Guest List and Cluhouse Questions

Hello all,

First post here. I have not flown intercontinental for a few years now, for various reasons. And I always flew BA/Singapore/ New Zealand when I did.

But the OH has just turned 50 :0 and as a "mid-century" treat we are off to NYC for a week. Flying PE both ways.

But as this is a last minute present/surprise trip I have decided to jazz it up by adding on the ""Guest List package.

So I have a few questions for you VS experts if you don't mind?:

1. We are driving to LHR ourselves, valet parking and checking in at VS Arrivals not the DTIC. Using the fast track how long does this all take roughly? From car to Clubhouse I was hoping 20 mins max?

2. We obviously want to make the most of our time in the Clubhouse- any must dos?

3. Can you only book on the day for Spa treatments? I was banking on one of those slit throat razor shaves- always fancied on of those.

4. How long before departure do you need to give to get to the VS gate? Are the gates miles away?

5. Are mornings especially busy at this time of year (late January) in The Clubhouse? We have a lunchtime flight.

6. And finally, can Guest List passengers use the Revivals Lounge on return to LHR?

Thanks in advance.

Hi and welcome to vflyer ,
Doesn't the guest list include a car in which case you really want to do the drive thru checkin , it' will get you to the clubhouse in mins .
When you get to ch book your treatment straight away as it can get busy in the mornings
What flight are you on ? I'm guessing the 45 ?
Some of the gates can be a bit of a walk but they will advise you of that when they announce it in the CH

[preiffer]

ISTBC but the "cut throat shaves" are a thing of the past - and have been for many years. The last person I know to book one was very disappointed when a plastic disposable razor was pulled out....

You'll have to book the treatments you want when you arrive (a lot of them are now charged for too - so bear that in mind)

1. The bottleneck is usually security. 20 minutes is certainly possible but it can take longer.

2. Eat and drink! Relax! Go with the flow.

3. Yes, immediately when you arrive. Not sure about the shave.

4. They announce the boarding 45-50 mins before departure. That's plenty of time. The gates can be quite a way away, but they can assist you if you need extra help or time.

5. Mornings do tend to get busy as lots of US flights leave then. After 11 or so it thins out a bit for a while.

6. Not 100% sure but I don't think so, no.

Have a great time!

ISTBC but the "cut throat shaves" are a thing of the past - and have been for many years. The last person I know to book one was very disappointed when a plastic disposable razor was pulled out....

You'll have to book the treatments you want when you arrive (a lot of them are now charged for too - so bear that in mind)

The luxury cut throat shave is chargeable and is £50 but does take 60mins. It's completed using a cut throat razor and includes both hot and cold towels, cleanse, shave, exfoliation finishing with a scalp and facial massage. I really enjoyed this when I had it done last year.

The traditional safety shave is complimentary and takes around 20-30mins.

Do make sure you book a spa appointment as soon as you arrive in the CH.

Enjoy

Jon

Doesn't the guest list include a car in which case you really want to do the drive thru checkin , it' will get you to the clubhouse in mins

Hi, yes we will be on the 45.

We do get a car in the package but we live in wilds of the far far south west of England, so beyond the 75 mile limit fortransfer. We are staying in an airport hotel the night before we fly out, which is just a couple of miles away from T3 so hardly worth it. We will use the car to take us from our Hotel in NYC to JFK on the way out (although no DTIC there I know.

We will get a classic yellow cab in to manahattan from JFK- love the journey in to the City.

Hearing some great feedback about the Guest list experience.......shame you are not using the chauffeur driven car to the airport (which is included).....even if just from your airport hotel!

Otherwise, dedicated check in downstairs in zone A and then in the lift to the private security channel, you should be through really quickly.

Do consider your CH time is limited to 3hrs but plenty of time for breakfast, several cocktails and indulge at the spa. Check out the Clubhouses section on the VS website for details of a sample menu....it will give you a head start!!

Sadly, access to revivals isn't included with the the Guest list package, I am sure you will have a great time and look forward to seeing the TRs.

Jon

If you are using the Guest list car on your return flight to the UK, are you definitely booked into the LHR Clubhouse outbound, and not the JFK one with your return

If you are using the Guest list car on your return flight to the UK, are you definitely booked into the LHR Clubhouse outbound, and not the JFK one with your return

So I was told on the telephone yesterday by the VS representative. Actually I have not booked our car yet, just the package at LHR end but my understanding is I can use it in or out or LHR or JFK.

I assume if you buy the GL package then the CH access is just for departure at LHR, and not the JFK CH at the other end? If you wanted this also I guess you pay double?

It is certainly not vfm but this is a special occassion so what the hell!

I hear you can potentially purchase CH entry on the day but this is not guaranteed and do not want to risk it being unavailable.

A friend has just suggested staying "out of town" the night before and using the VS cars to transport us from a more "provinicial" hotel to LHR. Not a bad idea, airport hotels are hardly havens of peace and relaxation (excluding LHR Sofitel).

Does anyone know of a decent hotel that offers long term parking en route from Devon to London and within say 50 miles of LHR?

If you want an absolutely luxurious stay then consider the Four Seasons Hampshire who will look after your car until your return; the journey time to LHR is approximately 40 minutes.

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane
Dogmersfield Hampshire RG27 8TD

Contact reception: 01252 853000

Concierge (Russell): [email protected]

Have a great trip and get that wet shave in NYC!

If you can use the car then do so.

I heartily recommend drive thru checkin!

If you are using the Guest list car on your return flight to the UK, are you definitely booked into the LHR Clubhouse outbound, and not the JFK one with your return

I have now checked with Virgin and it is acceptable to use the LHR CH on the way out and have the car trip to take you from your NY hotel to JFK on return(or JFK to hotel or LHR to destination in UK or as most do, UK to LHR DTCI). We are definately booked for the LHR CH not JFK CH the VS agent confirmed.

You can purchase more car trips should one wish.

Would be much easier if I lived nearer that there London

(though am glad I don't)

I hear you can potentially purchase CH entry on the day but this is not guaranteed and do not want to risk it being unavailable.

They were turning people ( looking to gain paid access ) away as we arrived there earlier this week so if you want guaranteed CH access the GL is the safest option.

DL

I hear you can potentially purchase CH entry on the day but this is not guaranteed and do not want to risk it being unavailable.

They were turning people ( looking to gain paid access ) away as we arrived there earlier this week so if you want guaranteed CH access the GL is the safest option.

DL

Ditto - turning away people asking to pay - when I was there on Monday morning. Bit surprised because it seemed quieter than the CH normally does!!

The luxury cut throat shave is chargeable and is £50 but does take 60mins. It's completed using a cut throat razor and includes both hot and cold towels, cleanse, shave, exfoliation finishing with a scalp and facial massage. I really enjoyed this when I had it done last year.

Jon

My ex GF said the same!

Like the Murphy's...

[Decker]

HF - a query if I may? A real cut throat or one of those disposable blade wannabees? I've always enjoyed the former (the chap downstairs at Harrods was tops) but the latter less so.