Transfers at LHR from T3 to Virgin Clubhouse

Having recently had our flight out of MAN cancelled we have been rerouted through LHR.

Despite poor communication initially, VA have been really good at getting us an alternative through LHR. We are unfamiliar with LHR and was wondering if there is anyone out there with tips on a quick way to get to the clubhouse. We are travelling G on VS005 and want to make the most of our time there so any other tips would be welcomed.

How are you arriving at LHR? That will determine the strategies suggested.

If by land (rail, car, hitch hiking, hotel the night before) once you've arrived at T3 and checked in - either at the standard check in or via the desk at DTCI - ask the staff there. They'll give you the most direct route. You get priority security lane as standard. You have to be focused and avoid the lure of the retail opportunities as you have to go through duty free. You can always go back once you have settled in the CH and booked treatments.

If by air, then someone else will be along soon to help.

Have a great time.

Thanks pjh, for the he quick reply.

Yes we will be arriving by air, T3, but thanks anyhow.

Thanks pjh, for the he quick reply.

Yes we will be arriving by air, T3, but thanks anyhow.

I cede the floor to those with more knowledge.

This map may help. Page 4. The CH is area H. What I can't see is where transit passengers enter the Departure area.

My advice about no distractions still stands..

Welcome to V-Flyer!

Am I correct in thinking that your direct Virgin flight out of MAN (to either MCO or BGI I assume) has been cancelled and you've been rebooked on to a BA flight from MAN-LHR, then on to the VS5?

If so, you'll arrive at Terminal 5. The BA check-in agents at MAN should check your luggage all the way through to MIA and issue your VS boarding pass.

Easiest thing to do once you arrive at T5 is follow the purple "Flight Connections" signs. These will direct you to the airside transfer buses so wait for one that's going to T3. They run every 5-10 minutes.

When you get to T3 you'll reclear security. Then, as you follow the route towards the main departure lounge, you'll see a Virgin Atlantic transfer desk. Even though you'll have already checked in with BA at MAN you should stop off here so VS know you're there and 'ready to fly'.

Once in the main departure lounge, just follow the signs to "Lounge H" which is the Clubhouse. It's upstairs. Relax, enjoy!

That all sounds great, thanks.

I will make sure I hold my OH hand through all the traumatic process. Believe me, stopping her going into the shops will be a traumatic process and in any case it means I can stop her reaching for the plastic.

Happy to go through security again but didn't know at what point you peel off to make use of the privileges. Do they still insist on using their plastic bags for items in the hand luggage or did we just meet with someone having a bad day last time?

Oops, I didn't answer your question. Yes flying out of MAN with BA. It was MAN to ATL VS 009 that was cancelled.

The route from Flight Connections does, at least, avoid the torturous route from main security through duty free.

If you look at the map of the departure lounge pjh linked to above, IIRC Flight Connections brings you out in the passage leading to Gates 23-42 (top of the map).

Follow that towards the main departure lounge but just before you get there, there's a passage that leads round to the right, towards Gates 13-22 (round the top left corner of the map) which passes the entrance to the Clubhouse and avoids the shops altogether.

If you are coming from flight connections then you end up in a corridor at T3 near to gates 1-13. to the right is a wall and behind that is duty free so you dont end up walking through the shops as you would if you checked in at T3 normally. After a short walk the entrance to main departures is to the right but keep walking straight on.

There are signs for the CH and indeed you need 'lounge h'. It is the same area as the AA lounge but the CH is upstairs.

If you are coming from flight connections then you end up in a corridor at T3 near to gates 1-13.

Ah, has it moved back? I've not used T3 Flight Connections for a while but last time I did it was in that huge shed they built next to the Clubhouse.

Lots of good info here, thanks All.

Looking at pg 3 ( Check In Level 1 )of the map that was kindly linked, I can see an arrow at the bottom left of that map pointing to Virgin UC wing. I presume that I get to there having first gone through normal security or do I need to head behind WH Smiths?

Also, I see that on the same page 3 that there are two security channels, are these the same as shown on page 4 on the bottom right hand corner?

If you arrive at T5 and follow the airside flight connections route to T3 then you won't come into contact with the UC wing.