quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion
FFS, would you stop whining about the LGW and MAN routes. It's not as if you didn't know this when you made the booking this time as you have continually bitched about over the last few years. There are far more Upper customers that really couldn't care less about the perceived differences, and will continue to use the service. There are 14 seats per LGW/MAN flight, and it would appear that VS has no problems filling these to a favourable load factor, a point reinforced by the removal of the sale fares this time round.
VS have not dumped you in 'Chav lands' by any stretch - access to the facility is only for VHols customers that are entitled or have paid a small premium for, so I think you will find the demographic in there is hardly Chav. Are you telling me you'd rather sit out in the main departure area with all the LCC and Charter traffic that don't have access to a private lounge unless they have paid for it?
As for Virgin not allowing paid access - whatever. They do it in a controlled manner and numbers are strictly limited. If anything it brings another revenue stream that helps keep the Clubhouse as it is, and with the luxurious, class leading facilities it has. I really enjoy my free haircuts and treatments of over 15 minutes in the BA lougne facilities, along with the waiter service....[:w] Yes BA don't do this, but I think you will find that many of the other airlines you mentioned (in particular the US carriers) are offering paid access nowadays to anyone that rocks up to the desk and is prepared to pay; not forgetting the 550+ lounges across the globe that offer access to anyone in the possession of a Priority Pass card (and there guests), and that's no small number. The V:Room is not on the Priority Pass list, so that puts it in the premium category for me.
It would transpire that nothing will please you - VS management have got it so wrong by providing an actual alternative (as the easiest option would be to do nothing, and issue miles or food/drink vouchers for the main terminal). No one has been thrown out of the Clubhouse, it is being refurbished to keep it up to the high standards it is expected to be. Sorry you feel you are beeing 'shoved' into the V:Room, looks perfectly fine to me and a suitable alternative while the renovations are happening.
Exactly what I would have expected from someone who works for a company who's Customer service and products make Virgins look Good!
Yes, I have 'whined' as you gracefully put it about the crap service that virgin have foistered on ther non Heathrow routes.
You have been one of the rose coloured glasses weareers waving the 'Virgin is great' flag on here for years without a regard for the many who fly from Manchester and Gatwick with the smallest acknowledgement that the service is two teir between Heathrow and other airports.
I have also explained and yet you have neglected to point out, that when the flight was booked, the Clubhouse was part of the service and that was the main reason for booking with VS over BA! We were NOT informed of the possible situation at the time to make a considered decsision, rather made it upon the servive that VS said they would provide, suere, they make quite clear that the IFE does not form part of the Holiday or flight, but the Clubhouse does and is a major selling point!
Certainly, if we had been informed of no Clubhouse opr alternative BUISNESS lounge being available my money, not a companies, but out of MY pocket would have gone to BA, as it probably will do next time.
My point yet again ignored by you Richard, is that they have NOT provided an alernative, a buisness lounge, rather the Chav cafe, yes i do mean chav cafe I have seen the awful pictures of the cafe style designed seating, the rows of Budweiser behind the bar and the cafe style decorations.
read the comments from people who pay t5heir 17 or get the VRoom for free about their requirement to 'eat more than I have paid', and the general demeanour of these various posters, who see the V-Cafe as an upmarket burger bar.
I also make no apology for detesting tattos on ANY person, they look common in my opinion (and yes, we still have the right to voice an opinion even if its not the same as yours anmd your girlfriend)
As for filling teh seats, they are talked about on other forums that people are upgrading to UC on the Gatwick routes for 250! hardly the scene of full flights is it? I look on Expertflyer and whilst PE is full, many flights are showing great availability in UC at low fare codes! Those rose couloured glasses are doing you a misservice Richard!
To many travellers especially on the Florida route, there is now no difference between the Charter flights and Virgin and quite a few are saying that the Charters are better than Virgins Economy flights these days.
Yes, I am unhappy about the way that Virgin have handled this, I am and have been for a few years unhappy as many others have been with the (perceived) drop in standards on the Virgin flights especially from LGW and MAN.
