Happy Dance - complimentary chauffeur service

Hi,

I'm a newbie poster but been stalking the site for a few months now as I have an upcoming UC return flight to St Lucia in September as I decided to treat myself for my 40th birthday

I'm doing my happy dance as this is my first ever UC flight as I decided to blow my budget for this momentous occasion and I have just discovered that the return leg of my flight is I class and therefore qualifies for complimentary chauffeur service. As I had booked my holiday through Virgin Holidays, I didn't think I qualified for the chauffeur service as the VA website states that Virgin Holidays customers aren't eligible, but I called the UC support team to check and the lovely lady confirmed that I do !! I've booked a helicopter transfer from UVF to my hotel on arrival as I recall the drive is pretty long and on dodgy roads, so I'm really looking forward to a comfortable transfer back to UVF. I also didn't think the inclusive mileage allowance would allow me to travel back to Milton Keynes from LGW and was dreading the thought of lugging my suitcases on trains but she also confirmed that MK is within the inclusive mileage radius, so even happier .

Looking forward to my first clubhouse experience too although it's a shame that my flight is early doors at 9am, it will be a military operation to ensure I'm there as soon as the clubhouse opens to make the most of the time I have there and also try and fit in duty free shopping!!

Only 85 days to go!!

Congrats! I've noticed recently some comparatively cheap I class fares have been popped up recently, so well done! Also - are helicopters now an option for transfers?!?

Excellent. Where are you staying in St Lucia?

We've never done the helicopter transfer - not sure MrsPJH would appreciate it. I find the drive ok as long as you're not sharing a ride and in you're in a 4*4. Those rattly little Toyota taxis are not for those of a nervous disposition.

I was surprised by the eligibility for the CDC on the basis of distance between LGW and Milton Keynes, but I see that the basis is radius and the as the crow flies distance between the two is 65 or so miles. Have VS changed this - I'm sure it used to be driven miles?

Fabulous. And double fabulous is the heli transfer in St Lucia. It is the ONLY way to arrive. I hate flying but the heli was AMAZING!

Edit for manners - Welcome to V Flyer.

Thanks @SlimpyJones - I booked in January when there was a sale on but I'm pretty sure that when I was looking at the flight prices alone via VS both flights were Z class as the Flexi option with CDC was a lot more expensive as expected. Yes helicopter transfers are an option via Virgin Holidays, I'm sure it was less than £100 to upgrade my transfer. I'm led to believe that the heli transfers are a popular option for people travelling to the North of the island, it was recommended to me by some of the guests at the hotel last time so thought why not when booking for my 40th although I'm not so great with flying myself.

@pjh - I'm staying at BodyHoliday which is where I went last time too. It's such a great hotel with lots of activities and you can do as much or as little as you like and they cater really well for single travellers and I'm really looking forward to my daily inclusive massages . I wasn't sure about the mileage to MK either but she said it was within the inclusive mileage without me giving her the address, I haven't booked it yet so I remain skeptical until I book.

@marshy11 - Thanks for the welcome. How many passengers do the heli transfers normally take? Do you have to wait long at UVF or is this dependent on the arrival other passengers you might be sharing with?

I'm assuming it's St Lucia Helicopters, although we've always paid direct and not via Virgin Holidays. There are 6 pax maximum and we did stop at one hotel on the way to the airport to drop off 2 pax. You get amazing views of the island and the last time we flew within a hair's breadth of the Pitons. Quite breathtaking. I don't recall waiting too long, it's all very fast, time on the ground is money lost I guess.

We came back from St Lucia a fortnight ago (although we flew with the dark side) It was fabulous

enjoy!!!

I'll be there at the same time . I'm also flying upper and doing the helicopter transfers. Don't suppose you're flying on a Monday are you?

I was also there last September, first time in Upper and also did the helicopter both ways. There were 6 seats, 2 in the front and 4 in the back. Tip one of the guys and he'll put you in the front seat

It was all fairly fast, no long waits at all. Helped being in Upper and getting bags quickly. Take your first night clothes in hand luggage, I didn't get my cases until 1830 hrs as the van does multi drop offs.

It was still a half hr drive to the resort, longer if you get delayed by rush hr traffic.

Thanks for the tips guys....I just wish it was sooner, but then that also means I'll be 40 sooner which I'd prefer to delay as long as possible!

riff-RAF I fly out on the 4th for 2 weeks, when are you there from?

I'm flying Mon 5th. Fly into Gatwick Sun afternoon from Sweden.

I can highly recommend twilight check in and an overnight stay at the BLOC Hotel. This allows maximum time in the Clubhouse without the stress of travelling. I got to the Clubhouse at 0615 last year, doors were closed and as I went to wander away for another browse around the perfume counter someone popped their head around the door, said they were still briefing but come on in and take a seat. Head massage booked as soon as the Spa opened, full English breakfast, 2 red heads and a pot of tea all before 0800 hrs.

What was odd was the number of people in the Clubhouse versus number of people in Upper. The Clubhouse never had more than 8 people in there yet all seats in Upper were taken. Also 1 hr before the online check in opened there were only 11 seats taken.

If you've not already selected your seat I would, I had 4K last year, booked 4A this year.

Have a wonderful morning in the Clubhouse. A fantastic flight, fingers crossed you get awesome crew. No doubt our paths will cross at some point, catch up with you in the piano bar for a cheeky little Kir Royale to celebrate your 40th.

I'll also be there for 2 weeks. Feel free to PM me and I'll pass you my email/phone details.

I'm not sure how organised I plan to be to sort out Twilight check-in but I am planning to stay at BLOC the night before, but I figured even if I don't manage twilight I'm so close to check in from BLOC it'll hardly make a difference. I'll be outside the Clubhouse at 0615 hours (military operation planned!!) after I've done my duty-free shopping, hoping to take full advantage of the limited time I have. My friend and her hubby are also on the same flight but flying in PE, I will tell her to meet me at the gate . It'd be rude not to sample a SPA treatment, all depends on how busy they are, what time does the Spa normally open from?

I have selected 6A going out and 4K coming back, 3A is still available but thought 6A might be better, any recommendations?

Thanks for the tips so far - this is such a great forum and it's making me want to travel more and build up my mileage/points!!!

No doubt our paths will cross whilst we're there, if you see a group of giggling girls (ladies) with or without cocktails that'll most likely be me and my friends!!

Shelbo, I don't know how many are travelling in your party in UC, but each of them can guest in one person to the CH. It may be a lovely start to the holiday for your friends in PE.

Sadly it's just me flying UC so I'd only be able to guest one of them in. My friend travels frequently on business anyway so the clubhouse experience wouldn't really be a huge deal for her.

Spa opened 0700 hrs, My treatment was 0715.

4K coming back last year was great, very little foot traffic. No noise from the Bar as they didn't open it. I

Wanted to experience everything so I said yes to PJ's, they're also great for lounging at home in the Winter.