Value of a Gold Card

I've just worked out that I flew 14 times with VA last year to the states [:(] - always a J class ticket in UC so I've earnt quite a few miles and the FC web page has told me I've maintained gold status. My question is as no-one has from VA has actually told me I've maintained gold - my card has expired (March) and despite numerous attempts I've been unable to spend many of my miles - what is gold really worth? I must have earnt 100+ tier points but unlike my gold BA card it seems VA don't really value you unless you are a top 50 [:(!].

What do you think is VA all words and no action? - here are some exapmles:

BA - know what seat I prefer and always try to get it for me
VA - keep asking me where I want to be picked up from and taken too - as I always go to SFO and onto the Omni shouldn't they know it by now
BA - they come and say hi on the plane and would I like a G&T
VA - the SFO club always have a G&T ready for me

Little things make a big difference and VA are slipping

[Pete]

Doc,

If you have earnt 100+ tier points, then I'm very surprised you haven't been contacted by Flying Club since that's the threshold these days for what was V50 previously.

If you're feeling unloved, why not give them a call and ask them why they're not fawning over you a little more?

I've flown way fewer flights than you and always get the impression the Premier line goes that extra mile to help with whatever odd requests I have.

Pete

They certainly did for me today and I'm only silver!

Regards

John

Doc,
I've never had an issue spending miles - particularly if you are flexable within a day or two..

You might struggle for an UC reward on the ex LGW routes but not from LHR

I fact I've heard from others that VS reward availability is better than BA!! - I know BA have more members etc but even so..

At the end of the day its all down to expectations I spose!!

Doc,

I completely agree with you, I am not at all clear what the real world benefits are and spending the huge amount of miles I accumulate is very challenging.

As you say the little things are what makes the difference. Last year I sent details of the things that would make all the difference (and that could actually be done) and I had we are considering them but we cannot do any of them at the moment. One of them was getting me my preferred seat!

[Nottingham Nick]

As I have said in a previous thread, with the advent of comprehensive PNRs / profiles for regular pax held on computers, it wouldn't be a problem to personalise the service given to golds.

Treating golds a special customers would certainly be worth far more in cementing brand loyalty than it would cost on the balance sheet.

With the apparent reduction of gold card events - presumably at the hands of the bean counters - I am surprised that it hasn't been done.


Nick

Doc, I am not sure I recognise the BA you refer to. I have had Gold for a few years there and can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times anyone has said 'hello'. Spot on with regards to seating, BA do a better job.

Originally posted by fishywishy
Spot on with regards to seating, BA do a better job.

Ironically, with VS it is arguable that Z fares get priority seating, as they book well in advance.

D's and J's can only pick what is left.

Pretty unfair on them I guess (and I say that as someone who tries to get Z fares)

[Scrooge]

Originally posted by Jonathan
Doc,
I fact I've heard from others that VS reward availability is better than BA!! - I know BA have more members etc but even so..

At the end of the day its all down to expectations I spose!!

I will argue that till the cows come home,never had a problem getting a reward seat in J with BA,can't say the same for VS [:#]

Originally posted by jetwet1

I will argue that till the cows come home,never had a problem getting a reward seat in J with BA,can't say the same for VS [:#]

Depends on route. BA's availability to/from most of the US is very good. But try flying to South Africa..or Bangkok..or Australia. Ouch

[RichardMannion]

Originally posted by Doc
I've just worked out that I flew 14 times with VA last year to the states [:(] - always a J class ticket in UC so I've earnt quite a few miles and the FC web page has told me I've maintained gold status. My question is as no-one has from VA has actually told me I've maintained gold - my card has expired (March) and despite numerous attempts I've been unable to spend many of my miles - what is gold really worth? I must have earnt 100+ tier points but unlike my gold BA card it seems VA don't really value you unless you are a top 50 [:(!].

What do you think is VA all words and no action? - here are some exapmles:

BA - know what seat I prefer and always try to get it for me
VA - keep asking me where I want to be picked up from and taken too - as I always go to SFO and onto the Omni shouldn't they know it by now
BA - they come and say hi on the plane and would I like a G&T
VA - the SFO club always have a G&T ready for me

Little things make a big difference and VA are slipping

Obviously I am biased, but I find that VS do go the extra mile. I have had to deal with BA customer services and reservations a few times and walked away not impressed.

Pix is right, if you have 100 TP (with at least 75% coming from VS metal flights) then you should have been contacted already in regards to the more personalised service you require.

I do agree with you on the personalised service onboard - its a bit hit and miss (depending on the FSM) if they can be bothered to come and see all the VS Au's onboard. It doesn't take long, and doesn't cost anything. Its a common observation though, as Lady Mannion has noticed this too when flying.

