V-Flyer

Hi folks im looking for a bit of advice for an upcoming trip that is getting quite complicated. I've never flown UC before so looking for some input from seasoned UC veterans!

Scenario is... my partner and i need to fly to the states for her to have an operation. Due to her illness she doesnt travel brilliantly, and gets tired very easily, so I am thinking that UC should provide the best travel option for her. Due to the nature of the operation, we dont know how long we will need to stay in the states in order for her to sufficiently recover so she is well enough to fly back (it could be a week, 2 weeks, maybe a month... unknown really)

So bascially my questions are:

1) What is the best ticket option when we arent sure of our return date? Is it best to book one-way tickets and then book a return flight when we know when we can fly back? Or is there a UC ticket with total flexibility?

2) We will be taking 2 medical staff with us (Doctor & Nurse). If we book 2 x UC seats (for us) and 2 x PE seats (for the Doc/Nurse) would they be able to be brought forward into the UC cabin in the event that she needs some medical assistance. She will probably be fine and sleep the whole flight, but there is obviously a small possibility of a problem

3) Will 2 x UC tickets entitle us to 2 CDC's? i.e so we can take the doc/nurse in the 2nd car and through the UC check-in etc with us?

4) Are there any special provisions that the ground staff and/or cabin crew can make for passengers travelling with medical conditions?

5) Are the WC's in the UC cabin any bigger/better than standard?


Any thoughts/advice/pertinent info from those familiar with the UC service would be most welcome...


Many thanks

Wow. That is quite a first post. :D

First of all, a warm welcome to V-Flyer.

Secondly, the very complicated nature of the medical issues here mean that it will be dealt with by Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance.

I would suggest that before making any booking, you give them a ring on 0870 380 2004. I have only used them myself once, when booking a ticket for an elderly Aunt with sight difficulties, but I found them extremely helpful, and they should be able to answer your questions, directly.

Nick

As Nick Says, Welcome to V-Flyer, good to have you here. Hope we can help out!

And as he said, a call to Special Assistance will make your life and trip a lot easier, if briefed in the situation I am sure VS will do all they can to ensure the travel causes as few problems as possible.

As for tickets, unless they advise differently you would be looking at J fare (most expensive flexible ticket).

Mat

welcome from me too,and I used Special Assistance when I booked a flight for my elderly Aunt and Uncle who are in their 80's flew to joberg to visit some of our family ,and although they flew P.E. they could not rate the assistance they received highly enough. and i hope all goes well with your partners operation.

Welcome to the site[y]

I can only reiterate all that the learned V-flyers that have gone before me have said & to phone special assistance.

I have used them several times on behalf of a member of my family & I too rate them highly.

Not only was special assistance made aware of the needs of a member of my family, they had ensured that all the crews on the flights were made aware of our potential needs.[y]

On one occasion when we had to land in the Bahamas unexpectedly enroute to Miami, the pilot made sure that our needs were catered for & put a plan together should we have had to stay in the Bahamas longer than an hour.
To this day the reason that we as a family try our hardest to remain loyal to VA is for all that they have done for us in the past, including arranging a stretcher on board (with cute little curtains around the stretcher to ensure privacy when needed), and to direct all passengers when boarding & leaving the flights to not use the aisle where the stretcher was situated.[^][^]
I am sorry that your trip is due to ill-health but I wish you luck & a safe flight.
If you have problems with insurance PM me.
Kind regards R-P