I WANT Virgin to become the airline that people want to choose as their first choice again, over BA and the others, but the fact that VS have done nothing to change this view over the past few years is sad for ALL Virgin Atlantic lovers whatever airport they fly from, That is my 'Whinge' as you put it!
quote: You have been one of the rose coloured glasses weareers waving the 'Virgin is great' flag on here for years without a regard for the many who fly from Manchester and Gatwick
That's funny [:?] I seem to remember TRs from Richard Mannion of flights to/from LGW and MAN and if I recall correctly some of the photos of the LGW Clubhouse were posted by him.
That's funny [:?] I seem to remember TRs from Richard Mannion of flights to/from LGW and MAN and if I recall correctly some of the photos of the LGW Clubhouse were posted by him.
quote:Originally posted by AlanA
My point yet again ignored by you Richard, is that they have NOT provided an alernative, a buisness lounge, rather the Chav cafe, yes i do mean chav cafe I have seen the awful pictures of the cafe style designed seating, the rows of Budweiser behind the bar and the cafe style decorations.
read the comments from people who pay t5heir 17 or get the VRoom for free about their requirement to 'eat more than I have paid', and the general demeanour of these various posters, who see the V-Cafe as an upmarket burger bar.
Where is this Chav Cafe of which you speak ? Doesn't sound like the V-Room I went to last year and am going to again this year. Yes there are some tables with chairs. There's also a relaxed (child free) seating area to one side.
No, it's not the Clubhouse. It may not be to your taste and you may feel aggrieved by the way you've been treated, but please don't (a) disrespect your fellow travellers and their choices and (b) jump to conclusions about the background, standards and behaviours of the same because they don't make the same choices as yourself.
Paul
My point yet again ignored by you Richard, is that they have NOT provided an alernative, a buisness lounge, rather the Chav cafe, yes i do mean chav cafe I have seen the awful pictures of the cafe style designed seating, the rows of Budweiser behind the bar and the cafe style decorations.
read the comments from people who pay t5heir 17 or get the VRoom for free about their requirement to 'eat more than I have paid', and the general demeanour of these various posters, who see the V-Cafe as an upmarket burger bar.
Where is this Chav Cafe of which you speak ? Doesn't sound like the V-Room I went to last year and am going to again this year. Yes there are some tables with chairs. There's also a relaxed (child free) seating area to one side.
No, it's not the Clubhouse. It may not be to your taste and you may feel aggrieved by the way you've been treated, but please don't (a) disrespect your fellow travellers and their choices and (b) jump to conclusions about the background, standards and behaviours of the same because they don't make the same choices as yourself.
Paul
We can get better, because we're not dead yet
quote:It may not be to your taste and you may feel aggrieved by the way you've been treated, but please don't (a) disrespect your fellow travellers and their choices and (b) jump to conclusions about the background, standards and behaviours of the same because they don't make the same choices as yourself.
Paul
Again, Very well said!
Do you know what I think is ''common''? Posting disrespectful and insulting comments on a usually friendly and great website.
Not cool!
Paul
Again, Very well said!
Do you know what I think is ''common''? Posting disrespectful and insulting comments on a usually friendly and great website.
Not cool!
quote:Originally posted by pjh
quote:Originally posted by AlanA
My point yet again ignored by you Richard, is that they have NOT provided an alernative, a buisness lounge, rather the Chav cafe, yes i do mean chav cafe I have seen the awful pictures of the cafe style designed seating, the rows of Budweiser behind the bar and the cafe style decorations.
read the comments from people who pay t5heir 17 or get the VRoom for free about their requirement to 'eat more than I have paid', and the general demeanour of these various posters, who see the V-Cafe as an upmarket burger bar.
Where is this Chav Cafe of which you speak ? Doesn't sound like the V-Room I went to last year and am going to again this year. Yes there are some tables with chairs. There's also a relaxed (child free) seating area to one side.
No, it's not the Clubhouse. It may not be to your taste and you may feel aggrieved by the way you've been treated, but please don't (a) disrespect your fellow travellers and their choices and (b) jump to conclusions about the background, standards and behaviours of the same because they don't make the same choices as yourself.
