First time Virgin flyers

Hi,

We are Virgin Atlantic novices, having never flown with them before. We've been to USA many times and normally take cattle truck charters (from Belfast or Dublin) would like to experience a much better flight and service. We have booked to go to Orlando next summer ex Gatwick VS027 (Economy only) and I just wanted to ask if anyone had any tips they would like to share with us to make the most of our Virgin experience?

Thanks.

Ken.

PS Great forum but what does VS stand for?

[Nottingham Nick]

Welcome to the forum, Ken.

Non specific questions are very difficult to answer, this whole site is about giving tips to try and make the Virgin experience a better one.

Have a read through the site - especially the trip reports and, if you have any specific queries, there are lots of people here who are happy to help.

VS are the two letters given to identify Virgin Atlantic on their flight numbers. They couldn't have VA, as I believe they were already allocated to Varig, but I stand to be corrected on that one.

edit to say that VA is Volare Airlines, (who? [:w] ). A full list can be found here

Nick

Thanks, Nick.

I've had a great read through the forum and picked up some tips and ideas but I've no specific queries at this time. I suppose I'm intersted to know of anything I should be doing now I've booked - I've signed up for the frequent flyer program but are there any other things I should be doing to get any perks or benefits ?

on this forum, is it possible to get notified when posts are replied to? I can't see any settings for this.

Ken

First tip surely must be to ensure you become a member of VS Flying Club (after joining V-Flyer of course!).
This will give you added benefits and more importantly start earning you those most valuable Miles, which if you read this site some people will sell their own mothers to get [:w]

-Steve

Hi and welcome to the best independent Virgin information site your every likely to see:D

I reckon if you haven't already done it, you should take a look at the seat map, check out the ratings and decide where you would like to sit and of course reserve your seats asap.

Many of us have particular preferences as to where we would like to be, over the wings, down the back, up front etc. I prefer the back of the aircraft. You tend to have a better chance of the full choice of menu because they start serving from there. However some would say that means having to wait until last to get off the plane on arrival at your destination, that's never been a problem for us.

Enjoy your holiday, Orlando is a fabulous place to visit[y]

thelaceys[8D]

Us being point whores, ah never!

First tip (ie join flying club) was a good one. If someone who is in FC already nominates you then they get a bonus when you fly. So I suggest you get someone friendly who is already a member to nominate you. In case you are not sure, I am very friendly ;);)

Second tip from me would be that the wine bottles are often left open in the help yourself section of the rear galley.

I was a virgin Virgin passenger in economy last year. As I got into the forum I started to read a lot of negative comments about the economy service in particular. Do not let that put you off - my experiences of the service have been excellent compared to other airlines, particularly in terms of on board entertainment and the friendliness of staff.

It is worth joining the flying club - it doesn't cost you anything. I got a 10% discount when booking my holiday this year and will build up more miles to get a cheaper flight or an upgrade a few months after.

Best wishes

Paul

Thanks folks

Is there any way to get notified when posts are replied to? I didn't know you all had replied until I checked back here!

I have signed up to the Virgin Flyer Club - sorry that I didn't realise that someone could have gotten a benefit or I would have waited.

I have also reserved my seats - another of the reasons for flying Virgin over charters. I did research here and on seatguru - 61AC& 62AC on 747-400.

Newbie question - is there a Virgin lounge in Gatwick and Manchester for Economy people?

Thx

Ken.

There are no economy lounges, just the UC lounge which if you meet a very rare criteria you can get into if you're not flying UC.

Originally posted by KennethB

I have signed up to the Virgin Flyer Club - sorry that I didn't realise that someone could have gotten a benefit or I would have waited.

Bummer!

Originally posted by KennethB

Newbie question - is there a Virgin lounge in Gatwick and Manchester for Economy people?

No, but you can pay to go into service air lounges - see holiday extras. Also Priority Pass maybe of interest. The paid lounges are a far cry from the clubhouse, but arguably better than the public lounge.

Dunno about Economy access to a lounge at Gatwick, but at Manchester I hear that for £17.95 per person (£9 for children aged 8-12) you can access the Escape lounge (free if you are flying UCS).

Subject to availability, £17.50 per person can also gain you access to the Servisair lounge. This is usually free of charge to First/Business class passengers of Cyprus Airways, SAS, Skyways and Swiss.

I haven't used these lounges but there are members on here who can comment on the Escape lounge.

Enjoy your flight, enjoy Orlando and you might want to take a look at this link here

[Scrooge]

Originally posted by KennethB


I have also reserved my seats - another of the reasons for flying Virgin over charters. I did research here and on seatguru - 61AC& 62AC on 747-400.


Thx

Ken.

That would be a good start no matter what, unless you are willing to spend the extra money on exit seats those are the best seats in Y on VS.

Thanks, folks

Great forum but the inability to be notified of posts is a real minus.

Ken