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Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 11:28
by territt
Hey Guys,

Hope you don't mind a couple of questions from someone new here :-) Traveling to LAX on the first May with my best friend and have paid to go PE out and Econ back.

Looking at the return flight its 157 to upgrade to PE, is this worth it on a night flight? we was hoping to do Upper but the prices for LAX didn't seem that great in the sale so we chose PE out.

Also the clubhouse looks amazing, does anyone know if its possible to pay to access? if not any tips for places to eat/drink in Terminal 3?

Anything else I should know about PE? I have only flown with Virgin once before and that was Econ to NYC.

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 12:16
by territt
Also what are the best seats to try and get? sorry for all the questions :-)

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 12:20
by waatp
Hello and welcome to V-Flyer!

Personally, if funds allow it, I would upgrade to PE for the night flight. The seat is more comfortable and the cabin, on the whole, would be quieter.

Saying that, if you are planning to stay up all night and not sleep, then stay put in Economy and save your cash for you holiday.

The Clubhouse is great but it will be a paid for in cash entry on the day. No guarantees you will get in (all depends on how busy it is!). There are various lounges in T3 but I've not used many for a long time so will leave that for someone else to comment on.

My tips for flying PE would be to just enjoy it. Go with the flow, relax and write up a Trip Report when you get back so we can share your experiences!

No need to apologise for asking questions! Seats - if there are two of you, and you like the window seats, go for those. I think most PE seats are the same (pitch and width) apart from the bulk head seats.

Enjoy your trip! :)

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 12:24
by gumshoe
I'd say paying £157 to upgrade to PE is worth it, if only for the extra room to stretch out and the quieter, more private cabin.

VS sometimes offer PE passengers paid entry to the CH (£60 I think) but it's by no means guaranteed and is purely at the discretion of the agents on the front desk on the day. So give it a try by all means but don't be surprised if it's a no.

As for seats, have a look at the seat ratings section here on V-Flyer.

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 13:05
by Tinuks
Welcome to v-flyer territt. I say go for PE. The flight is pretty long and you definitely would be grateful for the extra few inches sometime around the 8th hour. I have done that journey in Economy before and will NEVER do it again.

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 13:41
by territt
Thanks for the replys, going to go for PE on the way back as well :-)


Just hoping we can pay to get into the clubhouse now :-)

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 13:42
by JCBR
£157 to get PE ? I would jump at it before the offer goes. If you don't think it is worth it then just after you have enjoyed the meal service (served on proper crockery and nicely presented) take a walk through econ and see what you would be having. There is nothing nice about econ except the price.

LHR lounge will charge £60 but purely depends how busy they are if they are allowing 'buy ins' at that time.
As far as I know you can not buy in to a USA lounge.

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 13:53
by MrDoob
100% worth it at that price IMO.

Paying to get into Clubhouse at 60 GBP (if you can get it) will be worth it if you've not done it before and you hope to get there nice and early (3 hours or so before departure) to enjoy all it has to offer. Otherwise the No1 lounge is very good (when its not full to bursting) and I believe about half the price.

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 13:53
by MrsBear99
Yep, PE is far, far better than Economy and £157 is a bargain IMHO.
Don't forget to check the Itinerary Calendar on here, someone might be flying UC that day and be able to guest you into the CH.

Enjoy.
MrsB

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 13:54
by Neil
JCBR wrote:As far as I know you can not buy in to a USA lounge.


That is correct, you cannot buy entry in to any non UK lounge.

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 13:55
by Neil
MrsBear99 wrote:Yep, PE is far, far better than Economy and £157 is a bargain IMHO.
Don't forget to check the Itinerary Calendar on here, someone might be flying UC that day and be able to guest you into the CH.

Enjoy.
MrsB


Don't forget the new rules though - any guest taken in to the lounge now must be on the same flight as the person guesting them access.

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 13:57
by Sealink
You can also spoil yourself if you want with the Virgin Guest List service.
This would provide guaranteed access but at a premium.

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/th ... -list.html

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 14:20
by hangten
Otherwise the No1 lounge is very good (when its not full to bursting) and I believe about half the price.


Correct, £30. I've never used it but having a go on Thursday via my Airport Angel card...

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 15:21
by territt
Thanks for all the replys :-) will be making sure i write a trip report on my return :-)

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 15:30
by Sealink
Looking forward to it!
And ask away! :)

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 22:24
by gfonk
Totally worth the extra cash
If you can get to check in desk at airport ask about front row seats as then you will have even more leg room
I have done that on two flights in PE it was great

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 16 Sep 2013, 22:38
by CHill710
I would book the no.1 lounge at LHR. It is no clubhouse but at least you would be in a lounge and not the main departures area.

I used the No.1 last November before flying to LAX in economy. As others have said I would jump at the upgrade for that price. LA is a long way at the back of the bus!!

Re: Questions about PE

PostPosted: 17 Sep 2013, 15:32
by MrDoob
Don't forget the Virgin Flying Club deal with No 1.

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/fr ... veller.jsp

Red members
Entrance fee is £22.50
250 miles earned per visit

Silver members
Entrance fee is £20.00
500 miles earned per visit

Gold members
Entrance fee is £20.00
750 miles earned per visit

The added bonus of course is that you can book and KNOW you will get in if you book. You can't book Club House access normally, its turn up, smile nicely and hope.