, but on the leisure routes, where I assume an AU is more of a rarity, they like to do it.

The first time I flew BA, the CSD (BA's FSM)came and greeted me at my seat, and noted that it was my first time flying in First, and talked me through the suite controls. Every other time flying since, the CSD just asks if I remember how to use it, or something along those lines. They have all this information on their iPads (that you don't see, they use short term memory to remember your name!)

My apologies, this comment is off topic, but reading the above I just had a little giggle remembering Pam Ann's interpretation of CSD which I can't write here as it's inappropriate language ):
Very sorry couldn't resist.

Back on topic, none of the earlier gripes or those of the OP really would bother me. I'm not so interested in FC status as I am in using the opportunities through miles accrual to obtain the best deal I can get for my travel. I am a newbie to VS having took my first flight with them this year and in UC. It blew me and my other half away, but we have nothing to compare it to. We got what we considered to be excellent service. I don't think anyone used my name, but the CC were friendly, efficient, and very helpful, and willing to chat when they had time. Apart from the odd break for them to have something to eat / drink though, they never stopped as there is so much for them to do. The one I chatted with mostly was the one running the bar when it was being used.

However, I can see the point of view of those who have gripes, and it is clear that the service varies and consistency is one key area of providing a service that takes a lot of policing and ensuring that standards are maintained.

Happy days eh? Just dreaming of my next UC experience next May to NRT...

However, earlier in the year I flew to St Lucia in PE, and on both the outbound and inbound flights the crew the made a point of coming up to me and welcoming me back and having a chat. Indeed on one leg, they were so keen, that two separate crew members did this, much to my wife's amusement.


My interpretation is that on business routes there are loads of us AU's so its too much trouble to have that chat with 10 or 20 people, but on the leisure routes, where I assume an AU is more of a rarity, they like to do it.

It's about the crew not the route. I've only ever got the champagne on the JFK route. Didn't on LAX, DXB or BGI. Nearly 50% of my flights are in Y or PE so I've had ample opportunity to observe the inconsistency.

As someone who only flies with 5 or 6 times a year and maybe only once or twice in UC, I have to say that I would be pretty miffed if the person next to me got champagne or special attention. Getting loyalty benefits which make everyone happy is not likely to be easy! From a personal point of view I find the idea of being greeted as a matter of course as meaningless - they would be doing it because they are told to. Its also possible that they would welcome you and then say to their colleague "have you seen that ugly fat guy sitting in 5A"! (Obviously this could never happen to me ) Just another point of view

I'm a FC AU member (now lifetime) and flew back from JFK last month on my 40th birthday - the stewardesses took it upon themselves to get me completely smashed (and succeeded). Talk about special treatment....quite frankly I could have done without it as felt rubbish when we landed

I'm a FC AU member (now lifetime) and flew back from JFK last month on my 40th birthday - the stewardesses took it upon themselves to get me completely smashed (and succeeded). Talk about special treatment....quite frankly I could have done without it as felt rubbish when we landed

And you were powerless to resist!

I went over to the dark side this year and I can't believe the improvement in service and the customer focus, that I have received. On my first flight In club to Dubai I was greeted by name at the door and the FSM obviously having checked his iPad introduced himself shortly aftertaste off and asked how my first flight was. This level of interest has continued so much so I have stayed with BA and having secured enough flight to achieve gold I have flown from ALC to LHR tonight in Economy. I could however check in at the club Europe desk, where I was name checked and welcomed back. Again after leaving the lounge for priority boarding I was welcomed by name at the gate and again on entering the aircraft with a welcome back MR Smith after the FSM had read by boarding card. This consistency and focus us why BA will keep my business and on a last note on arrival at the Hilton I was again welcomed back by name. So consistency and customer recognition really do work

On VS45 last Monday, I was in PE in 37K (ie back row of PE cabin). Early on in the flight a crew member came to see me and welcome be back by name as a Gold Card holder, and said as I was in the back row could she take my meal order now in case they run short of my option. She said she would hold one back for me.

So the right crew do still recognise GC holders.

I've had the same treatment at ccarmock above travelling in Upper as an AG. But to concur, its the crew as always that make a good flight.

My first ever flight as AU this week in PE. After 15 years loyalty as Red or silver I wonder if I will notice the difference now finally Gold...

I have to admit when this tread started I was firmly in the camp of ' I couldn't agree more' however that all changed last Friday on the VS17. This was to be my first time in Y for a long time but the price was great and it was a last minute thing... Firstly we were upgraded to PE on what was a pretty empty flight which was a result, then the FSM came over introduced herself, thanked us for our continued support and offered us a drink from the bar. Now granted this was a quiet flight but in all my years of flying with Virgin I've never had this level of recognition of my Au status.

So lets just say I can no longer agree with the treads title.. Oh and as I'm sat in the JFK clubhouse a similar experience would be welcomed with open arms on the VS4 in 90 mins...