V-Flyer

Dear all.

So far I've managed to accumulate 6 TP and with a flight this month I'll be up to 12. I intend to fly back to the UK again (as I'm US based at the moment) in December in UC giving me a total of 17 and, as the brochure states I'll be a Silver flyer.

So, I have two questions:

1) As we all know, check in at LHR is a monster, especially in T3. As I'll be flying PE I can use the check in but my partner is flying Econ... will my Silver status be valid 'instantly' so I can check in a companion or will it take a few weeks to accumulate on the system? You can see I'm trying to get an extra hour in bed before leaving for the airport if we can both jump the queue [}:)]

2) Apart from the very few tangible benefits of Red to Silver, is there anything else you get that's not written but a direct benefit of being that second tier flyer? If not Silver doesn't seem to be that much better if, like me, you try and fly PE or better.

Anyone's thoughts on this would be welcomed.

Thanks,

JC

I'm not sure about number 1, but I think the major intangible benefit of Silver is that it marks you out as a more valuable customer and you're therefore more likely to get an OpUp than a Red member. As far as I can see, the best thing about Silver is the PE check-in, but if you fly PE/UC anyway that isn't much as a benefit, as you say. I narrowly missed turning silver when it was never downgraded, and have regretted it every time I face a long queue at check-in.

James,

I think your Silver status will take effect within a couple of days of your return UC flight. Your Silver card will take a little longer but you will be in the system as Silver.

On your second question, Helen's reply really says it all. As you say if you always try to fly PE or better the main benefit, the PE check-in may not be much of a benefit.

James,
The only other useful thing is the global assistance.
They were very helpful when I lost my passport in the USA last year.

There are other lesser benefits that might be useful:
parking discounts
Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express Upgrade vouchers

I dont drive to the airport or use the train, but others do..

Full AG details

When I reached 15 points for some reason the upgrade didn't happen. I waited until the end of the month, in case the upgrades happened on a monthly basis, then emailed FC to find out. They replied with this:

quote:If I may explain, our Database Marketing department run monthly reports which search for any members who have achieved the required amount of tier points to move up a level. It appears your account had insufficient tier points at the time the report was last run. If, in the meantime, a member notifies us they're due to be upgraded, we can manually override the automated system. This is what I've done for you today.

The upgrade then happened immediately.

Since being upgraded, I haven't really seen the benefit of being silver. I always check-in online, for which the queue is even shorter than the PE check-in. Still waiting for an op-up...

Gareth.

Hi Gareth, I'm glad FC actioned that quickly for you. If, at some stage in the future you decide to check-in at the desk rather than online, you will certainly see the benefit of the PE check-in in comparison with Y

I agree about the lack of Silver benefits - it can be a bit disheartening.

Apart from the PE check-in there really is not too much else (apart from the global assist and higher poss of upgrade - but what are the chances?) - maybe if you use Heathrow or Gatwick Express and fancy an upgrade:)

Without devalueing Au it would be interesting to think of ways this might be made better. As a starter - maybe Clubhouse access for the silver card holder (no guest) when travelling PE? - since a lot of businesses tend to use PE this might give the standard PE traveller something worthwhile.

Thoughts?

Phil (Buffy)

quote:
Since being upgraded, I haven't really seen the benefit of being silver. I always check-in online, for which the queue is even shorter than the PE check-in. Still waiting for an op-up...
Gareth.

Gareth you'r always more likely to get an op-up at the airport than online.

If your flying PE I would always checkin at the airport as PE is usually oversold on busy routes.

Phil,
I think maybe a voucher for lounge access would be a good idea (that way you get a taster) of AU.
I think unlimited PE access wouldn't work as that would devalue AU and make the lounge too busy.

Virgin FC is on par/better than equiv *A
*A Silver doesnt get lounge access either.
I'm sure I'll be corrected here but the only silver level FF card with lounge is BA..[?]
Thats a lot harder to get than the VS one so probably isn't a fair comparision.

I've had better success with reward flights (100%) so far with VS than with other carriers.

quote:Originally posted by Jonathan
I think maybe a voucher for lounge access would be a good idea (that way you get a taster) of AU.
I think unlimited PE access wouldn't work as that would devalue AU and make the lounge too busy.

Remain to be convinced about just how much busier the clubhouse would get since most people flying PE would either not be non-members/red or Gold. But you're right that it would devalue Au to some extent.

I like the idea of a voucher for single entry though (or for 1-2 person entry so you can use with partner on annual vacation) - maybe even the use of 'miles for Access' - like the thought of "here's what you're missing" - wonderfully masochistic[}:)]

Phil (Buffy)

quote:Originally posted by BuffyTVS65

I like the idea of a voucher for single entry though (or for 1-2 person entry so you can use with partner on annual vacation) - maybe even the use of 'miles for Access' - like the thought of "here's what you're missing" - wonderfully masochistic[}:)]

"Miles for access" - actually, this idea is already in place with the "mileage upgrade" from PE to UC . I too like the idea of a single entry voucher, how about the voucher as a renewal bonus, then that way you're rewarding the loyalty a bit better than with some poxy HEX/GEX upgrade vouchers

Cheers

Michael

quote:Gareth you'r always more likely to get an op-up at the airport than online.

Do you think that is the case? In the OLCI thread the opinion seemed to be that op-ups were decided way in advance, and that using OLCI wouldn't affect that. I have to admit, I doubt it myself as I am sure a human is better equipped to deal with processing an upgrade than a computer program. In theory there is nothing to stop the OLCI handling upgrades, but as it has only been up-and-running for a few weeks I just question its abilities.

quote:If your flying PE I would always checkin at the airport as PE is usually oversold on busy routes.

Will do. Unfortunately I have been flying economy the last couple of times as I am on a "special" assignment. As you say, PE is usually oversold so I don't rate my chances of moving forwards.

Gareth.

Your right in that a % of op-ups are done in advance.
However most airlines will keep a few seats open so they can make more $$ for those last minute fares.

That's why your more likely to receive a last minute upgrade at the airport, besides if your already upgraded you dont loose anything still by checking at the airport.

I never check in Online as I prefer the human interaction. I would use it if I had to use Y check in though.

I agree.. checking in at the airport is a good way of getting an Operational Upgrade. I'm still a firm believer, despite it being somewhat refuted here at V-Flyer, that presentable attire and a personable demeanor help you just a little. Maybe only 10% of the time, and even more if you're on PE ticket but I've taken many flights and the percentage is about right.

I'm a total advocate of getting what you pay for and even though I've been upgraded a number of times you can't wipe the smile off my face each time it happens ( ) After all, my first experience of PE on Virgin Atlantic resulted in an UC seat.

The only time I use online check in, mostly on other airlines as I've just moved to Virgin, is for coach class tickets as twenty seconds vs. standing in line for 45mins+ is, as they say, a no brainer

I'm flying again in two weeks, BOS to LHR in PE and intend to use the PE check-in as online check in is great UNLESS you need to check luggage plus my 10% theory!

VS, is by far, the best transatlantic flying into Boston... I have been arsed about by BA, both in business and in use as a passenger, so many times you'd shudder at their behaviour and AA is great domestically (as I live in the US) but Business Class seats are only 10% better than PE for a ludicrous amount of cash [food is better though].

I'll be silver by December this year so I'll witness first hand if there really are more benefits to the second tier.

Thanks for your comments.

JC.

I'm also making Silver later this year. But now I'm going at it like mad to make Gold for March.

I think I'll not bother with VS50, I don't have the commitment!:)

Dean