Hello - and some questions

Hello from a long-time forum lurker. I first flew PE with Virgin for my birthday weekend to NYC in Dec 2009 and we were, IMO, spoilt rotten. So when we went to Delhi the following month we upgraded to PE and, although the holiday itself was a disaster, the best bit was the flight home. Now, having never flown business etc, I have been frantically spending on my Virgin AMEX to build FC miles as I have won a touring holiday through the US canyonlands (for one!) but have to make my own way there and back. Tour starts in San Fran and finishes in LA so VA was the only choice for me. Then, sacre bleu, grabbed (IMO) a bargain MPM UC for only £200 more than the PE so off we go.
About me - I love flying, even the food. I'm a hyper so-and-so and find it hard to relax and let myself be endulged and looked after without feeling guilty, so this is a challenge for me. Just a couple of questions to be going on with.
1. My selected seats. Chose outward (VS019)seat 2A as never been upstairs on the plane before (will of course go down to the bar)and coming home (VS024) seat 4K as thought that will be private and hoped better to be up the top of the plane?
2. What menu will it be coming home as I fly back on Sunday night 4th Sept so is that still the summer menu or will it have switched then?
3. Where is the duty free at LAX relative to the ANZ clubhouse? Should I shop before security, as shocked by lack of facilities post-security at JFK.
OK will sit back and wait for the good, bad and hopefully not too ugly.
xx y)

1. Seats sound good. 4K on the VS24 is a great seat - very private as facing a wall.

2. There will be a different menu offered on your flights as to what is offered at the moment as they change every three months.

3. The duty free in LA is on the right hand side just after you go through security. Once past duty free use the elevator which will take you to the ANZ lounge on the first floor. There is nothing before security. Airside in T2 is very small. There is a duty free, a newsagent, a bureau de change, Starbucks, Burger King, Wolfgang Puck and another eating place called IIRC Roadhouse Grill.

in big capital letters:
LHR CLUBHOUSE
enjoy:)

for me the best lounge full stop and the best part of an UC flight....

Thanks - I'm counting the days (does anyone else log-in to their booking and see the Virgin day, hours, minutes counter!!!)
BTW Tinkerbelle, I know the menus change and going out it will be the Summer menu, but I meant will (given I come back the first Sunday of September) will it be the Summer or Autumn menu then?
Also, on VS019, is that seat ok and will it anny others if I walk down to the bar, and then later take a drink back up with me for my meal? I dont want to seem like I "dont belong" in UC LOL!!!

bumping (hope no-one minds!)

Hi Georginac, and welcome

I like flying on the upper deck, I chose A5 as my seat as this is the first one I sat in on my very first Virgin flight. I'm off to NYC in just over 4 weeks and I am quite frequently looking at the countdown on the VS website. it's addictive isn't it.

As Paul says a trip to the LHR Clubhouse is a must, I'm making my first visit this year and well looking forward to.

I hope you have a fab trip and don't forget to do a trip report to share your experience with fellow V-flyers.

...will it anny others if I walk down to the bar, and then later take a drink back up with me for my meal? I dont want to seem like I "dont belong" in UC LOL!!!

Hi Georgina

You should feel relaxed about going up and down stairs to the bar - I'm sure it won't annoy anyone (unless you get outrageously drunk and start singing!). People do it all the time (Go up and down the stairs - that is .

The cc will know you "belong" in UC - you will have the much coveted purple boarding pass as proof!

Enjoy the trip!

Cheers

Martin

[honey lamb]

Also, on VS019, is that seat ok and will it anny others if I walk down to the bar, and then later take a drink back up with me for my meal? I dont want to seem like I "dont belong" in UC LOL!!!

It may p*ss off some people (in the same way that priority boarding does) and one or two from economy might sneak down for a quick drink, but I shouldn't let it worry you. However you have no need to take up a drink to go with your meal. Shortly after take-off there will be a drinks round (and usually the offer of a top-up) and wine will be served with your meal and any other drinks you may prefer. Some do go there before the meal service but more wait until after

Or you could just eat at the bar and retire upstairs after

No I plan to eat fully reclined (well not totally flat out) and watch a movie (must use all the facilities). Was thinking I could go down to the bar for an opening drink and thought I could place a lunch order for say an hour or so later. Is that OK as I hate feeling I have to fit in with the timetable whether I want to or not and then I get stressed and worked up at myslef (long story - I have issues!)
Also coming home overnight, can I order brekkie and a set time before I have a nap, as would like to hold it off until we closer to landing, say 2 hours before?

The CC will come round to collect all food orders at the same time when all pax are in their seats as it means no one gets forgotton ! - it helps them plan their workload - so you can tell them then when you actually want it. There is no need to go with the crowd on eating time.

Again with brekkie they take the orders early in the flight - there will be a card in yor menu for you to complete and again you can tell the crew when you want it.

Thanks for all the help and trust me, more annoying questions to follow in the coming months. And you'll regret asking for a TR, it'll be the length of a small book, as I note every detail!