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#18722 by ade99
09 Apr 2007, 14:15
So my mum and dad have just returned from Cuba. booked about 12 months ago thru VH. My dad has a strange eye condition which means he's blind and can hardly see anything. So when they booked with VH on they normally ask for one to the sets of two seats at the back of Y so that mum can help him with passing the food and things and dad doesn't have a problem getting in and out for the third pax. This normally works really well with special assistance being very helpful.

So they arrive at gatwick two weeks ago and their seats have been changed to E and F mid way down the plane. Mum explains the problem and she's told that there was an 'aircraft change' So dad not wanting to bring any attention to the problem said let it go but mum persisted and strangly two seats 'had just become available'

So I felt a little let down given the fact that I force them to fly VS over anyone else. I thought I would try to help them out for the return and called the premier team at VS. Can't remember what her name was but she first of all told me the reason was that there had been an aircraft type change - I thought I would let that one go but then though no and I asked her since when were VS using anything but the 400s out of LGW except for the odd occasion. She then says 'oh you fly a lot then?' and I simply replied that's why I have a gold card with you. I then explained that if they had changed the aircraft then that would have been fine, 'why?' she asked I then had to explain the seating config of the 340s. I think she was slowly realising that she might not know as much and then replied 'oh I can't do anything as it was booked through VH so you have to call them.

So I did and had the same excuse of an ac type change and they said all they could do was #make a note on the booking'

Have just spoken to the folks who arrived home this morning only to be told that the got a three despite asking them to check the preassigned seat request.

So rant over but it's left a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth that neither VH or VS would try to help and the patronising woman on the phone from the premier team. Mum's response when I spoke to her this morning is not printable but her other response is that she will not be flying VS again as nobody tried to help them out at all.
#166630 by mike-smashing
09 Apr 2007, 16:08
Regarding the "aircraft type change", all I can think is that they had a swap between one of the two different 744 configs which work out of LGW - there are the three ex-LHR planes, AST, XLG and TOP, and there are the other five (GAL, LIP, ROM, ROS, ROY).

The ex-LHR planes have a slightly different cabin config, but still have the same "pairs" at the back of the plane, so it shouldn't have lost you those seats, really.

It's really sad to read about what's happened to your folks, how they now feel alienated, and that they would be flying another carrier in future.

That we've had more than one post of dissatisfaction within 24 hours, well, it seems almost indicative of how badly things are de-railing at VS.

They seem to place priority on chasing after new business and spending their time fawning over celebrities. I remember when VS staff used go the extra mile to make an ordinary guy like me feel like a celebrity.

Mike
#166632 by Juliet
09 Apr 2007, 16:41
In future, if there are any passengers with special needs, of whatever sort, they should speak to special assistance (for VS booked and travel agent booked flights) or special services for VHol booked flights. These departments make special medical notes in the booking, and if there is an a/c change or time change (which unseats everyone) the medical cases get moved first to ensure their needs are met.
#166635 by Decker
09 Apr 2007, 16:53
Thank you for this clarification Juliet. We all appreciate it.
#166646 by Juliet
09 Apr 2007, 18:55
Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes
Agree your advice makes sense, but...

Doesn't she note that they DO call special assistance -- last sentence in the first paragraph? And doesn't the title of the thread infer this? Is not this thread an example of the breakdown in said service's ability to effect the needed "special assistance?"

Maybe I'm missing the point?
GJ


I was referring to the OP's call to Premier... Special assistance should/would have been able to help, whereas the Premier agent could/should have referred the caller to SPEAK with said special assistance, rather than just advising nothing could be done.
#166648 by Juliet
09 Apr 2007, 18:59
Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes
Gotcha! Sorry -- a bit dense here.

GJ


no- its always nice to clarify a point, especially where the best possible service can be provided by gently nudging people in the correct direction...[8D]
#166653 by ade99
09 Apr 2007, 19:10
Sorry to clarify it a bit better. I thought I'd give the premier team a call first as previosuly they have helped. After the useless phone call with them I did call special assistance at both VS and VH.

And speaking to mum a few minutes ago it sounds like the station in Cuba is useless and couldn't help (in fact apparently not just for special assistance it sounded like a war zone that all the pax had to battle through)

And I have to say although they're only red members me mums thrown her flying club card away and she still fuming with them.
#166654 by Juliet
09 Apr 2007, 19:16
Originally posted by ade99
Sorry to clarify it a bit better. I thought I'd give the premier team a call first as previosuly they have helped. After the useless phone call with them I did call special assistance at both VS and VH.

And speaking to mum a few minutes ago it sounds like the station in Cuba is useless and couldn't help (in fact apparently not just for special assistance it sounded like a war zone that all the pax had to battle through)

And I have to say although they're only red members me mums thrown her flying club card away and she still fuming with them.


I'm sorry to hear about the lack of service you feel they have received. I would recommend writing in (if they don't feel up for this...) as the best way to keep service from slipping is to KEEP reminding them that all is not well. A clear statement on what happened is the best way to bring it to the company's attention and recifiy the situation for future travellers.
#166655 by slinky09
09 Apr 2007, 19:25
Originally posted by Juliet
I'm sorry to hear about the lack of service you feel they have received. I would recommend writing in (if they don't feel up for this...) as the best way to keep service from slipping is to KEEP reminding them that all is not well. A clear statement on what happened is the best way to bring it to the company's attention and recifiy the situation for future travellers.


Well said Juliet, I am a total believer in informing whether good or bad. Ade - perhaps you could write on their behalf?
#166657 by mike-smashing
09 Apr 2007, 19:37
Originally posted by slinky09
Well said Juliet, I am a total believer in informing whether good or bad. Ade - perhaps you could write on their behalf?


Likewise, as long as I get the impression I've been listened to... this seems to be variable, depending on what you're writing about, and who reads your letter and opens your case.

Mike
#166661 by Juliet
09 Apr 2007, 19:48
Originally posted by mike-smashing
Likewise, as long as I get the impression I've been listened to... this seems to be variable, depending on what you're writing about, and who reads your letter and opens your case.
Mike

without going into any previous issues and how long they took to become resolved, I would always recommend following up with a letter or email, and keep sending it until you get someone to listen to you.
#166663 by ade99
09 Apr 2007, 19:53
Thanks guys I will after I've calmed the mother down!!! I've never heard her say bad things about VS before but this is something.
#166681 by Roxy-Popsy
09 Apr 2007, 21:53
I am so sorry that you had such problems. The reason I fly VS is how they helped without fault & always with a smile when our very first flight with them, 10 years ago now,we needed a stretcher out & back for our daughter who was then 3 years old.
Do send a letter of 'suggestion' for how a future flight might be handled & ask for their comments. Good luck to you.
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