V-Flyer

Hi,

I am relatively new to the site and VA, and have been looking through the trip reports as traveling Manchester to Orlando econamy in Feb 07.

One thing that strikes me is the greater number of PE & UC reports as against economy, which is strange considering how many more travel economy.

As someone who is unlikely to sample the delights of PE or UC with out a second mortgage I also find it quite bemusing to read some of (what I would consider trivial) complaints about service in those classes. Before I get it in the neck for saying that I do realise that some people save for a long time to go PE & UC for special occasions, however I do get the impression (perhaps wrongly) that those complaining are regular flyers in PE & UC.

Regards
Martin.

Hi - You might be surprised to know that abt 45% of regular V-Flyers main class of travel is UC and abt 25% is PE so that is probably why there is a lot more TR's for these travel classes than Economy.

Thisthread from a little while ago explores how/why users pay for the premium classes (don't forget a lot are paid for by companies). Also it has been mentioned in quite a number of different threads that those who complain/make comment about the problems of UC are long time UC pax who have noticed a decline in standards/service from a few years ago and are quite often comparing the "good old days" to todays lowers standards as they see it.

Neil:)

Whilst i appreciate what you are saying, all members can post a trip report from Economy who's travelled. I find these just as enjoyable to read.

We all have our opinions and they all count but I do not believe they are 'trivial' matters. Some people travel a lot and like a consistent service.

Originally posted by msgreen44
Hi,

I am relatively new to the site and VA, and have been looking through the trip reports as traveling Manchester to Orlando econamy in Feb 07.

One thing that strikes me is the greater number of PE & UC reports as against economy, which is strange considering how many more travel economy.

As someone who is unlikely to sample the delights of PE or UC with out a second mortgage I also find it quite bemusing to read some of (what I would consider trivial) complaints about service in those classes. Before I get it in the neck for saying that I do realise that some people save for a long time to go PE & UC for special occasions, however I do get the impression (perhaps wrongly) that those complaining are regular flyers in PE & UC.

Regards
Martin.

Martin,

I think it's simply a case of this being more-or-less a "fan site" - for lots of the regulars here, flying, Virgin, and in particular experiencing the Premium cabins, enjoys quite a high priority position amongst competing demands for their discretionary spending. Then there are of course people who travel a lot for work who will try and fly whenever practical with Virgin.

Above all though, you'll find tons of info on V-Flyer that's concerned with maximising "bang for buck" in terms of Flying Club points, upgrades, "gold runs", operational upgrades and the rest of it. Fundamentally, the point is, a lot of the frequent premium-cabin fliers work their plans around being able to take advantage of the offers and wheezes that most people simply aren't aware of and just don't even think about. I would be very surprised (but I'll be promptly corrected I'm sure!:)) if there were many V-Flyer people who frequently pay out of their own pockets the £4,000+ or whatever it is for a full-fare J-class ticket for one person.

And of course, once you have sampled premium cabins, you're generally loath to go back to economy - and that's how you start thinking about the clever ways to stay in the pointy bit without requiring Croesean wealth!

As for grumbles about service, well, I suppose there are two points. First, if you've paid about four grand for a flight you really do deserve consistent, "never-fail" service that is far superior to what would be acceptable for customers who have paid around one-tenth of that sum for the same flight. Second, if you're a frequent premium passenger who has engineered an effective use of FC perks, and you know from experience how things can and should be done, it irks you all the more when you experience service that drops below that level.

But anyway - I really don't think most V-Flyers are scions of the idle rich with nothing more to do with time than chunter about apparent trifling defects! They are just passionate about the experience of flying with Virgin.


James

Originally posted by jamie
Whilst i appreciate what you are saying, all members can post a trip report from Economy who's travelled. I find these just as enjoyable to read.

We all have our opinions and they all count but I do not believe they are 'trivial' matters. Some people travel a lot and like a consistent service.

Yes, of course you are right - but sometimes I do feel they come across little bit picky, especially in UC, when you consider the other perks and luxuries (relatively speaking) - probably just me being jealous![ii]

However, (apologises for going OT)I wish the above sentiments were applied to another thread started by a cabin crew member unhappy with a change in rotas - That person seems to have got a right roasting by some.[V]

regards
Martin.

Originally posted by msgreen44
Yes, of course you are right - but sometimes I do feel they come across little bit picky, especially in UC, when you consider the other perks and luxuries (relatively speaking) - probably just me being jealous![ii]

Bear in mind that if someone pays £6,000 for a ticket, they can quite rightly get a little annoyed when the service is below "standard"...

I think the other thing is when you spend a significant amount of time hanging around airports and sat in planes, the perks of being an elite member of a frequent flyer scheme begin to matter.

I'm talking about things like the use of First/Business class check-in, use of Fast-track security lanes, lounge access, priority boarding, and priority baggage, regardless of ticketed cabin.

Waiting 30-40 minutes for your bag to come out at the far end on your occasional holiday flights, say once or twice a year, you probably don't notice that much.

When you start flying once a month, or more often, all that waiting around airports starts to stack up! Believe me, I definitely appreciate these perks, and you do miss them when they aren't there!

Cheers!
Mike

Originally posted by ShropshireLad
I really don't think most V-Flyers are scions of the idle rich with nothing more to do with time than chunter about apparent trifling defects!

Oh I don't know!

Originally posted by msgreen44
One thing that strikes me is the greater number of PE & UC reports as against economy, which is strange considering how many more travel economy.

Martin

Join we of the underclass who fly Economy and post Trip Reports[}:)] ! You know it makes sense.

To add to the points already made, I think there is a relevance in the monitoring of standards by our pointy end brothers and sisters who fly regularly. If they are finding the experience wanting then it may be symptomatic of a general change in standards and service that effects all.

Even if you don't fly regularly or in the non Economy classes, when you do the odd bit of failure of service is irritating. I've been lucky enough to be able to stretch to a couple of PE flights, and things like being off the plane ahead of Economy and having your baggage first on the carousel make a significant difference to the experience and are missed when they fail.

Paul