quote:Originally posted by barrysprot36
quote:Originally posted by Gpik
As was mentioned before the MAN-MCO a/c does not always operate straight back to MAN, on certain days of the week the LGW and MAN aircraft swap in MCO, VS need to get the aircraft which has been operating out of Manchester for the week back to LGW for engineering etc. Unfortunately today is the day that the aircraft swap takes place. They do this down route to save ferrying an empty aircraft up and down the UK when they dont need to. Nothing to do with the North/South devide.
Funny this as we were in MCO this time last week and there was no rotation of planes, perhaps that was because the Manchester plane was late and a rotation would have made the Gatwick passengers late and that would never do[V] rather upset the Manchester ones
I feel you've just been unlucky. The majority of my VS flights are MAN to MCO, I think I've been delayed once out of around a dozen flights. I can remember a couple of occasions where the inbound VS75 was late arriving yet the VS76 departed on time due to the planned aircraft rotation. VS don't treat MAN pax any different to LGW pax, if anything (as already mentioned) it's LHR vs. LGW & MAN.
That's my two-penneth any how, from a fellow 'northern scum'
Hey guys yesterday was NOT a fun day. We flew back from Vegas, diverted to Prestwick and then to Manchester where the flight terminated. Very long day. Groundstaff said our aircraft was going to stay at MAN and be used for the MAN-MCO the next morning (today)
We were lucky to get into MAN as they really didn't want to acept us. Groundstaff did an amazing job under VERY stressful conditions and lots of very angry passengers.
Really feel for everyone who has been stranded but really think some people just dont understand the logisitics of such HUGE disruption. Info changes all the time, as ops try to move a/c / crew etc around and get them in the right places. Unfortunatley the disruption is going t continue for several days. Our crew are still in MAN trying to get home - but at least the sun is shining even if it is -8 lol
We were lucky to get into MAN as they really didn't want to acept us. Groundstaff did an amazing job under VERY stressful conditions and lots of very angry passengers.
Really feel for everyone who has been stranded but really think some people just dont understand the logisitics of such HUGE disruption. Info changes all the time, as ops try to move a/c / crew etc around and get them in the right places. Unfortunatley the disruption is going t continue for several days. Our crew are still in MAN trying to get home - but at least the sun is shining even if it is -8 lol
Thanks for the on the spot report, VB747. [^]
As always, it is the staff at the sharp end who get it in the neck for things that are WAY beyond their control.
No one underestimates the problems that weather like this causes for Ops. However, it would just be nice if someone from the PR / media department was there to feed information to the people who really matter - the passengers!
In this day and age it would be so easy to to post running updates on the website every few minutes, rather than once a day!
If people know what the current situation is, even if it is subject to change - they are less likely to shout at anyone wearing a red uniform that they see in the airport. [}:)]
Nick
As always, it is the staff at the sharp end who get it in the neck for things that are WAY beyond their control.
No one underestimates the problems that weather like this causes for Ops. However, it would just be nice if someone from the PR / media department was there to feed information to the people who really matter - the passengers!
In this day and age it would be so easy to to post running updates on the website every few minutes, rather than once a day!
If people know what the current situation is, even if it is subject to change - they are less likely to shout at anyone wearing a red uniform that they see in the airport. [}:)]
Nick
VB747 - Thanks for the report - we saw that the Vegas flight was up in PIK - glad you did not have to bus pax from there.
MAN refused all the many requested BA diverts
I would guess that ops. are so busy they have little time to speak to CS.
In some ways the numbers speak for themselves - 348 routes canx yesterday from LGW, 5 of them were VS.
This severe disruption will continue for many days - even if no more flights are canx. Consider that VS are usually at over 80% capacity - and MAN/MCO flights are typically up in the 90s - to rebook just one days cancellations will take 10 days unless extra capacity can be found.
Unless the LHR flights share the pain.....
And the snow season has only just begun! Those of us who remember previous bad winters know it can last until March.
This is going to cost VS big-time when they are already struggling to keep costs down.
Extra accommodation - bookings cancelled - flights rebooked on other carriers - extra staff costs - diversion fees - extra fuel.
It will be similar for BA though they do have more spare aircraft.
I doubt we'll see good sale offers for some time from either.
