VX Opens Clubhouses to all Frequent Fliers

Guess you don't have to fly first anymore. I'm not even sure you need a ticket!...

AN EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR OUR ELEVATE MEMBERS AND GUESTS IN FIRST CLASS

Virgin America presents yet another way to make flying good again: first class lounging. You now have access to Virgin Atlantics Clubhouse. Relax in this stylish retreat where you can catch up on work, read the newspaper or a magazine, zone out in front of the TV, enjoy delicious food, or simply unwind at the full bar. The Clubhouse also features Wi-Fi, coffee and juice bars, and even a shower. This is first class luxury, and its all yours for only $40. This is how to fly.

To get your pass, stop by the Virgin America check-in counter.

* Amenities are subject to change and are not available at all airports.
** Check with a Virgin America team member for participating locations.

Moved to vx forum...Nick

I get the feeling that when I visit in July, the SFO CH may not be the delight it was in previous years......

Originally posted by McCoy
I get the feeling that when I visit in July, the SFO CH may not be the delight it was in previous years......

It certainly wasnt very good a couple of weeks back - very loud guys and gals all on internal flights; have vowed to go from LAX in future - it may not be a CH there but atleast it is civilized and I can get a seat and diet coke (yeah - they have even run out of that staple !)

[preiffer]

Interestingly - an ElaVAte member is NOT a 'frequent flier' - ANYONE can sign up, for free. [n]

so whats the point paying more money at all if everyone gets access to the lounge?[:?]

After all its not just about the cabin ........... and seat.......
or is it???[:I]

I assume that most people who pay more money to fly in other than economy do so for the other extras such as the check in, priority baggage and lounge.

Scarlet x

[RichardMannion]

Originally posted by Scarlet46
so whats the point paying more money at all if everyone gets access to the lounge?[:?]

After all its not just about the cabin ........... and seat.......
or is it???[:I]

I assume that most people who pay more money to fly in other than economy do so for the other extras such as the check in, priority baggage and lounge.

Scarlet x

Mmm, even if you were travelling in First, you still need to pay to get access at SFO. I think someone has calculated what a cash-cow this can be....

Indeed - it must be a claimable expense as it was real busy when I was there (a Thursday eve after flying up from San Diego) grrrrr.

My guess is there weren't enough First Class passengers taking VX up on the offer...so they opened it up to everyone. Hey, anyone can pay to get access to legacy clubs, why not VX?

This is obviously an idea to make more money, and utilize the CH space.

My guess is clubhouses will turn from elite quiet lounges, into a more elite party atmosphere.

Which begs the question: If VS agreed to this, what do they have to gain with this new atmosphere?

UPDATE: Spoke with VX. This offer is currently only at SFO and you must have a VX ticket for that day.

[preiffer]

I wonder how many complaining VS (read: £6,000/$12,000 fare paying) passengers it will take for VX to be 'booted' from the CH if the 'party atmosphere' does materialise...

Originally posted by hstansbury
UPDATE: Spoke with VX. This offer is currently only at SFO and you must have a VX ticket for that day.

Doesnt make it any easier or more pleasant for us UC pax wanting to use the VS UC lounge there; a rethink is needed and rapidly

[fozzyo]

Originally posted by hstansbury
Which begs the question: If VS agreed to this, what do they have to gain with this new atmosphere?

Money. Its like the deal they just did with the Yankee Amex Centurion for FC Gold Status. VS get paid for access to the CH.

Mat

The great unwashed are at the gates. Like scholarships to Eton, really.

GJ

i do hope that this doesn't carry on in the future......i know that you can buy access to the LHR / LGW clubhouses for £65 or £35 (I think) respectively, but you have to be flying on a VS flight. I would be happier if we could start getting benefits as a FC member if I was to fly on VX (e.g. miles and tier points!!).

Wow, was I misinformed.

I was told the SFO CH would be open to any VX First pax with a continuing VS ticket, no matter the VS seat class or red/silver/gold status, for a fee.

To find out it's open to any VX for a fee, that makes me... unhappy. I also don't see any mention of continuing VS ticket required for the use. If I wanted to go sit in an anybody-can-pay-for-entry Admiral's Club, I'd still be flying with AA. [n]

At least one needs a VS ticket to pay to use the other CH - for now - boo on the person who thought this up! [V] Maybe I'll connect to LHR from EWR now instead of SFO - and I've been flying out of that airport for over 40 years! [:?][n][n]

Well, I flew out of SFO two weeks ago, and mentioned the fact that at the VS020 usual time of passengers coming in, you could not get a seat for love nor money. bthe policy is free food from lunchtime until about a half hour before VS020 departs, which of course means you'll have a crazy environment just when you don't need it.

I always get to the airport by lunchtime - and had no problems settling in as the actual VS flight was not leaving until after 6pm that day. But this will give rise to a ton of complaints, it is just ridiculous. A paid UC pax not able to get a seat in the clubhouse is just not going to fly ...

Originally posted by vs_itsallgood
I'd still be flying with AA. [n]

If it's an MD-80 route, I rather doubt it... [:w]

GJ