In Loving Memory - Virgin Atlantic Service

[RichardMannion]

I think we have too many different threads kicking around in regards to the service dilution/removal of benefit/significant change/cost-cutting madness/all of the above that are related to the experience of flying Virgin Atlantic.

There are obviously too many of these cutbacks (or as VS has taken to label them 'based on customer feedback') for me to list out, so I'll start us off with one and we can all chime in with another.

The Haircut in the Clubhouse
The legend that was the haircut at the airport. People would stop in awe when you told them that you got your haircut in the Virgin Clubhouse (and even more so that it was free). It could be considered one of those 'magical touches' that made flying Virgin a whole different experience, it could even be fair to descibe it as innovative and class leading. It was that much of a legend, it even spawned a whole new class of trip, the 'haircut run' - crazy participants would nigh on take a flight somewhereso they could get their hair cut in the Clubhouse. Sadly, early this week the Haircut died at Gatwick, and its twin in Heathrow isn't looking too healthy at the moment either. They will be missed. RIP.

[Nottingham Nick]

As you say....a long list

The two things that stand out for me are the firstly the cut backs in the quality and and quantity of food / snacks on board. Secondly the cutbacks in plane cleaning.

Both of these have a very low cost per head, but both have the ability to leave a long lasting negative impression of the airline.


Nick

[buns]

Richard

I know where you are coming from here.

Before we all chip in with our thoughts, I would like to say we should spare a thought or too for those committed members of staff at VS who have provided sterling service in various guises over the years and who no doubt have found the dilution of service even more difficult to contend with[oo][oo]

I know some have been let go whilst others still try to do their best in difficult times

buns

[RichardMannion]

quote:Originally posted by buns

Before we all chip in with our thoughts, I would like to say we should spare a thought or too for those committed members of staff at VS who have provided sterling service in various guises over the years and who no doubt have found the dilution of service even more difficult to contend with[oo][oo]

I know some have been let go whilst others still try to do their best in difficult times


Absolutely Buns, and that makes it even worse. There are some superstars that work at VS, and its sad for me to think that I won't see some of them again.

I'd like to see back a crew proud of the product, not embarrassed by having to answer 'I'll see what we have left' or clearly being overworked on UC full cabins.

The heartbreaks for me have been the devolution of the amenity kit (which once contained a pair of Asprey sterling egg cups, a folding bicycle and a Richard Branson 'Spitting Image' puppet and now today contains a shaving of hard soap, a pair of socks made from dryer lint, and a regurgitated Polo mint) and sporadic recycling of unwashed ninja suits.

GJ

quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion


The Haircut in the Clubhouse
They will be missed. RIP.


Richard, as ever, spot on post.

I am particular about who cuts my hair - yeah there may not be much left and that what remains may be going grey at a rapid rate of knots, however I am a fussy man and have ALWAYS found the haircuts in both LGW and LHR Clubhouses excellent and well worth a hefty tip.

I WILL sorely miss having my 'hair done' before I fly and am with Buns to wish those staff well in the future, which I do hope is not with Virgin as they no longer deserve loyal CH staff.

HG

I too was bitterly disapointed regarding these recent cutbacks, for me the way LROM put it 'something of a magical touch' (haircuts) was something that impressed on people more so, than being told about free drinks from the bar, pool tables etc etc!
That attention to detail to me was quite an old romantic experience of visiting the airport and travelling 'first class' having ones hair cut and enjoying a civilised time enjoying these treats that all come with traveling up front.
The ill feeling thats been created in my short time traveling up front and watching the eroding of services, must be all that more difficult to swallow for you guys who have seen practically everything stripped out.

Sad times indeed!

Alex

quote:Originally posted by Alex V
I too was bitterly disapointed regarding these recent cutbacks, for me the way LROM put it 'something of a magical touch' (haircuts) was something that impressed on people more so, than being told about free drinks from the bar, pool tables etc etc!
That attention to detail to me was quite an old romantic experience of visiting the airport and travelling 'first class' having ones hair cut and enjoying a civilised time enjoying these treats that all come with traveling up front.
The ill feeling thats been created in my short time traveling up front and watching the eroding of services, must be all that more difficult to swallow for you guys who have seen practically everything stripped out.

Sad times indeed!

