Virgin Trains East Coast

Virgin Trains East Coast takes over er, East Coast at midnight.

That means you can earn VS Flying Club miles on services from Kings Cross to York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen etc.

Virgin also have the West Coast franchise too - although I fully expect them to lose that.

Can you earn FC then?

I thought they were going down the nectar point route.


Given they only own 10% of East Coast the West Coast franchise should be OK for them to keep

They're going with Nectar. VS FC miles will be an option though, so either or.

[Nottingham Nick]

Just logged into my East Coast account, and it has all been re-vamped into Virgin colours and logos y) . They obviously don't have the same web designers as VS, or that wouldn't have happened until 2018 8D

All of my old points are still showing as a balance, but I was given the option to set my future earnings to Flying Club points, Nectar card - or keep them as plain train rewards.

There was no option to convert my existing balance to FC points, but I can covert them to Nectar at the rate of 6 nectar points for each East Coast point. Alternatively I can still redeem them up until 30th Sept 2015 - all seems good so far, we will see if the service on board is affected.

Nick

Off to check my account on there now n register for FC Miles if I can find the option, thanx for info Nick

Although I'm pretty sad about losing the decent rewards scheme East Coast offered, as we fly more than we take the train, the option to convert to FC miles is very useful for us.

Does anyone know if there's a way to convert your current balance to FC?

Although I'm pretty sad about losing the decent rewards scheme East Coast offered, as we fly more than we take the train, the option to convert to FC miles is very useful for us.

Does anyone know if there's a way to convert your current balance to FC?

It's not currently possible to convert an existing rewards balance into Flying Club miles though Virgin Trains East Coast have confirmed to me today they are looking at that but it's not live yet

Jon

Although I'm pretty sad about losing the decent rewards scheme East Coast offered, as we fly more than we take the train, the option to convert to FC miles is very useful for us.

Does anyone know if there's a way to convert your current balance to FC?

It's not currently possible to convert an existing rewards balance into Flying Club miles though Virgin Trains East Coast have confirmed to me today they are looking at that but it's not live yet

Jon

Good to know. Thanks, Jon! I might drop them a line, too, as if they're aware there would be demand they might be more likely to do it.

Although I'm pretty sad about losing the decent rewards scheme East Coast offered, as we fly more than we take the train, the option to convert to FC miles is very useful for us.

Does anyone know if there's a way to convert your current balance to FC?

It's not currently possible to convert an existing rewards balance into Flying Club miles though Virgin Trains East Coast have confirmed to me today they are looking at that but it's not live yet

Jon

Good to know. Thanks, Jon! I might drop them a line, too, as if they're aware there would be demand they might be more likely to do it.

Good idea, I tweeted them and they replied really quickly.

As you know I work for a railway company, on the East Coast Mainline and I can say that VTEC are looking at sprucing up the First Class Lounge at King's Cross, probably not to Clubhouse standards, but certainly to similar to their offering at Euston!

Ah, good thinking! I was old fashioned and sent a message through their website's contact form. Just an automated reply received so far.

Absolutely stoked about this..!

I use this service about once a month to either Edinburgh or Newcastle from Peterborough... With a conversion of 2 points per £ I will now be able to use these to support FC... Its only about 1,000 a year - but still helps.

Now, if only they started to add tier points too...

Virgin also have the West Coast franchise too - although I fully expect them to lose that.

It's a strange one that one.

They really shouldn't have lost it last time, I can only assume it was down to political interference and possible corruption (weird how First group seemed to know how to outbid them).

I think First Group has gone a bit out of favour though with the current administration, seemed to have lost a few franchises. Haven't they lost Scotrail, the foundation on which the whole group was built?

I did used to think First Group was the worst, but then I travelled regularly to Cardiff on Arriva...

The whole franchise system seems to be a way of allowing the German and French to run the british rail system nowadays...

I travelled VTEC the other day from Leeds to London and let's say disappointed with service gone downhill from what ECT used to deliver.

Maybe a one off but use this route a lot and will hope that it is just a transitional problem and that it will improve.

On a positive note they sent an update on 6 things they are doing and it looks great lets hope its delivered.

So, has anyone spoke to Virgin about this - or tried..?

Sent an email, and Twitter question and no response, which is strange for Virgin!

As a "West Coaster" I have been able to add a few points per journey, strangely I can't remember how many?
In London at present for a few days enjoying the Hilton Tower Bridge which I have seen well reviewed by some of you v-flyers. Certainly would recommend it, y) Exec Lounge v nice. Free flowing wine and food etc , must try and control myself. ii)

As a "West Coaster" I have been able to add a few points per journey, strangely I can't remember how many?
In London at present for a few days enjoying the Hilton Tower Bridge which I have seen well reviewed by some of you v-flyers. Certainly would recommend it, y) Exec Lounge v nice. Free flowing wine and food etc , must try and control myself. ii)

Were you there last evening? If you were, we'd just like to say sorry....

Yes. Here till Tuesday!

Ok, I need to apologise for the consumption of the JD and the knitting of the fox.

Although I'm pretty sad about losing the decent rewards scheme East Coast offered, as we fly more than we take the train, the option to convert to FC miles is very useful for us.

Does anyone know if there's a way to convert your current balance to FC?

It's not currently possible to convert an existing rewards balance into Flying Club miles though Virgin Trains East Coast have confirmed to me today they are looking at that but it's not live yet

Jon

Good to know. Thanks, Jon! I might drop them a line, too, as if they're aware there would be demand they might be more likely to do it.

Just a follow up--I e-mailed them regarding this and to date have received no response. I sent a tweet today and received this reply almost immediately:

I am not aware of this at present, sorry ^BH

I'm hoping that the message you received was from someone who might know a bit more!

Is the First Class Lounge Kings Cross actually at Kings Cross station? ?|

[Nottingham Nick]

Is the First Class Lounge Kings Cross actually at Kings Cross station? ?|

Yes, it is well signed below the huge electronic train boards, the entrance is next to Waitrose IIRC. We were in it last week and Virgin have already made some minor improvements. The staff were very helpful and it is a far better place to wait than out on the concourse.

Nick

Is the First Class Lounge Kings Cross actually at Kings Cross station? ?|

Yes it's in the main concourse next to the ticket office area

If I recall correctly, you have to get a lift up to the lounge

If I recall correctly, you have to get a lift up to the lounge

Isn't there also an entrance on the upper level at the cut through between platforms 9 and 8?

If loitering without lounge access the Parcel Yard is worth a visit, where they've retained features of the original offices. It can get rammed but if it does they may let you have access to the 'function rooms' which overlook the main station and contain some fine furniture and photos.