V-Flyer

I'm planning to fly from Gatwick to Orlando this summer for a Star Wars Convention. I'm dreading flying out of Gatwick because I think I would be very disappointed since I've flown out of Heathrow before and I'be heard Gatwick is rubbish compared to Heathrow. The Clubhouse does not look as amazing, I dont think there is a private security channel and the UC cabins from Gatwick I've heard are awful.

True, the LGW CH isn't the one at LHR (not been in it since the refurb, but space alone says it cannot match)and there isn't a private Security Channel, but that takes all of 5 mins anyway.

I am not sure it is 'rubbish' compared to LHR, just not as good. Its all relative. The LHR CH sets a very high standard - hence winning best lounge for x years.

If you are flying U/C then I certainly wouldn't dread it. IFE not as good (in all cabins not just U/C), but with only 14 seats it can feel more 'homely' (if that's the right word).

If it really is that much of an issue you could fly into MIA and drive up - about 4 hours. Personally, I think the slightly less desirable LGW is preferable to the MIA route and the additional drive.

When you do notice it is when you don't have lounge access - I was in LGW last Monday for a quick work trip over to Guernsey. Now that wasn't so pleasurable - still wasn't a killer though.

was just going to suggest flying LHR to Miami, and taking a short hop flight or driving up to Orlando

Personally I prefer the smaller LGW/MAN UC cabin to either the 344 or 346. Certainly not 'awful' in my experience.

Why is the IFE important? You still have the bar!
You can get really personal service when you have a max. of 14 pax.

Agreed the CH may be not up to LHR standards. MCO does not have a CH - the Delta lounge is nothing special but I find the McCoys in the Hyatt more than makes up - try the Trio!
MCO Airport is far better both for entry & departure than MIA. DTD check-in is very useful; get rid of the luggage straight to the 'desk' before returning the rental car.

Many thanks for all your comments. After reading another post, would it be a good idea to wait for a UC sale to see if it includes Orlando?

Alos would it be worth buying the 5000 miles I need (for 90) to use miles plus money as I've only got 10,000 at the moment?

re your second point it would depend on what the difference in price is between the miles + money and the normal fare and taking into account(if they matter to you)the miles and tier points you would earn on the two options.

Orlando does not always / often feature in the UC sale ... so you're taking a chance on that.

Is Gatwick really that bad? I only ever use it for EK flights or the occasional BA European jaunt, all my VS flights leave from Heathrow.

IMHO Gatwick has a lot to offer the UC passenger.

Many of the the staff at both the Clubhouse and the V Room are regulars and therefore offer a more personalised service than can be the case at Heathrow - the Clubhouse may be smaller but combined with excellent levels of service this makes up for any lack of 'Wow' factor.

The smaller UC cabin has a lot going go it, but I would agree with Slinky that waiting for a good UC sale fare may be wishful thinking

buns

Would it be worth going via a different route if there is an UC sale on that route?

And how do I find how much I would save on miles plus money. It wont let me as I havent got enough miles yet.

Also I noticed the bar is smaller on LGW planes. Do you find that a problem?

What are your expected dates and route and I'll have a look for you later after I've been for a walk (got to burn of crimbo lunch calories) and hit the shops for retail therapy !

quote:Originally posted by tontybear
What are your expected dates and route and I'll have a look for you later after I've been for a walk (got to burn of crimbo lunch calories) and hit the shops for retail therapy !


London - Orlando on 11-16 Aug.

I totally agree with buns - I have only flown the LGW routes (I could have flown LHR - Miami but no thanks), I really enjoy the LGW UC experience, for me the small cabin of only 14 suites wins it, I know I've not flown on the larger LHR planes but the pictures are enough to put me off, much too crowded for my liking, give me the smaller 'exclusive' LGW cabin any day.

Also, the guys at MCO really are fantastic, nothing is too much trouble for them. A nice little touch is pulling the UC luggage off from the conveyor belt and putting by the UC sign - it's on a separate conveyor belt in any event but it's those little things that really can make an enjoyable travel experience even more enjoyable.

Do mpm fares rely on availability of G class fares? Certainly miles upgrades do.

If so this may be a major factor. G Class fares are as rare as hens teeth on this route - especially school holidays which you are smack bang in the middle of. I don't know how, but I found two for one particular flight in Oct this year which I bagged immediately - I had never seen one G class available before, never mind two.

Have just got two G-class on the MAN-MCO route! [:)]
That for April O/W May Ret.
There were quite a few available days both MAN & LGW also LHR-MIA. Very surprised at this!
After making the bookings found we had choice of all seats on the set map O/W and from 12 on the inbound.
I have never seen such light bookings on this route.

So I would guess there will be a UC seat sale.

However that is Apr/May. I do not believe there will be any availability for MCO G's or cheap UC sale for the school holiday summer period. Why sell cheap when VS are almost guaranteed to be fully booked?

So for mid-Aug., you have a much better chance getting indirect offers - get a deal to NY and connect down to Fl.

UC on those dates is (at the moment!) 1785 and earning 13k miles and 10tps in the z bucket

No MPM fares for these dates

PE with MPM is 1086 + 7.5k miles in the K Bucket - earning no miles or TPs

PE (normal) is 1146 but earning 10.8k miles and 6tps - again in the K bucket

Econ (normal) is 687 earning 4.3k miles and 4 tps in the X Bucket

Econ witn MPM is 666 + 2k miles in the X bucket and earning no miles or TPs

These prices as as now. I did the dummy MPM bookings after logging into my acocng but the 'normal' fares were onbtained just by going to thre VS site and not logging on.

Hope this helps and apologies to anyone else who was .lookign at these dates etc for probbaly putting the price up !

quote:Originally posted by tontybear
UC on those dates is (at the moment!) 1785 and earning 13k miles and 10tps in the z bucket

No MPM fares for these dates


[:0] How come there are no MPM fares?

guess its as others have said - a combination of a small cabin and school holidays so very limited availabilty

or... they have already been sold.

They are classed as a type of reward seat, so there are a limited number on each flight - especially the MCO ones.

Nick