V-Flyer

As many have noted the team at JFK clubhouse are really excellent - helpful, friendly and super kind. I'm warmly welcomed with genuine recognition each time I go there. I was surprised to find out that unlike London CH, they are not Virgin staff, but employed by some contracted out company. Which means - no bonus extras, no free flights, and no VS employee status!

Very sad to hear that, as they certainly deserve it. Even the young man who gave me a quick haircut/trim at LHR Clubhouse told me stories of his travels across the world on his employee flights. Quite why the great team at JFK don't deserve the same treatment as a junior stylist in London, is beyond me.

Well, the nice lady who gave me a haircut in the JFK clubhouse back last February was a VS employee...

HKG was also out-sourced about 2 months ago. The head of the new team introduced himself and explained what the changes were AND that LHR was about to follow suit.
I did notice last week that there were no familiar faces there. Has it already happened ? The welcome was extremely warm in both HKG and LHR.

Arrivals still has familiar faces.

I understand the reasoning for this - VS is an airline aiming to offer the best service in the sky. Not a ground restaurant operator which others can focus on.

Oh dear, but, its the clubhouse that really distinguishes Virgin - so if they ruin that (slowly, losing control and standards over time) then it begins to unravel, doesn't it?

In flight, UC is very nice, but not that exceptional. On the ground the LHR lounge is right up there with the best of them. I certainly prefer it to the Concorde Room.

I have to say that the service , whilst always good in HKG, is now impeccable.

Always figured the CH service staff not based in London were local agency staff, however would be surprised if the Spa staff at JFK are not VS... shall ask next time I am there

Will be very shocked if all the LHR, LGW and Revivals staff disappear to be farmed out to some agency. Bad move if true, as narikin says it is the staff that make it for me so much of a more friendly experience. Def more preferable to the rather prim, proper and by the book Concorde Lounge staff.... don't move things or speak above a whisper in there!!

They're still advertising for Clubhouse server positions.

Advert here