V-Flyer

Hi All,

I'm flying from London to Newark on the 17 next Sunday. As I'm flying PE this time I haven't got automatic access to the clubhouse. I live too far from LHR to use the guest list. I know on the day sometimes you can get access for £60. This has never been available when I have flown though. Can I get any advice on when to arrive at check in to increase my chances? Or is this an impossible question to answer? I don't mind getting to the airport very early if I can get clubhouse access. I just don't want to spend many hours in the shopping precinct that is T3. Is there anything else I can do to increase my chances?

Many thanks for any advice offered.

I would say that it is an impossible question for anyone, without inside knowledge, to answer.

You could try ringing the Flying Club to see if there is anyway they could give you any indication of your chances. Alternatively, you could aim a little lower and use your FC discount to book the No 1 lounge.

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

It isn't the CH, but it is a hell of a lot better than the terminal seating.

Nick

When you have asked before whether you can pay to enter, where have you asked? At check in, or at the Clubhouse reception?

The latter is the place to ask - check-in agents, I suspect, are told to just say no automatically to avoid any embarrassing misunderstandings/bare-faced lies ("well the girl at check in said it would be fine") at the door.

Unfortunately evenings are very busy in the CH as 8 flights - a third of the daily total - depart in just a 2.5 hour period, so 7-9.30pm is probably about as hectic as it gets.

Between 3 & 6, on the other hand, it tends to be pretty quiet as no flights leave between about 5.30 & 8 so then might be your best shot. Still not guaranteed though - if they know all the evening flights are rammed, they may restrict it to UC and AU pax even if it's quiet when you arrive.

Alternatively, if you're willing to shell out for the guest list, have you considered getting a train/coach/lift to somewhere just inside the 75 mile boundary and booking it from there? Somewhere like Northampton, Swindon or Chelmsford for instance.

Thanks both of you.

I will check out that other lounge option. I hadn't considered travelling just within 75 miles just because it's an extra hassle. I'm driving to Heathrow and have paid for parking.

I had previously asked at check in rather than ask at the lounge. It's good to know you should ask at the lounge itself. Thanks also for the timings, I realise it was a hard question to answer but appreciate your responses.

How many FF points does it cost to book the limo service please ??

17,500. A rip-off IMHO, only worth considering if you've got miles to burn.

its 17500 miles for a single trip, but you must have also purchased an UC flight using miles to do this

Would this go for the JFK Lounge as well..? I am flying back PE and have been told to ask at checkin by VS call centre.

gumshoe wrote:17,500. A rip-off IMHO, only worth considering if you've got miles to burn.

Ouch ........agreed.

Daniel Armstrong wrote:Would this go for the JFK Lounge as well..? I am flying back PE and have been told to ask at checkin by VS call centre.

You can try asking at check-in but be prepared for a "no". I don't think check-in agents have the authority to grant CH access, only the CH receptionists so they're really the people to ask.

Don't forget that if you pay for CH access they may only let in from 3 hours before your flight, so getting to the airport early could still mean you waiting around.

Just a thank you to those who replied to this thread. I've enjoyed the pleasures of the clubhouse this evening and I'd heartily recommend the marmalade apple punch if travelling through Heathrow during the winter. Thanks again.

Dave-uk74 wrote:Just a thank you to those who replied to this thread. I've enjoyed the pleasures of the clubhouse this evening and I'd heartily recommend the marmalade apple punch if travelling through Heathrow during the winter. Thanks again.

Yay! Result!

Post a trip report too

Excellent ,hope you have enjoyed yourself

Dave-uk74 wrote:Just a thank you to those who replied to this thread. I've enjoyed the pleasures of the clubhouse this evening and I'd heartily recommend the marmalade apple punch if travelling through Heathrow during the winter. Thanks again.

Top result Dave, hope you enjoyed your time in there and the flight is up to an excellent standard 8D