Making the most of my first Virgin Upper Class experience

I’m going to be travelling through LHR on Tuesday morning on route to JFK (Hurricane Irene permitting). It will be my first flight on Virgin in over 10 years and first time in UC (I’m BA Gold and normally fly CW or F).

I plan to arrive in the Clubhouse early to make the most of the ground experience, but I was wondering what are the best things to be looking out for, both in the lounge and on board? Is there a requirement to pre-book anything?

I’m booked into 7A on the outbound (A340-600) and 3K on the upper deck on the return flight (B747-400). I chose these seats based on looking at SeatGuru and SeatExpert and then choosing the best available. I realise that the UD will mean slower disembarking behind Y passengers but happy to give it a try on the way home. 1D is available on the outbound flight (A340-600) but the reports on SeatGuru and SeatExpert are contradictory. I’ve avoided it as it’s pretty close to the bathroom.

I’ve booked drive through check in on the outbound flight, using my own driver (car details supplied to Virgin) and look forward to trying this out. Any advice for the return journey from JFK?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Chris

[honey lamb]

I'm surprised that no-one has answered this given that most of the time they are tripping over themselves with advice ?|

Anyhow, here's my tuppence worth!

You don't say which flight you're on but I'm assuming it's the VS3

First of all, the Clubhouse. If you are looking to have a treatment in the Spa, the minute you arrive in the Clubhouse go straight there to book it as they are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. The list of treatments is here

You can have breakfast either in the brasserie or the main area - the menu is the same and as a V-Flyer it is mandatory that you have a champagne and or a mojito or a Virgin Redhead. the fashion for drinks on VF is constantly changing ii)

On board the 346 be aware that seat 7A is very near the bassinet position which may or may not be a problem for you. Most folk on here choose 3-5K or 10-14A all of which are facing the wall and are quite private.

You yourself have identified the downside of 3A for the return journey but you may enjoy the small cabin for an overnight flight

Enjoy them both and trip reports would be nice

Hi chrishow

I'm with honey lamb on the seat choice re the outward flight over the pond. My personal fav is 4K.. Very private, quiet, not too close to the toilet, but then again not too far and of course one of the first seats to receive food, drink etc... ii)

As to the drive thru check in, this really is a treat, checking in this way spoils you rotten. The private security channel is literally just down the corridor and security is reserved just for virgin upper class/gold passengers.. It makes curb to clubhouse experience quick and very painless, enjoy.

Have a great trip.

Apple

Two words; Virgin Redhead!

Hi Chrishow

Do hope that your flight takes place

I enjoy the JFK CH too, not as big as LHR CH by a long chalk but I've always found a good seat to enjoy a glass of bubbles & a bite to eat whilst watching the planes.

Look forward to your TR.

TTFN R-P

Hi chrishow

As to the drive thru check in, this really is a treat, checking in this way spoils you rotten. The private security channel is literally just down the corridor and security is reserved just for virgin upper class/gold passengers.. It makes curb to clubhouse experience quick and very painless, enjoy.

Apple

Can someone explain what the Drive Thru Checkin is. I am flying UC for the first time and it sounds like I should take advantage of this. Thanks

Hi chrishow

As to the drive thru check in, this really is a treat, checking in this way spoils you rotten. The private security channel is literally just down the corridor and security is reserved just for virgin upper class/gold passengers.. It makes curb to clubhouse experience quick and very painless, enjoy.

Apple

Can someone explain what the Drive Thru Checkin is. I am flying UC for the first time and it sounds like I should take advantage of this. Thanks

Hi Spill,

The Drive Thru Check In (DTCI) is a seperate area of T3, when arriving at the airport by car, before getting around to the departures drop off, there is a little road off on the left, after getting through the bollards and up the long driveway, you enter a beautiful circle area where you are met by VS staff. They take your bags and check them in, when we did it we were seated in the reception type area whilst checked in - You are then handed boarding passes and follow a passage down to security and on to the clubhouse.

It is a fantastic way to start your UC experience and avoids the hassle of T3 departures.

It is on an appointment basis, so you need to call VS to arrange this and provide a specific 30 minute appointment for arrival.

In addition, you provide your car registration as it has automatic number plate recognition to allow the bollards to lift to enter.

I found it a great experience and highly recommend it, especially now it is available to all passengers flying UC.