Tips for a first time flyer

Greetings everyone!

I will be taking my first Virgin Atlantic flight from SFO to LHR in July. I used 200,000 of my Hawaiian Airlines Miles to get 2 upper class tickets for myself and a friend.

We are not rich people so this flight will be very special for us and we were wondering if there are any "not-to-be-missed" services, perks, etc. that come along with upper class tickets (aside from the very nice seat/bed) which we should be on the look-out for?

For example, is it true that UC passengers get to use a special line at customs when arriving at LHR? Do they really give you free massages? Can you eat as much as you want? Etc. Thanks in advance for any and all replies

Firstly, welcome to the wonderful world of Virgin Upper Class and, of course, to V-Flyer.

In answer to your specifics, make sure you get a Fast Track voucher to use at immigration at LHR -- the Fast Track line is on the right as you enter the immigration area. (No Fast Track for customs, but it doesn't take long anyway).

On board you'll be visited by the In Flight Beautician who will tell you about the range of on-board beauty services. It's not guaranteed that you'll get a massage, but if you don't then you'll get a priority voucher to increase your chances on the return.

Virgin operates an eat what you like, when you like policy, but you will find that there is a pretty much set mealtime. You can ask for your food later, or in a different order.

One thing you didn't mention was lounge access. Happily for you and your friend you'll have access to two of the best Virgin Clubhouses: in SFO the Clubhouse has great food and a very cool ambience; in the flagship lounge in Heathrow there's everything you can possibly think of and it's worth getting there early to experience all the services. Oh, and on your arrival from SFO don't forget to sample the Revivals lounge at LHR for a shower and brunch.

Enjoy!

BC

The only things I would add to BlackCat's reply is that the fast track vouchers for LHR arrivals will be handed out by crew with immigration forms. On your return, your Upper Class Boarding pass will allow you through fast track at LHR. In the clubhouse at LHR, you can also get a massage or other treatment/hair cut/shave. If you go to the Virgin Site there are more details of what is available. Start here!

I am not sure if you will also get fast track in the US from SFO. There is a thread here which talks about fast track at LAX. Perhaps someone familiar with SFO will confirm.

Sit back and enjoy yourself[y]

[ChuckC]

Welcome to V-Flyer. We are delighted to have you with us.

For me, just the anticipation of the flight was a wonderful thing. Not only will you be flying roundtrip on Virgin, but you'll also get to experience London. What more could you ask?

So, enjoy the "anticipation period". Also, have a look around the site using the Search feature above.

Regards,
Chuck-

Love_to_travel, Welcome to V-Flyer its good to have you on here and you have found the right place to ask questions... the forum usually has more answers than Virgin itslef!

Most has been spoken about but just a few things I'll add, please ask the crew for additional items such as a toothbrush as these are not in the current kit youll have to ask..

They will offer you a sleep suit leaving SFO as its a night flight, these are just in flight PJs really but very comfortable, and stop your other clothes getting creased... then of course have a power shower in the revivals in LHR.

when you board the aircraft be sure to tell the crew its your first time in UCS and they will give you and your friend a tour/ guide of your seat, Dont forget to ask if you want to dine together at one table either!

most of all Dont think of it as a flight but a "virgin experience"

Way to go. What a perfect way to use your Hawaiian points. I echo what others have said and dont have much to add except to say.....

SFO has a fabulous Virgin Clubhouse which is landside before security. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time (if its VS20 I would say about 1:45pm) so that you can enjoy the food - they cook to order - and drink - others have their own specials but I think the SFO Gin and Tonic (always with a lime) is the best in the world.

Onboard make sure you sit at the bar and chat to the crew and other passengers there. Its like being transported to the golden age of travel.

Most of all enjoy London or wherever your plans take you. Just buy a copy of 'time out - London' at any news stand at LHR and it will tell you whats going on that week.

Please feel free to tell us more about your itinerary and I bet you will get 1000 suggestions on what to do ...

Originally posted by milehigh
you have found the right place to ask questions... the forum usually has more answers than Virgin itslef!

What a very kind thing to say. Unfortunately not all of our answers are always right!

""Dont forget to ask if you want to dine together at one table either!"

One person sits in the normal seat, the other on the ottoman. The table makes it a little intimate, but it is still quite pleasant and sociable.

Ahh ok cheers!

No problem

Originally posted by milehigh

They will offer you a sleep suit leaving SFO as its a night flight, these are just in flight PJs really but very comfortable, and stop your other clothes getting creased... then of course have a power shower in the revivals in LHR.

