V-Flyer

Hi all,

This will be my first flight alone in Virgin Upper Class. I was wondering if you could recommend any seats for single flyers. I have looked at the seat plans and I like 9A/10A as they dont face anyone and are right in the middle. I really hope the on-board service is good as there seem to be mixed reviews. I've got an HP nc8430 laptop, do I need a special plug for it?

Should I book directly with Virgin or can I use a travel agent? The reason I ask this is that I want to choose a guaranteed seat before I fly. Also can I use the online check in service if I book with a travel agent?

Regards,
Chris

Welcome to V-Flyer [y]

Where are you flying to? I'm assuming from your seat choices that you are flying on a 744? If so, those seats are good choices, far enough from the person opposite to be private enough.

Regarding your laptop, you do need an onboard power adapter (commonly called an 'empower' adapter) to use it onboard. VS do keep a number of power supplies for many different laptops but if you have your own you'll not be dissapointed. I suggest buying one before your trip.

As for booking, its really a personal choice. What does booking with one give you over another? All flights booked directly with VS allow you to book seats online. Some travel agents do not give this option but offer other advantages. Regardless of how you book you should be able to check in online - as long as the agent gives you your reservation number.

Thanks,
Sarah

quote:Originally posted by GodAtum
The reason I ask this is that I want to choose a guaranteed seat before I fly.

Welome to the site. Seat requests are exactly that. Requests.No seat allocated is ever guaranteed (for numerous reasons) and even those allocated at time of booking may change prior to your flight.
DL

Thanks for your message [:)] I'm quite nervous really since I've neve flown on my own before. I'll be flying to JFK from LHR (VS003 and VS004 returning)on a A340-600 I think.

I can find lots of empower adapters but none seem to support my laptop which I only bought a few years ago [?]

4K or 5K on a 340-600. These seats face the wall so are nice and private (far enough away from any potential noise at the bar too).
DL

quote:Originally posted by DragonLady
4K or 5K on a 340-600. These seats face the wall so are nice and private (far enough away from any potential noise at the bar too).

I always go for these seats too!

It is worth noting the good point that DragonLady made earlier, these are requests for seats and not guaranteed in any way.

Thanks,
Sarah

For the Empower adaptors, sometimes you need to be a little crafty. Go to the manufactures website and look for your laptop. Note the model number for your power supply. Then look to see which other models that supply fits.

Most makers use the same supply for several models.

quote:Originally posted by HighFlyer
[quote]Originally posted by DragonLady
4K or 5K on a 340-600. These seats face the wall so are nice and private (far enough away from any potential noise at the bar too).

I always go for these seats too!

It is worth noting the good point that DragonLady made earlier, these are requests for seats and not guaranteed in any way.

Thanks,
Sarah


Many thanks for your advice. You don't think these seats are too near the WC? Also, would you recommend wearing a suit so I look smart or will that make me look desparate?

quote:Originally posted by GodAtum
You don't think these seats are too near the WC? Also, would you recommend wearing a suit so I look smart or will that make me look desparate?

No they're far enough away. There's really no need to 'dress up' if you don't want too. If you want to wear a suit, fine. If you don't, then don't. [:)]
DL

Absolutely no need to wear a suit in Upper.

Thanks,
Sarah

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in

Thats great news. I was thinking that becuase in some resturants you have to wear a jacket and tie.

If I have a haircut in the clubhouse can I also have a massage on the plane?

Oh dear, you ARE behind the times. The In-Flight Beauty Therapist service ended last year so, alas no massages on board.

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
Oh dear, you ARE behind the times. The In-Flight Beauty Therapist service ended last year so, alas no massages on board.


[:0] Did i just miss out then? Why did they end it?

The aromatherapy oils were making people feel ill.








[;)]

quote:Originally posted by GodAtum
[quote]Originally posted by honey lamb
Oh dear, you ARE behind the times. The In-Flight Beauty Therapist service ended last year so, alas no massages on board.


[:0] Did i just miss out then? Why did they end it?


Pure and simply it was a cost cutting excercise I am afraid. Many of the ex BT's are now Cabin Crew or working at the LHR spa.

quote:Originally posted by Sealink
The aromatherapy oils were making people feel ill.








[;)]



That is not why they stopped all the treatments onboard. They stopped using the oils a long while back now and reverted to dry massages or the lovely hot hands treatment (my personal favourite).

HG

That's the flight sorted. Don't forget all the joys of the CH too. [;)]

Virgin Atlantic use the Targus universal adapter.

Your HP nc8430 shares its power supply with the following laptops:

HP Compaq 6510b, 6710b, 6710s, 6715b, 6715s Series
HP Compaq Business Notebook NC2400, NC4400, NC6320, NC6400, NC8430, NX6310, NX6325, NX7300, NX7400, NX8420, NX9420 Series

According to the Virgin Atlantic list, your tip is: 34

However, if it doesn't fit, don't force it.

S.

Many thanks for all your help and sorry for all the questions [oo]

I've heard that you can take 2 pieces of carry on baggage from the UK but only one from the USA. Is this true? I'm hoping to take a small backpack and another small SLR camera shoulder bag.

Not sure that is correct. We both took 2 pieces of carry on when boarding in the US, so you shouldn't have a problem.

This page on the VS site gives you all the info you need about your cabin baggage allowance, and confirms you can take 2 pieces with you.

Neil

Thanks for the info Neil.


quote:Originally posted by VAFFPAX
Virgin Atlantic use the Targus universal adapter.

Your HP nc8430 shares its power supply with the following laptops:

HP Compaq 6510b, 6710b, 6710s, 6715b, 6715s Series
HP Compaq Business Notebook NC2400, NC4400, NC6320, NC6400, NC8430, NX6310, NX6325, NX7300, NX7400, NX8420, NX9420 Series

According to the Virgin Atlantic list, your tip is: 34

However, if it doesn't fit, don't force it.

S.


Would you recommend I buy a tip before i fly or do virgin provide you with a free tip onboard? I think this is the one I need:

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=APT34

To be honest, if you plan to use it on-board I'd buy my own. That way you will not be diappointed if they already given it out.

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
To be honest, if you plan to use it on-board I'd buy my own. That way you will not be diappointed if they already given it out.


Thats a good point. My flight is at 14:00, to make full use of the CH should I arrive 2-3 hours before or more?

Depends on how early you can get to LHR [:D]

It's not unheard of for people to arrive 7 hours before a flight, but there is no real limit. If you have a treatment booked, make sure you allow time before to eat and sample all the other 'amenities'.

There is a nak to making the most of it too. When they announce the boarding of your flight, avoid the urge to dash to the gate. Relax, order a drink. When the second call is made, you should be half way through it. When the final call is made, this is your cue to leave and head to the gate. They make sure there is plenty of time to cover the distance to the gate. When you get there, you should be able to stroll straight on with no queuing. [y]