V-Flyer

I'm flying on VS023 LHR to LAX in June. I'm in UC and the friend I'm travelling with is in economy (though he is considering paying c £300 for a one-way upgrade to PE).

I believe that I can guest him into the Clubhouse - is that correct? Has anyone experienced any problems doing this?

Generally speaking, are crews amenable to allowing a guest from econ or PE to use the on-board bar?

Thanks

No problem about guesting your friend in to the Clubhouse so long as he is on the same flight - which he is, by all accounts.

With regard to the on-board bar, it is very much at the discretion of the FSM on the flight. Ask nicely but be prepared for a "no"

On my most recent flight, there were a couple of guys sat at the bar for quite a while - maybe an hour or two? Then when they finally left, the disappeared off towards the back! Of course, they could have just been going for a walk.

As mentioned above, I guess its up to the crew.

To add to what Honeylamb has said if the FSM is agreeable, it will most probably be for a short time and in my experience, after the meal service has been completed.

I have also known for a request to be refused, with a drink sent down to Economy instead

buns

The strict policy about the onboard bar is that it is for UC only, I have seen many a person meander across from PE or down the stairs from ECO only to be sent back. In practice, I have been allowed to discreetly invite friends sat in PE to the bar for a drink or 10 in the past.

As the others have said, it is up to the FSM and priority will be given to the UC pax, I have done this a few times and each time been told that if enough UC pax head to the bar my +1 will have to wander back to their seat. Fully understandable and I do appreciate their flexibility.

Thanks all for the comments. I'll chance my arm to see if the FSM is amenable to the request. If you don't ask etc...

I've also ordered successfully from the UC bar in PE twice without even having a friend in UC - I ask the CC to go and get my my drink. FSM's and CC perogative to say No, and I'd accept if so - but the nice thing with Virgin is that a cheeky request is usually satisfied. Of course you do need to know the UC whisky selection to be able to do above.

starquake wrote:I've also ordered successfully from the UC bar in PE twice without even having a friend in UC - I ask the CC to go and get my my drink. FSM's and CC perogative to say No, and I'd accept if so - but the nice thing with Virgin is that a cheeky request is usually satisfied. Of course you do need to know the UC whisky selection to be able to do above.

Quite, I generally find that asking for a glass of Aberfeldy while in the cheap seats yields results, I usually get the drink itself although not tried pushing my luck by offering to get it myself!

I think timing is key. Don't ask the FSM until the dinner service is over because they are pretty busy in the early stages of the flight, and often help out serving (sometimes in Y).

starquake wrote:I've also ordered successfully from the UC bar in PE twice without even having a friend in UC - I ask the CC to go and get my my drink. FSM's and CC perogative to say No, and I'd accept if so - but the nice thing with Virgin is that a cheeky request is usually satisfied. Of course you do need to know the UC whisky selection to be able to do above.

I've had port from the bar whilst in PE, oh and they gave me a selection of sweets prior to landing. y)

The idea of asking to get into an Upper Class-only area while in PE bothers me. If you want the 'luxuries' afforded by UC - then buy (or upgrade) to that class. It's not fair to other PE/Economy passengers, or those who paid for a UC fare - to have others using something they're not entitled to. Sure, you can be nervy and ask a cabin crew manager if you can go to the bar - but I'd much rather maintain my dignity, stay in the area I paid for, and then hit up a pub when I land

To each their own, but seriously - read a good book, and sip on some tea or orange juice - it's better for your health.

zenithar wrote:The idea of asking to get into an Upper Class-only area while in PE bothers me. If you want the 'luxuries' afforded by UC - then buy (or upgrade) to that class. It's not fair to other PE/Economy passengers, or those who paid for a UC fare - to have others using something they're not entitled to. Sure, you can be nervy and ask a cabin crew manager if you can go to the bar - but I'd much rather maintain my dignity, stay in the area I paid for, and then hit up a pub when I land

To each their own, but seriously - read a good book, and sip on some tea or orange juice - it's better for your health.

I could not agree with you more..... sometimes people expect more than they actually pay for..... I've seen a fair few turned away from the UC bar before who've had a pop from either the PE or ECO section

Fair food... Whiskey... and tea.... what more is needed. |:)

McDonalds at JFK, and Sausage & Mash at the restaurant at Heathrow before my flights... that's what sustains a frugal travel like me

I'll pass on the whisky thanks, but will make sure to not bother the crew with my polite request until the dinner has been served.

Most definitely up to the FSM and CC. My fiancee's mother was flying with us in Y (while we were in UC) and simply the action of coming down the stairs to chat by the bar was a no-no. So, instead, we took as many graze items as she wanted upstairs.