V-Flyer

Firstly hello.

It's my first UC flight ever next week (and probably the last) 8D We were supposed to fly last November for my 50th. The lovely friends whom we are staying with, used their airmiles to get us in UC as a treat. Sadly my 95 yr old M-I-L became very poorly so we thought it wise to cancel. She is now very well thankfully, and so we re-arranged our trip. Yay!!

So being of good old working class roots I'm feeling a tad nervous as the CC of Virgin will be used to dealing with successful business men, stars and folk of that ilk instead of an oik like moi! )

I've read on here that FSMs are the make and break of a good UC experience. I'm just nervous that s/he may be a little snobby and leave us cringingly embarrased when we require something. :#

As well as devouring this forum I've become a complete saddo re: anything Virgin Atlantic... I've flown with them about six times before to L.A. but always in economy. First time was a dream, back in the late 90s but the last time (2007) was a disappointment as the cabin was quite grimy.

Not really asking for help just getting rid of some pre-holiday excitement by typing this out.

Wendy,

Never fear - I've flown two round trips in Upper on rewards and never felt that I've had less than anyone else in the cabin.

The last time I flew was in May last year and the CC were superb on both legs of the trip (superb ++ coming back). I think it depends a lot on the crew you have the day you fly. Certainly on the return trip last time - I felt like I'd been given rockstar treatment from the moment I stepped onto the plane to the moment I stepped off it.

Lounge access is the same whether you are on rewards or not.

The only difference I can see is the chauffeur driven service available to some - which doesn't bother me as I generally get a domestic connection into LHR.

WendyTinley wrote:Firstly hello.

It's my first UC flight ever next week (and probably the last) 8D We were supposed to fly last November for my 50th. The lovely friends whom we are staying with, used their airmiles to get us in UC as a treat. Sadly my 95 yr old M-I-L became very poorly so we thought it wise to cancel. She is now very well thankfully, and so we re-arranged our trip. Yay!!

So being of good old working class roots I'm feeling a tad nervous as the CC of Virgin will be used to dealing with successful business men, stars and folk of that ilk instead of an oik like moi! )

I've read on here that FSMs are the make and break of a good UC experience. I'm just nervous that s/he may be a little snobby and leave us cringingly embarrased when we require something. :#

As well as devouring this forum I've become a complete saddo re: anything Virgin Atlantic... I've flown with them about six times before to L.A. but always in economy. First time was a dream, back in the late 90s but the last time (2007) was a disappointment as the cabin was quite grimy.

Not really asking for help just getting rid of some pre-holiday excitement by typing this out.

Wendy you have nothing to fear so please stop worrying . UC is pretty much classless (as are most airline cabins these days) and the FSMs are certainly not snobbish. Some passengers may think they're more important than others but that's a self perceived notion.
Have a fabulous trip.
DL

One of the reasons why I fly Virgin is because none of cabin crew don't look down upon you if you are clearly not flying on business or it's obvious you have never flown in that cabin before. In my experience they treat everyone the same.

In other airlines business class cabins you do sometimes get that 'look like we know what we are doing and how every works' feeling. I've never ever had this when flying Virgin

Don't be afraid to ask the crew any questions you may have, like how the seat or tray table works for example.

As far as they on-board crew are concerned, they are unaware of which ticket class you have booked (reward, fully flexible or discounted). The only info they can see is your Flying Club status (which often isn't linked to reward bookings)

Enjoy your flight

Your first time turning left on boarding it'll be fab.

The only difference I have ever noticed is that CC will sometimes recognize frequent fliers and chat a little bit more ... and there have been some reports of a little fawning when real celebrities are on board (I sat next to Joan Collins once, and you can imagine she got some royal treatment but being next to her had no effect at all on the the service I received, which was still top notch). Other than that, as people have said, the crew are incredibly egalitarian and very pleased to help fliers new to UC get the most out of it.

You'll have a great flight, I am sure of it. We'll look forward to your trip report. And don't forget to allow for plenty of time in the clubhouse!

Woooooohooooooooooooo!

Thank you so much for the positive responses... I feel much reassured. Yes slinky09... we are due to arrive at the aiport at midday - our flight is scheduled for 15:15. Do you think this is sufficient?
Thanks Mandy et all... I will give a TR on my return where I will probably be gushing ad nauseam about the wonderful experience!

xx

Yes arriving at 12.00 will give you plenty of time. There are some that would say that hardly leaves any time for the CH and its attractions but do what YOU want to do !

Remember after using the private security lane to go straight to the clubhouse and once admitted go straight to the spa and try to book a treatment. THEN find somewhere to sit and order a drink and something to eat. You can always nip out and look round duty free later. It's not a problem to leave the CH to do this (just remember to take your passport and boarding pass)

Don't be put off by the likes of 'Penny' from Come Fly With Me. I have always found the VS CC to be excellent and certainly no snobbishness from VS (on the contrary some people find them to be a little too casual!)

The CC will ask if you need showing how to work the suite and if you want a drink or not once you board.

If you need anything you can always use your call bell but the CC make regular 'patrols' and are are pretty good at picking up the signlals if someone wants something (I mean look up at them - you don't have to stick your hand in the air and wave frantically !)

Remmber YOU are the most important person on the flight and above all enjoy yourself !

Oooh a treatment - I hadn't considered that! How much does a wash and blow dry cost... any idea?

tontybear wrote:
Don't be put off by the likes of 'Penny' from Come Fly With Me. I have always found the VS CC to be excellent and certainly no snobbishness from VS (on the contrary some people find them to be a little too casual!)
!

Tonty- I love the reference to Penny!!!

Luke

WendyTinley wrote:Oooh a treatment - I hadn't considered that! How much does a wash and blow dry cost... any idea?

