VS Clubhouses, Exclusivity???

Ok, I do NOT want to start a war, promise

But is anyone else uncomfortable that the exclusivity of VS UC and Gold card member access to VS clubhouses is being eroded by Virgin Holidays giving access to other people?

Is it heading for a "Priority pass" type access, when once it was UC & Gold card holders only ( I include code share access also by the way) and all others to the Servicair lounges for access?

I am just asking the question, as it was one of the "perks" for flying high cost UC compared to PE, but in effect you can buy a cheaper PE ticket and pay £27 for access. Whilst the other extras in LHR flights are still unique, for, say, LGW-MCO, in Z class the only extra is a better food service, as rows 11 & 12 can be PE.
So, for double or treble the price, you get better food than a PE pax in row 11??

What are peoples views?

What do you lose by having VH PAX in the clubhouse? Provided they don't hog the PCs, sit in all the seats, book all the haircuts and eat all the food, then as they are paying why not let VS harvest the extra cash.

How many PAX are taking up this offer, and is availability limited? If this is the case, the cash may not be worth the admin.

However...

Is GBP27 considered the cost per head of the clubhouse? If so, then that (or even three times that if you include clubhouses at either end plus Revivals) is a pitifully small fraction of the cost of a full J fare (or event the discounted J fares available on corporate deals). The lounge then isn't such a valuable perk, and hey, what am I getting for my full "J" class fare (limo aside).

Personally, I've never felt squeezed out of a clubhouse by the numbers of people (even on a busy Friday night at JFK where they are looking for bumps left, right and centre). I may not get to sit exactly where I want, but there is usually a seat and table somewhere, the newspaper of my choice (though by VS46 on a Friday all the Daily Telegraphs have usually gone), I get the food I order, a haircut, time on a PC (reboots included) and the staff don't appear to be rushed off their feet.

As for LGW-MCO rows 11 and 12, persumably this is a relic of wrongly judging the required seating ratios when the interiors were fitted out (and / or the market changing in the light of DVT fears). As and when refits are done, presumably, VS will alter the seating plans to provide more PE.

[Decker]

What you are getting for a full J class is the assurance of knowing that

You're the least likely person on the plane to be downgradedYou can make any changes you want without penaltiesYou've earned a lot of FC miles if you pay with the right credit card

I think lounge access is a different thing than Quality of Service on LGW routes. Well Quality of Delivery vehicle I think as service remains excellent in UC. Lounge access is a tough one. Is it fair that Centurion holders flying Economy can use the lounge? That depends on whether you're a Centurion holder flying economy or not. Is it fair that some people can pay whilst others are told they can't? Free market economy I guess.

I guess I see UC flight as being about the service and the extra space. The rest is just bunce. So do I care if a PE passenger gets to use the lounge? As long as it doesn't impact on the lounge service for me, no, not really. Don't even care if the same applies to economy as long as the same service continues in the lounge!

quote:Originally posted by AlanA
Ok, I do NOT want to start a war, promise

But is anyone else uncomfortable that the exclusivity of VS UC and Gold card member access to VS clubhouses is being eroded by Virgin Holidays giving access to other people?

Is it heading for a "Priority pass" type access, when once it was UC & Gold card holders only ( I include code share access also by the way) and all others to the Servicair lounges for access?

I am just asking the question, as it was one of the "perks" for flying high cost UC compared to PE, but in effect you can buy a cheaper PE ticket and pay £27 for access. Whilst the other extras in LHR flights are still unique, for, say, LGW-MCO, in Z class the only extra is a better food service, as rows 11 & 12 can be PE.
So, for double or treble the price, you get better food than a PE pax in row 11??

What are peoples views?

Ooo - I feel really guilty now for paying to get into the Clubhouse - I did not realise some of the Clubhouse peeps would be uncomfortable about it. I was going to put a note in the calendar for next week to see if anyone from this site would be in the clubhouse so I could say hello - not sure whether to now...

