Flights to New York

Hello All

I found this site through TripAdvisor - and its brilliant..! I am not an international flyer like most o here, but I wish I was!

Ok, I am flying next May to New York with my wife, we have booked PE for the outbound flight and kept Econ for the return. We fly back over night, so not sure if it was worth the £400 extra.

Now, looking at our flying points we have 15,000 between us so for £90 we can both get to 10,000 which is enough for an upgrade. However, having never flown PE before I wondered if it was worth it..?

Also, for the LHR to NYC flight we paid to get into the Virgin Clubhouse, which we could because we are PE flyers for £108... What is it like - and is food / drink really free..? I was going to get a shave and haircut at 7am before flying, is this really avaliable..?

Thanks for reading!

Dan

Hello and welcome

For me, PE would be worth it. However, before you flash the cash for the miles you need to check both whether your economy ticket is upgradable (not all are) and whether upgrades are available.

The CH? Once you're in, all food and drink is free. You can get either a haircut or a shave for free, but (ISTBC) not both. I have had a haircut at 7 am...

Enjoy.

Hello and welcome

For me, PE would be worth it. However, before you flash the cash for the miles you need to check both whether your economy ticket is upgradable and whether upgrades are available.

The CH? Once you're in, all food and drink is free. You can get either a haircut or a shave for free, but (ISTBC) not both. I have had a haircut at 7 am...

Enjoy.

Thanks for your response...

Our flight is at 9:30 on VS3 (is that a good plane - some poeple on here seem to know everything!) si I think we will get to LHR for abour 6:30 ish and make our way straight to the lounge, it sounds amazing. I think a shave will be better as we are going for 5 nights and I cant be bothered to shave once there - i dont do shaving on holiday as I have to every day for work! So you cant get both (i dont know what ISTCB means ?| )

How do I find if I can upgrade, it seems strange that I could buy an economy ticket and not be able too..?

Also, its my wifes birthday & our honeymoon and they put this down on the booking, now I have never been upgraded for anything - does this actually happen, or is it more for the crew etc to say congratulations etc and look very good..?

[Neil]

ISTBC - I stand to be corrected.

PJH is correct, you get one free treatment, but you can pay for another if you wish.

Regarding upgrading, only certain economy fare codes can be upgraded. The cheapest codes are cheap, because they are restricted in terms of changes and ability to upgrade. An economy ticket could cost £400 and the person next to you could have paid £1000 but their ticket is much more flexible.

I'm guessing because you have bought lounge access you have booked a package through someone like VH? If so, then unfortunately you won't be able to upgrade with miles as only tickets booked directly with Virgin Atlantic, booked in the correct fare code can be upgraded with miles. Also, there needs to be reward seats available in PE, just because there are PE seats available doesnt necessarily mean you can use miles for them, only a set number of miles seats are released for each flight.

The fact it is our honeymoon/wife's birthday will probably have very little impact unfortunately. On schedule airlines they only ever upgrade people for free if they really have to (due to overbooking etc) and then there is a pretty rigid format for who gets chosen starting with Gold members, then those booked in to the highest fare codes. Sometimes you might just be lucky and be in the right place at the right time, the fact it's your wife's birthday won't impact it at all.

Neil

Hello All

I found this site through TripAdvisor - and its brilliant..! I am not an international flyer like most o here, but I wish I was!

Ok, I am flying next May to New York with my wife, we have booked PE for the outbound flight and kept Econ for the return. We fly back over night, so not sure if it was worth the £400 extra.

Now, looking at our flying points we have 15,000 between us so for £90 we can both get to 10,000 which is enough for an upgrade. However, having never flown PE before I wondered if it was worth it..?

Also, for the LHR to NYC flight we paid to get into the Virgin Clubhouse, which we could because we are PE flyers for £108... What is it like - and is food / drink really free..? I was going to get a shave and haircut at 7am before flying, is this really avaliable..?

Thanks for reading!

Dan

Daniel, out of interest are you travelling on a package to nyc with Virgin Holidays?

Reason I ask is because the clubhouse is not usually 'bookable' just coz you're travelling PE but I know folk travelling with VH can pay a supplement to use it.

