V-Flyer

The only TR's which get respected are those from people who have travelled in UC or PE. No respect is given to the common man.

This is not the case accpfc.

Most of the interest may be in the UC or even the PE reports because most aspire to travel that way but this does not mean Economy trip reports are disrespected or the people who fly in that class are disrespected.

Virtually all the people who post UC reports fly in both PE and Y as well.

Hi accpfc, and welcome [y]

While it's true that a large number of the TRs are in either Upper or PE, please be assured that you're not alone in your quest for Economy TRs too!

I think one issue is that people (who are most definitely not all rich ) probably notice more about their flight when they've saved for a while to afford that PE/Upper trip they're taking.

A lot are very excited at the prospect of flying in a premium cabin, and want to share their experience afterwards. Trust us - Economy Trip Reports are not only welcomed, but actively encouraged.

We know that there are 2-300 people on any one plane that travel in Economy, so I'm also still a little confused as to why we still have so few reports of the experience... [?]

To be fair, there are some good Y reports with lots of feedback; try here and here for starters, although yes, much of our demographic fly in Upper or PE and that is why there are so many more trip reports in premium classes, but as Paul and Bazz have said, trip reports from Economy are defiantely encouraged and welcomed, and certainly not unrespected or looked down apon!

Also there are a lot of business travellers here, and many of us, being VS FF, once we have graced the W or J cabin, we rarely want to go back - which somewhat explains the skewed nature of trip reports.

Thanks,
Sarah

accpfc,

I compliment people on the quality and content of their TR's

This is as likely to be Y as W or J

Your TR on the 20 April got good feedback

Can I also just add that I have never travelled UC, and had also never been PE until I joined V-Flyer. I have to say it is probably because of this site and the TRs that I did: they allowed me an in-depth insight into what to expect and what extras you get, chance of upgrades etc.

I'm a teacher so am certainly far from rich, but I have really enjoyed my few PE experiences and will be continuing the trend at the expense of other luxuries, as it is really worth the extra money

I hope that helps give a fairer impression of the kind of folk on here...all walks of life...and that's what makes it more interesting. I certainly enjoy my time on here, and am learning too...the best combination in my book [|:)]

Rich, I would be apart from all of this flying:D
Seriously,I fly down the back if I cannot get a good price,most of my pointy end travel is paid with Miles.

Originally posted by Bazz
This is not the case accpfc.

Most of the interest may be in the UC or even the PE reports because most aspire to travel that way but this does not mean Economy trip reports are disrespected or the people who fly in that class are disrespected.

Virtually all the people who post UC reports fly in both PE and Y as well.

This is entirely true in my case. I joined this website I was flying Y and had never dreamed of spending the money on PE or UC, I just couldnt justify it. Then after reading some trip reports I saved and treated myself to an UC flight.

Now while I would like to fly UC all the time I cant afford it, so I still fly Y more than UC by a long shot!

I certainly agree that you notice more about the service and product when flying UC. I also now notice what goes on in Y quite a bit more since I can compare. Maybe I am guilty of not adding to the amount of Y reports from recent flights. Sorry...

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Also there are a lot of business travellers here, and many of us, being VS FF, once we have graced the W or J cabin, we rarely want to go back - which somewhat explains the skewed nature of trip reports.

This is very true: I have to say that once the forbidden fruit has been tasted I find it very difficult to convince myself a longhaul trip is worth doing if I am to travel at the blunt end, especially as the majority of longhaul trips I do are only for two or three days.

I think it must be well over ten years since I last did longhaul at the back. Fifteen years ago I used to regularly travel to LAS on Delta, and started my mileage whoring with them in economy. In those days, it didn't take many trips before you could upgrade a very deeply discounted economy ticket. After five return stateside trips each year, you accumulated enough international segment upgrades, tier status and miles to perpetuate the upgrade process. The only difficult part was finding available flights.

Things have tightened up a bit since then. For example, ISTR that on Delta you can no longer upgrade deeply discounted tickets. However, the essence is still there, and taking adventage of mileage runs, credit card miles etc etc is all part of the deal.

Unless someone else is paying I almost never pay full fare in the premium cabin. At the very least I get an APEX or a consolidated fare, but often my trips are freebies from FF miles accumulated from a variety of sources.

Once you get on the mileage gravytrain, it's very difficult to fall off.

Cheers, Howard

Have a look at Nottingham Nick. One of the most respected (if not THE most respected) members here - a dedicated economy flier.

Regards

John

I dont think its necessarily a case of people being rich - there are a number of people on here who fly UC or PE as a part of their business - and there are those of us who just want to pay that little bit extra to fly in PE or UC as a treat to ourselves - I work bleeding hard doing what I do and whilst I am not rich I make a good living - so if Im coming back transatlantic and fancy UC as a treat then why not?

I agree with earlier comments that V-flyer gives you the insight into why PE and UC are worth it but it also has plenty of reports on economy travel and the "ins and outs" of how to get the best from it with Virgin.

Ultimately we all decide how we spend our disposabale income and for some of us Virgin is a wonderful way of doing so - you cant take it with you anyway so why not enjoy it while you can.:D:D

Eww Rich is such a dirty word, I prefer Content of comfortable[}:)]

Joking aside, I started in Economy ( and at the time thought it was amazing ), tried PE once then after a fudge up was offered 50K miles
by way of apology and used them to fly Upper, got hooked and then tried UCS and now will endeavor to fly UCS every time. I am not rich I just work my perverbials off all year to pay for it;)

As far as respect goes I respect those who try to attain the best
wherever possible and when they get it don't just take it for granted or look down on anyone who hasn't got there yet:D, these are the people who deserve nice things.