Flo - don't feel guilty! Enjoy the experience, it's a great way to relax before the flight. I certainly would have taken the opportunity if it had been available before I started flying UC.

The only time I have found it extra busy in the lounge was during my last trip in April but I think that was more to do with there being delayed flights etc and I DID get a bit stressed when the only place to sit was at the bar (only because the seats aren't comfy when you've only got little legs like me:)), however this did give us access to a whole bottle of champagne - so all was not lost and to be fair the service was as good as, if not better, than ever.

I agree with Decker, the UC fare is about the whole package, room onboard, great service etc. The lounge is a bonus but I could just as easily enjoy myself in the shops! But then I only fly for pleasure and I don't usually spend more than and hour and a half in the lounge anyway due to flight connections etc

I would imagine that there is some sort of restriction on numbers, what if every VH passenger decided to pay the 27 quid?

As has been said before, as long as it doesn't impact the service for me then what the hey.

Shaz

If VS are offering paid lounge access through VS holidays you would assume there is lounge space avalible.I see no problem at all.I enjoyed access from amex plat card(pre centurion days) and that lounge access when flying Y got VS all my business from BA and they still have most of it today as a result. Flo put your trip up and say hello.

Thanks for the walm welcome guys.
I will put my details in the calendar and will promise a trip report on my return.
If you're in the clubhouse on Fri 25June for the VS007 - say hello - I'll have a flower in my hair (blonde!)
[:X]

quote:I would imagine that there is some sort of restriction on numbers, what if every VH passenger decided to pay the 27 quid?

I know a number of people locally to me who have had the chance to get in the VS clubhouses through the frequent virgin holiday club(paid access) Not a chance "I'm not paying £20 quid no way" This even after I have told them whats on offer,so I would think the take up of the offer would be limited.

Flo

quote:I'll have a flower in my hair (blonde!)

But you're not going to San Francisco

Cheers

Michael

[Nottingham Nick]

quote:Originally posted by AlanA
Ok, I do NOT want to start a war, promise

But is anyone else uncomfortable that the exclusivity of VS UC and Gold card member access to VS clubhouses is being eroded by Virgin Holidays giving access to other people?

I think this is a very valid topic for debate. My point of view is a purely personal, selfish one. (no surprises there then;) ) The removal of the Amex Plat entry was a real blow to me and directly caused me to ditch Amex.

First of all I would say the Clubhouse MUST remain an exclusive domain for the enjoyment of the UC and Gold card passengers. These are the people whom put the money into VS's pockets and they are the people who should be pampered and made to feel special.

We then move on to the next issue. IF there is space available in the Clubhouse, who should be allowed to make use of it - for a fee, obviously.

Currently - if you believe what Virgin Holidays print in their brochure, and we have already be told that it isn't correct- anybody who books with VH can pay for entry. I do not believe this is fair.

Personally (here is the selfish bit) I would make this facility available to regular VS travellers, who are not Gold card holders. i.e. Silvers.

Currently a person who is doing a weekend break to NYC, and is using VS for the first time is offered a perk that I am barred from, not because they have paid more than me, but because I book direct with VS rather than through VH.

If this becomes unworkable and too many silvers want to get in, then it should be limited to silvers in PE. I think the £30 fee would put the vast majority or people off- especially families. £240 for a family of four for entry at both ends of the holiday is a lot of money.

Just my thoughts.

Nick

I was gutted when I couldn't get into the Clubhouse at JFK last month. Didn't really expect to as I'm Red and was only flying in PE but I certainly tried. They're so evil having it clearly on display right after check in.

Saying that when I fly UC I doubt I'll bother about everybody else and just want to enjoy the luxury of it all.

It is annoying though, that if you are Silver, as I soon will be, fly PE and have AMEX Plat that there's no way in, especially at JFK where Priority Pass is woefully limited (nothing in T4!) considering the size of the airport.

Guess I'm just being greedy but would love the chance to try it every now and then on a non UC flight.

