First Time Virgin "Premium Economy"

Hello,

I am traveling on the VS027 LGW-MCO route on Jan 18th 2016.

This is my first ever time flying with Virgin in PE, I would like to make sure I get the most from my trip and enjoy all the benefits of PE. I would love for some of the seasoned travelers to offer some tips and guidance.

I am also booked into the Virgin Clubhouse at LGW also, this will make a nice change so again tips on etiquette and what's on offer will be great.

Not much on the VA site.

Thanks
Craig

Hey, I'm not sure there's much more that can be said on here that isn't mentioned on the Virgin website! Given you're travelling the MCO route, you'll likely be on one of the LGW 747s which has PE seats in the front section of the upper deck. If there are any available, I'd definitely suggest trying to go for one for the extra exclusive feel of being in the upper deck (a lot of other airlines have it reserved for business/first class passengers).

My personal preference is to take a seat on the back row, so I can recline guilt free. The rest I suspect you already know, such as the improved meal experience, extra leg room, width, comfort and IFE screen size, plus the priority boarding.

And just to check - are you sure you're booked into the clubhouse and not the V-room? The clubhouse is only for Upper Class and Gold card holders. Regardless, there's no etiquette in terms of dress code, etc. Just turn up and take full advantage of what's on offer!

It's Interesting as I posted a similar question on another forum and lots have questioned the Clubhouse.

From what I can gather it's rare as rocking horse poo to get access to the Clubhouse, I am 500% not in the V-Room.

My Ticket says the follow and I just called to confirm.



Hope this helps

CC

You'll have a great time! Get there early, book a treatment and relax with a couple of Virgin Redheads!

*Disclaimer, LHR is my 'Home Clubhouse' and SFO is my 'Away Clubhouse' so maybe some regular LGW Clubhouse v-flyer's can chime in with additional suggestions?

compared to LHR, the LGW CH is bijou and cosy, but there's still the spa, shoe shine, bar service and full menu with the same offering except for the deli counter

arrive for opening time time and make the most of it, you can get to it via a corridor to the left as you leave security check (before the escalators down to duty free), maybe makes sense to register and stow cabin bags there and then go to duty free if someone wants to shop or get fx at the moneycorp desk (extra FC points here)

if you'll want spa treatments, book immediately on arrival in the CH...

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/content/ ... 015_AW.pdf

...then get a table for brekkie, before retiring to the various comfy chairs to sip bubbly until the flight is called

I know Virgin Holidays sell Clubhouse access to their customers flying PE but I wasn't aware other travel agents do the same.

I was at lhr clubhouse last month and PE passenger could pay £65 for entry as spade gee asked when I was going in .dont know if this is the same at LGW

[mitchja]

From the screen shot the OP posted, that is a V Hols booking. Never had any issues booking and gaining Clubhouse access when booking packages with them..and when they say Clubhouse, it really is and not the V:Room or No 1 lounge (which they also sell access to).

I've booked it again for my New Year trip to MIA (LHR CH though)....The LHR CH access pass has gone up now though, it's about £68 each now (up from £60 when I booked it last year).

Thanks for the comments.

I can tell you I have every idea to make perfect use of the CH at LGW

Craig

This is interesting, have just booked PE to Montego Bay for next April using our CC upgrade vouchers in the reward seat sale, may ring up closer to the time and try and book in the clubhouse, or try on the day. I was looking at the guest list as we are within 70 miles of Gatwick

Vanilla,

I would call them now. they only have a certain amount of allocation for Eco and PE people. Remember this is normally UC only.

CC

It's Interesting as I posted a similar question on another forum and lots have questioned the Clubhouse.

From what I can gather it's rare as rocking horse poo to get access to the Clubhouse, I am 500% not in the V-Room.

My Ticket says the follow and I just called to confirm.



Hope this helps

CC

I saw your post on the other forum and those questioning access - I think as a single traveller you've probably got access through your VH booking more easily as space is limited and most people on there travel as families.

Just as a side note, you also said on there that you'd been in the Clubhouse over a dozen times and was looking forward to having no kids around. Just to let you know that children are definitely allowed in there and there's even a play area for them.

Jilly

Hi Jilly,

Are you referring to dibb?

I have never seen a kids area or knew of one at LGW CH, I have visited LHR, MAN & LGW well over a dozen times travel. I have not been in it for the last few years as was using No 1 Club house which came with the job and V-Room once with my Nieces and Nephews (V-Room would never do again)

CC

Hi Jilly,

Are you referring to dibb?

I have never seen a kids area or knew of one at LGW CH, I have visited LHR, MAN & LGW well over a dozen times travel. I have not been in it for the last few years as was using No 1 Club house which came with the job and V-Room once with my Nieces and Nephews (V-Room would never do again)

CC

Yes, I recognised your post from The Dibb.

I am referring to the LGW Clubhouse, the play area is situated right at the far end and, tbh, unless you walk right down there you wouldn't know it existed.

If you haven't been in there for a while it maybe that the refurbishment has been done since your last visit if it's been a few years, although I think there was one in the old one too.

Have a great trip

Jilly

In the clubhouse, my preferred sitting area is down the end on the right. It's actually near the kids area, but I've never seen kids in there when I've been.
My preferred seating on the plane is row 19 right by the door. No one behind you tapping their IFE on the back of your seat and first off and in the queue for customs and immigration at MCO. I know it's not upstairs but then neither is the UC cabin.
Dick D