Paul
Paul
Well said[y]
As you have pointed out - actually having been in there adds strength to your point of view - the V Room is worthy of a repeat visit and having been in there myself when occupied with fellow passengers I was not in the least put off with what I saw.
What I will miss during the necessary closure of the Clubhouse will be the friendly faces of the staff there - I do hope that their future in these harsh economic times is safe. If their commitment to service is anything to go by (and this is right from the top) then I for one moment do not believe that fair minded person using either of the facilities during the transition will be disappointed.
buns
quote:Originally posted by AlanA
My point yet again ignored by you Richard, is that they have NOT provided an alernative, a buisness lounge, rather the Chav cafe, yes i do mean chav cafe I have seen the awful pictures of the cafe style designed seating, the rows of Budweiser behind the bar and the cafe style decorations.
read the comments from people who pay t5heir 17 or get the VRoom for free about their requirement to 'eat more than I have paid', and the general demeanour of these various posters, who see the V-Cafe as an upmarket burger bar.
Where is this Chav Cafe of which you speak ? Doesn't sound like the V-Room I went to last year and am going to again this year. Yes there are some tables with chairs. There's also a relaxed (child free) seating area to one side.
No, it's not the Clubhouse. It may not be to your taste and you may feel aggrieved by the way you've been treated, but please don't (a) disrespect your fellow travellers and their choices and (b) jump to conclusions about the background, standards and behaviours of the same because they don't make the same choices as yourself.
Paul
Paul
Well said[y]
As you have pointed out - actually having been in there adds strength to your point of view - the V Room is worthy of a repeat visit and having been in there myself when occupied with fellow passengers I was not in the least put off with what I saw.
What I will miss during the necessary closure of the Clubhouse will be the friendly faces of the staff there - I do hope that their future in these harsh economic times is safe. If their commitment to service is anything to go by (and this is right from the top) then I for one moment do not believe that fair minded person using either of the facilities during the transition will be disappointed.
buns
Thanks
Darren
Darren
#712605 by Guest
16 Apr 2009, 21:36
16 Apr 2009, 21:36
quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
http://www.gosimply.com/airport-lounges ... o-1-lounge
Good find Darren [y]
Lounge looks good to me as a fair temp substitute - I especially like the dress code [:w]
Regards,
Hackneyguy
http://www.gosimply.com/airport-lounges ... o-1-lounge
Good find Darren [y]
Lounge looks good to me as a fair temp substitute - I especially like the dress code [:w]
Regards,
Hackneyguy
I never thought a thread on the LGW CH would stir such passion let alone such outdated social opinions!
So the v-room = chav does it? On that basis CH = upper class snob
To be honest I'd rather spend a few hours with the 'shell suited, tattoed chavs' than some of the posters here.
The pics of the v-room on the VH website look good. More than comparible with some 'business' lounges. What is arong with some taboes and chairs and lots of people like budweiser beer.
So the v-room is not a CH but it is an alternative and still with in the VS 'family'.
People have said the LGW CH could do with a refurb, well refurbs cause disruption and it makes sense to me to close the CH for a short period rather than do it bit by bit and for VS to deal with endless complaints about noise etc.
At least there is an alternative, manbe not ideal for some people, but at least an alternative facility has been made available.
And if AlanA is that upset (and he is entitled to hos opinion) about the CH and 'the drop in standards' then why still fly VS?
So the v-room = chav does it? On that basis CH = upper class snob
To be honest I'd rather spend a few hours with the 'shell suited, tattoed chavs' than some of the posters here.
The pics of the v-room on the VH website look good. More than comparible with some 'business' lounges. What is arong with some taboes and chairs and lots of people like budweiser beer.
So the v-room is not a CH but it is an alternative and still with in the VS 'family'.
People have said the LGW CH could do with a refurb, well refurbs cause disruption and it makes sense to me to close the CH for a short period rather than do it bit by bit and for VS to deal with endless complaints about noise etc.