Dean

Hi Flo

Being able to pay for Clubhouse access is a dream ticket! Go for it, and enjoy every second. Let's face it, where else can you get a haircut, massage, shoes polished, and all the food and drink you can handle for the princely sum of 27 pounds sterling! Bargain!

If I know VS, I would suggest the number of CH places VH can sell is strictly limited. I also bet the T&C's have some kind of get out clause if it's really busy.

If I ever go Silver, I'll be booking my flights via VH!

Cheers!

[HighFlyer]

Flo - I will be in the Clubhouse on 25th June. I will be there from about 8.30am till 11.30 when VS005 departs. Let me know if you will be about then.

I will be in the Clubhouse as a paying guest. I see no problem with paying for entry as its only a small number in comparison to UC pax. Most people who book with VH are not generally interested in lounges or often do not know they can get into them. Many wouldnt pay £30 for the pleasure, but i will as thats me, im a VA fan and i dont have a budget.

My only thoughts are that i dont mind who goes in the Clubhouse as long as they all behave themselves!!

VH recently messed up my booking and overcharged me, when i wrote to customer services informing them of this error, being a Frequent Virgin/Flyer etc they sent me 2 complimentary Clubhouse lounge access passes for the Gatwick clubhouse (I presume these are basically what non UC pax can buy for £30).

I've not got the tickets yet, but on the change of booking itinery/invoice, it states that club house passes do not the include complimentary treatments, they are only available for UC Pax, so do the VH non UC pax get treatments also as part of the £30 price?, I doubt it....

Flying on VS031 on 27/06/04, so planning to turn up in the lounge, act dumb and try my luck for a haircut

Paul.

[Nottingham Nick]

quote:Originally posted by ecnirp

Flying on VS031 on 27/06/04, so planning to turn up in the lounge, act dumb and try my luck for a haircut

Paul

I am trying to put together a definative guide to Clubhouse entry, so could you let me know what happens, please?

The same goes for anyone else who has any experience with being allowed (or refused) entry when not a Gold or UC passenger - either post the experiences on the board - or PM me.

Many thanks

Nick

Nick

I was planning to post a message about how I got on in the lounge as I have had a similar exchange of messages on another thread, do they have Internet access via PC's in the lounge so I can post before I fly as theres a few peeps flying out a few days after me so I can let them know how it goes as a non UC pax in the lounge....

Paul.

[Nottingham Nick]

Paul

Not been in for a while;) , but there were two terminals with internet access last time I was in.

Having said that, I have read on the board about problems accessing V-Flyer[:(]

My email addresses are in my profile, if you like, you can forward me details and I will post them on the board for you.

Nick

[RichardMannion]

Well now thats an interesting topic, I spoke to VS a while back about access to the Clubhouses in regards to VH access.

- The number of places is strictly limited, I seem to remember a figure of around 10 per lounge per day and that was subject to availability. For those that use the Clubhouses, they will know that the loads using vary on a daily basis.

- In regards to treatments etc, they will ask to see your ticket now, and will note down if you are in J, Centurion, FC Au etc - I think that this would be used in the waitlist scenario. I know that I have gone in before when flying Y with a guest, and fully understood when they have been unable to provide treatments for us both.

- The paid bit is only at the UK side, no way at the other Clubhouses

- Don't forget that they are not strictly all FC AU's, Centurions or J passengers. Qatar uses the lounge, so can BMI Golds, Top tier Singapore KrisFlyers too.

Trust me, they do think about the access. They want to protect their premium products. Thats why AmEx Platinum access was scrapped, there are so many people out there with the card, and they were overcrowding the facilities. AmEx and Virgin had always said that the access was subject to capacity controls, but try turning a passenger away with his Platinum card - far easier to stop the whole lot.

Thanks,
Richard

[honey lamb]

quote:In regards to treatments etc, they will ask to see your ticket now, and will note down if you are in J, Centurion, FC Au etc - I think that this would be used in the waitlist scenario. I know that I have gone in before when flying Y with a guest, and fully understood when they have been unable to provide treatments for us both.