MAN refused all the many requested BA diverts
I would guess that ops. are so busy they have little time to speak to CS.
In some ways the numbers speak for themselves - 348 routes canx yesterday from LGW, 5 of them were VS.
This severe disruption will continue for many days - even if no more flights are canx. Consider that VS are usually at over 80% capacity - and MAN/MCO flights are typically up in the 90s - to rebook just one days cancellations will take 10 days unless extra capacity can be found.
Unless the LHR flights share the pain.....
And the snow season has only just begun! Those of us who remember previous bad winters know it can last until March.
This is going to cost VS big-time when they are already struggling to keep costs down.
Extra accommodation - bookings cancelled - flights rebooked on other carriers - extra staff costs - diversion fees - extra fuel.
It will be similar for BA though they do have more spare aircraft.
I doubt we'll see good sale offers for some time from either.
quote:Originally posted by Nottingham Nick
In this day and age it would be so easy to to post running updates on the website every few minutes, rather than once a day!
My wife has found her school website an ideal way of keeping parents, children and teachers informed of when and why the school is open / closed, updating it multiple times a day...
In this day and age it would be so easy to to post running updates on the website every few minutes, rather than once a day!
My wife has found her school website an ideal way of keeping parents, children and teachers informed of when and why the school is open / closed, updating it multiple times a day...
We can get better, because we're not dead yet
Our school websites collapsed under the load, as they are all shared portals with many other schools, with thousands of people trying to work out if their children are goingto school or not.
A formal Twitter / Facebook update thread, merged into the main Virgin Website would work, that was it would not be dependant on one domain.
A formal Twitter / Facebook update thread, merged into the main Virgin Website would work, that was it would not be dependant on one domain.
The LGW Virgin check-in line has just been shown on Sky News.
Running the whole length of the terminal...
Just had a spokesman for Kilfrost on our local TV - they manufacture aircraft de/anti-ice fluids, and were one of the few to have consistently forecast this bad winter.
They are projecting it to last:
right through January and February, potentially through March and possibly into April!!!!
It is particularly unusual as it is covering the whole of the northern hemisphere.
Running the whole length of the terminal...
Just had a spokesman for Kilfrost on our local TV - they manufacture aircraft de/anti-ice fluids, and were one of the few to have consistently forecast this bad winter.
They are projecting it to last:
right through January and February, potentially through March and possibly into April!!!!
It is particularly unusual as it is covering the whole of the northern hemisphere.
I've checked the VAA website yesterday a few times and being a wee bit sad played around with the flight status tool and noticed plenty of updates throughout the day. The flight status thing was also quite helpful for those who meet flights by explaining where an incoming flight had diveted to and the intentions of getting passengers transfered back to Gatwick. Always room for improvement like plenty of us have mentioned but with info I guess changing left right and centre and slots coming, going then lost, with each plane maxed at 400+ passengers, the US ones having all the extra security to get used to still, is it a wonder any flights managed to get out of Gatwick today with the planes all out of position, crew god knows where and all airport hotels full so no room to put up key staff. I drove 300 yards today and gave up. Amazed Virgin or any airline have staff still getting themselves into work knowing the barrage of abuse they're likely to get!!!
!
Latest update - spoken to virgin twice today and both time they said they would ring back and advise. this hasn't happened and we are still stuck at Orlando airport. We are being told different stories from every staff member we ask. After a rant and rave I was offered a flight to new York tonight then NYC heathrow tomorrow then ground transport to Manchester. With two young children not a great option! Ah well another night in airport it is and we still await a call to our hotel room. Virgin at it's beat eh! Oh the 2 gatwick flights are going tonight just a couple of hours late. Manchester on time also. It's chaos here a lot of angry customers.
quote:Originally posted by dunkmat
Latest update - spoken to virgin twice today and both time they said they would ring back and advise. this hasn't happened and we are still stuck at Orlando airport. We are being told different stories from every staff member we ask. After a rant and rave I was offered a flight to new York tonight then NYC heathrow tomorrow then ground transport to Manchester. With two young children not a great option! Ah well another night in airport it is and we still await a call to our hotel room. Virgin at it's beat eh! Oh the 2 gatwick flights are going tonight just a couple of hours late. Manchester on time also. It's chaos here a lot of angry customers.