At least there is an alternative, manbe not ideal for some people, but at least an alternative facility has been made available.
And if AlanA is that upset (and he is entitled to hos opinion) about the CH and 'the drop in standards' then why still fly VS?
Huzzah for International Jet-setting !
Yeah, the fact that anyone can book the lounge is great. The extra 50p per person will put off the hardened drinkers...
Ok, time out everyone , while a spirited discussion is always more than welcome, personal attacks will not be tolerated, so please understand what I am saying.
Think very carefully about what you are posting, posts can be deleted quicker than they can be posted.
Just to throw my hat in the ring, there are times that places have to be renovated, with the exception of the LHR CH expansion trying to do a renovation by cutting the room in half etc just leads to a longer disruption and the lounge is a mess.
A small piece of advise on this and any trip to everyone, if you go into a trip knowing it is going to be bad and that you are going to hate it, guess what, your going to hate it, go in with an open mind and hey, you may just like it.
Think very carefully about what you are posting, posts can be deleted quicker than they can be posted.
Just to throw my hat in the ring, there are times that places have to be renovated, with the exception of the LHR CH expansion trying to do a renovation by cutting the room in half etc just leads to a longer disruption and the lounge is a mess.
A small piece of advise on this and any trip to everyone, if you go into a trip knowing it is going to be bad and that you are going to hate it, guess what, your going to hate it, go in with an open mind and hey, you may just like it.
Hmm, a robust debate as ever.
Alan, I can kind of see your point regarding the communication from VS, but you've coloured your argument with the branding of the V-Hols passengers as chavs. Having been in the V-ROOM, I can report it's a lot more of a 'Virgin' experience than anything you'll find in a remote-station lounge like Continental, US or Delta, and the ankle-biters tend to keep themselves to the kids zone down the far end of the V-ROOM, and indeed aren't even allowed into the bar area - which affords the best views of Gatwick's runways from anywhere on the airport.
Sure, it's not a Clubhouse, but if the current Clubhouse didn't go through this refurb, it would decay to the point you'd have a much more valid complaint about the quality of service.
If a priority for you is use of the Clubhouse, and you feel Virgin are substantially changing the product you bought to an unacceptable level, then your only option would appear to threaten legal action in order to get a refund and take your business elsewhere. That is, if it is really that important to you. If it's not the be-all and end-all of your holiday, then accept that the Clubhouse requires refurbishment, and the V-ROOM is the best alternative available. Afterall, it's only a few hours of your life that you'll have to endure the V-ROOM, and it's only in one direction.
Pete
Alan, I can kind of see your point regarding the communication from VS, but you've coloured your argument with the branding of the V-Hols passengers as chavs. Having been in the V-ROOM, I can report it's a lot more of a 'Virgin' experience than anything you'll find in a remote-station lounge like Continental, US or Delta, and the ankle-biters tend to keep themselves to the kids zone down the far end of the V-ROOM, and indeed aren't even allowed into the bar area - which affords the best views of Gatwick's runways from anywhere on the airport.
Sure, it's not a Clubhouse, but if the current Clubhouse didn't go through this refurb, it would decay to the point you'd have a much more valid complaint about the quality of service.
If a priority for you is use of the Clubhouse, and you feel Virgin are substantially changing the product you bought to an unacceptable level, then your only option would appear to threaten legal action in order to get a refund and take your business elsewhere. That is, if it is really that important to you. If it's not the be-all and end-all of your holiday, then accept that the Clubhouse requires refurbishment, and the V-ROOM is the best alternative available. Afterall, it's only a few hours of your life that you'll have to endure the V-ROOM, and it's only in one direction.
Pete
OMG, I haven't heard such prejudice against people because of how they look or dress since the 'good old' Alf Garnett days...
I have been in both the lounge and air and witnessed behaviour that makes me want to dig a hole a bury myself and that was from the tattooless Armani dressed crowd [:0]
People really shouldn't be judged on their appearance..
I have been in both the lounge and air and witnessed behaviour that makes me want to dig a hole a bury myself and that was from the tattooless Armani dressed crowd [:0]
People really shouldn't be judged on their appearance..
