LHR - Upper Class Check in trial

Wow this sounds like a really good idea if VS can put some thought into the plannng of it. It's a shame I didn't fly during the trial period.

I would imagine that they are getting plenty of ideas and feedback during the trial. I believe it ends next week.

Mark

I think the luggage issue is a bit of a red herring. I used this yesterday heavily loaded includink skis, ski boots etc and it was not an issue. Straight up in the lift and a few yards down the corridor with someone to open the door for you.

Dom

Yeah, given the existence of the lift I couldn't work out why people were worrying about luggage. Will be going through on Tuesday so I'll be interested to see how they're managing it all.

I used it on Monday (VS19). It worked okay for me, although it was pretty busy. There was a small queue of 4-5 passengers stood in the corridor from the lift. by a new sign, and more passengers (presumably those who had used CDCs) sat waiting on the sofas for a desk to be free.

I'm mixed about it overall. If I was travelling on a J or D, it's not as quick or serene as it used to be. Every check-in desk was in use. I tied up a desk for a while as I had a W but had upgraded to UC the night before using miles, and had been told by FC to go to the UC check-in area to pay the extra 30 tax. There is no UC ticket desk anymore.

I like the idea of a dedicated premium lobby. This works pretty well at Auckland for Air NZ.

However, it seems like this may come at a price to the service which CDC pax currently receive, unless there are some tweaks made.

If there's a decision made to make this a permanent arrangment in the future, I assume there may well be some tweaks made, probably in staffing, better access routes for premium pax to the counters in the UCW, and ensuring no reduction in service to CDC pax, as this is a serious benefit for VS product.

It seems to be a worthwhile thing trialling this and seeing what changes need to be made to make this work properly in the long run, before spending serious money on making changes.

Mike

quote:Originally posted by gameswolverine
I used it on Monday (VS19). It worked okay for me, although it was pretty busy. There was a small queue of 4-5 passengers stood in the corridor from the lift. by a new sign, and more passengers (presumably those who had used CDCs) sat waiting on the sofas for a desk to be free.

I'm mixed about it overall. If I was travelling on a J or D, it's not as quick or serene as it used to be. Every check-in desk was in use. I tied up a desk for a while as I had a W but had upgraded to UC the night before using miles, and had been told by FC to go to the UC check-in area to pay the extra 30 tax. There is no UC ticket desk anymore.


Good points. If it's still working next Sunday I'll report back on my experience. When I use DTCI the BP to the car thing has worked for me, so not sure why people are waiting for a check-in desk? Maybe VS could put some divider in to ensure DTCI customers get their full experience if they decide to invest in this as permanent thing.

Mind you - it was always called 'The Upper Class Wing' not the 'J and D Wing'?

I hope they don't decide to get rid of the CDC or even worse the low UC fares in trying to put this into practice.

DTCI customers come in the door, passengers from downstairs line up in the corridor.

[honey lamb]

quote:Originally posted by ukcobra
DTCI customers come in the door, passengers from downstairs line up in the corridor.

Sounds very undignified for those not using DTCI. It almost seems like lining up to see the headmaster!!

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
quote:Originally posted by ukcobra
DTCI customers come in the door, passengers from downstairs line up in the corridor.

Sounds very undignified for those not using DTCI. It almost seems like lining up to see the headmaster!!


LMAO HoneyLamb!