V-Flyer

I've just spoken to someone at the flying club about my upcoming trip with Virgin from Heathrow to Newark in Premium Economy. The lady mentioned that for £60 I can see if there is room in the clubhouse when at the airport. I'd just turn up at the clubhouse and if there is availability I would pay at the door.

Can anyone advise what the chances are of getting in? My last flight was in UC and I have to confess I think £60 is a bargain for a few hours in the clubhouse.

Also if anyone has any tips to increase my chances I'd love to hear them.

I'm travelling on Thursday March 28th if that makes a difference and I have put my trip dates on the itinerary calendar.

Many thanks in advance for any advice received.

Hi Dave,

Yep you can pay access to the lounge at the door. Chances for getting in depend entirely on lounge occupancy at the time of arrival, although don't be afraid to flash a smile

Hmmm tips on getting in.. aside from fly UC totally dependant on availability and whether or not the greeter is in a good mood. As I said, big smiles, a bit of banter and just ask. I would also recommend against turning up in a pink onsie

Good luck 8D

Hi Joey, thanks very much, I'll try to practice big smiles before heading to the airport. I'll just have to make sure it doesn't look too creepy though. Lol. I'll definitely leave the onesie at home too.

Thursday 28th = Maundy Thursday = likely to be busy = reduced chances of paid entry bring available (but may depend on time of day your flight is)

Alternative might be to pre book the #1 lounge.

Yes I was thinking with the flight I'm on fully booked and it being in the Easter get away I might not have much luck. I'm flying on VS1 at 4pm. I was planning to arrive at about midday. I am trying to keep my hopes up with the truth that is though most flights are busy that day, most passengers will either fly economy or possibly won't realise that clubhouse might be an option if not in UC.

I think £60 is pretty steep to be honest. Just check-in to one of the Servisair ones - only about £18

lspoor wrote:I think £60 is pretty steep to be honest. Just check-in to one of the Servisair ones - only about £18

Do Servisair give you an unlimited free bar, full waiter-service restaurant and complimentary spa and hairdressing?

Everyone's got their own idea of what constitutes value but to me, £60 for all the CH offers is good value if you make the most of it. But if all you want is a quiet place to sit for a couple of hours and a drink or two then yes, it's steep.

gumshoe wrote:

lspoor wrote:I think £60 is pretty steep to be honest. Just check-in to one of the Servisair ones - only about £18

Do Servisair give you an unlimited free bar, full waiter-service restaurant and complimentary spa and hairdressing?

Everyone's got their own idea of what constitutes value but to me, £60 for all the CH offers is good value if you make the most of it. But if all you want is a quiet place to sit for a couple of hours and a drink or two then yes, it's steep.

I thought the spa and hairdressing treatments were for AU members or people flying Upper Class. Unlimited free bar is a yes.

I had a "free" treatment after paying to get in in jan
Blacky

I have to say that £60 for a few hours in the Club is a bit steep, just think how far it would go in the "normal" airport outlets?
Dinner, breakfast, duty free, bar drinks etc.
Assume you are travelling alone, otherwise for a family it could end up costing big bucks!
The Clubhouse at Heathrow is brilliant though and you are made to feel very special. It, they, are one of the reasons why I continue to support Virgin despite falling standards in other departments.

hazban wrote:I have to say that £60 for a few hours in the Club is a bit steep, just think how far it would go in the "normal" airport outlets?

Dinner, breakfast, duty free, bar drinks etc.

Well like I said value is subjective, but if you were to pay for a 3 course meal with wine, a haircut or a treatment and 4 beers or cocktails in the normal T3 departure lounge, I reckon you'd be looking at £60.

Add to that the things that you can't so easily put a price on - peace and quiet, good service, free use of the Macs, nice showers, papers & magazines etc - I still maintain the CH is well worth paying for.

But if all you'd use it for is a coffee, some crisps and a comfy chair then no, it's probably not worth it.

Now what definitely ISN'T worth it is the guest list service. Assuming VS value CH entry at £60, they're charging £180 for a glorified taxi and use of the DTCI & UC wing. Or £220 if there are two of you.