Pete, I am not a lawyer so I am not sure what threatening legal action would / could achieve other than making some lawyers very rich and AlanA poorer.
But from my reading of other holiday cases involving 'lost services' in the Sunday papers, all VS would have to do is show that they have provided a broadly comparable facililty to the CH. The legal test would be based on the question-
'Is the v-room (or the No 1 lounge), in the mind of the reasonable and average person, 'broadly comparable' to the CH?'
The replacement facility does not have to be 'identical' to the lost one i.e. the CH.
From many of the comments on here, it looks as though many posters would regard the v-room/ No1 lounge as being 'broadly comparable' or a 'suitable alternative'.
Non access to treatments in the v-room would be dealt with on the basis that although they were offered and often available in the CH they were never guarenteed to be available e.g. due to pre-booked demand from other customers or staff sickness.
Finally, VS could also say that they factored in the value of the 'loss' of the full range of CH services into the ticket price - by marginally reducing them.
But from my reading of other holiday cases involving 'lost services' in the Sunday papers, all VS would have to do is show that they have provided a broadly comparable facililty to the CH. The legal test would be based on the question-
'Is the v-room (or the No 1 lounge), in the mind of the reasonable and average person, 'broadly comparable' to the CH?'
The replacement facility does not have to be 'identical' to the lost one i.e. the CH.
From many of the comments on here, it looks as though many posters would regard the v-room/ No1 lounge as being 'broadly comparable' or a 'suitable alternative'.
Non access to treatments in the v-room would be dealt with on the basis that although they were offered and often available in the CH they were never guarenteed to be available e.g. due to pre-booked demand from other customers or staff sickness.
Finally, VS could also say that they factored in the value of the 'loss' of the full range of CH services into the ticket price - by marginally reducing them.
Huzzah for International Jet-setting !
quote:Originally posted by tontybear
...... in the mind of the reasonable and average person, 'broadly comparable' ......
ROTFLMAO [y]
...... in the mind of the reasonable and average person, 'broadly comparable' ......
ROTFLMAO [y]
Gee thanks, now i don't know what catagory I am in, my suits are Armani, my shoes are Gucci my pens are Mont Blanc my watch is Cartier BUT underneath all that I have a rather fabulous Black Panther tatoo.
I book with VA one year and usually VH the next so now am I a chav or a snob, god its so confusing as if my orientation wasn't difficult enough to work out lol.
Personally I WOULD be dissapoionted if i found out there was no clubhouse as its one of the things I look forwards to the most and yes I have elected to travel down to the London airports specifically for the use of them as opposed to the one at Manchester with the fire breathing dragon on the desk.
On the subject of snobbery, people wear Armani or whatever to make a statement call it snobbery if you like, BUT people also wear shell suits and football kits to make statements so neither one group should get outraged that others don't like or feel uncomfortable with the I is kickin is iiiiiiiit!!!!! or Jolly hockysticks I am so succesfull image. Though unfragranced people or people who cough without covering their mouths are to be avoided at all costs, especially kids that are allowed by their parents to mess and cough their snot all over open buffets.
Has anyone actually got any news on what is going to be offered at the NEW clubhouse when its finished.
I actually found the Burger bar comment amuzing, I wonder if there will be bubblegum on the floor outside and some kids joyriding on scooters with a big L on the front.[:o)]
I book with VA one year and usually VH the next so now am I a chav or a snob, god its so confusing as if my orientation wasn't difficult enough to work out lol.
Personally I WOULD be dissapoionted if i found out there was no clubhouse as its one of the things I look forwards to the most and yes I have elected to travel down to the London airports specifically for the use of them as opposed to the one at Manchester with the fire breathing dragon on the desk.
On the subject of snobbery, people wear Armani or whatever to make a statement call it snobbery if you like, BUT people also wear shell suits and football kits to make statements so neither one group should get outraged that others don't like or feel uncomfortable with the I is kickin is iiiiiiiit!!!!! or Jolly hockysticks I am so succesfull image. Though unfragranced people or people who cough without covering their mouths are to be avoided at all costs, especially kids that are allowed by their parents to mess and cough their snot all over open buffets.
