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change of flight time!!

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 18:25
by ralphy
Hi first time posting on here. Me and my partner are booked on the vs45 on the 28/11/09 in upper for my birthday. The flight was suppose to go at 1400 but i have just been informed they have now changed it to go earlier at 1200 which means less time in the wonderful clubhouse which we were both looking forward too. Question we are on a z ticket booked through virgin holidays cruises as we are connecting to the qm2. Can i ask them to change my flight to a later one? The vs1 has now been changed to 1400 which makes no sence to me!! A little unhappy to say the least.

Thank you

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 18:29
by VirginXC
Hi Ralphy,

This happened to me back in May, the VS045 was cancelled and so I was put onto the VS009 which leaves at 16:25. I rang the Upper Class reservation help line and the agent that I spoke to stated that as they had withdrawn the flight they would look to change those customers affected onto another flight of thier choice (either another date or time of travel) without incurring any further charges.

Give them a buzz and see what they can do

Pete

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 18:32
by ralphy
Hi Pete,

Thank you. I will call them just now. Virgin cruises said they would try but i would be charged extra. I am on a Z ticket would that make a diffrence?

Regards

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 18:47
by VirginXC
We were also booked on Z returns, having cancelled the VS045 they reprotected us onto the 09:00 departure to which I wasn't very impressed with. Like you, I wanted some decent time in the Clubhouse and so I rang UC reservations direct to ask what could be done, they offered to move us to another flight time that was better for us - even changing the date of departure if we wished. But we did book with VA direct and so I'm unsure of any 'grey areas' that may lurk because you booked it all through VH.

Give them a try though, they seemed to be really helpful when I called.

Pete

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 18:51
by Nottingham Nick
Regardless of the legal position, it would be very bad customer service IMHO, if they didn't try their best to accommodate you.

The change of flight time isn't of your doing and the precedent they appeared to have set for Pete seems the sensible option.

Please let us know if you have any success.

Also, always make a not of the agent's name as they answer the phone. That way, if you get a particularly unhelpful one, you can give it 30 minutes and try again for a different agent. [;)]

Nick

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 19:05
by ralphy
Hi

Thank you for the quick responce. I have just called upperclass reservations and they said because it was booked through VH they cannot help me. I need to go back to VH and see what they can do for me.

Regards

Ralph

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 19:26
by tontybear
Take into account that the VS045 lands at JFK but the VS001 lands at EWR (Newark) so you might want to factor that into your thinking.

How do later flights fit into your cruise timings?

If your on a VH cruise package I imagine they will be geared to transporting you from JFK rather than EWR but ISTBC on that point.

If you want extra time in the CH then (and sorry of this sounds simplistic or glib) just arrive a couple of hours earlier for your 12.00 departure.

(I just checked the booking engine and the VS045 is listed as departing at 12.00 and the VS001 for 14.00)

Whatever happens have a good flight and happy birthday !

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 19:34
by ralphy
Hi Tonty,

Our cruise does not leave new york till the 30/11/09. We where going to have a few nights in the big apple before. To be honest either airport would be ok as we have been to both previously although I was looking foward to travelling upper on the 747 as we have been upper on the a340 600 before. I will wait and see what VH come back with.

Thanks for your comments.

Regards

Ralph

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 19:55
by tontybear
Hi Ralph

As you say wait and see what VH say but I would choose based on what flight TIME is best for you and Mrs Ralph rather than trying to flying on a particular TYPE of aircraft. Don't forget that VS can and do change types for all sorts of operational reasons so there is no guarantee (but a good chance) of getting a 747 on the VS045.

The 'what flight' stats on here show that the VS045 is a 747 for 84& of flights but the VS001 is only 3% operated by a 747. I didn't check the stats for other LHR-NYC flights.

I checked the VS booking engine and the only 747 flight on the 28th November is the VS045, all the rest are Airbus.

I know a flight change is annoying (luckily it has never happened to me) and it does cause all sorts of problems for people but for you it looks like balancing time in the CH against flying on a 747.

So it looks like, if you want more time in the CH and the best chance of being on a 747, you and Mrs Ralph will be getting up early ...

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 20:15
by ralphy
Hi Tonty,

Thank you for checking that for me. I am sure regardless of time of flight or aircraft type we will have a great time in upper and in the clubhouse. We will just have to drink more champagne in the clubhouse to make up for it. lol.


Ralph

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 20:22
by tontybear
quote:Originally posted by ralphy
We will just have to drink more champagne in the clubhouse to make up for it. lol.


Ralph


Thats the right v-flyer attitude ! [y][y][y]

(btw if you put your flight details into the Itinery function you might be able to arrange to meet up with some fellow members)

PostPosted: 17 Aug 2009, 20:31
by andrew.m.wright
quote:Originally posted by ralphy
Hi first time posting on here. Me and my partner are booked on the vs45 on the 28/11/09 in upper for my birthday. The flight was suppose to go at 1400 but i have just been informed they have now changed it to go earlier at 1200 which means less time in the wonderful clubhouse which we were both looking forward too. Question we are on a z ticket booked through virgin holidays cruises as we are connecting to the qm2. Can i ask them to change my flight to a later one? The vs1 has now been changed to 1400 which makes no sence to me!! A little unhappy to say the least.

Thank you


Speaking from personal experience here.

The last couple of times I've taken the VS 45 it has taken upwards of 70 minutes to clear Immigration at JFK due to other international carriers arriving at the same time.

Although less Clubhouse time with a midday departure it might save you alot of grief at the other end.

And if it is any consolation my November UC VS17 flight is no longer VPort

'We are not amused' is the phrase that springs to mind!

Thanks,



Andrew.