Alex


My freinds were very impressed that I met a fellow v-flyer, for the first time, having a haircut in the clubhouse, whilst sipping champagne, whilst waiting for seperate business class flights. Now that was a unique experience [y]

HG

The same Guy cut Mrs JPs hair at LHR for about 3 years, we also booked trips just for her haircut.One of our most memorable experiences ever traveling was down to this man.A particularly DYKWIA family had been in front of us at check-in,security and then the CH entrance.They were at the old CH desk being demanding and generally looking down their nose at everybody.As we stood behind them the stylist spied us, he ran up to Mrs JP and I, made such a fuss one can only imagine Royalty receive.The look on the now gawping faces of the DYKWIAs was fantastic.

quote:Originally posted by jaguarpig
The same Guy cut Mrs JPs hair at LHR for about 3 years, we also booked trips just for her haircut.One of our most memorable experiences ever traveling was down to this man.A particularly DYKWIA family had been in front of us at check-in,security and then the CH entrance.They were at the old CH desk being demanding and generally looking down their nose at everybody.As we stood behind them the stylist spied us, he ran up to Mrs JP and I, made such a fuss one can only imagine Royalty receive.The look on the now gawping faces of the DYKWIAs was fantastic.


Decker and myself have had similar but seperate incidences of the same by a delightful young lady hairdresser who has, very unfortunately, just left after 5 years. [:(]

HG

quote:Originally posted by hackneyguy


quote: My freinds were very impressed that I met a fellow v-flyer, for the first time, having a haircut in the clubhouse, whilst sipping champagne, whilst waiting for seperate business class flights. Now that was a unique experience [y]

HG


I was so disapointed not to have more time with you guys[:#][:#] damn the early miami flight, well thats the last of the hair cut encounters too bad!
maybe we could have a CH haircut reunion party instead, before that area is converted into a ninja suit changing area.

cheers

alex[y]

OOOh Gosh! so many changes (errr 'enhancements!')
1) The Oswald Boetang Aminity kits (using the luggage tags from that this journey)
2) the red pillows which you could use to prop up the joke of a pillow
3) The food, including the choice of sandwuiches and cakes brought round on a tray
4) the choice of snacks at the bar
5) the IFBT
6) the IFE
7) The laptop leads
8) the luggage allowance

The Upper Class Cakestand



Carefully guarded by our own Howard Long on this occasion, the Upper Class cakestand was a patisserie-decked wonder set up by the cabin crew following the meal service, from which you could peruse and pick a wide choice of cakes and goodies (remember the chocolate eclairs?) during the flight.

Removed under the guise of 'weight saving', when VS put their wide-bodied birds on a 'diet', one wonders if it's actually our waistlines that they are trying to reduce to cut the fuel bill even further.

No flowers please, they add to the take-off weight. RIP.

I miss the free economy flight vouchers given to each UC pax on take off, and the girlie NY shopping weekends they prompted![y]

Struck home to me the issue with stock, when with our approx 30% load in UC on SYD-HKG, CC came round for food order 'sorry sir, the Beef Fillet has run out' ?? They must of only loaded about 6...
Plus some particulary awful Portugese wines on HKG-LHR

NH

quote:Originally posted by mike-smashing
The Upper Class Cakestand


That's a great picture and almost brings a tear to my eye - the cakestand was a lovely thing, well deserving of a stretch of the legs - reminds me how fun and special UC used to be.

Makes me want to weep and stop using VS. Trouble is, I have a lot of miles to use, miles painfullay accumulated...[?]

quote:Originally posted by Nottingham Nick
As you say....a long list

The two things that stand out for me are the firstly the cut backs in the quality and and quantity of food / snacks on board. Secondly the cutbacks in plane cleaning.

Both of these have a very low cost per head, but both have the ability to leave a long lasting negative impression of the airline.


Nick


SPOT ON Nick!

quote:Originally posted by northernhenry
...with our approx 30% load in UC on SYD-HKG, CC came round for food order 'sorry sir, the Beef Fillet has run out' ??


That's par for the course on flights with a light load.

The lighter a cabin load the greater the likelihood that the usual model for meal preferences doesn't apply anymore.

When coupled with loading fewer meals in the first place because of less pax, the likelihood you won't get your first choice increases significantly.

ISTR that VS don't load *any* spare meals anymore, where in the past they used to load a few extras.

Mike

http://gs19.globalsuccessor.com/fe/tpl_ ... gumlqjsxto

thought you might be interested in this job vacancy on the VA site

not that I think any-one on here might apply for the post but doesn't look like vs are doing away with a hairdresser completely.

Hi by the way

[Decker]

quote:
To build a regular client following and promote repeat bookings to ensure targets are achieved


Bookings?

quote:Originally posted by Decker
quote:
To build a regular client following and promote repeat bookings to ensure targets are achieved


Bookings?


from those in tiers above Gold [:?]

Hmmm, good thread but for me the haircutbacks are not yet enough for me to go to the dark side yet. Although I have been tempted a few times and of course a decent difference in price would certainly swing it in these frugal times.

While I agree with everything that everyone has said the two things that would force me to say goodbye to UC would be being unable to choose our seats online in advance (I know they're not guaranteed but we've never been moved yet) and the T3 experience - private security channel and CH.

If those went or god forbid they start charging extra fees for them I would be gone too. Of course any serious crap service could push me over the edge as well.

Just my thoughts.

Miopyk [8D]