You get the first 15 mins free but then pay £15 for each subsequent 15 mins. Many of us here mourn the days when a cut and blow dry cost absolutely nothing at all......(and very good the cuts were generally too )
DL

WendyTinley wrote:Oooh a treatment - I hadn't considered that! How much does a wash and blow dry cost... any idea?

Wendy you are a UC Virgin !

You can find the spa treatments here

These are the LHR CH pages

And these are teh general UC pages

Any more questions just ask !

UC is pretty much classless (as are most airline cabins these days) and the FSMs are certainly not snobbish. Some passengers may think they're more important than others but that's a self perceived notion

That comment is soooo true.

We travelled UC to California last year using airmiles to upgrade. On our return from LA, there were some famous celebs on board who certainly went out of their way to ensure everyone else in UC knew they were there. However the cabin crew treated the rest of 'us' very well. Wonderful flight both ways.

You only concern should be - it'll spoil you for future trips Enjoy yourselves - you didn't say your destination?

Hev60 wrote: On our return from LA, there were some famous celebs on board who certainly went out of their way to ensure everyone else in UC knew they were there. However the cabin crew treated the rest of 'us' very well. Wonderful flight both ways.

It's usually the zelebs who behave the worst IME. My last flight from LAX in December had 3 "famous" bods and a "mega" star in the cabin . None were divaesque and the "mega" star went completely unrecognised by the rest of the passengers . Not even any of the usual fawning by the crew (which is probably why nobody recognised him !).
DL

DragonLady wrote:It's usually the zelebs who behave the worst IME. My last flight from LAX in December had 3 "famous" bods and a "mega" star in the cabin . None were divaesque and the "mega" star went completely unrecognised by the rest of the passengers . Not even any of the usual fawning by the crew (which is probably why nobody recognised him !).
DL

I think its more the 'hangers on' and 'entourage' that cause the bother rather than the stars themselves.

If you arrive in the CH at about noon it is a good time to get there as most of the morning flights will have gone and passengers for the afternoon flights will only just be arriving. Do as tonty says and go straight to the spa area. It is in the far right-hand corner when you arrive. The concierge will point it out. In the CH you can choose to eat in the brasserie or the bar area and you can eat from the menu or choose something from the deli. All food and drink is complimentary.

On board the crew generally ask if you know all about the suites and will show you the bells and whistles. They are very good with new passengers. I have taken family into UC for the first time and they have been enchanted with the experience

I actually prefer VS because the service level is less attentive and they hold much less information on me, thus less concerned about keeping me 'happy'. I want to board, go horizontal and wake up before I land. If you are looking for michelin starred cuisine and silver service look elsewhere but for a good bed and a couple of snacks then VS tick the boxes. The Clubhouse is also a nice touch for some email checking and a cocktail.


Oh and don't worry about snobbery from CC, all sorts of riff raff travel UC. From WAGs to rappers ... ):

Dubaiification wrote:I actually prefer VS because the service level is less attentive and they hold much less information on me

Is it? Not my experience, the service level I receive is incredibly attentive and the crew know in advance which of the current red wines I prefer ... but then I am a top!

Oh how exciting - your first UC experience.

I know you didn't ask for my opinion but I'll give it to you anyway.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT

After you return, please do not blame any of us when you find yourself looking at the cost of fares when an UC sale comes along :w

I hope that all of your trip is everything it should be & more.

Have fun.

TTFN R-P

slinky09 wrote:

Dubaiification wrote:I actually prefer VS because the service level is less attentive and they hold much less information on me

Is it? Not my experience, the service level I receive is incredibly attentive and the crew know in advance which of the current red wines I prefer ... but then I am a top!

Yes, no escort through security or from the lounge to plane. No constant introductions of every crew, having slippers presented at my feet, a visit from the on-board 'chef'. I quite enjoy being called 'luv' and left to it. Maybe they have USB (UnSocialbleBu**er) on my flyingclub number?

VS actually did used to offer the 'escort you through the airport from check-in to the lounge' service - well I got this when I flew in Upper for the very first time back from YYZ (when VS briefly flew there before 9/11).

It was partly this that got me hooked on VS actually. Made me feel very special. Never had it since though.

Dubaiification wrote:

slinky09 wrote:

Dubaiification wrote:I actually prefer VS because the service level is less attentive and they hold much less information on me

Is it? Not my experience, the service level I receive is incredibly attentive and the crew know in advance which of the current red wines I prefer ... but then I am a top!

Yes, no escort through security or from the lounge to plane. No constant introductions of every crew, having slippers presented at my feet, a visit from the on-board 'chef'. I quite enjoy being called 'luv' and left to it. Maybe they have USB (UnSocialbleBu**er) on my flyingclub number?

I often use the escort to the seat and from the aircraft service esp when I know the aiport is "mess" such as LAX or DXB. And like Slinky I appreciate them knowing how I take my gin and what wines and food I prefer without asking. The only question I need to hear is "The usual Mr HG ?", I have yet to be called "mate" or "love" and would object strongly if anyone did - however I do ask the CC to call me by my first name.

mitchja wrote:VS actually did used to offer the 'escort you through the airport from check-in to the lounge' service - well I got this when I flew in Upper for the very first time back from YYZ (when VS briefly flew there before 9/11).

At MCO they usually escort you from the lounge to the gate which is nice.

David

Another thing to do, is to spend some time at the bar. You can have a chat with the CC and other passengers. Makes for a very sociable trip.

Oh, and as Slinky eluded to, the late LA flight could provide a bit of celeb-spotting. If that's your thing.

the late LA flight could provide a bit of celeb-spotting

.
Yes very true and if you see a certain female from that 1990's girl-band, who now lives in LA, then make sure you wear your earplugs as she likes to laugh alot (ALL through the night flight) v(