As it has been said, you need a special fare code in order to upgrade, so don't buy miles until you know you can actually upgrade your homeward bound ticket.

You ask if PE worth £400 extra - is that each? Personally on a short flight like New York I think not but have wasted my money many times actually booking PE !

I love PE (obviously not as much as Uc) but, I find its worth the money every time. Before simply booking PE fares, I used to purchase econ and then go for a 'purchase upgared' to PE at the airport. In 06 and 07 that was around 150, I'm guessing it may be more now - then the only limitation was actual seat avalilability... I'd assume this can still be done, but I'm sure some one here will know for sure.
With some many flights back and forth, I have never found PE on the NYC route completely full. I sure this does happen, so I may have just been lucky.

Enjoy the flight
S

Welcome to vflyer Daniel ,
As others have said you need to check you would be able to upgrade your ticket before spending money on miles.
Regarding the plane you will be on at the moment the vs 3 is currently serviced by an airbus a340-600 and the PE cabin IMO is nice because its not too big ,
PE is a good product but don't expect bells and whistles on the catering front because in that respect its not much different from economy but where it is worth the extra is the seat which is a lot comfier with more width and legroom .
On the CH front the one thing I can guarantee you is that you won't want to leave it and wished you were on a later flight !
Your trip is obviously a way off yet but anymore info you want just ask .
Blacky

I think we will get to LHR for abour 6:30 ish and make our way straight to the lounge, it sounds amazing. I think a shave will be better as we are going for 5 nights and I cant be bothered to shave once there - i dont do shaving on holiday as I have to every day for work!

Good plan. The CH opens at 7 am, head straight to the treatments booking area and get your booking in. They try to prioritise based on your departure time

So you cant get both (i dont know what ISTCB means ?| )

Sorry...when using the iPad I lapse into shorthand as I still can't get used to single finger typing having been taught two handed typing on a golf ball electric typewriter back in the 80s...

How do I find if I can upgrade, it seems strange that I could buy an economy ticket and not be able too..?

As Neil and others have pointed out there are so many conditions on fares and fare classes it makes understanding the best deal on gas and electricity supplies seem like a breeze. I, too, started out thinking 'What?' but stick around here and you'll soon be well versed on the best strategies for moving towards the front of the bus without frightening the automated banking systems and processes too much.

Hi and welcome
I think PE is worth it for sure. I got upgraded to PE once and after that only ever flew one sector in Y (money money money).
As others have said the food isn't that much better (although maybe for another thread I seem to remember it used to be better in PE than it is now?)
Like others have said - check which class of ticket you are on. If you wish let us know and we will let you know the conditions attached.
Also stick around and have a read, you will definitely learn lots. I certainly have.

Wow, thanks for all the reply's...

Yes, my CH was purchased because I booked at the Virgin Holidays branch in Baldock – they were able to offer a much better price than online and gave a 7% Flyers Club discount... When booking the agent advised the lounge was available, which is great but I do feel somewhat like a fraud. I guess mainly because it’s for UC customers and we have paid our way in and a lot of people seem protective of it. I guess once you let the rif raf in then it becomes a nightmare – however £100 for two people and a dress code should sort that, I would guess that’s 20 pints in the normal lounge so they would rather go there.

With regards to codes, where can I find these out... My outbound is code H and return is V – but what does this mean..?

[Neil]

With regards to codes, where can I find these out... My outbound is code H and return is V – but what does this mean..?

H is the VH PE code and V is the VH Economy code. As I said in my earlier post, because you have booked through Virgin Holidays, you won't be able to use miles to upgrade at all. Using miles can only be done on flights booked direct with Virgin Atlantic, so unfortunately on this trip it is cash only.

You will of course still earn miles, another fairly nice amount especially with the PE sector, so this will boost your amount and then maybe you can look towards using them for some future flights if you book direct.

Neil

When booking the agent advised the lounge was available, which is great but I do feel somewhat like a fraud. I guess mainly because it’s for UC customers and we have paid our way in and a lot of people seem protective of it.

Nononono....do not feel that way and do not think you will be treated any differently once you are in there. For VS it acts as a great taster and teaser for pulling you to the left side in the future. Worked like a charm on me and, more importantly, MrsPJH who up until we took advantage of the same kind of offer had always decried the value of premium travel.