Please excuse a silly question (I'm about to fly UC for the first time too) but what is the sleep suit? I'm assuming that you can change out of your clothes into this outfit, but that implies that the restroom is bigger than my office supply cabinet. Wow!

[ChuckC]

Welcome to V-Flyer baldbrit; we're glad you're aboard.

The sleep suit is a sleek two piece, black outfit that comes in a handy bag and in sizes guaranteed to fit most of us. It can be worn over your clothes or you can change into the suit in one of the Upper Class restrooms. The suits are offered primarily on evening flights though you can usually snag one after asking flight attendants on other flights.

Many UC pax find the cabin temp in the evening a bit warm so you may be a bit too warm if you wear the sleep suit over your regular clothing. Everyone's different and for you it will only take one flight to know what you like -- and to be hooked on Upper Class, of course! Oh, and (at the moment, at least) VS doesn't seem to be actively discouraging you from taking the sleepsuit with you after the flight. You will find others on V-Flyer extolling the virtues of the sleep suits for many home activities [insert imagination here] having little to do with sleeping.

Enjoy your flight and do give us a trip report!

Chuck-

Originally posted by baldbrit

Originally posted by milehigh

They will offer you a sleep suit leaving SFO as its a night flight, these are just in flight PJs really but very comfortable, and stop your other clothes getting creased... then of course have a power shower in the revivals in LHR.

Please excuse a silly question (I'm about to fly UC for the first time too) but what is the sleep suit? I'm assuming that you can change out of your clothes into this outfit, but that implies that the restroom is bigger than my office supply cabinet. Wow!

Um, I don't know how big your office supply cabinet is, but no, the restroom is not that big - same as W and Y classes AFAIK. A small tip - when taking your trousers off, face the door, not the toilet, otherwise the reflex action could rebound you off the door Just my opinion - be interesting to see what others say [:p]. The sleep suit itself is just a soft black jogger-type suit, as said earlier, much more comfortable for sleeping in. Available in different sizes too, so you wont have to look like Dopey if you are vertically challenged . If you prefer not to get changed, and end up a little wrinkled in the morning, you can always get your clothes pressed while you shower in the excellent revivals lounge at LHR, or of course get changed into fresh clothes.

Enjoy the experience and have a great flight!

I have a drawer fro sleep suits that I've err... commandeered;)

See here for several threads re sleep suits.

VS.

Originally posted by ChuckC
Welcome to V-Flyer baldbrit; we're glad you're aboard.

The sleep suit is a sleek two piece, black outfit that comes in a handy bag and in sizes guaranteed to fit most of us.

Sleek Chuck?????That's the definition of a 911 or 500SL.The ninja suit makes me (and everyone else) look like a sack of potatoes on a bad day![}:)]Bag is hand for transporting shoes in though...
The sizes come up pretty big too!(although admittedly there is is size for all-like Mr DL[}:)])UC becomes addictive so once bitten forever smitten.love-to-travel You have been warned!!!!!

This 'having a drawer full' of sleep suits interests me. Do you all also have a cupboard full of coat hagers and a back-of-the-door full of dressing gowns from hotels?

Originally posted by ChuckC
Many UC pax find the cabin temp in the evening a bit warm

You don't think...[:0]

No...

Surely not...[?]

VS crew would never do that, would they?

(Wonder how many people will get what I am talking about [:p])

Not quite, Sailor;) I've never really thought about it before[:I]

VS.

Thanks everyone. This will be my first UC flight, and I am more excited about this portion of the trip than heading home (I have lived in the US for a number of years).

One question about the Revivals lounge. Where is it??? I read somewhere (I believe on this site) that it is out by the parking garage. Is this accurate?

Here's looking forward to a glass of port at the bar!

And its not too bad port at that...

Enjoy the experience. Its very exciting the first time we did it.

Dean

Originally posted by baldbrit
One question about the Revivals lounge. Where is it??? I read somewhere (I believe on this site) that it is out by the parking garage. Is this accurate?

Sort of - you get the lifts up to the short stay car park, but instead of turning left to go up to the car park, turn right and Revivals is just there.

Cheers

Michael

Originally posted by sailor99
This 'having a drawer full' of sleep suits interests me. Do you all also have a cupboard full of coat hagers and a back-of-the-door full of dressing gowns from hotels?

I must confess I have three styles of sleepsuit and several Hilton Dressing Gowns, they are so soft and thick and irresistable ( rather like myself and i am sure Sailor too:D)

My tip is to change back in to your own clothes well before the captain announces the start of decent, then you won't have to wait ages to get in the loo.

I am pleased to hear you are consistent in your light fingered-ness egg

Soft, thick and irresistible - you make it sound like you are flirting with a toilet roll