V-Flyer

After a year of experiencing the dizzy heights of Au status, I am today returned to the more pedestrian trappings of Ag. Shame.

But what did I get from my Year Of Gold? Well, other than the obvious bonus of extra FC miles (both through the extra 25% earned and the addition of Tizer to my account), nowt really. Four UC flights and not once was there any recognition of my status - not that I'm really into that sort of thing, you understand. Would have been nice though.

Still, the miles were handy, and I did like the extra bit of bling hanging off my hand luggage. My Ag tag (whenever it arrives) will look positively tainted by comparison...

Eeek [:0].

It's pathetic really, how we crave for the status and then realise how little it actually can confer. Something in the psyche drives us to it, with raised expectations, then dashed.

Still, it's been said time and time again, a little recognition costs nothing, takes seconds, works wonders. I've noticed that the only times this happens nowadays is an occasional, casual, throwaway comment by a FSM or SCC at odd moments in flight such as 'oh you're one of our more frequent fliers'. So they do know, but it could be a little more graceful.

Given that you usually fly UC on your vacation I dont think you will raelly have lost anything, other than Tizer's ability to collect miles. This is one example where there does need to be an incentive to keep Gold for a regular UC flier.

I think this may be my last year of FC Gold as I'm not flying VS long haul enough to keep the card and as Richard still has his we'll still be able to reap most of the benefits when we travel as a couple.

Thanks,
Sarah

Thanks,
Sarah

I'm only Ag but on my recent MAN-MCO I was greeted by name and then the FSM came around to speak to me again just after take off, he spoke to no one else in the cabin that time around.
I can't really say it made any difference to me. Being greeted by name or being recognised in anyway really doesn't make or break a flight for me, I can't see what all the fuss is about to be honest but each to their own. I honestly reckon there's only a few people are really bothered about being greeted by name, probably why VS don't often make a big effort to do it?

quote:Originally posted by daywalker
I honestly reckon there's only a few people are really bothered about being greeted by name, probably why VS don't often make a big effort to do it?


I am pleased to report I am one of them [:D]

One way or another I give Virgin a fair amount of business and this is one small, cheap, but never the less welcome way of the acknowledging my status.

As per my last TR - when the CSS and FSM noted my FC coding (there had been no mention or any greeting earlier and I did NOT say anything)- they went out of thier way to make up for it and offered a fair amount of miles as an apology. Miles refused but apology accepted as manners makes me a happy passenger likely to return.

Regards,

Hackneguy

quote:Originally posted by hackneyguy
quote:Originally posted by daywalker
I honestly reckon there's only a few people are really bothered about being greeted by name, probably why VS don't often make a big effort to do it?


I am pleased to report I am one of them [:D]

One way or another I give Virgin a fair amount of business and this is one small, cheap, but never the less welcome way of the acknowledging my status.

As per my last TR - when the CSS and FSM noted my FC coding (there had been no mention or any greeting earlier and I did NOT say anything)- they went out of thier way to make up for it and offered a fair amount of miles as an apology. Miles refused but apology accepted as manners makes me a happy passenger likely to return.

Regards,

Hackneguy




Oh I agree, you have to keep your customers happy and to me good manners and politeness is all I want from CC when I'm on board. I'm not having a go at those who feel being greeted by name/having status recognised is important. It's just that IMO it's not important to the majority, I'm not saying I'm right, just an opinion as to why VS don't make such an issue about it.

Hey, I would've taken the miles though [:p]

quote: It's just that IMO it's not important to the majority, I'm not saying I'm right, just an opinion as to why VS don't make such an issue about it.

Hey, I would've taken the miles though [:p]


The majority ! IS IT ? [:?] I am no so sure tbh.

As for the miles - I neither collect or hence use so makes no sence in me accepting [8D]

Regards,

Hackneyguy

I'm one as well. I like to be welcomed aboard purely because it makes me feel like a valued customer, and all it takes is a moment to glance at the manifest on boarding. Its all about creating the right welcome that makes the customer have an initial positive experience, hopefully to set the tone of the whole flight.

Thanks,
Sarah

Thanks,
Sarah

I'd hazard a guess that it's important to the majority of V-Flyers - so in time honoured tradition let's have a poll

LINK to said poll

Im silver too with only 4 points to get to make gold but there really is no reason for me to strive for this tier, which could be done easily to jfk for 249 for a long weekend, i have paid to get into the CH already once this year when i had to fly PE, and so 50% more miles would be the only perk/incentive to reach gold for me! Strange how its worked out for most people neither needing or requiring gold status since when you get there, theres nothing up there!

cheers

alex

Haven't you heard Ag is the new Au [y]

quote:Originally posted by HighFlyer
I'm one as well. I like to be welcomed aboard purely because it makes me feel like a valued customer, and all it takes is a moment to glance at the manifest on boarding. Its all about creating the right welcome that makes the customer have an initial positive experience, hopefully to set the tone of the whole flight.


Ditto. Well said.

quote:Originally posted by Jacki
Haven't you heard Ag is the new Au [y]

What's hot? Ag. What's not? Au. Oh, and Hull...

While not a great model for airlines, I do like the way the cruise lines do their customer loyalty programs:

discounts,
in room perks,
free booze,
separate lounge when boarding,
free laundry,
no waiting in lines [y]

Lot's of little things that keep you coming back.
Once you reach the top tier levels the perks get even better.

Erm, is this not exactly what the airlines do?

Discounts - Earned miles indeed mean if redeemed you pay a lower price.

Free Booze - Already get

Seperate Lounge - Try Clubhouse

No waiting in line - Priority boarding for gold.

No answer to the laundry tho!

quote:[i]No answer to the laundry tho!

How about th eshirt press and mend at Revivals? [:D]

quote:Originally posted by kingcole1974
Erm, is this not exactly what the airlines do?

Discounts - Earned miles indeed mean if redeemed you pay a lower price.

Free Booze - Already get

Seperate Lounge - Try Clubhouse

No waiting in line - Priority boarding for gold.

No answer to the laundry tho!


Try redeeming them, not that easy unless you are very flexible
Not on every airline
Not at every airport
Errr, yeah ok, sometimes.
Oh an idea for EK, put a dry cleaners in the belly off the 388 !

quote:Originally posted by Alex V
Im silver too
cheers

alex

Get your Avatar changed[:D]

quote:Originally posted by Scrooge

Oh an idea for EK, put a dry cleaners in the belly off the 388 !


Now that is a good idea, pressed shirts and a shower before arrival - like a Revivals in the Sky [y]

quote:Originally posted by jaguarpig
quote:Originally posted by Alex V
Im silver too
cheers

alex

Get your Avatar changed[:D]


Cruel!!

quote:Originally posted by Sealink

Cruel!!


Its an upgrade in status,now poor Mr V is a different matter[:D]

I dont appear to be in circle of trust regarding an avatar[:I] and while JP & SL are having a whale of a time suggesting i should change my avatar[:?], i had to google such a word but it brought little in answer[:#]

Please guys let me into your avatar club[:D][:D]

cheers

alex[:p]

He means change your Red card.

Go to your profile page, edit your profile (you need to put your password in again) and in Flying Club Number put your new one in. Voila, if you have done it right and the gods smile on you, the card will change colour.

Nice one Darren
I have partially entered the circle once again.

cheers

alex

Both my recent flights I was greeted by name on boarding the aircraft (nice touch I thought as it hadn't happened before), and on both flights the FSM came round and spoke to all passengers.