So do you know what is the pecking order? Where for example would a Z pax fit in or an Ag member?

The last time I was in the Clubhouse it was pleasantly uncrowded and hopefully the next time it will be the same

quote:- In regards to treatments etc, they will ask to see your ticket now, and will note down if you are in J, Centurion, FC Au etc - I think that this would be used in the waitlist scenario. I know that I have gone in before when flying Y with a guest, and fully understood when they have been unable to provide treatments for us both.

Thanks for the info Richard, best get my haircut before I travel then!!!! [8D]

Paul.

[mitchja]

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb

quote:In regards to treatments etc, they will ask to see your ticket now, and will note down if you are in J, Centurion, FC Au etc - I think that this would be used in the waitlist scenario. I know that I have gone in before when flying Y with a guest, and fully understood when they have been unable to provide treatments for us both.

So do you know what is the pecking order? Where for example would a Z pax fit in or an Ag member?

The last time I was in the Clubhouse it was pleasantly uncrowded and hopefully the next time it will be the same

honeylamb

There is no pecking order regarding different Upper Class fare classes. J, D, Z or G fares will be all be treated the same and are all entitled to use all the facilities provided. As will any FC member regardless of tier status as long as they are holding an Upper Class ticket or they are FC Gold card holders.

The pecking order only then starts with guests, VH voucher holders, Centurion card holders etc.

Regards

[honey lamb]

quote:The pecking order only then starts with guests, VH voucher holders, Centurion card holders etc

.
Aaah, thank you James. You have made my day. As a lowly Z and Ag passenger I saw the goodies of the Clubhouse being whisked away from me. The last time I was there I was new and didn't know what was on offer and in any case did not have too much time. This time my flight is due in from ORK at 9:00am (but usually arrives much earlier) and I am due out on VS3. There is potential for more than 3 hours in the Clubhouse

This could almost be as bad as the whole upper class dude not wanting his pretzels from economy! Do VH pax bring down the upper class (in both senses of the phrase) atmosphere of the lounge? I can understand a bloke, who's flying out to jfk for some meeting with a fat man in a suit getting pretty narked at a shell suited family with 4 screaming snotty nosed kids on their way to wreak havoc in florida barging in, getting drunk, hogging all the pretzels and so on, but for the average person, its a little bit of luxury at the start of what should be a great holiday.
For all you regular clubhouse users, is it not mainly used to get away from the crowds/noise/snot/japanese tourists before you leave for business? Surely its no longer a novelty to some of you?

For someone like me, damn right i'd pay £27 to feel special for an hour or two, clubhouse access would be novelty to me and i'd hate to feel as though i was infringing on some exclusive club. If upper class pax feel uncomfortable with lower class guests in their clubhouse, maybe go back to sitting in T3 for a couple of hours, i'm sure you'll quickly get used to sharing your space in the 'club'

Sorry if this sound arsey, and its not directed at AlanA or anyone that agrees with his post, its just my general thoughts, i was annoyed by the 'economy pretzel' post and this subject to me, was sort of going the same way.
don't hate me, i'm just opinionated!!!

That's OK Jetgirl, I just wanted to open the subject up for debate.

To me it is down to what do you get for paying a preimium price over the £300 per flight econ, or even over the £600 PE in rows 11 or 12.
Sure, give people acceszs to lounges at £30, but make it the Servisair lounge

So, do you pay PE/UC fares to use the lounge? Surely you pay for the extra legroom and fantastic service in the air? I'd understand if econ VH pax were getting upgraded from econ/pe to pe/uc, then people could feel infringed but its just a lounge, if your thirty quid only gets you access to the lounge and some booze and sarnies, all the full fare paying pax can still look smug as they're whisked off for their massages/facials/manicures/haircuts.

I say all full fare paying pax in the clubhouse should get a radically different haircut, grin smugly at the shell suits and use that as a status of exclusivity!