Heathrow to San Francisco

Hi Forum, my wife and I are flying to San Francisco on Sunday, this will be my first long haul fight and im a little worried about all the negative things I have read on other sites, e.g. FA'S not doing there jobs - online checkin not working - booked seats not been there and having to move around the cabin even though checked in online.

Im not a good passenger in the air, and 11hrs in PE seems daunting to me, some words of comfort would be nice we are on VS19 11.00am heathrow.

Thanks all Dunc

As with everything in life... people bang on (for want of a better term!) about things that have gone wrong alot more than when things go to plan!

Personally the only time i've ever had my assigned seat changed after checking in is for one in a higher cabin (sort of don't mind when that happens!!) may get the odd member of crew now and again who doesn't seem to want to be there, but certainly on VS they're a verrrryyyy small minority in my experience and even so they get the job done!

Virgin Atlantic is by far my favourite airline to fly on, the PE product is streets ahead of what BA offer, a lovely way to fly - relax and enjoy your trip, am sure you will!

All I would say is as airlines go, you couldn't have picked a better one!

You may have heard a lot of negative stories on sites, but as with most things - people are far more likely to post about negative experiences than take the time to post something positive.

You may want to read some of the Trip Reports on here (under Toolbox above) which will give you some insight.

Most seating requests are honoured, just checkin online once it opens at T-24 hours before the flight. Seat requests are not guaranteed but VS are very good at honouring if you do check in online at the earliest possible time!

Hope you have a great trip!

Luke

Thanks Guys for your reply's, i feel allot more relaxed now.

I will post a trip report on my return and let you all about my first experience with VS.

One other thing, if when we check our bags in at T3 and ask for upper class how much would it cost?

One other thing, if when we check our bags in at T3 and ask for upper class how much would it cost?

It all depends on the day. They might be desperate for some people to upgrade, so would be cheap, or they might have quite an empty flight where the upgrade price will be very high (roughly the price of upgrading to a full J fare)

Some people might have a guess at the price from experience, but you wont know till the day, what the on the day price will be

Oh, and I will miss you by a day, flying out to SFO on Saturday!

Have a great trip

One other thing, if when we check our bags in at T3 and ask for upper class how much would it cost?

You can always check in 'manage your bookings' as upgrades could be offered now. If not check daily and then again at OLCI. Even if there is nothing there you can still ask at the airport but either way it will be quite expensive.

BTW to help ensure you keep the seats you have selected you need to have completed OLCI by 13hrs prior to departure.

It's true we can be quite a negative bunch, but most complaints tend to be about the older PE seats and in flight entertainment systems found on the Gatwick fleet.

The SFO flight is on the newer A340-600 with the 'Purple' PE seats and the V-Port on demand system, which is usually excellent.

I'm also off to SFO in PE on the 19th and am looking forward to it immensely.

If you're travelling this Sunday the 6th, no chance of upgrading, UC is full:

J1 D1 R0 Z0 W7 S6 K5 Y9 B9 L9 M9 Q9 X9 N9 O9

I have just returned from SFO and also flew out on the VS019 on a Sunday.
I arrived around really early (around 7ish?) and although I'd checked in online, I asked about getting a row 18 seat. The lady was very nice and granted my wish allocating me 18K, a window AND legroom. I have to say, it made the flight so much more enjoyable being able to put my feet up. The food was nice and crew very friendly. All in all a good flight.

Coming back, there were no row 18 seats available so the journey was not quite as comfy but okay. There was a problem with the video system that it was announced, would limit what was watchable. I still watched one movie and then attempted to sleep. The food wasn't quite as nice on the return leg but still okay. Maybe it was the fact I was leaving the sunshine that made the returning journey a little less joyful?

Lastly: Once at the gate there was an announcement stating there were upgrades available and to enquire at the front desk. A move from PE to UC was coming in at £800.

Enjoy SF