Clubhouse Access??

Evening all,

Long time lurker, first time poster, so take it easy on me!

A quick question, if I may. I've seen two different answers to this question over on the VS FB page, so figured I'd ask the people who are more likely to have a definitive answer..

My hubby and I are travelling on VS601 LHR-JNB on April 4th, and although we're back in Economy, I was hoping to try and make it a bit special for him (first time back home for him in a while, and usually he jumps on a cheapo flight for £12 via Uzbekhistan or somewhere equally remote).

I've heard that if you ask nicely at Check-In / Bag Drop, and if there is availability, you can buy access to the Clubhouse. Is this correct? I've seen a yes and a no over on the FB page, so I'm a little stumped. Personally, I can't think of many nice ways to start off our holibobs...

Advice / wisdom / anecdotes greatly received.

Thanks!

[Nottingham Nick]

A warm welcome to V-Flyer.

The general consensus on here has always been that it is not possible to buy Clubhouse access, as a general rule.

There were/are exceptions - booking as part of a Virgin Holidays package. UC passengers / golds have been allowed to pay for an extra guest if space is available and for a while they trialed offering paid access to PE passengers.

However, recently in response to a question on the Facebook page, Greg said that a passenger could simply pay £45 to go into the LGW Clubhouse if space was available.

Whether this is a policy change by VS or not, or if it applies to the LHR Clubhouse (at the higher rate) I don't know the answer to that.

Nick

Thats the whole issue Nick - 'space available'

If BigChris wants lounge access then they might be better off booking the servisair or #1 lounge then definitly knows they have a lounge to go to whereas taking pot-luck on the CH will more than likely end up with a 'no' and a couple of hours in main departures.

Thanks guys,

That could well be where the ambiguity is coming from - the difference between Heathrow and Gatwick... Nick, do you know what the higher rate at LHR might be?

What are the other lounges at Heathrow like? I'm very aware that a few hours in main departures can seem a like a looooooong time.

The LHR CH costs £ 60.

The #1 lounge has got some good review but I have not personally used it. It has been some years since I used the servisair lounge so am a bit hazy on what it offers now but it was certainly better than main departures !

They are both listed on the LHR website so have a look there.

Thanks guys,

That could well be where the ambiguity is coming from - the difference between Heathrow and Gatwick... Nick, do you know what the higher rate at LHR might be?

What are the other lounges at Heathrow like? I'm very aware that a few hours in main departures can seem a like a looooooong time.

Hi, I'm also on 601 but in September (enjoy the 744 as they change to a 346 during SA winter months) anyway back to the matter in hand. If you're flying UC then yes you automatic access to the CH (as we are) but if you've booked with VHS then (depending on availability) you can pay £65 extra which also gives you access regardless of travel class.

Agreed it is a great way to start any holiday, ours will be our honeymoon, and one place in LHR where a delay never seams that bad

Alas, no 744 for us, we've also got a 346.. But as long as it gets me there in one piece, I'm a happy chap.

I think I'll play it by ear, see if there is availability when I drop the bags off. If there is, yay, if not, I'll wander over to the #1 lounge and buy entry on the door..

And no, we're not flying UC. Always used to when I flew solo, but it gets doubly expensive when there's two of you... Eep.

You don't need to book the entire package with VH to book the clubhouses. I have only booked the hotel with them for my trip in June and still booked the LHR clubhouse. The same happened last year for the LGW one.

I should have added that it may be worth giving VH a call to see if you can just book the clubhouse with them. Not sure that they would allow it but you never know.

You don't need to book the entire package with VH to book the clubhouses. I have only booked the hotel with them for my trip in June and still booked the LHR clubhouse. The same happened last year for the LGW one.

I think even if you book via VH it's still limited to space being deemed to be available.

You don't need to book the entire package with VH to book the clubhouses. I have only booked the hotel with them for my trip in June and still booked the LHR clubhouse. The same happened last year for the LGW one.

I think even if you book via VH it's still limited to space being deemed to be available.

I agree, I was making the point that it is possible to book with VH without booking an entire package.

I'm staying with hubby's family in Jo'burg, and then at some fantastic little hotels in Durban and Cape Town, I tend to avoid the tour operators for a myriad of reasons - I'm generally picky when it comes to hotels, and I prefer to go directly to the hotel..

Thanks, though, I'd never have thought to even try VH..

I'm quite happy to just see what turns up on the day. All a bit of excitement, isn't it?