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#116715 by Howard Long
08 May 2006, 17:29
Originally posted by HighFlyer
Originally posted by Howard Long
[Please forgive me for this image I am conjuring up, I am sure this is my imagination running overtime! I always find it amusing when I see someone about to board a plane, dressed to the nines, with seriously expensive designer accessories like an LV tote bag and suit carrier, plus surgically attached over-logo'd diamante Chanel sunnies as if they're someone I should know


Howard! You have seen me onboard and did not say hello?? :D



But I can't imagine you'd turn right at the door!

Howard
#116717 by preiffer
08 May 2006, 17:36
Originally posted by Howard Long
But I can't imagine you'd turn right at the door!
Yup - she has to go visit Richard sometime during the flight... ;)[:p]
#116746 by kmhtkmhtkmht
08 May 2006, 20:03
Originally posted by Howard Long
Originally posted by kmhtkmhtkmht
Plus, My suits are expensive but I am cheap - in that I am "cheap" as in I wouldn't pay an extra 100 quid for premium economy but would pay 600 quid plus for a pair of shoes. I would dread to lose that one bag...


I guess it's different strokes for different folks.

Please forgive me for this image I am conjuring up, I am sure this is my imagination running overtime! I always find it amusing when I see someone about to board a plane, dressed to the nines, with seriously expensive designer accessories like an LV tote bag and suit carrier, plus surgically attached over-logo'd diamante Chanel sunnies as if they're someone I should know, and then they turn right at the door.

Seriously, save a bundle and send your stuff by air cargo, FedEx or DHL.

Also while you're at it tell your bank to quit being tight butts and pay for you to go at the pointy end! What is the world coming to?

Cheers, Howard.


Dear Howard:

I really don't see the problem with that though.

Why pay 6000 GBP when 600 GBP will suffice? Travelling is really a means of transportation (a very unwelcome but necessary one at that) and my most ideal flight is that one I sleep right the way through from Takeoff and wake up when the wheels are just landing...

So let's analyse what you get for that extra 5300 GBP difference (A current fare from LHR to HKG return.) - an analysis of someone who isn't flying UC and trying to comfort myself as objectively as possible:

1. A much bigger seat: Fair enough, but if you aren't that "big" then you can adequately make do in economy. I'd rather hold onto my money and buy something else - 25 ounces of gold maybe?

2. Service: they are nicer to you, I guess, you don't have to queue up, you get a "limo" to scoop you up, and you get a special pass to not have to queue at passport - If one values "service" so much, one should just pay for an "escort", get served as good as you like. Excuse the crudeness of the last statement but it needs to be said. Ultimately, Good customer service is only "good" when you don't have to pay for it - after spending 6000 on a ticket - it's very much expected so I will only call it service.

2a. The Lounge: You get a special room to share with other "elites" - I don't recall being in one but I think for the extra 5300 GBP, I'd need a LOT more than a Haircut, a Massage, a Shower, Biscuits and WiFi to make it worth my while.

3. "Champagne" and the use of the Bar: As mentioned, I like to sleep anyways and I think drinking is passe.

4. Better Food? I haven't had Airplane food in a LONG time and I don't know anyone that'll eat on the plane unless they are desperate.

Conclusion: Whilst it may be "nicer" and everything up in Upper Class, unless your spending someone else's money or got the ticket for under 1800 GBP - it really isn't worth it at all. Flying Upper Class is more dangerous than a Cocaine Habit/Addiciton in that once you have flown Upper Class, you really can't go back to Economy - it's like wearing Childrens Clothes - you could probably do it if you had to but it'd be mighty uncomfortable...

This might sound like I am just whining cause I am flying Economy, but if I really wanted to, I could stump up the UC prices but I'd be regretting it for a long time as I could've simply done so much more with the money, bringing me much much much more pleasure and satisfaction than sitting in a seat for 12 hours that I didn't want to be in in the first place, and "enjoying" the customer service that I just ultimately paid for - but the likelihood is I'd probably be asleep...
#116751 by Nottingham Nick
08 May 2006, 20:20
I take on board what you say, but I pay about £80 - £100 for a good pair of leather shoes, and think the idea of paying £600 plus is bordering on obscene.:D:D

We are very fortunate to live in a country, where we have that very, very valuable asset.... CHOICE!!

We are all different, we have different values and totally different priorities, this doesn't mean that one person is right and the other wrong... just individuals.

BTW... I also travel in Y. ;)[}:)]

Nick
#116756 by andy.g
08 May 2006, 20:39
Originally posted by kmhtkmhtkmht

Conclusion: Whilst it may be "nicer" and everything up in Upper Class, unless your spending someone else's money or got the ticket for under 1800 GBP - it really isn't worth it at all. Flying Upper Class is more dangerous than a Cocaine Habit/Addiciton in that once you have flown Upper Class, you really can't go back to Economy - it's like wearing Childrens Clothes - you could probably do it if you had to but it'd be mighty uncomfortable...



I have to say that there are a lot of people here who fly economy as well as UC.

I can understand you not wanting to pay a few grand to fly UC but surely a hundred quid to get your suits shipped is nothing, after all you'll only be miserable if you leave them at home[:(]
#116759 by kmhtkmhtkmht
08 May 2006, 20:47
Originally posted by andy.g
Originally posted by kmhtkmhtkmht

Conclusion: Whilst it may be "nicer" and everything up in Upper Class, unless your spending someone else's money or got the ticket for under 1800 GBP - it really isn't worth it at all. Flying Upper Class is more dangerous than a Cocaine Habit/Addiciton in that once you have flown Upper Class, you really can't go back to Economy - it's like wearing Childrens Clothes - you could probably do it if you had to but it'd be mighty uncomfortable...





I have to say that there are a lot of people here who fly economy as well as UC.

I can understand you not wanting to pay a few grand to fly UC but surely a hundred quid to get your suits shipped is nothing, after all you'll only be miserable if you leave them at home[:(]


The topic is no more primarily the luggage, but the eternal struggle of the Economy v UC dilemma - it is a given already with Cargo in that, I have phoned a number of people and the answer is the same for excess baggage - ship it via Cargo... When returning from America - a mere 90 dollars will buy me another 23 Kgs (another bag) and another 25 on top of that will buy you the magical 9 kilos that'll push the limit of 32Kgs... Shame they have to be difficult about it in LHR!

And oh yeah, Virgin Cargo "Rack Rates" (Basic) are 55 Quid Initial Charge and 4.80 GBP per Kilo...

When asked if I could ship a 100Kg Louis Vuitton Trunk they didn't answer me : (
#116915 by Howard Long
09 May 2006, 15:37
Hi kmhtkmhtkmht

Originally posted by kmhtkmhtkmht
Why pay 6000 GBP when 600 GBP will suffice? Travelling is really a means of transportation (a very unwelcome but necessary one at that) and my most ideal flight is that one I sleep right the way through from Takeoff and wake up when the wheels are just landing...


I think if you regard transportation as very unwelcome, then you're definitely doing it wrong!

Well, I can't ever remember paying six grand (GBP) for a VS UC ticket. Three grand maybe and that took me to Australia and back. If I am paying for travel in UC, it's more usually in the 2 to 2.5 grand bracket.

However I have a solution to your dilemma. If you do all that spending on a credit card that accrues mileage on VS, then with a GBP600 per shoe habit it won't be long before you get to fly free. Although my own shoe habit only has an upper limit of GBP150 to 200, I accrue enough points from spending on my Amex card to get at least one free return UC flight each year.

Problem solved!

Cheers, Howard
Virgin Atlantic

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