I can see why VS are offering it - targeting honeymooners and others who want something special but who can't stretch to UC. But really, it's a rip-off.

Have to agree with ' gumshoe' in most respects.
I am spoilt a bit as a Gold member but might hesitate, for just a minute, if I had to pay for entry. But as I stated the experience is special and should be enjoyed at least once.
However, once you have passed through the portals you will want to return!

hazban wrote:I have to say that £60 for a few hours in the Club is a bit steep, just think how far it would go in the "normal" airport outlets?
Dinner, breakfast, duty free, bar drinks etc.
Assume you are travelling alone, otherwise for a family it could end up costing big bucks!
The Clubhouse at Heathrow is brilliant though and you are made to feel very special. It, they, are one of the reasons why I continue to support Virgin despite falling standards in other departments.

Yes I'm travelling alone but I figured that if I had lunch, a few drinks, a shave, use of wireless access it would come very close to £60 in T3 anyway outside the clubhouse anyway.

I have to say the last three, no maybe four times I have been to the clubhouse at LHR they have been fully booked for any treatement at the spa....It is no real biggie as I think the clubhouse is great anyway but it seems quite rare that it is actually possible to get a treatement (I normally go on the VS1 too)

I kind of agree with both sides in this debate. If you go to town, then £60 is worth it for a special treat, especially if it's your first experience of the Clubhouse. But for most typical visits, it probably is a bit too expensive. Better in that situation to save the money towards an upgrade to UC ):

at240 wrote: Better in that situation to save the money towards an upgrade to UC ):

Lol.. an UC upgrade for £60 where have we seen that before ):

Meh, like at240 I can see both sides, if you are going to use the money anyway then go for it.. def an experience not to be missed.

Definitely stop and think though, are you going to use the £60 or are you finding things to spend the £60 on?

As for the Guestlist comments, couldn't agree more.... it does put a price on savings with AU though doesn't it, funny that ii)

joeyc wrote:Lol.. an UC upgrade for £60 where have we seen that before ):

Ha ha touché !

Ill definitely give it some thought. I like that the clubhouse did leave me completely relaxed before my flight last time around. Usually I'll go to the Bridge Cafe and have breakfast or lunch and wonder around the shops when in the terminal but it's not exactly a relaxing environment.

I at least know it may be an option I can choose take on the day if I want to.

Dave-uk74 wrote:

hazban wrote:I have to say that £60 for a few hours in the Club is a bit steep, just think how far it would go in the "normal" airport outlets?
Dinner, breakfast, duty free, bar drinks etc.
Assume you are travelling alone, otherwise for a family it could end up costing big bucks!
The Clubhouse at Heathrow is brilliant though and you are made to feel very special. It, they, are one of the reasons why I continue to support Virgin despite falling standards in other departments.

Yes I'm travelling alone but I figured that if I had lunch, a few drinks, a shave, use of wireless access it would come very close to £60 in T3 anyway outside the clubhouse anyway.

Dave-uk74 wrote:

hazban wrote:I have to say that £60 for a few hours in the Club is a bit steep, just think how far it would go in the "normal" airport outlets?
Dinner, breakfast, duty free, bar drinks etc.
Assume you are travelling alone, otherwise for a family it could end up costing big bucks!
The Clubhouse at Heathrow is brilliant though and you are made to feel very special. It, they, are one of the reasons why I continue to support Virgin despite falling standards in other departments.

Yes I'm travelling alone but I figured that if I had lunch, a few drinks, a shave, use of wireless access it would come very close to £60 in T3 anyway outside the clubhouse anyway.

Premium check-in and Club House; mmmmm ...... I'd definitely consider parting with £60 if it gave me a few hours in the CH.

The service is always good, get your shoes polished, book a treatment if time permits, have a few drinks, a game of pool, breakfast, lunch and snacks, wander through the library, grab some magazines and/or newspapers, watch the departures from behind the bar have another few drinks, wander down to Duty Free and the main concourse and see what you have just avoided.

Then, a steam shower just before you board and leave at the second call.

Finally, there is always the possibility of that extra-special tannoy announcement, just before boarding; 'will Mr Dave' please come to the concierge desk'. :0