EC, PE or UCS if you fly Virgin and have taken the time to join us here on v-flyer you have my respect anyway[y]

I am now seeing if I can put you on my respected user list[:p]

EGG, it's such a shame you're not coming to the Riverboat Bash, as I want to give you a big, squishy hug for being so lovely [:X]

Well said, that man! [y]

I agree with what has been said - I started off back in 99 flying in Economy and spent the next few years flying either Economy or PE. For my 21st Birthday in 2001, I used miles to upgrade both ways from PE to UC and really enjoyed the service.

Everyone chooses how to spend their money, I like to travel in comfort. Nowadays, I would rather not go on holiday unless I am flying in UC - normally involves me buying an upgradeable Economy or PE fare, and then using miles to upgrade.

Thanks,
Richard

Hey guys,

I wasn't being offensive in any way, I was just interested to see the vast amount of PE and UC reports compared to economy. Got a select group on this messageboard!

Originally posted by accpfc
Hey guys,

I wasn't being offensive in any way.....

Having just read through this thread I don't think anyone has taken particular offence. Your original post is pretty short and pointed, however, and it would be easy to view it having a go at the v-flyer community. I'm pleased you weren't.

Best wishes

David

Originally posted by GatorBaiter
EGG, it's such a shame you're not coming to the Riverboat Bash, as I want to give you a big, squishy hug for being so lovely [:X]

Well said, that man! [y]

Well said indeed - and Jacq I'll accept that hug by proxy for EGG![:I]

I think it is true to say that once you have tasted any level of premium cabin, it is difficult to go back.
I had my first taste of Long Haul Business class last month (sadly not virgin UCS) and I really was surprised how much more relaxed I was when i got off.... Now, I have a long haul relationship to maintain, and the cost of a Business class tickets equates to 3 or 4 economy tickets, but i was so impressed with the difference I felt in business, that I have insisted that I treat miss PVG to a business ticket (very cheap one ) when she comes over later this month.

I think it is also true to say that being a member of this site has helped me recapture the joy of flying, and aspiring to better things.... The trouble with virgin is that once you are regularly in UC, what is left to aspire to... at least with BA, you can always aspire to (or better still hope for an op up to) first class!

I am certanly the common man and have saved hard for my up coming holiday in UC so yes i am interested in TR's from that view so i know what to expect and make sur ei get my monies worth. However, I dont disagree some more TR's from economy are long overdue. However, it could also be the audience that this sight attracts which to me appears to be upper income or business people generally flying on expense account travel (like flyer talk).

Have to say always fly economy on Virgin when flying under my own finances.

I Travel quite a bit in business class with BA & Lufthansa for work, (two trips to the world cup coming up [y])

Reason I always fly economy with VS is I opt to use my funds to upgrade all other elements of the holiday, car / hotels etc.

Oh yes and I have to find around £300 to pay for my Cup Final ticket next week!

Come on you IRONS!

Originally posted by Jon B


Oh yes and I have to find around £300 to pay for my Cup Final ticket next week!

Come on you IRONS!

That'll be off a tout then[n]

Originally posted by MarkJ

Originally posted by Jon B


Oh yes and I have to find around £300 to pay for my Cup Final ticket next week!

Come on you IRONS!

That'll be off a tout then[n]

Yup but with only around 23000 tickets going to each club a ticket via a tout is the only way you'll get in. Even season ticket holders are not guaranteed tickets!

Worst case scenario is I'll end up watching it in the walkabout pub in Cardiff with a few hundred other Hammers fans..... can think of worse things to happen

Originally posted by badlynx
I am certanly the common man and have saved hard for my up coming holiday in UC so yes i am interested in TR's from that view so i know what to expect and make sur ei get my monies worth. However, I dont disagree some more TR's from economy are long overdue. However, it could also be the audience that this sight attracts which to me appears to be upper income or business people generally flying on expense account travel (like flyer talk).

You'll probably find that most flights are rather mundane so don't really need trips reports, especially those in economy. If on the other hand, you're paying £2700 say for a LHR-SFO flight, it's always nice to know how flights went with that expenditure over a £2-400 economy seat.

I've never flown anywhere outside of economy personally, but will try and fly at least UC to HKG/SYD later this year after I save up a bit due to the time on the aircraft, or failing that PE and pray that I could upgrade at the airport (not holding my breath though).

Half the planes I've flown on have been less that 2000 miles so it doesn't really make a blind bit of difference to me where I sit eg flew to Frankfurt in March - paid £80 for a ticket with business tickets going for around £400 just for flexibility and an extra drink on a flight of just over an hour. Good leather seats as well and enough space for me to move about.

I think economy trip reports can be every bit as interesting as the PE or UC ones, if written well. I shall try to do just that next week

TTFN

Paul

Originally posted by karnsculpture
I think economy trip reports can be every bit as interesting as the PE or UC ones, if written well.

That is very true, the problem is - finding something to make them different. It is a fair bit easier in UC - especially if travelling in that class is a novelty for the author.

IMHO is is good to read how passengers are handled at different airports .. both on arrival and departure. The treatment certainly seems to vary, especially in some of the Caribbean destinations.

Nick