First post - LHR - SYD (UCS)

Hi all,

This is my first post, so please be gentle , hopefully I will use the correct accroynms.

I have travelled a few times on VS, mostly in Economy, twice in PE, but this will be mine and my partners first trip using UCS. I am sooooo excited about it, but just thought I would ask the Guru's for some information......

We have been allocated seat 2A and 3A, are they ok or should we think about changing them? To be honest we are not worried about staring in each others eyes but would like to sit together, Oh forgot to mention one of the tickets has been upgraded using Miles.

Checking in - We will be using the Limo service to get us to the airport, what check-in method would be best, get the driving just to drop us at the terminal and checkin at the desks?

Clubhouse - are all the facilities free once you go in, i.e. haircuts, food and the use of the showers? We will be arriving at the airport at around 6pm and the flight does not leave until 10.30pm, are we allowed to be in the Clubhouse for that long? We have used servisair lounges before and you can only have a limited time in some of them.

Is there a lounge to use at HKG?

I have loved reading these forums and have made me laugh. Sorry for all the questions on my first post.

Thanks
Mark

[Neil]

Hi Mark and welcome to V-Flyer[y][y]

Im sure a more regular UC traveller will be able to answer some of your specific questions but its always worth using the search function as there have been a few topics on this subject recently which may also help and give you some advise on making the most of your first UCS trip, here is one

Hope you have a good trip and don't forget a TR.

Neil:)

[ChuckC]

Mark,
A warm welcome to V-Flyer and thank you for your enthusiasm -- that's what we're all about here.

I'll tackle several of your questions and others will fill in no doubt.

If you look at the Seat Map feature you'll notice that the "A" seats on the 346 in the first zone are actually facing the passengers in the middle whereas the seats on the starboard "K" side face no one; in fact, they face the back wall of the seats in the center. It's personal preference but I prefer the "K" seats for this reason. Also note that a lavatory is in the front of the cabin.

All services, food and drink in the Clubhouse are complimentary, including the excellent Cowshed Spa. You should consider reserving Spa services in advance as they are quite popular; I always tip my Spa attendant. Most UC travelers like to spend at least several hours in the Clubhouse so consider arriving early to take advantage of all the Clubhouse has to offer. Your names will be on a list at the front entrance and you'll be welcomed warmly.

Again, welcome.

Chuck-

[HighFlyer]

Welcome to the forum Mark

The subject of suite seating is much debated, as Neil says, there are a plethora of threads on the subject if you do search, though it does seem to be personal preference and dependant on the seating plan of the aircraft, I always go for one behind the other though as i find its much easier to communicate over the partition.

If you are using the Limo you can use Drive-thru check in. Check out this thread for an update as the location has moved due to works. The Limo will take you to check-in.

Yes, everything in the Clubhouse will be free for the two of you to use, from the food to the drink to your beauty treatment or haircut! Yes you will be allowed in the Clubhouse from 6pm, you can go in at any time infact - some V-Flyers have spent in excess of 8 hours in Clubhouses before

Yes there is a lounge at HKG, there are some great pictures in the gallery!

Dont worry about the questions, thats what we are here for!

Thanks,
Sarah

[HighFlyer]

Ah, great minds Chuck

Thanks,
Sarah

[fozzyo]

Hey Mark,

Welcome to V-Flyer! We did the LHR-HKG trip earlier this year in UCS - its the only way to do it a flight that long.

You say you are using the Limo service, in that case I assume one of the tickets is a J or D. In that case you will automatically be able to use the Drive-Thru Checkin. Its awesome - sit in the car, hand over your passport and tickets and they take the luggage to checkin and process it for you while you sit back and relax.

6:30pm too early? We had the limo pick us up in Wolverhampton about 1pm I think. We were in the Clubhouse at about 3:30ish - so no, 6:30 isn't too early. The more time you have the more "value for money" you get.

If you want to have a Spa treatment I would suggest that you call them in advance to book the treatment of your choice - just makes sure you get one at the time you want it.

There is also a Clubhouse in Hong Kong that you can use. If you are travelling non-stop when you disembark the plane you will need to take all your hand luggage with you, a member of ground crew will give you a small "Catch Me If You Can" sticker. You then go through security again and make your way up to the Clubhouse, we got lost on the way so make sure you ask Virgin ground crew as soon as you see them.

When you get to Sydney you will be knackered but there will be someone waiting for you to whisk you off to your hotel in another car.

Please ask any questions you have about the trip, part of what is so great about this forum is helping others get the most from their VS experiences.

Mat

[fozzyo]

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Ah, great minds Chuck

Indeed!

Wow, thanks for the quick response!

Do you spend all your time on here.

I am really looking forward to the trip and I keep saying to my partner that the holiday starts in the Clubhouse [:I]

I will make sure I do a TR too.
Thanks
Mark

Here a video of the HKG clubhouse that i flimed last saturday

[url][/url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Keepfv5264U

Please ignore the first part as this was filmed as a part of the whole holiday for my friends. Also please excuse the long link as im not an expert of shorting them.

[fozzyo]

Originally posted by mark my words
Do you spend all your time on here.

[:I][:w]

Originally posted by mark my words
I am really looking forward to the trip and I keep saying to my partner that the holiday starts in the Clubhouse [:I]

The Clubhouse? Oh noo, for me it started when we had a call from our driver waiting for us outside! [8D]

How long are you out there for? Where by you staying? It is a beautiful city, very similar to San Francisco but with a slightly more British sense of humour.

[Neil]

Originally posted by mark my words
Wow, thanks for the quick response!

Do you spend all your time on here.

That Mark is a good question and something that has been much discussed in a recent topic here

Neil:)

Your TLA's were fine by the way Mark. If you want some pointers on the ones in use, and other 'netiquet' have a look in the FAQ (top right of the screen). Some people have also mentioned the search, which is a great tool again top right. You can also use google to search if that is easier.

Welcome!

I have been reading the forums since I posted mine, I think my boss is not that happy that I am spending my time researching about travelling in UCS - I think he is jealous! [:p]

Thanks for the hint on using the search - very useful.

Cheers
Mark

P.S. thanks John for posting the Vid clip!!

How long are you out there for? Where by you staying? It is a beautiful city, very similar to San Francisco but with a slightly more British sense of humour.

We are staying at the Four Point Darling Harbour. We are out in Oz for 4 weeks.

We have been before and loved it so much, we decided to go back. We are driving from Sydney up the coast to Brisbane and Fraser Island, then the last part of the trip will be to the Whitsundays to spoil ourselves.

Mark

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by AerJohn
Here a video of the HKG clubhouse that i flimed last saturday

[url][/url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Keepfv5264U

Please ignore the first part as this was filmed as a part of the whole holiday for my friends. Also please excuse the long link as im not an expert of shorting them.

Hmmph! I have to go on V-Flyer to see what he was videoing!! [:w]