VS003 LHR-JFK 23 Jan 10 (PE)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

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The first trip report from me and it's a pretty positive one.

I stayed at Heathrow at the Premier Inn the night before my flight which turned out to be a very good value investment. I met up with my my former boss who lives nearby and we had a drink in the bar. He'd ordered two glasses of red wine and it turned out there was an offer of 'A bottle for the price of 2 glasses'. He was driving and I was up in the morning. Thankfully it was a screwtop bottle so, with a stunningly indiscrete move, my former boss snuck a half drunk bottle of red into his bag.

I'd bought my way into the clubhouse thanks to Virgin Holidays so I was up early for my first venture into the 'other worldly' atmos of the Clubhouse. I can't imagine flying out of Heathrow without using the Clubhouse now. I opted for the eggs benedict before sorting my treatment at the Cowshed Spa and sitting myself at the bar with a glass of Champers. After a great massage which left me feeling extremely refreshed, I'm ambled back to the bar for another quick drink before boarding.

Boarding was efficient despite the extra security and I was soon in 32C and being offered some bubbly before take-off. I was traveling alone and in typically British style, I barely exchanged a full sentence with the guy next to me for the whole journey. That said it was a very pleasant flight. There was no turbulence and we had an attentive cabin crew.

The food choice was a mini-dilemma as I could have had a chinese prawn concoction which was a temptation but I was in more of a chicken-mood (I have these chicken moods from time to time) so I opted for the less adventurous option. That said, it was most satisfactory.

The crew smiled at al times and were efficient. I'm a sucker for excellent customer service though, and there was little that was 'over and above' on this journey. That said, special mention to the attendant who helped the mother with the baby a couple of rows in front. He kept the baby entertained while the mother used the toilets and helped at meal time too.

I explored the V-port like an over excited teenager and watched some Family Guy and 'The Hangover' too which kept me amused. I can't help but think there could be a slightly better selection of comedies available. I may just be being picky here as I'm a comedy nerd.

Speaking of which, the purpose of my visit to NYC was to take a week long improv comedy course and this hassle-free flight (including an efficient disembarking and baggage collection) enabled me to get out in the evening to see some live improvised comedy.

All in all - well done Virgin Atlantic. I even managed to get a Premium Economy pen that hasn't turned into a rocket launcher yet!

I'll do the trip report on my return leg (my first experience of upper) very soon.

Well done on getting a pen! [:p]

Question is, what with what has been on the forums recently, did I get a silver one on my return journey? All will be revealed soon.

[buns]

Thanks for the TR[y]

Like many a V Flyer, once having had the experience of the Clubhouse it is very hard to travel without the benefit[}:)]

Good Luck with your course

buns

Remember, safety glasses on if you attempt to write with it...

Out of interest what are VH charging now for CH access??

NH

quote:Originally posted by northernhenry
Remember, safety glasses on if you attempt to write with it...

Out of interest what are VH charging now for CH access??

NH


I believe it's 35 for LGW and 60 for LHR.

This may be a stupid question (I haven't sampled either of the two clubhouses) is the LHR clubhouse really worth that much more than the LGW one?

[Decker]

Yes

It cost me 60 and was certainly worth it.

Breakfast, booze, massage, comfort.... the perfect way to start a journey and given that I was going out in the city that evening, it was the ideal stress-free way to start the day.

quote:Originally posted by Decker
Yes


Short and sweet answer! Going slightly off topic, should I pay 35 for the LGW clubhouse or just settle vor the V-Room at 17 on my next trip?

Apologies for taking over your thread LloydieJL, I will hand it back ASAP!

quote:Originally posted by Aaron
quote:Originally posted by Decker
Yes


Short and sweet answer! Going slightly off topic, should I pay 35 for the LGW clubhouse or just settle vor the V-Room at 17 on my next trip?


V-Room is fine, but no complimentary alcohol. For roughly the same price (I think) you could get access to the No 1 Lounge at Gatwick which does provide in that respect.

quote:Originally posted by LloydieJL
Question is, what with what has been on the forums recently, did I get a silver one on my return journey? All will be revealed soon.


If you did, don't lose it! [:p]

How and where do you pay the 60 to use the clubhouse? Thanks

[mitchja]

Thanks for the TR [y]

quote:Originally posted by FelixUK
How and where do you pay the 60 to use the clubhouse? Thanks


You can pay VH this if you book your holiday package using them.

FVC members can also pay the same money to VH for LGW/LHR Clubhouse access even if they haven't booked a package using VH (but still must be on a VS flight)

Regards

Hi FelixUK

You can book yourself a place there through Virgin Holidays. Technically I believe you need to have booked your flight and/or accommodation with them, but although I'm a previous customer of theirs, on this occasion the only thing I booked was the CH place. I'm not sure if it can be done via their website at www.virginholidays.co.uk as I called them direct.

Thanks, I think I'll give them a call and treat myself and my guy. We have a Priority Pass card so can access the Servisair and Kuwait AW lounge but might indulge anyway. You guys think it's worth using the VCH over the others?

Thanks for the TR.

When I asked about LGW clubhouse access a week ago, I was quoted 45 due to the refurbishment. Declined due to only having around 30 mins before going to the gate.

quote:Originally posted by mitchja

You can pay VH this if you book your holiday package using them.

FVC members can also pay the same money to VH for LGW/LHR Clubhouse access even if they haven't booked a package using VH (but still must be on a VS flight)


That's an interesting wrinkle of which I wasn't aware. One lives and learns...[:?].