Out as Silver, Back as Gold!

Hi all,

Apologies if this has been asked before (I don't think it has but my search skills might have failed me!) but since I'm on 39TP's, when I next fly out with VA I'll tick over to Gold before the return leg. Can anyone see there being any problem with me obtaining lounge access, etc. for me and the missus come the return sector? I'm assuming I'll be able to simply print out my statement before arriving at the airport and that'll be a suitable "temporary gold card"?

Cheers,

Darryl

[Nottingham Nick]

I seem to think a similar topic has been discussed fairly recently, but I would hope that you won't have a problem.

The people in the lounge will be able to access your FC record, and you should be showing as gold after your outbound trip. A print out of your statement should make sure, though. :D

Nick

[mcmbenjamin]

Also hopefully the computer system will update and your name will be on the gold list they have at the CH or in the computer screen at LHR.

I was in this situation back in February. I phoned FC for advice. They told me to call FC as soon as I had flown the outbound leg, and they would do the rest. I duly called as soon as I got to my hotel, gave a few details to the nice man on the other end of the phone, and was issued with my shiny new number beginning with 0900.

when I attempted to fly back as a gold however, it wasn't as straightforward. I checked in at JFK, (with an economy ticket) & was given a boarding pass with my new gold number printed on it by the VS computer. So far so good. I then asked the checkin agent for directions to the clubhouse. I was then asked for my gold card. Of course, I didnt have it, I was only on a 2 day trip, had not been home to get my mail, and anyway the card would not have been created yet. The (outsourced) checkin agent then told me "no card no clubhouse access". I protested and was told "no way" I then asked to speak to his supervisor who just repeated the same mantra.

When I pointed out the impossibility of actually having the plastic card on my person, they said that the reason for the rule was to prevent unscrupulous folk from borrowing gold card numbers from friends or family to get undeserved CH access. I then pointed out that the VS computer had succesfully matched my ticket details with my passport and issued a boarding card with the correct FC number on it. The response was along the lines of "so what".

It was starting to become obvious that this was going nowhere so I just found the CH myself, explained the situation to the charming lady on the desk who checked my BP against the list she had, & welcomed me in.
I don't know which airport you are flying back from, but I strongly urge you to call FC in the UK and ask them if they can fax what they call a "gold letter" to you at your hotel before you fly back.

Hope this helps

[RichardMannion]

I've had a similiar issue before where my renewal gold card has not arrived in time. Flying Club poned the station in question, and also issued me with a note to prove I was still a FC Gold member.

Thanks,
Richard

Excellent, thanks for the advice guys. I'll make sure I phone FC to obtain a "note for teacher" before any return leg!

Darryl

Originally posted by RichardMannion
issued me with a note to prove I was still a FC Gold member.

What format was this "note" in?!

jules.

[RichardMannion]

It was a short note on FC AU Letter headed paper - didn't need it in the end to be honest.

Thanks,
Richard

I had a similar situation flying back from PVG once. I just got an email from FC which I could print off. To be honest though, I had no need of it as the local staff could see I was AU on their computers - for once the computer said "Yes"!

Further note on this thread. I sent a quick email to flying club support asking for confirmation that *G only allows me and not the missus into the CH if flying non-UC. Got a reply this morning saying yes, alas, this is the case but since I'm on 39 TP's and I'd be flying on a revenue ticket I should ask the staff at Check-In if they acould accomodate me. (!)

This sounds rather cheeky to me! "Don't ask, don't get" and all that but what do people reckon the chances are of a postive response to such a request on the day?

Darryl

[preiffer]

I'd go with the don't ask, don't get, personally.

You're *G, plus only 1 TP (that you're about to earn) off of being Gold with VS. They can see that on the system - so I'd ask. What *G card do you hold?

I have BMI *G and Singapore Airlines PPS Club status (equivalent to Star Alliance Gold as well.)

I have to confess I'm not sure how you'd actually word such a request! Does this imply that they have CH "vouchers" under the counter as well?

Darryl

[preiffer]

There are no vouchers, as such, given at check-in. Instead, you'll have to ask at the CH Reception.

Just state the facts, along with a polite request that they allow you and your guest in, based on them.

(And remember to stop short of begging/demanding if they do say no... )

[honey lamb]

I'd bring along a copy of the email as well

[mcmbenjamin]

My email to FC via the online form:

Hello: I recently booked a return ticket (PNR: XXXXXX) and am concerned that I will not have Clubhouse and Revivals access as a Gold cardholder. I have not recieved my card and the agent told me that it was not issued with the month end December batch. Could my booking be noted to allow Clubhouse access?

Benjamin (I misspelled my surname)

And FCs reply:

Dear Benjamin,

Thank you for your email.

I can confirm that your Flying Club Gold membership pack has been ordered, although there may be a slight delay as it is shipped from the UK.

In the mean time, I have placed clear notes in your reservation for the attention of our airport staff, confirming that you are a current Gold member and consequently entitled to Clubhouse and Revivals access.

You may be interested in our DIY online check in facility, where you can check in up to 24 hours prior to departure. Further information can be found on our website from the enclosed link -

https://www.virgin-atlantic.com/managey ... /index.jsp

May I wish you a pleasant trip onboard your forthcoming flight.

Kind regards

(Staff name)



Well at the end I upgraded so this did not matter but was nice to know they cared.