First Time Virgin Upper Class

Greetings All,

I booked last night a last minute trip in Aug, now it's a last minute trip for me as normally i plan a bit more in advance than this. I will be on the following route;

11/08/16 (787)
VS005
LHR - MIA
3K

and returning back

19/08/16 (787)
VS006
MIA - LHR
10K

This will be my first experience of Upper Class with Virgin Atlantic, and have only every flown from Gatwick & Manchester with them. So for the seasoned traveler among us, I would love to hear any tips, tricks and advice that helps make sure I get the MOST from the trip and experience.

Not fully sure what i get and how to use it so any help please.

CC

On the way out, try and arrive at LHR by car so you can use Drive Through Check-In. Just because you can. Either a cab, a lift or your own car (Purple Parking will have a driver meet you there to pick it up and park it). You don't have to but for an UC virgin it's a great experience.

Aim to arrive as early as possible to take full advantage of the Clubhouse - without question one of the best business class lounges in the world. If you want a haircut or spa treatment, book it as soon as you arrive, then just sit back, relax and enjoy the food & drink. It normally opens around 6.30am or just after.

On the way back, however, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. MIA is probably one of the least pleasant airports in the developed world and the lounge VS uses is, frankly, not worth bothering with. Make the most of the Florida sunshine on your last day, have a relaxed dinner somewhere and aim to rock up as late as you possibly dare.

I was told that I could only arrive 3 hours before flight? is this not true

CC

No - you can arrive whenever you like. I've happily spent 5 hours in the Clubhouse before!

Different story for the return though - the VS check-in will only open about 3 hours before departure so if you turn up early you'll just be sitting around. Though as I said there's no reason on earth why you'd want to arrive at MIA early.

That's interesting as I did a paid access to LGW lounge and arrived 4 hours before and they said no (i was PE and paid to access)

CC

That's different. All paid lounges tend to impose a 3 hour limit to manage demand, including the Clubhouse if you've paid to enter. But if you're entitled to enter based on your class of travel or status, no such rule applies.

So another perk of UC then

CC

Absolutely. Rinse it and rinse it hard!

Love it and made me chuckle, any other tips to rinse the system hard?

CC

I agree with the above arrive as early as you can, 2 years ago we arrived just over 5 hours early. Had breakfast and lunch and treated myself to having my hair done.

Also it's worth using the drive thru check in if you can just for the experience.

Never flown back from MIA do I can't comment on that but enjoy the experience.

We are flying to LA in 2 weeks and hopefully having approx 4-5 hours in the clubhouse (all depends on our flight from Dublin)

It can get very busy in the mornings with a lot of VS & DL flights leaving between 0900 & 1300, so I would arrive as early as possible to secure a spa/hair appointment if you want one.

Breakfast is served until 11, you can choose hot & cold items from the menu (waiter service) and wander up to the deli counter for really delicious fresh breads, meats, smoked salmon, cheeses, fruit salad & cereals. It is also compulsory for V-Flyers to order a cocktail or three from the bar - the Redhead is a favourite with many although I prefer the Bramble.

When it's time to board they'll call your flight twice over the PA. Many V-Flyers regard the first call as the signal to order a final cocktail - personally I like to be on board nice and early but your call!

Above all just enjoy - and make sure to visit the bar on board once the meal service has finished.

I too will be having my first UC experience in October, flying to LAX. Shuttle from Manchester arrives at 0945 so hoping for a quick transfer to Terminal 3 and straight into the club house Our flight doesn't depart until 1545 so plenty of time to enjoy the facilities.
Managed to get two G's for the first time and we're currently booked into seats 5K & 6K, is this the best seating combination for a couple, any advice would be greatly appreciated. I really can't wait.

If on a 787 I'd suggest moving to the A side if possible - then you face the back of the middle row rather than other passengers feet! And you get the overhead lockers on both the A and G aisles

If however on a 340 than 5 & 6K are good seats - again you'll be facing the back of the seats of the middle aisle but there are only overhead lockers on the K side.

Enjoy!

Just on the cocktails; my favorite is the peach Bellini, but I do try not to have too many as I also like to have a couple of glasses of bubbly on board.
Dick D

Thanks for the advice, we are on the 787 but not sure I fancy spending 11 hours looking at the back of the chairs, probably because I'm nosey
I will definitely try the peach Bellini and maybe one or two others! I'm really looking forward to my first club house experience, should be able to make the most of it in 5 hours .
Any other suggestions would be much appreciated.

We are flying in just over a week to LA on the 787 and booked 5&6a it's a lot more private with the back of the seats and prefer the A side than K