Virgin UC Flyer has Questions

Hello,

This is a great website with very helpful advice from very nice travellers! I've gotten lots of great information from reading other questions and exploring all the site has to offer. However, I do have a few questions I haven't found answers to and hope you can help.

I am flying from IAD to LHR round trip with my husband and two teenage girls. We are departing IAD on Aug. 10 and returning from LHR on Saturday, August 20. Here are some of my questions:

1. My daughter won't eat anything that walks on land and can be picky with the ingrediants in what she will eat. I saw the summer menu that Tinkerbelle had posted (thanks!) and am not sure she will eat much on the plane. Is there a decent amount of food to choose from in the IAD clubhouse? (I've tried ordering vegetarian meals on other airlines and that has been a disaster so I don't want to do that)

2. Regarding the cowshed treatments at the Arrivals lounge (and the LHR clubhouse on return) - what is the custom regarding tipping? Do you tip for free service - if so what is customary? I know U.S. tipping customs are different than UK customs and don't want to offend.

3. Do they still offer treatments onboard flights? If so - same question regarding tipping?

4. On return trip - Is it worth trying to do the Wing service for check-in at LHR? How long does it take to check in and get to the clubhouse if you go through the dedicated UC check-in at arrivals terminal. Is the hassel of trying to get the make/model/etc. of hire car while also trying to see all the sights (we won't have cell phone service for easy calling on the go) worth the time savings?

5. Does anyone have any hire car recommendations to get 4 pax and at least 4 bags from hotel to LHR that know where to find the Wing entrance? (We certainly don't and I saw on some posts that it is not easy to find.) I've checked the rates with tristar and they are pricey.

6. Lastly, what time do you think we should aim to get to LHR to take advantage of services and clubhouse on a Saturday morning?

Thanks so much! We're really excited for our trip. We've never been to London and can't wait to explore all that it has to offer!

Cheers!

There hasn't been any treatments onboard for quite some time now. They are still available at LHR - someone else will be able to give you the lowdown on them.

Welcome

In response to your questions

1. If your daughter is that picky an eater then you might be better off buying her something to eat on board either at the airport or preparing something at home that you know she will like. The on board menu is what it is. I have not used the IAD CH so can't comment on the menu there but there is the chance of a little more flexibilty in food prep on the ground.

2. Tip if you want to but it is not expected or demanded but will be appreciated. A treatment in revivals may be nice but demand can be high and IMHO not worth waiting for unless you have to wait for another reason.

3. onboard treatments ended some years ago

4. The UC Wing is nice but unless you have a CDC booked through VS is probably not worth the bother in your case. It takes approx 5-10 mins to get from the UC desks downstairs to the CH using the provate security channel as as long as you don't stop in duty free. You are allowed to leave and reenter the CH if you want to visit DF - but remember your passport and boarding pass. Unlike at US airports you will be given your DF there and then - you don't collect it at the gate,

5. On arrival the best place to be met is in the arrivals hall or at revivals. Arriving pax do not get access to the UC Wing.
I have used just airports and chauffeur co uk and find them reliable. Others may have other recomemndations. It might help if we knew where you were staying in case someone can recommend a more local firm.

6. 3-4 hours in advance of your flight would be fine. As nice as the CH is its not somewhere to stay for the whole day - unless unavoidable


Enjoy your trip to London

Gosh, what a lot of questions! Like Tonty, I initially got confused at which directions you were flying ...

Is there a decent amount of food to choose from in the IAD clubhouse? (I've tried ordering vegetarian meals on other airlines and that has been a disaster so I don't want to do that)

Yes - the menu changes and I haven't been in a couple of months to IAD but I usually eat in the clubhouse and snack on the flight with a salad and some cheese. IAD is also a pretty good airport with good eating options in the terminal / concourse B if you don't see anything in the clubhouse. And don't forget to check what you cannot bring into the UK if you take Tonty's view of buying your own.

Regarding the cowshed treatments at the Arrivals lounge (and the LHR clubhouse on return) - what is the custom regarding tipping? Do you tip for free service - if so what is customary? I know U.S. tipping customs are different than UK customs and don't want to offend.

People are split on this but I always do and the answer is usually, go with what you are comfortable doing.

On return trip - Is it worth trying to do the Wing service for check-in at LHR? How long does it take to check in and get to the clubhouse if you go through the dedicated UC check-in at arrivals terminal. Is the hassel of trying to get the make/model/etc. of hire car while also trying to see all the sights (we won't have cell phone service for easy calling on the go) worth the time savings?

If you book with Tristar and get your booking number from them, then phone VS there is no hassle, VS will get the Tristar car details automatically. However, Tristar are not the cheapest as you say ... that said I think the Wing is worth it, it's a fab way to check in, very glam if you're not used to it.

Does anyone have any hire car recommendations to get 4 pax and at least 4 bags from hotel to LHR that know where to find the Wing entrance? (We certainly don't and I saw on some posts that it is not easy to find.) I've checked the rates with tristar and they are pricey.

If you don't and can get a cheaper option, it is a bit of a maze and the barriers can confuse many people too. That said, call VS and they will give you directions and if you miss it, you can always go around!

Lastly, what time do you think we should aim to get to LHR to take advantage of services and clubhouse on a Saturday morning?

The VS21 leaves at 11 am doesn't it, the clubhouse opens at 7 am, there you go .

Enjoy your visit to London, hope you have a fab time!

IAD lounge us a lot better than some, food is ok but there isn't anything to do and get there comfy if you want a comfy seat!

Thank you all for your answers. You've been most helpful!