V-Flyer

Tried doing the traditional shout from the Gatwick Clubhouse as flying to Antigua but the website seemed to be either down or wouldn't let me in yesterday - that aside had a great time there and on speaking to the girls in the Spa they said the we will be impressed with the new one as it has large floor to ceiling windows and looks out over the runway to the VA hanger - they seemed excited to be moving across there, but said although they could take pictures they have been asked not to put any out on social media until the official launch.

Enjoy Antigua but I will wave for you in 2 weeks

Have a happy holiday. I will be there next week. I can't wait. Has anyone noticed that Virgin is promoting access to the clubhouse from Feb 2017 as a standard. I noticed on the website, should it not say access for non UC flyers is subject to availability?

tomthumb wrote:Tried doing the traditional shout from the Gatwick Clubhouse as flying to Antigua but the website seemed to be either down or wouldn't let me in yesterday - that aside had a great time there and on speaking to the girls in the Spa they said the we will be impressed with the new one as it has large floor to ceiling windows and looks out over the runway to the VA hanger - they seemed excited to be moving across there, but said although they could take pictures they have been asked not to put any out on social media until the official launch.

Great stuff! Did you do twilight check in, what was it like?

I've had a nice little surprise from VS regarding the clubhouse. I'll be flying to Florida in January as a solo passenger in PE and VS have kindly given me complimentary access to the South Clubhouse as part of an unveiling. Does anyone know what is taking place? (I fly out on 16th)

onelifeliveit wrote:Have a happy holiday. I will be there next week. I can't wait. Has anyone noticed that Virgin is promoting access to the clubhouse from Feb 2017 as a standard. I noticed on the website, should it not say access for non UC flyers is subject to availability?

Got a link to where it says this? Navigating that new website is just a miserable experience.

It's on the V Holidays website

tontybear wrote:It's on the V Holidays website

Thanks for posting the link. I'm surprised at the offer really because I think it will take away the exclusivity of travelling in UC. Admittedly, next week will be my first time in the Clubhouse but I fear that people who will pay an entrance fee may feel the need to get their money's worth where drink is concerned!!! And WORSE overcrowding. Maybe Virgin are looking at ways to recover the cost of the imminent refurbishments either way I will think twice about paying extra for the UC experience if by all accounts it'll feel no different when compared to PE.

Both the London airport VS Clubhouses have been available to pay to enter for VHols pax for some time now. The number of entires is very limited.

The influx of DL pax wth status is more likely to have a noticeable effect compared to a few VHols pax paying to enter the ClubHouse.

mitchja wrote:Both the London airport VS Clubhouses have been available to pay to enter for VHols pax for some time now. The numbers of entires is very limited.

The influx of DL pax wth status is more likely to have a noticeable effect compared than a few VHols pax paying to enter the ClubHouse.

I hear you but it doesn't say that on their website. Limited entries and time allowed once you are in there as paying customer is not mentioned.

Well it will be interesting to see if it is managed.

However I did notice it says: "Gatwick (South Terminal) (North Terminal from 01 Feb 2017)"

I thought it was going to have to be open before then in time with the move to the North on 25/1/17. Or is that saying that from 1 Feb 2017 that the rules change for VH pax?

Silver Fox wrote:Well it will be interesting to see if it is managed.

However I did notice it says: "Gatwick (South Terminal) (North Terminal from 01 Feb 2017)"

I thought it was going to have to be open before then in time with the move to the North on 25/1/17. Or is that saying that from 1 Feb 2017 that the rules change for VH pax?

I honestly think that the rules change from February. The way I read it is that it will be available more freely to anyone willing to pay. If this is the case, it remains to be seen how it will affect the numbers opting for UC tickets.

I don't seeing it affecting people booking UC. Not everyone flying UC makes use of the CH as it is.

Also with the CH it basically says no under 12s allowed so that will stop a lot of families going in (before you even factor in the cost). And even those with kids >12 may not regard them as adult enough (remember 12 s the age airlines class a passenger as an adult)

So it will basically be adults only - perhaps a couple celebrating a wedding anniversary and wanting a treat.

And even though it does not say on the V-Hols website there will always be capacity restrictions in place.

Have a great time. I'm looking forward to the new CH in a couple of months.
You can tell me all about it if we bump into one another when you are back.
Dick D