I understand it's not a great option but at least they did offer an option, you have to remember as more flights get cancelled there's more pax to sort out. Those scheduled to fly in future still take priority too as the airlines can't inconvenience even more pax.
Could you see if you could get to LHR via New York maybe overnight in a hotel if it is too tiring for the kids before getting back to MAN/your home? Maybe see if one of the two options below could deal with it for you?
Please don't get me wrong, I can imagine how frustrating/inconvenient this is for you and family.
Have you been on to your travel insurance?
Did you book using a credit card company with global assist?
If I had done the latter I'd be on to them like a shot and let them sort it out and even be on to insurance assist line if not.
Thankfully I've only had to use a global assist once, we got stranded overnight in Bangor, Maine after our flight was diverted to offload a pax. Whilst the airline was trying to sort out accomodation we considered that by the time they sorted everyone out, we would get 2 hours in the hotel before having to get back to the airport. The global assist got us a hotel near by within minutes. The town was rammed full as there was a full gradution going on in the town and we were very lucky to get the room.
Latest update - spoken to virgin twice today and both time they said they would ring back and advise. this hasn't happened and we are still stuck at Orlando airport. We are being told different stories from every staff member we ask. After a rant and rave I was offered a flight to new York tonight then NYC heathrow tomorrow then ground transport to Manchester. With two young children not a great option! Ah well another night in airport it is and we still await a call to our hotel room. Virgin at it's beat eh! Oh the 2 gatwick flights are going tonight just a couple of hours late. Manchester on time also. It's chaos here a lot of angry customers.
I understand it's not a great option but at least they did offer an option, you have to remember as more flights get cancelled there's more pax to sort out. Those scheduled to fly in future still take priority too as the airlines can't inconvenience even more pax.
Could you see if you could get to LHR via New York maybe overnight in a hotel if it is too tiring for the kids before getting back to MAN/your home? Maybe see if one of the two options below could deal with it for you?
Please don't get me wrong, I can imagine how frustrating/inconvenient this is for you and family.
Have you been on to your travel insurance?
Did you book using a credit card company with global assist?
If I had done the latter I'd be on to them like a shot and let them sort it out and even be on to insurance assist line if not.
Thankfully I've only had to use a global assist once, we got stranded overnight in Bangor, Maine after our flight was diverted to offload a pax. Whilst the airline was trying to sort out accomodation we considered that by the time they sorted everyone out, we would get 2 hours in the hotel before having to get back to the airport. The global assist got us a hotel near by within minutes. The town was rammed full as there was a full gradution going on in the town and we were very lucky to get the room.
dunkmat - I'm full of sympathy for your predicament, however having read through all the posts on this thread, I can't see how you've got a complaint against Virgin.
Reason for the cancellation/delays = the weather.
They've put you up in a Hotel so you're not sleeping on the terminal floor like so many others are.
They have offered you an alternative route home which you have declined.
Sure it sounds like the communication around whether to turn up to the airport or not could've been better, but you also have to remember that the whole Gatwick operation was shut down on Tuesday and therefore 1000's of passengers would be in the same position whilst Virgin had aircraft all over the show.
How's about making the best of it, rather than being online whinging?
Reason for the cancellation/delays = the weather.
They've put you up in a Hotel so you're not sleeping on the terminal floor like so many others are.
They have offered you an alternative route home which you have declined.
Sure it sounds like the communication around whether to turn up to the airport or not could've been better, but you also have to remember that the whole Gatwick operation was shut down on Tuesday and therefore 1000's of passengers would be in the same position whilst Virgin had aircraft all over the show.
How's about making the best of it, rather than being online whinging?
Always planning a trip somewhere!
I thought virgin wanted to be different and stand out from the rest????
Yes it snowed and every airline was in the same position.
Surely there is an opp here for an airline to standout and provide the following service;
Rather than request everyone to be at the airport, they could allow passengers to remain at their current location, whether it be at a beach resort or staying by their own vacation villa, or maybe take a few more days of disney. They could receive updates via mobile or website.
Obviously this wouldnt work for short delays, but for longer delays (which they are aware will be long delays) they could go that extra mile and stand out from the other carriers.
