BA2154 BGI-LGW 31 OCT 12 (CLUB WORLD)

And suddenly, after 10 days at the by now familiar Turtle Beach hotel, our 4th holiday in Barbados was at an end (crying!).

I had spent the morning swimming in the turquoise, bath warm sea, had a final dip in the hotel pool and got showered/changed and taken my last lunch at the Waterfront restaurant – off to the bell-stand where our bags had been loaded into the pre-booked taxi – and we were off to BGI.

Having checked in online (very smooth, bug-free process), it was a swift task to drop bags and receive our boarding cards plus executive lounge invite from a friendly an efficient staff member.

Passport and security were a breeze, and we were soon ensconced in the airlines exec lounge – a really nice airy lounge with all the usual snacks and drinks.

Take off was scheduled for 17:25, so at 16:45 we trotted down to gate 13 (right next to the lounge staircase), and straight onto the plane (B777) via priority boarding.

Greeted in a very friendly manner and offered champagne – and a refill!.

Take off bang on time closely followed by hot towels and drinks.

I chose a very nice Chablis, and took the beef option (didn’t fancy a starter), plus the cheese plate – all washed down by a few more glasses of the wonderful Chablis on offer. I have to say that the beef was excellent indeed.

Throughout, the cabin staff were very efficient and friendly, and lady serving the right side of the plane particularly smily and chatty.

Now, I really like the leg room in CW, and I have to say that I’m totally sold on the CW experience – especially for the money, it’s excellent.

Settled down for a sleep, and next thing I know, I’m being gently awoken with muffins, bacon roles and coffee – how good can life get! Again, I like the beds in CW, you can actually lie flat, and there’s plenty of length for the taller amongst us. Not as private as UC it’s true, but you don’t feel like a battery-hen, and it’s better for families as you are not so cut off.

Landed early, and then had an epic walk to immigration which was rapidly accomplished.

Bags were waiting, and straight out to our taxi who was already waiting – setting off from LGW around 30 minutes after leaving our seats.

Really folks, this is my 4th trip in CW in recent months, plus a number of other flights within Europe, and I’ve had nothing but consistent, friendly service throughout – I’m now a BA man, I’m afraid.

Not only has the pricing been good, and the service exemplary (note sent to BA), the flights have been on time, and my daughter has got Avios for all her flights too. I would also say the kids packs we received were great – streets ahead of the offering from VS.

And so, this particular family are going to loose AG status with VS next year, and commit our travels to BA from now on – with the exception of using up the 200k miles built up with VS. I will cherish the memories of some truly fantastic flights with VS, but the inconsistency and lack of recognition of my daughter’s flying has finally taken it’s toll.

I’m already at Bronze status with BA, and this just about matches VS AG, so there’s not much holding me back any more.

VS Amex dumped, and BA Amex in use – Avios flooding in – yep, I mean it…

Now, off to book flights for next Easter and perhaps July!! – VS, so long, and thanks for all the fish!

[buns]

Concorde

Thanks for an excellent TR

I can understand how the lure of the Turtle Beach makes it difficult to leave

Turning now to your Club World experience, given the consistency of service, the quality (and no doubt the price) you have had in the past four flights I can well understand why VS has lost your custom

VS wake up and take note

buns

Hi Buns,

To be honest, I'm small fry compared with some of the very frequent flyers on here, but I take at least 3 longhaul returns each year with my family, and am sickened by the inconsistency of service on VS and had enough. This coupled with the recognition of my daughter's flights with Avios plus the household account facility, the increased route network and price has finally persuaded me.

I've had some truely awful flights with VS, but then some great ones - I'll settle for reliable every time.

[buns]

Hi Buns,



I've had some truely awful flights with VS, but then some great ones - I'll settle for reliable every time.

Says it all

buns

From what I've heard and read in the last year or so it seems BA have really upped their game.

Great TR......Honest and open about the 1 thing we all despise in VS - inconsistency! BA seem to have nudged ahead which asks VS to raise their bar....well do ya punk?

I'm with you ConcordeRIP.

I am just back from the US in CW and have nothing but praise. I take at least 4 long haul flights a year and this year they were all on BA.

I was such a loyal Virgin fan and still think fondly of the old days which only BA First has beaten (and which it should). I used to feel so special in UC and now as you say it is so hit and miss.

BA never has that magic sparkle which a Virgin Crew can create but you do know what you are getting for your money and I prefer the seat.

I too have some miles to use up and then as I am cancelling my VS amex that will be that.

Sunshine