VS002 EWR-LHR 2 Dec 05 (PE)

As per last post I came back via New York and another set of meetings. Virginia client looks positive so may become very familiar with IAD in Q1 next year.

Very unhappy return however: had 76H pre-allocated and no chance of change (see below). It is a travesty to me to ask for 1300 and then place you next to the galley! I absolutely detest this seat. What made me madder was that the online seat plan was not available all week before to preselect seats, and when I tried OLCI on Friday the system was down. UC was absolutely full so no chance of upgrading. Then to cap it all, when we're all sat down, two obviously VS cabin crew members on holiday very loudly said to a third and working crew members 'we've changed to seats upstairs' and proceeded from economy to the upstairs PE cabin.

Well blood boiling or what and probably as much a consequence of too much travel in three days. IFE was not working at all for the first 3/4 hours of flight and skymap not at all.

Only saving grace was that having eaten in the CH I took a pill and tried to sleep, mostly successfully despite the light, noise and banging of seat by carts coming from the galley.

Once again the premium cabins were full and economy 50-60%.

[Nottingham Nick]

Slinky

You have hit on one of the V-Flyer pet hates, that we haven't heard too much of just lately.

I don't think anyone begrudges the airline's staff their perks. What riles is when staff (either deliberately or unthinkingly) brag about their preferential treatment over paying pax. There is no need for it, discretion should be the watch word.

IMHO, Paying pax should also get first choice of seating over non revs, if they have paid to travel in that class.

Nick

Nick, I completely agree with you. Virgin really need to sort this out. Paying passengers should be put first. There seem to be too many examples of this not happening and to really rub salt in the wounds of staff/friends or family of staff being very indiscreet.[V]

Hear, hear.[y]

Paying pax first[:D]