Virgin UC DTCI drop off

Hi everyone,

Am heading out to CT in April in UC from Lhr and wanted to find out if any limo service can access the drop off lobby? Or only VS limo services?

Thanks in advance.

I'm 99% sure that its only VS limo services can drop off to the UC wing- whenever I've gone my drivers have to give all my details etc. I'm sure someone on here more experienced (or even VS staff) will be able to confirm.

Any other service will drop you off at the front of T3 where its a pretty quick walk to the Upper class check in.

[Neil]

It depends, over the last year or so VS have allowed/invited UC pax to use the DTCI area even if they aren't booked on a VS limo.

There have been times when VS call/email to offer an invite, but also you could call the Premier Team a couple of days prior to ask if it would be possible. If they allow it, you will need to provide the car and reg details a good hour or so in advance.

Neil

Wow, i wish I'd known that- I'd have tried to wangle it and used it as an excuse to get a car to the airport last time rather than trying to get the train (and eventually transferring to the #140 bus when I missed my connection- arriving in style!!!)

I booked a suite at Hotel41 and they say they can take me in their old Bentley to that area, its a first for me so we will see.

Thanks all! I shall give them a call and find out what the possibilities are. Will let you all know

Uaa

If you do get the invite then it will happen a couple of days before the flight so they have an idea of numbers etc. There is nothing wrong with ringing them within this time frame if the invite dosent appear but I'm not sure trying to do it in advance would help.

You will book a 30 minute time slot of your expected time of arrival. You will need to have done APIS etc etc too. If you know the make/model/colour/registration of your limo give them those details other wise you can call them on the day BUT they need these at least 30 mins prior to your slot.

Personally I think the Drive Thru Check In is pointless in a private car, you have to get your bags out of the car so no less hassle, and when I went through the check in agent was very slow and we were standing around at the desk for quite some time.

I think it would of been quicker to go to the check in desk and go up the lift, has been in the past.

But when you use the real CDC service it is much better and painless.


Edit: Also we were hardly spoken to, just the odd formality. No friendly comments or chat. Just a very cold and soulless experience.

I completely agree with Hamster, particularly about the cold and souless part - defiantly not as warm and charming as the Upper class agents we have encountered downstairs.

However, as Hamster says, the full CDC is well worth it, if only for the experience and reduction in overall hassle.

I suggest, next time you fly in J, assuming your on a Z class ticket, ask about the Z class trial with Upper Class Support - means you can experience it first hand, and make your own judgements.

Personally I think the Drive Thru Check In is pointless in a private car, you have to get your bags out of the car so no less hassle,

When I used it (on a G) the doorman took the bags out of the car after the taxi driver opened the boot. I was too busy paying the driver to actually appreciate the experience.

Maybe the check in agent was just having a bad day...she did look a bit out of it :s

I'm with Tonty! When we were offered the service last year the bags were out of the car and we were checked in before I could get the key off the fob for Purple Parking! We did ask if we could use the service again this year but never got the invite!

When I used it (on a G) the doorman took the bags out of the car after the taxi driver opened the boot. I was too busy paying the driver to actually appreciate the experience.

Mmmmm
Must of been a bad day... I am struggling to remember even a "Hello" when we arrived, the check in agent and the 2 or 3 porter people all just stood there staring at us...

They were very friendly at 6.45am on Wednesday of this week. Though it was bloomin cold in the check in area and once I'd been handed my boarding card all the staff disappeared to somewhere warm!

I've received my email invite for this today, I note mixed review - what does everyone think?

It's free and I've never tried it! ?| ?|

I've received my email invite for this today, I note mixed review - what does everyone think?

It's free and I've never tried it! ?| ?|

It's a really great way to start a holiday! Very glam.

If you can meet the T&C (giving them the 30 mins notice of car details before your booked time slot) then give it a whirl - you might not get asked again !

My views are clear from above so won't repeat them.

From what I have heard, it won't be so exclusive soon, sq and vhol...

I have been invited at same time as booking flights too, so obviously trying to get numbers up.

Any recent experience with this? I've had the email invite, but wonder about timing - how long to get from the West End to Heathrow (can be very variable) etc? Also as I'll only know car details when cab shows up - I presume this will still be within the 30 minute window....or should I just jump on the tube....

BTW anyone know how many miles for CDC? I got an online quote for just shy of £100......

[Darren Wheeler]

If on a G, miles one-leg for a CDC is 17,500 miles. If purchased, would cost about £285

I booked a suite at Hotel41 and they say they can take me in their old Bentley to that area, its a first for me so we will see.

ISBTBC but I dont think this worked out for you ? ?|

You need to get the invite and confirm (the day before ?) with number of bags and reg number of your car plus other information I recall. it is not as simple as some seem to think due to security of driving up to the door of the terminal makes sence to me to have the belt and braces in place and turn away not uncommon.

Called them up - very friendly - no problem me phoning through details as I set off from home (won't know what they are until car shows up) - and found a service for £45 for a Merc from the West End - Let's hope it all works!

Called them up - very friendly - no problem me phoning through details as I set off from home (won't know what they are until car shows up) - and found a service for £45 for a Merc from the West End - Let's hope it all works!

Hi Kuningan

Did you just call the normal FC Premier line to arrange this, or is there a special DTCI number? I'm flying in August and as its my wife's first time in UCS, I'd like to go for the full experience. I'm planning to do the Purple Parking drop off as mentioned earlier in the thread.

I hope you are having a great time in Chicago

Thanks

Martin

Called them up - very friendly - no problem me phoning through details as I set off from home (won't know what they are until car shows up) - and found a service for £45 for a Merc from the West End - Let's hope it all works!

Hi Kuningan

Did you just call the normal FC Premier line to arrange this, or is there a special DTCI number? I'm flying in August and as its my wife's first time in UCS, I'd like to go for the full experience. I'm planning to do the Purple Parking drop off as mentioned earlier in the thread.

I hope you are having a great time in Chicago

Thanks

Martin

If you receive and invitation to use DTCI (usually an Email a few days before the flight if DTCI is due to be light) it will detail what you need to do; you can not book it without that unless you are on a qualifying J or D fare.

HH

[honey lamb]

If you receive and invitation to use DTCI (usually an Email a few days before the flight if DTCI is due to be light) it will detail what you need to do; you can not book it without that unless you are on a qualifying J or D fare.

HH

You can call and ask if you may use it if flying in UC. There is documented evidence here of people being successful in doing that.