LHR-JFK-SJU UPPER/BUSINESS

First timer here - Flying Virgin Upper on VS003 connecting to Delta First in JFK on December 26th. I do have a few questions...

We are arriving the night before into LHR from BEY on MEA, staying in a hotel, potentially taking the hotel shuttle - I am assuming we can still use an Upper Class Check in Desk in the main terminal - or is it possible to walk to the Upper Terminal (or is that a bit common)?
Will VS003 likely to be the older none refurbished aircraft?
We have 2 and a half hours before connecting to DL2805 to San Juan - would we be able to use the V-Lounge in NYC or do we have to use a Delta Lounge?
I know this will entirely be based on other passengers - but what percentage of passengers sit at the bar when in flight? I have flown EK many times and spent the majority of the flight at the bar chatting with others - is this common on VS?

[list=]On the return our bags will be tagged SJU-JFK-LHR-BEY assuming e wont need to collect bags in NYC as we will be heading out into town for late lunch...
Is there an express Immigration and security channel in JFK for when we get back to the airport?

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Thanks in advance for your answers...

First timer here - Flying Virgin Upper on VS003 connecting to Delta First in JFK on December 26th. I do have a few questions...

We are arriving the night before into LHR from BEY on MEA, staying in a hotel, potentially taking the hotel shuttle - I am assuming we can still use an Upper Class Check in Desk in the main terminal - or is it possible to walk to the Upper Terminal (or is that a bit common)?If you mean the Upper Class Wing then no you cannot walk to it and you need to use the normal desks if using a hotel shuttle.
Will VS003 likely to be the older none refurbished aircraft? What plane is scheduled to operate your flight?
We have 2 and a half hours before connecting to DL2805 to San Juan - would we be able to use the V-Lounge in NYC or do we have to use a Delta Lounge? I think it would be the DL lounge as you are on a non Transatlantic onward flight DL flight. However you will have significantly less time than this as you will have to clear US immigration and customs and then re-clear security on arrival into JFK
I know this will entirely be based on other passengers - but what percentage of passengers sit at the bar when in flight? I have flown EK many times and spent the majority of the flight at the bar chatting with others - is this common on VS?

it depends on who else is on the flight! Also if the cc feel you are hogging the bar (it only has ? 3 seats) preventing other pax from using it they will encourage you to return to your seat

[list=]On the return our bags will be tagged SJU-JFK-LHR-BEY assuming e wont need to collect bags in NYC as we will be heading out into town for late lunch... I'm not sure if SJU is regarded as a US domestic flight or not. If it is then your bags will be tagged straight through. If not then you would need to clear customs then use the bag drop facility before heading off into town. How long is there between the two flights?
Is there an express Immigration and security channel in JFK for when we get back to the airport?

[/list] Yes there is a separate security line. There are no express immigration lines.

Thanks in advance for your answers...

-Yes you can of course use main terminal check in and then proceed to the lift to get to the wing.
-what is a non-refurbished to you? The VS3 is usually run on an A346 or an A333. I doubt you'll get the B787 which is their newest aircraft
- you won't be able to use the virgin clubhouse in NYC. Which terminal are you flying from out of JFK? With a UC flight less than 24hrs from your DL flight, you will be eligible for DL skyclub access.
-bar chat for me is a given, however it does vary. As the VS3 is a day flight, I would guess that the bar will be occupied in some manner for most of the flight. If you find yourself sitting there solo, chat with the crew. Galley gossip is awesome to pass the time. I love EK too, spent many an hour chatting to passengers at that bar.
- Ah Puerto Rico.... a 51st state candidate. You'll need to double check when you check in as to whether or not they'll want you to collect your bags to clear customs before you go through flight connections. Not sure on this one, perhaps one of the others can help..
- there is if you are a global entry or trusted traveller card holder.

Hope I have answered your questions