Air travel these days is a choir at the best of times.
Yes it snowed and every airline was in the same position.
Surely there is an opp here for an airline to standout and provide the following service;
Rather than request everyone to be at the airport, they could allow passengers to remain at their current location, whether it be at a beach resort or staying by their own vacation villa, or maybe take a few more days of disney. They could receive updates via mobile or website.
Obviously this wouldnt work for short delays, but for longer delays (which they are aware will be long delays) they could go that extra mile and stand out from the other carriers.
Air travel these days is a choir at the best of times.
The problem with that is, VS and every other airline is going to fill every seat they have with the people that are stranded, there is no way on Earth they are going to send a text to you to say a seat came open from a no show and hope that you make it in time, they are just going to grab the first person(s) on the list that is at the airport and put them in a seat.
I think we all agree that this is a crappy situation, but let's be a little thankful that it didn't happen over say Easter when all the flights are really rammed.
BTW, even with two kids, I would of taken the NYC option, a very long day for sure, but at least you would be home.
I think we all agree that this is a crappy situation, but let's be a little thankful that it didn't happen over say Easter when all the flights are really rammed.
BTW, even with two kids, I would of taken the NYC option, a very long day for sure, but at least you would be home.
quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
http://flightaware.com/live/fleet/VIR
http://www.radarvirtuel.com/
Set filter to Company,VIR [8D]
http://flightaware.com/live/fleet/VIR
http://www.radarvirtuel.com/
Set filter to Company,VIR [8D]
quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
BTW, even with two kids, I would of taken the NYC option, a very long day for sure, but at least you would be home.
Me too, even if it was just a case of getting to the UK next day and resting up at a hotel before travelling on as I aluded to earlier. I think it's just madness waiting it out at the airport hoping for that many seats for the family to open up on the direct flight.
BTW, even with two kids, I would of taken the NYC option, a very long day for sure, but at least you would be home.
Me too, even if it was just a case of getting to the UK next day and resting up at a hotel before travelling on as I aluded to earlier. I think it's just madness waiting it out at the airport hoping for that many seats for the family to open up on the direct flight.
Afternoon All,
writing this from the LGW clubhouse while waiting for the VS27 which is currently showing a 3 hr delay and set for 14.15 dep.
I'll put all this into a trip report in due course - but all things considered things are looking OK!
Help Me Park Service at the Hilton was cool and efficient last night.
Gold HHonours card meant I bypassed a HUGE queue at the front desk.
Exec room was more than ok given we paid for the cheapest room when booking and the Excec lounge fine.
Got a call from VA as I was checking online this morning to say the flight was 2hr delayed, (now 3).
Amble to Sth Term was fine - VA section was v quiet - two min wait to get to UC check in and 10 mins later we were en route to the fast track, which certainly saved time, though I almost missed it.
As I said, currently in the CH, mini b/fast (not enough for a growing chap) and x 2 Red Heads mean I'm fairly chilled. Bob Marley on the sound system probably helped as is the JS Bach currently playing.....
Flight still showing 14.15 - which probably means a 16.30 take off
[8D] but hey what can you.
m
Good luck to those out at MCO - there's a fairly relaxed pragmatic view from most of the Flyers in the lounge right now. As an old boss used to say - 'it is what it is'.
Full TR to follow.
Andrew, Jayne and Jess (aged 21 months)
writing this from the LGW clubhouse while waiting for the VS27 which is currently showing a 3 hr delay and set for 14.15 dep.
I'll put all this into a trip report in due course - but all things considered things are looking OK!
Help Me Park Service at the Hilton was cool and efficient last night.
Gold HHonours card meant I bypassed a HUGE queue at the front desk.
Exec room was more than ok given we paid for the cheapest room when booking and the Excec lounge fine.
Got a call from VA as I was checking online this morning to say the flight was 2hr delayed, (now 3).
Amble to Sth Term was fine - VA section was v quiet - two min wait to get to UC check in and 10 mins later we were en route to the fast track, which certainly saved time, though I almost missed it.
As I said, currently in the CH, mini b/fast (not enough for a growing chap) and x 2 Red Heads mean I'm fairly chilled. Bob Marley on the sound system probably helped as is the JS Bach currently playing.....
