Overall Advice for my 1st Flight with Virgin!

Hello everyone,

First off, let me say what an incredible site this really is. The knowledge and information being passed around is a massive bonus for guys like me who don't fly to nice areas of the world that often! I say the latter because I'm a British military man serving in places with not many UC options!

The basic question is this.....How can I go about getting the most from my flight? I'm taking a well earned holiday (with money I'm saving) after I return from somewhere sandy/dusty! These are my flight details :-

GTW to LAS Jul
LAS to GTW Aug
Treating myself to PE (Booked online Upper Deck, rear seat out & rtn)
I payed £1100 for the 'K' class ticket

I have looked through some of the forum Q&A's hence the seating selection. All replies with any diverse advise are very welcome, even if you've just flown once with Virgin, it's one time more than me! If anyone has some tricks of the trade I'd be well pleased

Many thanks in advance,

Hi Always Chilled!! Welcome to V-flyer

hmm what to tell you - yuouve read the FAQ's so I guess you know a fair amount already!!

Join Flying Club (if you havn't already!)
PM me you email and I can refer you - that way I get a few extra miles!!

Your K class ticket isnt an upgradable to business (J) and the LAS flight has very few J seats anyway so cash upgrades on checkin arent available often on this route.

In future you may wish to consider LAX or SFO as they have more flights and a higher J capacity - I'm sure youll have a great flight in PE anyway

Dont forgert to tell us all about it in a trip report!!

[preiffer]

Originally posted by Jonathan
PM me you email and I can refer you - that way I get a few extra miles!!

Didn't see the Red FC card Avatar there already, then, Jonathan?

[ChuckC]

AlwaysChilled,
Welcome aboard V-Flyer. We're delighted to have you with us and wish you well.

I remember doing the same thing as you prior to my first VS flight -- I joined V-Flyer! And then I read as much of the Forum as I could prior to my flight, and asked a few questions, too. As a British flag carrier you will be see that VS has many of the expected service points missing from our US-based carriers. Beyond that the extra room in PE will be a welcome way for you to relax as you wing your way West toward Vegas.

I do also have the feeling that you will enjoy Vegas at least as much as your first flight on VS!

Again, welcome.

Chuck-

Yes sorry Jonathan I've already been head-hunted!

It looks like my pre-booking research has covered most things due to the lack of response! I'll defo do a report on my journey for this site though, they are very helpful to all.

One other thing. Would it be worth the outside shot of me informing certain staff via email, or at check-in, of my present job description? Armed Forces serving in Iraq and enquiring of possible clubhouse use? The day I check-in at LGW, I'll have just about completed a 4month tour in a tent! I know the American military really get looked after over in the states with anything from buying a T.V. to holiday flights around the world!

Many thanks again.

Always - first off, welcome to the forum.

There is an upgrades guide in the FAQ.

It doesn't offer much hope, since there is no formal way of passing your information to VS. You might find that making sure your FC account has your military title might help - at the very least you could make sure your FC card has "Captain A-C" on it. I don't think there is any way of letting them know you are just the plane from Iraq.

The only thing I can think of would be a call to FC at which you casually let it slip. Perhaps something along the lines of "Is my ticket flexible, as I may be delayed on my return from..."

By the way, Op-ups don't usually come with lounge access.

You will have a great time anyway - PE is a damm good product, and I'm told Vegas is a great place to go.

Originally posted by preiffer

Originally posted by Jonathan
PM me you email and I can refer you - that way I get a few extra miles!!

Didn't see the Red FC card Avatar there already, then, Jonathan?

hmm well it never hurts to ask - I know a few people made up a number before they join FC!!

[Bazz]

I only have one word of advice... ...Enjoy [y]

I apologise on behalf of jonathon and preiffer for their behaviour, Always Chilled, it's just that they're hooked on a little drug called frequent flyer miles!;)[}:)][8D]

Cheers,
VS045

You may still be able to buy lounge access at Gatwick for £35 on the day if they aren't too full. Ask at checkin or the Clubhouse entrance itself.

jules.

..and keep an eye on the 'Itineraries' section of this website. If a fellow v-flyer is flying around the same time as you, I'm sure they would get you in the Clubhouse as a guest.

I'm not shocked that you guys have spent the time to reply to my initial request for information. This really is a website I'll be recommending to friends and family.

I suppose my original question was a little broad....to say the least! I think I am in the best seat that I could afford.

The replies about informing VS of my military position and possible clubhouse use will be acted upon asap, and I thank those involved for that. These are the snippets of information I live for. When I get back from the 'sandy place' I could probably sleep on a bed of spikes and still enjoy it! But as we all know, it is always greener on the other side.

A massive thumbs up to you guys,

Always Chilled.

[preiffer]

Originally posted by VS045
I apologise on behalf of jonathon and preiffer for their behaviour, Always Chilled, it's just that they're hooked on a little drug called frequent flyer miles!;)[}:)][8D]

Hey - don't count me in on that M.O.!

Agree with Bazz - get on and ENJOY the experience!!!

Originally posted by Always Chilled
But as we all know, it is always greener on the other side.

Two comments. The other side is bluer I think you will find (some people here use the phrase to refer to British scareways);). And I think you will find that the whole world is greener than the sandy place which you are talking about.

Thank you for your positive comments about the site, which really are much appreciated. And, although we may not all agree about the politics of the situation, thanks for the work you are doing on our behalf.

Finally - Jonathan I am already a FC member and did not make my number up, so will not be needing a referral!;)

Hi I reccommend the seats you have chosen.

Vegas route is a long flight but itis lacking in kids in PE so you will probably get some sleep.

Dont expect anything free from Virgin regardlessof who you are.

On my last 1/2 dozen flights the check in staff have been pretty poor and pretty unhelpful to the point of being obstructive.

But enjoy Vegas I reccomend the Luxor for gaming on the strip but overall the word on the street is that downtown is much better.
I reccomend Papillon Helicopters for the Grand Canyon trip (You can book online they provide all transfers)

Have a great time and thanks for what you do out in the sand and dust! Cheers

Have a fab trip, and politics aside I think people actively serving in the forces should be allowed a little luxury wherever possible.

Respect to ya dude[y]