DTCI and Purple Parking

I don't know how familiar you are with the UC wing?

Given that I'm one of LHRs Security Operations Managers, then yes...fairly familiar :p

Apologies ASWinters ) - I absolutely understood you are more familiar than most - my question was to Tontybear but you'd posted whilst I was composing my reply to TB's...

No need to apologise, just trying to help

The reason cars cannot wait around up there is the same as for the T3 forecourt; they pose a security risk. The BP issue is actually irrelevant as the DTCI area is publically accessible and not secured.

I may have been incorrect about who had authority over the DTCI (it was posted on here a long time ago that it was a DoT restriction but always good to have 100% accurate info for the future) but the reason for not allowing PP drivers is still, as I stated, down to security and wanting vehicles to move off asap.

And Rod yes I am familar with the DTCI and other people don't appear to have a problem with collecting their PP driver in the usual place and then driving round to DTCI.

Don't forget it was only fairly recently that VS started to allow non VS CDC cars to use DTCI and they could soon stop it.

And Rod yes I am familar with the DTCI and other people don't appear to have a problem with collecting their PP driver in the usual place and then driving round to DTCI.

Others may be happy collecting their driver and then driving to the DTCI, and clearly some feel this is a valuable added benefit but I don't. For me, it is a gimmick that is more bother than it's worth because my principal reason for using PP Meet & Greet is the sheer convenience of driving to the airport and with utter ease, the car is handed over and whisked away. DTCI for private vehicles is a great concept but the convenience is somewhat lost on me if I have to collect my driver first...

Don't forget it was only fairly recently that VS started to allow non VS CDC cars to use DTCI and they could soon stop it.

This is a fascinating twist and I wasn't aware VA are considering withdrawing the service; would you mind posting the link to this news?

In essense, it comes down to personal opinion on what is a perk or benefit of business class travel and the extent to which this influences our choices (and brand loyalty) as customers.
VA is currently teetering on the edge for me. I've been flying VA from the first week the UCS was introduced and I used to really rave about the product but I'm now disappointed to see the decline in UC service; loss of IFBT, loss of premium liquor, loss of premium wash bag, loss of flowers on the bar, gradual introduction of pay-per-use Clubhouse 'benefits' and it appears this list will continue to grow - but I guess I'm going off topic now! The bottom line is that I regarded the option of PP collection from DTCI as being a massive step forward but the result of this misinformation means my enthusiasm was somewhat premature....

[honey lamb]

Don't forget it was only fairly recently that VS started to allow non VS CDC cars to use DTCI and they could soon stop it.

This is a fascinating twist and I wasn't aware VA are considering withdrawing the service; would you mind posting the link to this news?

I don't think that tonty meant that VS were actually considering withdrawing the situation. I think he meant that if the situation warranted it, such as the volume of private cars using the DTCI, VS could revert it back to its original status

Part of the agreement VS has with acting as the primary leaseholder of the DTCI facility is that they have to have a minimum level of vehicle throughput - hence why they have allowed an increased level of traffic with private cars using the facility.

The facility is owned by BAA, and should VS not meet its agreed vehicle throughput standards, then Landside Ops would activity look to another carrier to fill the gap. SQ have always expressed an interest in using the DTCI for thier First and Suites pax.

So while it is true that VS could withdraw the use of DTCI for private vehicles, the reality is, unless there is a massive uplift in J,D and I class bookings, then the current situation will remain.

I wont be using purple parking again in a hurry after they took an hour to deliver my car this morning due to being 'a bit short of chauffers'.

The last time I used them it was Good Friday and it took over an hour and a quarter to deliver the car because 'Heathrow is busy'.

Two poor shows on a service that ain't cheap.

[preiffer]

I've often found that they take an excessively long amount of time to get the cars back. Last month, I was stuck waiting for 50 minutes (and interesting discrepancy between the mileage on my car versus the actual distance their car park is from T3, but there you go...)

So, I've now found that if you book early enough, T3 short stay (prepaid) is worth the increase (For those not on J/D/I tickets, of course) for the simple ability to walk to your car in no different a way to that of if you were using VS' CDC on your return.

Has anyone used purple parking and DTCI recently? I've booked a slot for my flight next week but haven't decided yet whether I will be dropped off or whether I leave it with purple parking. For those of you that have used them before, do I need to let them know in advance that I would like to be driven the the UC wing? Also do you then drive or do you let them drive?

Thanks

Bumping this one. I see that PP now want me to drop my car off in the T3 short-stay car park. Has anybody got any recent experience of using PP, picking their driver up and then driving to the DTCI/ UC wing for drop-off?

Wow, this thread made for interesting reading ii)

Ask PP if they would be willing to provide a driver to do this. I still think they will want to see you at their little shed to go through the paperwork, but don't see why the driver cannot drive you around to the wing and then take your car to the car park - depends how busy they are I guess.

I do understand why VS cannot have PP drivers milling around the UC wing waiting for people, who may or may not be running late/early, may chose another mode of transport to the airport and more importantly I do not think PP would like to have their drivers waiting around, kicking their heels in the wing when there is work to be done... sounds like they are very busy if the heavy wait times I have seen posted are anything to go by. :w

PP have responded to my email:
Hi,

When the departure drop-off was down in the main area I used to be able to pick up the driver and go around to the the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Drive Through Checkin. We would unload and then the driver would take the car away from there.

Am I still able to do this under the new procedure?
----------------------------
Dear Contractor

Thank you for your email.

We are still able to offer this service, please advise & we will be happy to arrange this for you.

Kind Regards

Purple Parking Ltd