Flight still showing 14.15 - which probably means a 16.30 take off
[8D] but hey what can you.
m
Good luck to those out at MCO - there's a fairly relaxed pragmatic view from most of the Flyers in the lounge right now. As an old boss used to say - 'it is what it is'.
Full TR to follow.
Andrew, Jayne and Jess (aged 21 months)
Andrew
Thank you for that pragmatic view
As someone who is currently sitting in the Not So Sunshine State, I am equally anxious about not only getting back to the UK but also being able to get home from the Airport
What I realize is that I cannot change the impact of the atrocious weather across both the US and the UK and that everyone is trying to do their best under the circumstances. That way my journey home, whilst not likely to be any smoother, will not stress me out
buns
Thank you for that pragmatic view
As someone who is currently sitting in the Not So Sunshine State, I am equally anxious about not only getting back to the UK but also being able to get home from the Airport
What I realize is that I cannot change the impact of the atrocious weather across both the US and the UK and that everyone is trying to do their best under the circumstances. That way my journey home, whilst not likely to be any smoother, will not stress me out
buns
Latest is good news at last, a very helpful employee has managed to get me four seats on LGW flight direct tonight then shuttle to MAN tomorrow. Are the shuttles running ok? I did book flights on credit card virgin actually but unsure whether that's means I'm insured? Still a lot of unhappy faces here without flights but they are doing there all.
Just a final thought although I understand the man lgw swapover day wouldn't it of been sense and more cost affective to let Manchester passengers go back on the swapover flight then reroute gatwick passengers as 90% of flights being offered are terminating in London? Just a thought?
Just a final thought although I understand the man lgw swapover day wouldn't it of been sense and more cost affective to let Manchester passengers go back on the swapover flight then reroute gatwick passengers as 90% of flights being offered are terminating in London? Just a thought?
#733670 by Guest
08 Jan 2010, 16:46
08 Jan 2010, 16:46
quote:Originally posted by dunkmat
Latest is good news at last, a very helpful employee has managed to get me four seats on LGW flight direct tonight then shuttle to MAN tomorrow. Are the shuttles running ok? I did book flights on credit card virgin actually but unsure whether that's means I'm insured? Still a lot of unhappy faces here without flights but they are doing there all.
Just a final thought although I understand the man lgw swapover day wouldn't it of been sense and more cost affective to let Manchester passengers go back on the swapover flight then reroute gatwick passengers as 90% of flights being offered are terminating in London? Just a thought?
I arrived back to LHR last night after a delay but LHR was so iced up we had to hold just off the runway until they could de-ice the slip way for us to get to a gate - even the pilot saud it was chaos. Given the weather forcast (it is going to get colder over the weekend - see here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8448399.stm ) I would be prepared to be stuck at LGW for a bit - the UK is even running out of grit to salt the roads. I would hold out for direct a flight to Manchester if it was me to be honest.
Good luck.
Latest is good news at last, a very helpful employee has managed to get me four seats on LGW flight direct tonight then shuttle to MAN tomorrow. Are the shuttles running ok? I did book flights on credit card virgin actually but unsure whether that's means I'm insured? Still a lot of unhappy faces here without flights but they are doing there all.
Just a final thought although I understand the man lgw swapover day wouldn't it of been sense and more cost affective to let Manchester passengers go back on the swapover flight then reroute gatwick passengers as 90% of flights being offered are terminating in London? Just a thought?
I arrived back to LHR last night after a delay but LHR was so iced up we had to hold just off the runway until they could de-ice the slip way for us to get to a gate - even the pilot saud it was chaos. Given the weather forcast (it is going to get colder over the weekend - see here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8448399.stm ) I would be prepared to be stuck at LGW for a bit - the UK is even running out of grit to salt the roads. I would hold out for direct a flight to Manchester if it was me to be honest.
Good luck.
Disagree with you Hackneyguy on the holding out for a direct MAN flight - the way I'd look at it is if you're in the UK, then you're better off than being stuck in Florida because you've got more options to get from Gatwick to Manchester than Florida to the UK.
Always planning a trip somewhere!
Virgin West Coast is running a fairly good service.
Always planning a trip somewhere!
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