Virgin Atlantic opens new Upper Class Wing at T3

[Pete]

Story here

Can't wait to try this out on the 7th November - I always generally fly just *before* a new feature comes online, so this is a first for me

That does look good and a genuine improvement[y]

That sounds good, I look forward to reading the first TR about it.

Looks good, may just have to book an UC flight early next year just to try it! [y]

Looking forward to hearing about it Pete and what you thought about it.

Dominic

[fozzyo]

Ooh oh oh oh oh!! We are flying out on the 2nd!!

*please don't let it be delayed*
*please don't let it be delayed*
*please don't let it be delayed*

Upper Class passengers and Flying Club Gold members making their own way to the airport can check-in at the Upper Class Check-In, in Zone A of the main terminal, before taking a priority lift straight to the dedicated security channel.

Booooo!

I concur with fozzyo

[honey lamb]

I'm offering to test it next Monday!!

[fozzyo]

I'm afraid its not open until the 2nd November.

One question, if not on a J or D with a Limo can you still use this facility? The paragraph quoted above indicates that you have to check-in in the main terminal. Isn't that a bit pants?

The article mentioned Gold customers too, as my business travel is only in PE or Economy, I'm looking forard to using it. I'm also at LHR on Monday, so I'll ask at the UC check in if Gold members not traveling on J or D with a Limo can use it.

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by fozzyo
I'm afraid its not open until the 2nd November.

Oh, I know that fozzyo, but it still has to be tested beforehand and hat's what I'm volunteering for

[Scrooge]

Fantastic [y] it has to be better than the current set up.

[fozzyo]

Originally posted by honey lamb
Oh, I know that fozzyo, but it still has to be tested beforehand and hat's what I'm volunteering for

All in the interests of providing a better customer experience and of course an "exclusive" review for VF.

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by fozzyo

Originally posted by honey lamb
Oh, I know that fozzyo, but it still has to be tested beforehand and hat's what I'm volunteering for

All in the interests of providing a better customer experience and of course an "exclusive" review for VF.

Now you've got it!

Great, so that could explain why the lift was out of action last time I was at T3, The dedicated security channel for UC and Gold for VA customers is way cool. Looking forward to using it.

Indeed, that alone will be a bonus.
Looking forward to trying the rest of the development (of what is available to an AU in PE) when it opens.

[fozzyo]

Originally posted by ukcobra
Great, so that could explain why the lift was out of action last time I was at T3, The dedicated security channel for UC and Gold for VA customers is way cool. Looking forward to using it.

Yeah - hopefully will be extended to guests of UC & Gold. I would assume so as it is a dedicated channel for the exclusive use of VS, so hardly going to piss off other airlines pax.

Now I'm even more excited about San Francisco on the 14th.
Just in time for my first UC trip out of LHR:D[^]


-Steve

[Pete]

Just for clarification, here's my understanding of things.

Virgin announced their plans for the new drive thru at T3 back in May. This new announcement is for passengers not using the CDC - effectively there's a new check-in area for (let's call them 'on-foot' passengers), which has a lift into the dedicated VS security area; which is part of the new VS wing which includes the new drive thru.

What's changing for Upper Class, Gold card holders (and I assume their guests, although they may start enforcing the 1 guest policy more strictly), is that they can by-pass the general security whether they arrive by CDC or make their own way to the airport.

So, if you're on a J, D, Z, reward or in another cabin with a Gold card, you'll be able to use this new facility after 2nd November. Bring it on [y]

Wow! fantastic!
I am sure that us Gatwick and Manchester passengers are looking forward to this super service as well.....oh wait....[B)][B)]

Of course my last trip of the year is LHR-SFO on October 28th

Originally posted by Pete
Just for clarification, here's my understanding of things.

..So, if you're on a J, D, Z, reward or in another cabin with a Gold card, you'll be able to use this new facility after 2nd November. Bring it on [y]

Use what facility specifically, Pete? The dedicated security channel?

I don't think I understand.. my fault.

"Upper Class passengers and Flying Club Gold members making their own way to the airport can check-in at the Upper Class Check-In, in Zone A of the main terminal" to me says check-in as normal, in the normal place. But get a dedicated security channel through to the lounge. So a faster fast-track (hopefully).

I'm inferring that the new Wing as pictured, is for CDC pax.. or is the security channel integral in that area?

*sigh* [?]I'm not even sure what I'm asking... [:I]

[Pete]

You've pretty much got it, McCoy.

The whole of the check in area for Virgin is being revamped - as per the T3 upgrades that will come online prior to T5 opening. This phase is a new fast-track dedicated route & security check for Upper Class / Gold. When the new drive thru area is full open, I understand this is an integral part.

Pete

So with a dedicated security line for UC, will we be allowed two carry on?

[Pete]

Originally posted by napamatt
So with a dedicated security line for UC, will we be allowed two carry on?

Latest Cabin Baggage allowances from the UK only allow 1 piece of baggage, regardless of class or airline. The only extra you get is it can be a couple of Kg heavier than Economy.

These arrangements apply to all Virgin Atlantic passengers starting their journey at a UK airport and to those transferring from international flights to a Virgin Atlantic flight at a UK airport.

Passengers departing from UK airports are permitted to carry one item of cabin baggage each. Cabin baggage must not exceed a maximum length of 56 cm, width of 36 cm and depth of 23 cm including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. All items will be x-ray screened and must not exceed 6 kilos in weight in Economy and Premium Economy, and 8 kilos in Upper Class.

On the way back from the US, you can additionally carry a purse or laptop bag, but ex-UK, the security-imposed rules are 1 piece only.

Quick Q - Does anyone know where the "dedicated security channel" takes you in the terminal? Is it a direct route to the clubhouse, bypassing the main terminal/shops etc?
I quite like spending 15 mins browsing the shops stocking up for the flight.. and seeing the chaos in the terminal knowing I'm on my way to the clubhouse

tx,

jules.