V-Flyer

I was referred to V Flyer by Virgin in the summer when booking our first Virgin flight for 10 years. I wanted to understand how the cabin was configured and she sent me to V Flyer to look at the maps and choose how we wanted to sit. Love the site! Decided to join and this is my first attempt so forgive any glaring errors. We have used BA for the last ten years but it has to be said that everything has gone downhill so much so that we decided to try Virgin and see if they were any better - they were. Our earlier trip was LHR-MIA-LHR Upper Class and it was simply wonderful so that there was no question who was going to get our business for the next trip.

The CDC turned up punctually (I was very unsure about using this service as I am a bit of a control freak and like to know exactly who is doing what at any time)and we got to LGW very quickly. The kerbside check in is great and we were then taken to LGW and very quickly up in the Clubhouse.

The Clubhouse is much smaller than Heathrow but they were very helpful and fed the husband who was 'starving' due to his early start without breakfast. We were called for boarding and again endured the scrum to board the plane. Why no priority boarding? There was none at Heathow earlier in the year.

Once on board we were shown to our seats - the UC cabin is tiny and 'intimate' as the Virgin ticket agent had described. Once seated we swapped with a guy who was in an all male party and had been displaced by me and my husband. He was happy and it was no big deal for us. I quickly changed into my trackie for the journey - nothing nicer 'to kotch in' for the next 10 hours in my opinion.

I never seem to eat much on the plane - starters are always ok but the main course always seems too heavy for my liking and so I had a starter of smoked fish pate and then I had the cheese plate. I must have been asked several times if it was enough food and if I wanted anything else which was kind. Husband had the chicken tikka light bite for starter and then the square pie and he was very content. He also had the cheese plate and the chocolate dessert!

Interestingly it seemed to be an all male crew for the UC cabin but the FSD was a welsh lady who was awaiting the rugby results. On landing but not before, the captain announced that they had lost!

There was no IFBT and when I asked why was told that the cabin is too small and also its a 'holiday route' and so Virgin do not put this service on.

Then they turned out the cabin lights which was a pain. It was about 2.00pm our time and we were not tired and it is difficult to read with only the little light if you are reading a magazine. However, not long after, I found myself getting tired and had the bed made up and decided I would try and rest. And that was that for the next three or four hours. I can not remember the last time I took an afternoon nap but was pleased I did because once you land and its 8 hours earlier you need to keep going for long enough so you can get a few hours sleep and wake up in the correct time.

Once awake there was more food - sandwiches, scones, cakes, ice creams you name it - it was offered. The cabin crew were really great and very friendly and chatty and nothing we asked for seemed to be any problem. So different from some of the attitudes we have come across in recent trips on BA or maybe we were just unlucky. The views were magnificent coming in over the Nevada dessert and then to see all the buildings but my camera was in the overhead locker above the guy we swapped with and I did not want to disturb him so I did not take any piccies.

The landing was smooth but then we were held on the ground for some time before we were let off - still not sure what the delay was but it was certainly a good 10 - 15 minutes which is not long by Heathrow standards. We were quickly through immigration and our cases were some of the first off the carousel - result. The driver was waiting for us and he quickly settled us into the car and away to our hotel. I had asked Virgin for a car large enough to take the two of us but 5 large cases as we were going from Vegas to LA and had to attend a couple of formal events requiring both evening and day wear and the car was plenty big enough for us and the luggage.

We returned home from Los Angeles and I will post that report soon. Once again, please forgive any errors.

Hi avalon, and welcome to v-flyer[y]


Thanks for the trip report, I enjoyed reading it, and I'm happy to report that there are no glaring errors[:D] (not to my humble eyes anyway!)

Great TR! Thanks for posting!

GJ

Hi Avalon and welcome to V-Flyer

Thank you for your TR - no need to worry as you have told us all a great deal[y][y][y]

I was referred to V Flyer by Virgin in the summer when booking our first Virgin flight for 10 years. I wanted to understand how the cabin was configured and she sent me to V Flyer to look at the maps and choose how we wanted to sit.

That is true praise indeed - well done that Virgin Agent[oo]

I too have a liking for the Gatwick clubhouse as it still is able to retain that intimate atmosphere - similar to the UC cabin on the LGW aircraft.

Looking forward to your next TR

buns

VS are recommending VF to aid in seat selection? Kudos indeed, although surely Pete should be looking at charging some form of commission...

Welcome to VF and, if I may say this with just a pinch of irony but considerably more sincerity - great TR, thanks for posting!

Great trip report! Glad to hear you had such a good experience.

J

Great TR - Looking forward to the difference between the 'holiday' route and the 'business' route from LA.

Welcome Avalon and thanks for a very informative and well written TR! Glad you are finding the site useful and I look forward to your return TR.

Neil