New traveller on Virgin Atlantic

Hi everyone I am very new to this forum and also new to flying Virgin Atlantic. My husband and daughter and I are flying PE from Sydney to LHR (VS 201) in May and as I have never flown Virgin before I am unsure of what to expect on this long haul flight. Any hints or suggestions would be great. I have so much I want to ask but will start with food - are we able to take our own snacks/food on the flight as I am a fussy eater?? Also where do I buy my duty free alcohol and cigarettes as I read somewhere that I can't take them out of HK on the flight.... do I get these in arrivals at LHR?? Thanks

[mitchja]

Welcome to V-Flyer

Yes, you can take your own snacks/food on the aircraft with you. Remember though that the 100ml liquids rule applies for airport security so it's easier to buy snacks/food after security at the airport as anything you purchase airside, after security can be taken with you on the flight.

There's nothing to stop you taking your own snacks from home, but anything containing liquid which is over 100ml is at risk of been taken off you.

Duty free - you cannot take liquids into SYD with you of any size so either purchase on the first leg to HKG (if you are stopping off in HKG overnight, just repack any liquids in your checked-in luggage) or just wait until the return flight home to purchase duty frees. Anything else is OK to buy either at the airport or on-board on any flight leg.

Also worth pointing out that VS do not offer the pre-order on-board duty free service on any of the flights to/from HKG or SYD. You can still purchase on-board during the flight, you just cannot pre-order before your flight.

[Pete]

Hi Sue53, and welcome to the forum.

I'd recommend taking a look at the Trip Report Index - the-toolbox/trip-report-index - especially the reports of flights to Sydney (of which there are many). That will give you a real feel for what you can expect on your flight, and may give you some tips on everything from seat maps to immigration.

Enjoy your flight!

Pete

As you are flyng from SYD then there is nothing stopping you buying duty free at HKG. There are plenty of shopping opps near the VS gate but if you have the inclination you can wonder down to the main shopping area which has most major brand retailers and more duty free than you can carry.

Hi Sue

Yes you can take your own snacks and food - just bear in mind as others have said the 100ml liquid rule. Also that the crew won't be able to heat up any of your own food on board - though they will be able to give hot water for say a cup a soup or a pot noodle type product

Also there are very strict rules on taking in food items into Australia - especially meat, dairy and fruit (watch an episode of 'Nothing to Declare' at 8.00 on Quest (freeview 38)) to see how strict they are. They take no prisoners and ignorance is no defence !


As far as duty free is concerned there are some funny rules on this on the LHR-HKG-SYD flights but there is an arrivals duty free shop at SYD. It might be an idea to look on the SYD airport website for more specific and up to date information.

Duty free cigarettes in HKG is actually very cheap compare so probably worth waiting till you get to HKG.

It is worth clarifying: Sue53 is taking VS201 from SYD (not going to SYD which a lot of the replies seem concerned with - although I accept that she may wish to return).
The rules HKG-LHR are very free and easy (within limits) but HKG-SYD are very strict and they even double check your bags at the plane door.

Thanks everyone for your help, I am happy now I know that I can take some food on board without any issues just in case. Yes JCBR you are right I am flying TO LHR in May and returning to Aus mid June. So it seems that on the flight over I am fine to get my duty free before I leave Sydney and take onboard with me but there will be issues on the return leg so can I order my duty free before I leave Sydney and collect it on my return?? Does anyone know if we can leave some of our things on the plane when we land in HK (non valuables) or do we have to take everything off while we are in transit which is only for an hour and a half?? I am sorry for all the questions but it has been a very long time since I flew to England and this trip is very special and I want everything to go smoothly. thanks again everyone

sorry I just assumed you were flying to SYD rather than from there but the food situation is the same - you can take it on board but withing the liquid limits.

You have to completly clear the plane at HKG so you can't leave anything onboard (even if you are keeping the same seats) even for the 1 1/2 hrs stop.