Upper Class Wing (pre-notification not needed?)

I just got this e-mail from VS. I can't remember exactly from prior flights, but it seems the wording has changed. This e-mail gives the impression that prior notification for use of the UC Wing is no longer needed.

I know on the website it still says pax need to phone in with all the information, though.

Any thoughts? Should I just rock-up tomorrow in a cab and try it out!? What's the worst that could happen?

--

Hello there,

As you’re travelling in Upper Class from London Heathrow tomorrow, we’re delighted to invite you to use our award winning Upper Class Wing at Terminal 3.

Arriving by car or taxi*
If you’re being driven to Terminal 3, you have the opportunity to use our Upper Class Wing before heading through our Private Security Channel. Then in no time at all, you’ll be relaxing with a cocktail in our Clubhouse.

Here’s how it works:

Ask your driver to take the last left before the usual Terminal 3 drop off location. It’s signposted Virgin Upper Class Wing.
Ask your driver to press the intercom at the security barrier and give your name and flight number. A member of our team will let your car in.

Interesting ... sounds worth a go, please let us know how it goes.

Have a great New Years Day flight.

Best regards

oldboy

I got the same email last week and I assumed the same, though did not try.

I'd also be interested to hear how you got on as I'm flying on Saturday and will be taking a taxi to T3 from a local airport hotel.

Safe travels.

Matt

I think it explains the options on the Virgin site here:
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/th ... -wing.html
Basically pre-registering gives you a few advantages, but you can still use the Wing if you haven't. It will just take longer.
Dick D

I'm not sure you can just turn up. When I spoke with them last week I got the impression - and it was only an impression- that if travelling in a private vehicle you now didn't need to book slot any more than 12 hours in advance, but you still needed to give vehicle details at lest an hour ahead.

I'm going to take the plunge and just turn up. If I end up missing my flight, and kicking-off 2015 wallowing in a police cell somewhere in West London, I'm sure some friendly v-flyers might get together to post my bail...

I think it explains the options on the Virgin site here:
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/th ... -wing.html
Basically pre-registering gives you a few advantages, but you can still use the Wing if you haven't. It will just take longer.
Dick D

All seems very confusing and (unsuprisingly!) self-contradicting!

OK, I turned up 'unannounced': no problem at all.

It's pretty much as dickydotcom says: they are trialing a new system where you can just turn up (in any vehicle), which takes a little longer (i.e. verifying credentials, pre-security, waiting to print out the boarding pass etc).

Pax can still pre-register for speedier processing. I think they just want more people using it, basically.

Well that's good in one sense, but not in another. If they continue to encourage you to just turn up then it's just another checkin desk where there could potentially be a queue and problems getting checked in, whereas as it is, you're in, bags dropped and boarding card in hand and off to security / CH for just a quick advance call. I can see they want it used more, probably need to use it or lose it, but there are potential problems to the new approach if it gets busy.

hmm i agree with bretty on this.
i think that you should still be required to pre book a slot.

if people arent using it that much now i am not sure if the new system will necessarily make more people use it.

They probably need to strike the right balance (especially with DL access now), which is quite hard to achieve. I think they'll sort out something after the trial (which may well show no real usage increase).

I agree - you should still have to pre book a slot (and provide all the details needed if you have them) so they at least know who is coming and can prepare for those passengers - have tickets and luggage tags ready.

I can see at busy times a queue building up - both in the wing and on the ramp and access road and people getting annoyed.

Thanks for sharing. We will be using the DTCI for the first time in a few weeks and we aren't 100% sure on how we are getting to LHR yet, gives us a few more options.

Travelling in a couple of weeks, my aunty who is travelling PE is also in the car. Can we use this with her too?

Travelling in a couple of weeks, my aunty who is travelling PE is also in the car. Can we use this with her too?

No you'll have to push her out just before the car turns onto the ramp.

No seriously it is OK.

I assume they have already let them know she is in your party

don't mind pre booking, but not having to call with driver and registration makes it much more usable for me.