With regards to codes, where can I find these out... My outbound is code H and return is V – but what does this mean..?

Go to "The Toolbox" -> "Fare Codes"...

I know how you feel Daniel ,the first time I visited the CH I felt out of my depth but you soon learn that most of the people in there are just like yourself and once you slip a few glasses of champers down your throat you won't care anyway !

With regards to codes, where can I find these out... My outbound is code H and return is V – but what does this mean..?

H is the VH PE code and V is the VH Economy code. As I said in my earlier post, because you have booked through Virgin Holidays, you won't be able to use miles to upgrade at all. Using miles can only be done on flights booked direct with Virgin Atlantic, so unfortunately on this trip it is cash only.

You will of course still earn miles, another fairly nice amount especially with the PE sector, so this will boost your amount and then maybe you can look towards using them for some future flights if you book direct.

Neil

This is true Neil - so I should now have around 20,000. I have moved my Tesco Clubcard points over too - I used to get a lot more of these, but stopped shopping there (I work Krispy Kreme and got constantly hasseled when in store, even on a Sunday!)... With that many points, I could start looking at a little holiday perhaps... .

When booking the agent advised the lounge was available, which is great but I do feel somewhat like a fraud. I guess mainly because it’s for UC customers and we have paid our way in and a lot of people seem protective of it.

Nononono....do not feel that way and do not think you will be treated any differently once you are in there. For VS it acts as a great taster and teaser for pulling you to the left side in the future. Worked like a charm on me and, more importantly, MrsPJH who up until we took advantage of the same kind of offer had always decried the value of premium travel.

With regards to codes, where can I find these out... My outbound is code H and return is V – but what does this mean..?

Go to "The Toolbox" -> "Fare Codes"...

Done..! Very interesting and will no doubt change the way I book tickets in the future!

Mrs Armstrong also 'dosent understand' the idea of PE travel at this time. We have normally travelled Economy and compaired to some other airlines Virgin is akin to an upgrade..! I remeber a 10 hour flight with stop over in Detroit on Delta and it was simply awful..! This has allowed me to spend the extra and move towards the nose as you say..!

I know how you feel Daniel ,the first time I visited the CH I felt out of my depth but you soon learn that most of the people in there are just like yourself and once you slip a few glasses of champers down your throat you won't care anyway !

True..! However, I am not sure how many I can drink before I get on the plane... Some of the stories i have read on here, hilarious as they are would have left me at the other end of the flight hammered and simply going for a nap in oppose to going out. But if it was for whrk then... :w

Your just going to have to up your game on the drinking front I'm afraid Daniel ,its part of the criteria to become a vflyer lol

Your just going to have to up your game on the drinking front I'm afraid Daniel ,its part of the criteria to become a vflyer lol

lol that is true. HL let me know about this criteria too lol
I am liking the idea of a champagne mojito, that may be enough to get me to sleep lol

Back on topic hopefully-I would say that, with regards to your missus, once she has seen the difference im sure she will think its worth it.
I had never thought of paying the extra for PE until after I was upgraded on a return sector. I noticed the difference and next time I flew PE oneway and Y the other. The trouble (if you can call it that) is that we were upgraded on our recent travels and now we have tasted UC.......

Your just going to have to up your game on the drinking front I'm afraid Daniel ,its part of the criteria to become a vflyer lol

Well, I do like a drink, but I am a member of the one eye club where after too many I look awful and have to wander around with one eye open to see anything..! Not a good look before I get on a plane - or not as the case may be. That and the Mr Burns arms would not be a good look..!

Back on topic hopefully-I would say that, with regards to your missus, once she has seen the difference im sure she will think its worth it.
I had never thought of paying the extra for PE until after I was upgraded on a return sector. I noticed the difference and next time I flew PE oneway and Y the other. The trouble (if you can call it that) is that we were upgraded on our recent travels and now we have tasted UC.......

I would like to have this problem, but I think upgrades for a Red Club holder who fly's as little as I do this wont happen. Its nice that on my booking it states Honeymoon & Birthday - but I doubt the Hotel / Virgin will do anything. I guess if they upgrade anyone it will be someone who uses their services a lot - and that I regret is not me (yet )

Does anyone have any top tips for the CL at LHR - we will get there for it opening as we fly at 9:30 so have to be there at 6ish. How do I book things early (is there a thread for this, I cant find one!).