On the value of Gold, it is a tough one - I already get CH access via AmEx Centurion so that takes away one of the big benefits (and I do fly in UC normally). But then there are other benefits that make it worth having and maintaining. For me, probably the best benefit is the ability to speak to the Premier team, as they really are the creme de la creme of reservation agents. They know what my preferences are, they know my FC number, they know how to handle my questions, it really is an example of how service should be done.

Thanks,
Richard

I'd agree with Richard regarding the Premier Team.

However, I'd also agree that VS Gold gives very little to the frequent Upper Class traveller beyond a little more FFP earning power.

For example, I don't need the ability to use the lounge, Revivals, priority baggage handling or UC check in and Fast Track since I'm always in UC. Don't need HEX or GEX vouchers since on a J/D I have the limo. Don't need a guaranteed economy seat either since there is no way I'd fly anything than business class.

And of course the companion seat which is either difficult to redeem (out of LGW) or far more expensive than buying two Z fares (JNB excepted).

So, out of being VS Gold I get a shiny piece of plastic and a few thousand more miles in my account each year. Not a complaint, but I wish Virgin would find a way to make Gold more special for those with my travel profile. Reserving the best seats for Gold members would be a start (integrated with the web site of course), as would reintroducing Gold events to give us a little more attention. I would really like to see the 2 for 1 voucher applicable to all D as well as J in UC and not to be capacity controlled (i.e. the reward seat to equate to another D not a G).

As Nick says, VS does have the means of collecting sufficient information to personalise the service to Golds. But given they still keep sending me promotions for tickets in classes I have never travelled and never will, I don't hold out much hope.

BC

[fozzyo]

I guess the real value of a gold card comes to those why fly just enough on business to qualify / retain but can't justify the costs of UC travel for personal flights. So can use the miles, or additional access privaledges it gets you.

For those extra-frequent flyers for people like Doc and BlackCat VS do need to use the extensive databases they have to ensure that they feel they are getting the value from it. How you guys determine your value is very different to the kind of traveller described above. It should be easy for VS to determine which category each Gold member falls into and handle those accounts appropriately.

Mat xxx

[Decker]

Good call Fozzyo - VS seem a lot more SME friendly than BA. But once you get to a level where you HAVE to fly frequently then BA seem to have some tricks up their sleeve that VS could learn from. It basically seems to be about database system integration to booking systems at the end of the day... FWIW I'm pleased to fall into the catchment VS excel at .

I agree about Gold card events - VS can and indeed used to look after Golds better than they do now - there was the UCS launch, and SRB's V-party etc - very little since then though..

Given the interesting points raised on the value of gold would it be worth capturing them and sending a letter on behalf of V-Flyer to VA (CEO) inviting him to respond?

[Nottingham Nick]

I don't suppose it would hurt, but from past experience, we are well aware that there are people at Crawley who read these boards... and more importantly, react to SOME of the things that are written here. :D

Nick

Just my 'aporth...

Gold for me is invaluable. I am not fortunate enough to be able to afford to fly in UC for work or pleasure, so the benefits (Clubhouse, Revivals, priority boarding etc etc) are really what makes flying Virgin work for me.

I do take the point, though, that for those for fly upper class regularly, the benefits of Gold are a little less obvious...

Chris

Chris I agree with you - the benefits are more obvious for those who dont always fly in J!!

Congrats on 100 posts btw - and why not become a member of the site - details in my sig!!

Doesn't the best value come from booking Y and getting that all-important call at the gate "Would Mr xxx please come forward to the desk" just before boarding?;)

Thats a BIG plus!! -one time checking in at JFK PE was overbooked so FF plasic is useful to ensure its you that turns left!

Doesn't the best value come from booking Y and getting that all-important call at the gate "Would Mr xxx please come forward to the desk" just before boarding

Au has never ever done me any good when in Y, W a different matter all together;)

I am surprised that no one has mentioned the Global Assistence aspect of the gold card. I have used them a couple of times and it has been a pleasure (and made organising my friends engagement celebrations so easy!)

[preiffer]

Hmm...

Global Assistance. Well, I've used them once with success, and once with absolute (and ridiculous) failure.

I know mcuth's used them too, with no joy.

[RichardMannion]

Originally posted by preiffer
Hmm...

Global Assistance. Well, I've used them once with success, and once with absolute (and ridiculous) failure.

I know mcuth's used them too, with no joy.

I tried using them once for a Travel related issue, and they were abysmal. I would have been better off phoning AmEx, and that says a lot!

Thanks,
Richard