Has anyone actually got any news on what is going to be offered at the NEW clubhouse when its finished.
I actually found the Burger bar comment amuzing, I wonder if there will be bubblegum on the floor outside and some kids joyriding on scooters with a big L on the front.[:o)]
Just to put my two pence worth in.
I am flying PE in sept from LGW, and have booked the V-room through VH.
I am very much looking forward to it as I cannot bear sitting in the depature lounge for hours and would usually book the servisair lounge anyway.
I very much take great offence that there is a feeling that all those that have booked a holiday through VH are lower class people!! Sometimes it is easier and cheaper to book a package holiday rather than paying seperately for flights and hotel! I would also say VH attracts a different clientel than other package holiday operators, but that is just my opinion.
While I do understand that for some who are used to a premium experience at the CH a brief stop in the V-Room is a dissapointment, but I hardly think it is comparable to a burger bar or 'chav cafe'.
I was looking forward to booking my first UC flight in the non too distant future as I am lucky enough to finally be in the position to do so once in a while. However listening to some people on here (the minority i like to think, no the majority) I am not sure I want to spend 8+ hours in a cabin with them, so maybe I will stick to PE and Y!
I am flying PE in sept from LGW, and have booked the V-room through VH.
I am very much looking forward to it as I cannot bear sitting in the depature lounge for hours and would usually book the servisair lounge anyway.
I very much take great offence that there is a feeling that all those that have booked a holiday through VH are lower class people!! Sometimes it is easier and cheaper to book a package holiday rather than paying seperately for flights and hotel! I would also say VH attracts a different clientel than other package holiday operators, but that is just my opinion.
While I do understand that for some who are used to a premium experience at the CH a brief stop in the V-Room is a dissapointment, but I hardly think it is comparable to a burger bar or 'chav cafe'.
I was looking forward to booking my first UC flight in the non too distant future as I am lucky enough to finally be in the position to do so once in a while. However listening to some people on here (the minority i like to think, no the majority) I am not sure I want to spend 8+ hours in a cabin with them, so maybe I will stick to PE and Y!
quote:Originally posted by tonysimms
Just to put my two pence worth in.
Tony
Don't sweat it. Like yourself I've worked through from having to sit around the terminal for hours through to using the V-Room and then the LHR CH now have my first UC flight booked. Had great fun and service in all (well, perhaps not the terminal bit).
And just by the by the V-Room has won a V-Flyer award..
Paul
Just to put my two pence worth in.
Tony
Don't sweat it. Like yourself I've worked through from having to sit around the terminal for hours through to using the V-Room and then the LHR CH now have my first UC flight booked. Had great fun and service in all (well, perhaps not the terminal bit).
And just by the by the V-Room has won a V-Flyer award..
Paul
We can get better, because we're not dead yet
quote:Originally posted by pjh
quote:Originally posted by tonysimms
Just to put my two pence worth in.
And just by the by the V-Room has won a V-Flyer award..
Paul
Well, runner up.. [;)]
quote:Originally posted by tonysimms
Just to put my two pence worth in.
And just by the by the V-Room has won a V-Flyer award..
Paul
Well, runner up.. [;)]
Thanks
Darren
Darren
quote:Originally posted by pjh
quote:Originally posted by tonysimms
Just to put my two pence worth in.
And just by the by the V-Room has won a V-Flyer award..
Paul
Well, runner up.. [;)]
quote:Originally posted by tonysimms
Just to put my two pence worth in.
And just by the by the V-Room has won a V-Flyer award..
Paul
Well, runner up.. [;)]
Thanks
Darren
Darren
Silly question, maybe, but we are flying UC in late November (3 days before the new lounge opens [I wonder if they could hurry up a bit?...], so the V-Room it is. We also have the Priority Pass card for other lounges - would this be any different / better than V-Room, or I am going to be better off straight to the V-Room without even trying anything else?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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