V-Flyer

A strange question! We were a group of 6, 4 adults and 2 children travelling on reward seats next May LGW-MCO,unfortunately our Daughter died earlier this month,my son in law wishes are that we keep the seat empty on the outbound flight in her memory, I have spoken to VA and they said it is possible but they have the right to sell the seat as a no show,and just to complicate things the 2 flights going out that day have been merged
Any thoughts

I really hope (and expect) VS can fulfill this wish for your family ,it should be a simple thing to do on their part .
My condolences to you and your family on your loss

How sorry I am to hear of your daughter's passing; please accept my condolences.

I think VS will always have a legal right to sell the seat, and I suppose they have to tell you that, which is better than pretending otherwise. I would think, though, that holding the empty seat is something they would want to do for you, and I hope they will

You could ask that they put a note on the seat, with a brief history of the situation, suggesting this particular seat be the *last* seat to be re-sold, if it even comes to that. If in Economy, I would suggest Seat Plus instead, but there is still the risk of that seat being sold if full.

As a contigency, I think it might be worth thinking about other things connected with the flight, which you can do to honour your daughter. This obviously comes down to personal sensitivities and taste.

A friend of ours passed away before a flight where a group of us were going to Las Vegas for the weekend (which would have included him). We asked one of the cabin crew to make up his favourite cocktail in his honour (a particularly vile combination which was basically a Baileys Bloody Mary), which we then named after him, and toasted him with (the crew joined in the toast - although they only sniffed the cocktail: wise).

Good luck with this. I think it's a lovely idea to - in some way, however it turns out - remember her as part of your family's flight.

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss.

The agent and NYLON are right - under the T&Cs VS would have the right to re-sell the seat (and if you're travelling in UC on a LGW 747, the chances are quite high they would do so, it being such a small cabin).

I would suggest emailing the CEO Craig Kreeger and explaining the situation to him. For all its faults, VS is an airline that has a heart and I'd be very surprised if you didn't get a sympathetic response from him.

Thank you for your kind replies will Email Craig Kreeger and have always got good advice from FB so might post there we are Flying PE in the main cabin

thats sad to hear

Just because they have the right to sell, it doesnt make it right.
I would get in touch with highest person you can at V & let them know the circumstances.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss, I agree with everyone's suggestions above. I do hope VS have the respect to comply with your request and I hope no legal stuff gets in the way of respecting people and are very sensitive in this unfortunate situation.

Hi,

I can't add anything else to the already brilliant advice. I do want to express my sincere condolences for your tragic loss. I hope VS will do the right thing, some things are just more important.

Really sorry to hear about your Daughter. I am sure if you contact Craig K that everything will be done on this flight in her memory. I always believe we are closer to Heaven on a flight.

May I also add to the above condolences. So sorry to hear about your loss, and I do hope that VS will come through for you and your family.

Maybe they can change the booking to seat plus then the seat will remain empty

jodash wrote:Thank you for your kind replies will Email Craig Kreeger and have always got good advice from FB so might post there we are Flying PE in the main cabin

I am so terribly sorry to hear such sad news. I'm sure when you email Craig directly something will be done here. I was lucky to meet him personally a few weeks ago and found him to be a really decent man.

Thinking of you all.

Jon

declansmith wrote:Maybe they can change the booking to seat plus then the seat will remain empty

Seat Plus is only applicable in economy and the OP is in PE.

I would like to add my condolences with those expressed here by other v flyers.


I lost my wife 5 years ago & I found Virgin brilliant in undoing a few flight arrangements, unravelling flying club miles etc, I am sure you will find someone at VS who will arrange for your wishes to be accommodated.

Very best regards

oldboy

So very sorry for your loss ❤️ there maybe a way to guarantee you keep that seat . I understand that if you wish to carry a guitar on board with you you need to purchase a seat ? Maybe someone you know would have a solid guitar case they could lend you ? Just a thought xx

fizzy wrote:So very sorry for your loss ❤️ there maybe a way to guarantee you keep that seat . I understand that if you wish to carry a guitar on board with you you need to purchase a seat ? Maybe someone you know would have a solid guitar case they could lend you ? Just a thought xx

Thanks Fizzy good idea I am in contact with local bands so will
look into it

Just to update after discussions with family and friends have decided to take a family friend to help look after the grand twins thanks for everyone's input

jodash wrote:Just to update after discussions with family and friends have decided to take a family friend to help look after the grand twins thanks for everyone's input

Hello jodash, so pleased to know you've found a way forward. No doubt you will all have ways of commemorating your daughter on the flight and the holiday and perhaps be able to celebrate her life and all the happiness she gave.

I am pleased you have found a way forward for the flight. I am sure I am not the only VFlyer to wish you well on the journey forward.

marshy11 wrote:I am pleased you have found a way forward for the flight. I am sure I am not the only VFlyer to wish you well on the journey forward.

Absolutely !
Kind regards,
hiljil

Just getting ready to travel up to the Hilton at Gatwick for tomorrow's flight to Orlando once again would like to express my thanks for all your kind words

Hope all goes well for you on the flight and have a great holiday

hope you have a good trip.

Wishing you all a wonderful break. Life is very precious and it's at times like this it helps me remember, so easy to take it for granted.

Marshy

Hope you have an enjoyable holiday with some happy memories to add to the sad ones.