V-Flyer

I was just checking on my next booking, and the "chat" option appeared on my Flying Club page. I asked the rep if I could pay to get into the Newark clubhouse - they said only the London Clubhouses allow this (60GBP/passenger).

Anyone know if EWR actually does allow, but just not officially? At check-in? I'm flying PE.

I've never seen paid access allowed or reported at any lounge outside of the UK.

Neil wrote:I've never seen paid access allowed or reported at any lounge outside of the UK.

But, you can do it in the US if you're flying on VX from an airport that has a clubhouse. Newark doesn't have VX but I do agree, I have not heard of paid for access outside of VX in the US.

Thanks for the info. I did a loadcheck on my flight, and so far, only two UC seats booked on the Dreamliner... so, maybe they'll let me in if it's quiet.

zenithar wrote:Thanks for the info. I did a loadcheck on my flight, and so far, only two UC seats booked on the Dreamliner... so, maybe they'll let me in if it's quiet.

When is your flight?

Looking at seat maps is not a reliable method of seeing how busy a flight is. Many people are not obsessed with selecting seats as some on here are.

It's very unlikely (i.e. not going to happen) they would let you in just because "it's quiet".

VS002 EWR > LHR May 30th.

As Tonty says, you will not be granted access unless you're eligible.

zenithar wrote:VS002 EWR > LHR May 30th.

Seat maps etc when more unreliable with 3 months to go !

I will probably get shot down in flames but I wouldn't want to pay to get into the CH at EWR. It felt like a rather like a cupboard to me. Perhaps because it was (very) early and I was tired, I don't know…..

marshy11 wrote:I will probably get shot down in flames but I wouldn't want to pay to get into the CH at EWR. It felt like a rather like a cupboard to me. Perhaps because it was (very) early and I was tired, I don't know…..

I was willing to pay out of curiosity. Virgin only has one flight a day from EWR, so I just can't imagine the facility is that great - how is it worth investing in a clubhouse for one group of UC passengers a day? That's why I (obviously wrongly) assumed they'd be more flexible with letting in PE passengers.

It's also unlikely I'd pay the 60GBP at Heathrow. For many, many years, I've spent the two hours I'm waiting in the terminal eating bangers & mash, and having a couple pints, at one of the restaurants. Quite relaxing, and only costs about 20GBP. I don't want a massage.

Remember its not just UC passengers but AU FC too. Every time I've been in the EWR CH it has been pretty much full

I can't imagine spending any time in T3 however have been spoilt by the CH and occasional visit to the BA lounge. I'd hate to think what the cost of champagne and cocktails would be in one of the bars!!

zenithar wrote:I was willing to pay out of curiosity. Virgin only has one flight a day from EWR, so I just can't imagine the facility is that great - how is it worth investing in a clubhouse for one group of UC passengers a day? That's why I (obviously wrongly) assumed they'd be more flexible with letting in PE passengers.

I think - though ISTBC - that the Newark CH also serves some other airlines.

That's correct, Air India use it in the afternoons before it's needed for the VS2.

Between them VS and DL have two LHR flights (DL taking the morning flight with vs and changing the time to evening)

The EWR ch was moved airside a couple of years ago and was totally redesigned. No idea what it's like but has to be better than the old one!

If getting into the Clubhouse were a no-brainer, or if I was flying UC, I'd of course take the opportunity to do so. However, I'm not a business traveler to the UK - it's purely for family/friends. I have ~ 150k miles I can use with Virgin (many of those from my Chase Sapphire Preferred card), but I'm hesitant to use them to upgrade to UC.

I'm a frugal person, and I'd rather keep points for companion tickets, or Economy/PE flights.

tontybear wrote:Between them VS and DL have two LHR flights (DL taking the morning flight with vs and changing the time to evening)

The EWR ch was moved airside a couple of years ago and was totally redesigned. No idea what it's like but has to be better than the old one!

It's windowless so lacks natural light, and isn't that big, so I can see why some feel it's a bit claustrophobic.

But it's got the typical contemporary VS design, the usual choice of different seating zones, a similar (the same?) menu as JFK and, when I was last there, the friendliest welcome and most attentive service I've ever had in a VS clubhouse - although it was virtually empty due to a very quiet flight.

tontybear wrote:The EWR ch was moved airside a couple of years ago and was totally redesigned. No idea what it's like but has to be better than the old one!

I liked the "clubby" feel old EWR CH!

gumshoe wrote:

tontybear wrote:Between them VS and DL have two LHR flights (DL taking the morning flight with vs and changing the time to evening)

The EWR ch was moved airside a couple of years ago and was totally redesigned. No idea what it's like but has to be better than the old one!

It's windowless so lacks natural light, and isn't that big, so I can see why some feel it's a bit claustrophobic.

But it's got the typical contemporary VS design, the usual choice of different seating zones, a similar (the same?) menu as JFK and, when I was last there, the friendliest welcome and most attentive service I've ever had in a VS clubhouse - although it was virtually empty due to a very quiet flight.

I quite like it despite no windows. That said I've always been in there for the VS18 so could be a bit on the tired side! A few pics on Google - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=virgin+atlantic+newark+clubhouse+photos&espv=2&biw=2133&bih=1061&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=UdH5VPf6CO_dsASC4IDgAw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&dpr=0.9

I quite like it too, quiet, not crowded, decent little restaurant area, well-differentiated sitting areas. Lack of windows are a downer, but we're always there for VS2 so not as obvious. And it sounds from another thread as if the views from LHR CH are being compromised. And as mentioned upthread, staff at EWR CH are really good.

Thanks for all the info, everyone.

Of course, I've added my flight to the itinerary, so if someone is on my flight, and has an invite to the CH... you know where to find me!

Looking at the pics on the link it's nothing like I remember it ! I'm either going mad or it's had a bit of a facelift since I was last there