Latest news on IFBT's

Removing the bar would hurt, rather than help, VS I would think.

I've heard that the bar is going now from a relatively good source (who could nevertheless be mistaken). I wonder how they'll announce it to try and make it seem a positive?

'When we launched our in-sky bar, it was popular. Now, everyone drinks in our clubhouse, and there aren't enough stools in the air in any case, which causes frustrations'.

I look forward to the logical end of this all:

'When the Wright Brothers first flew, their invention became popular. Now, everyone can do everything for which they would otherwise travel in our clubhouse - no need to fly anywhere!'

Of course, the real Management Overview will hit the fan when after all these sky cuts, the clubhouse cuts begin. And if you think they're not next, you're as naive as I once was about VS

If that's true then they've handled it in a pretty crass way. Normally you give all the bad news in one go and then hit you with non-stop good news. I can't see a company that's successful at PR doing it any other way.

McMad - I hope you're right. It seems odd that the bar would go, as it is basically an open-plan galley in any case much of the time.

[fozzyo]

VS really seem to have developed a strategy that the ground services experience is more important that the air - well Heathrow anyway. Apparently you'll want to fly VS because of the Upper Class wing and the Clubhouse for those two or three hours as opposed to the seven, 12 or more in the air. I am starting to grow tired of the 'but look how wonderful the Heathrow Upper Class experience is' response to everything.

If they want to save money / weight get rid of all the Golf magazines they have on board.

Mat

I said this before and will say it again. I really can't see who has the time to spend in the CH. It's good but only a place to go while waiting to fly- do people really go early to spend time there! Unless VS make the aeroplane go faster I have to spend time on it! The only place I'm literally captive!

But I really think current mentality is if our competitors don't offer it then we won't lose if we don't either!


It all smacks of a company that finds itself in dire straights. Too small, the wrong aeroplanes (346 fule burn vs 330 or 777) the wrong LHR terminal (when T5 does get itself sorted) etc.

The strategy might work for the 'Atlantic'. it won't Eastbound to HKG NRT BOM DEL etc.

But the lgical endpoint is few if any passengers at all.

Flawed. VS is small the others are big.

Sorely tempted to look at my pre VS strategy eastbound. Value for money Business Class via Dubai or Munich.

I spend as little time at the airport as possible so the lounge at heathrow is nice for a quick bacon role and the occasional coffee but that really is it.

The onboard experience is the key!

[preiffer]

'"The Virgin Atlantic Spa and Restaurant' - brought to you by the company who used to run an airline.

[ii]
"

LOL preiffer You watch, though: quietly but inexorably, the lounge amenities too will start to coarsen over the next few years. Indeed, I would bet money on it. After all, a bean-counter who stops counting beans is out of a job.

Maybe the airline will soon be called 'Easy-Virgin' - oh - maybe not!! LOL

Originally posted by musicmanbrain
Maybe the airline will soon be called 'Easy-Virgin' - oh - maybe not!! LOL

You've finally shown the presence of that third noun -- that was funny! [y]

GJ

I realise I'm coming into this very late...

The IFBT was certainly gimmicky, but it helped pass time in the air, and it did make a great story for the folks back home...[:)] I was always able to really enthuse about having my hands done in thee air (narrowly avoiding a smutty joke there...) and I really quite enjoyed the experience, and (sad-git) dare I say, even the moderate lottery-excitment of 'Will I get picked?' (Yes, I need so get out more!!! [:I]) Consequently, I think the loss of this very unique product will ultimately hit the Brand.

As for what the space will be used for... I agree with others that an in-flight chef would be a welcome improvement. My gastronomy experiance of VS has only EVER been that UC food is ok, mediocre and sometimes even 'ok' feels too generous. I've NEVER experienced WOW-Factor with UC food, and I'm aware of a degree of deflation/disappointment whan discussing my UC meals with friends after a trip.

Service cuts in VS leave me feeling I'm in the market again for a new product, and I will certainly check out the competition for all future flights...

But VS are not any different to the rest of the industry.
Look at Americna Airlines new cut backs and extra charges, plus BA's reduction in flights

No-one will really change due to no IFBT, more they will change because a n others flight is £1 cheaper.

Given the demise of the IFBT service, it is interesting to see that the IFBT role is still on the VS Careers website. Go the VS website, then follow the Careers link & then click on the About our Business link.

You are then presented with full details of the IFBT role, recruitment process & medical / reference / ID check requirements.

Not the first example of the VS website showing out of date info / pictures.

James