[Neil]

The CH opens at 7am so just get there for it opening. You can't book anything in advance any more (that feature is long gone I'm afraid), so just go straight to the treatment area reception and book your treatment before you go for any food etc.

Neil

H is the VH PE code and V is the VH Economy code. As I said in my earlier post, because you have booked through Virgin Holidays, you won't be able to use miles to upgrade at all. Using miles can only be done on flights booked direct with Virgin Atlantic, so unfortunately on this trip it is cash only.

Just as an addendum to this.. check in rules will allow for the staff to use miles to upgrade you on the day. You will have to pay into an upgradeable class though but your miles may be of use.

Always check on the day - especially with the NYC routes.

True..! However, I am not sure how many I can drink before I get on the plane... Some of the stories i have read on here, hilarious as they are would have left me at the other end of the flight hammered and simply going for a nap in oppose to going out. But if it was for whrk then... :w

Ahhh, been there

All I can say is that you get used to it ) )

Your just going to have to up your game on the drinking front I'm afraid Daniel ,its part of the criteria to become a vflyer lol

lol that is true. HL let me know about this criteria too lol

Welcome to V-Flyer all ):

The only thing you really have to book will be your treatment ,book this as soon as you get in there and then settle down for a bit of breakfast in the brasserie before your treatment ,after this you prob won't have long til boarding but if you are into planes a bit of time on the roof terrace will be well spent

Does anyone have any top tips for the CL at LHR - we will get there for it opening as we fly at 9:30 so have to be there at 6ish. How do I book things early (is there a thread for this, I cant find one!).

Just enjoy it is my advice. As Neil says the CH doesn't open until 7 (sometimes the shutters go up a tad early if people are waiting but not much earlier)

Perhaps aim to arrive at LHR for 0630 so you can head through checkin/security and then get past the duty free maze and onto the clubhouse in time for opening.

No advance booking of stuff any more but I would suggest that the first port of call after arrival at the CH should be the spa to secure the treatments that you guys want. Next stop Brasserie for breakfast, followed by jazz corridor or bar for a champagne toast to marriage and birthdays.. then go for a wander

Enjoy 8D

Yes, I will now be getting up a little earlier than before so I can check in, drop off bags and get straight into the CH..!

Still 9 months away but cannot wait..! Im definatly having Breakfast with a BloodyMary then up to the observation deck to check everything out and a haircut / shave. If I find any bubbles that will be amazing too - but for me this seems like a different world, one that soon I will be used too!
Then a wander and by this time onto the flight for my first taste of PE flying..!

Thanks for all you help V-Flyers... I am sure I will be back on here to chime in on other threads and ask some more questions! One I was wondering is what Virgin think of this site..?

One I was wondering is what Virgin think of this site..?

Opinions are split.... some crew think it is a good read and some indeed post. Others think that a lot of our experiences and writting is akin to Daily Mail reporting :0

CH staff and ground staff that have popped up also have said it is a good read and handy to judge CS on a fairly frequent basis.

As for VS corporate.... why knows ii) They do seem willing to listen and chime in every now and again though... they have even provided a couple of competition prizes in the past. y)

I would like to have this problem, but I think upgrades for a Red Club holder who fly's as little as I do this wont happen. Its nice that on my booking it states Honeymoon & Birthday - but I doubt the Hotel / Virgin will do anything. I guess if they upgrade anyone it will be someone who uses their services a lot - and that I regret is not me (yet )

I am red member too. I think I have just been super lucky. The first upgrade I got from Y to PE, I had already purchased an exit seat at checkin at NRT. Just as I sat down a member of the CC approached me.

The second time we were upgraded was at the gate!!
On both occasions I think the flight was overbooked.

Thanks for all you help V-Flyers... I am sure I will be back on here to chime in on other threads and ask some more questions! One I was wondering is what Virgin think of this site..?

I have always wondered that too.
However I had a problem with MMB and posted on here and it got spotted by a VS employee and got fixed. So guessing someone somewhere is watching.