VH and paid Clubhouse entrance

I know this has been discussed before, but is this correct?
I have just recieved the latest Virgin Holidays brochure for Florida (or florida as it says) First edition Jan-Dec 2012
and on Page 13 under "Even more reasons to choose Virgin Atlantic", it says the following:
"Relax in the Clubhouse before you fly.
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses are an oasis of calm in a sea of noise and bustle. You can choose to have one of our many luxurious complimentray treatments, be served drinks, and be tempted with a delicious menu.
Now pre bookable at £50 per person for Gatwick and £60 per person for Heathrow (Min age 12) if you are flying with Virgin Atlantic"

Now, is this a little misleading as do they actually mean Flying with Virgin Atlantic but only when booked through Virgin holidays, or has there been a change of position by Virgin Atlantic?
I suppose logically, as its in a VH brochure their thinking is that they are talking to customers who will book through them.

Again, why should the VA clubhouse be available to VH customers by pre booking and not to direct VA customers? Surely if it was by pre booking and was controlled by numbers, then that would solve a lot of problems for PE VA customers? It seems VH customers get two bites of the cherry with both lounges available to them, whilst VA non UC or Gold customers don't with their only option being lounges away from Virgin?
It makes sense for Econ and PE pax to book fly drive through VH than book direct with VA to get access to the Clubhouses if the price difference is not huge?

It does seem odd, but I assume it's just in the contract between VH and VS. Though VS did have a phase of selling them themselves... Could also be to reduce disappointment, as if they limit the number of people who can ask if there is availability, less will be told no.
And also gives a reason to book through VHol.

I have booked a holiday through Virgin Holidays and and paid for the clubhouse, but I'm not sure if you have to be a member of the flying club. I did however manage to get for only £30 each. If you ask you may get as I did.

I have booked a holiday through Virgin Holidays and and paid for the clubhouse, but I'm not sure if you have to be a member of the flying club. I did however manage to get for only £30 each. If you ask you may get as I did.

Is there possibly some confusion here between the Clubhouse and the V-room?

[honey lamb]

I have booked a holiday through Virgin Holidays and and paid for the clubhouse, but I'm not sure if you have to be a member of the flying club. I did however manage to get for only £30 each. If you ask you may get as I did.

No you don't have to be a member of the flying club to purchase admission to the Clubhouse. They are two separate identities. The Clubhouse is merely the name of the VS lounges, available to Upper Class passengers who may or may not be FC members and Flying Club Gold members travelling in PE or economy. Paid access is also possible on a space available basis to VH passengers such as your good self.

Hope that helps

Now pre bookable at £50 per person for Gatwick and £60 per person for Heathrow (Min age 12) if you are flying with Virgin Atlantic"

Now, is this a little misleading as do they actually mean Flying with Virgin Atlantic but only when booked through Virgin holidays, or has there been a change of position by Virgin Atlantic?
I suppose logically, as its in a VH brochure their thinking is that they are talking to customers who will book through them.

Many of the VH holidays have other airline/flight options available, not just flying with VS, so I guess those wouldnt be able to buy CH access.

[mitchja]

One of the FVC member benefits is that you can book a VS Clubhouse even if you have not booked your travel using VH. You just have to be flying VS on that day.

One of the FVC member benefits is that you can book a VS Clubhouse even if you have not booked your travel using VH. You just have to be flying VS on that day.

Really??
It just seems strange to me that with VH having their own V room now that Virgin atlantic dont really seem to want to have frequent fliers apart from Gold. If you can get Clubhouse access by buying the flight via VH, why on earth (If that was important to you as part of the overall flying experiance) would you ever book direct with VA again? I take it that VA have a better profit margin on directly booked flights than via a sister company?

One of the FVC member benefits is that you can book a VS Clubhouse even if you have not booked your travel using VH. You just have to be flying VS on that day.

Really??
It just seems strange to me that with VH having their own V room now that Virgin atlantic dont really seem to want to have frequent fliers apart from Gold. If you can get Clubhouse access by buying the flight via VH, why on earth (If that was important to you as part of the overall flying experiance) would you ever book direct with VA again? I take it that VA have a better profit margin on directly booked flights than via a sister company?

but you are not just buying a flight if booking with VH, you are buying a holiday package, so spending considerably more. And still have to pay for CH access "if" space available

and in order to join the Frequent Virgin Club you must book a minimum of two direct holidays within a 4 year period with a total spend of £6,000 or more

I find VH way overpriced anyway, especially for a single traveller

Remember that VH only have v-rooms at MAN and LGW.

There isn't even a CH at MAN and UC/Golds go to the(?) Escape Lounge. VH customers can only buy CH access at LHR/LGW. They can't buy entry into say the JFK or SFO CH.

TBH I don't have a problem with this arrangement - it looks like it is restricted number wise and they are not letting unrestricted hoards in.

How many VH customers actually buy CH entry? If you are travelling as a family of 4 thats £240 which is a lot of £ to hand over for a couple of hours. Even £120 for a couple is a lot. The attitude of many people will be 'hmmm thats all very nice but we can spend the money on other things'

One of the FVC member benefits is that you can book a VS Clubhouse even if you have not booked your travel using VH. You just have to be flying VS on that day.

I didn't know that - and I have been a VH FVC member for many years.

Does it work in reverse ie we have booked a VH trip to Thailand, flying Business with Thai Air. Can we access the Clubhouse at T3 before the flight? I'm sure the answer is no - but just in case.........I'd hate to have missed the boat so to speak!

[mitchja]

You must be flying on VS that day in order to purchase CH entry via FVC.

You must be flying on VS that day in order to purchase CH entry via FVC.

I thought as much, but the Clubhouse is so much nicer than the London Lounge I was clutching at straws.

Thanks anyway.

Can't see the pull of spending £120 for a couple, IF the spaces were available...IMHO you'd be better putting that money towards a PP for the year or offset part of something like a Plat Amex annual charge. Yes the CH is very nice, but is it really worth £60/ea, for about 3 hrs? (agree with VA in keeping the price high to limit paid entry..)
I'd get a PP.. given T3 is getting a new alternative "No.1" lounge back end of this summer plus you'll be able to use it for the remaining 12mths all round the world..

NH