first time

[:D This is my first time so please bear with me, I have been observing this website for a while and I find it a fascinating read, very funny and informative. I really enjoy reading all the trip reports(especially john's), My boyfriend and I are travelling with Virgin over the new year to Florida and as a christmas present to ourselves have booked to go upper class, is it really worth it? [ii]

[Nottingham Nick]

Welcome to V-Flyer nikki.

This is a question that has been discussed many, many times. The honest answer is that only you can judge whether premium class travel is worth it.

There are those on the board who will say a resounding yes, due to the increased comfort, the extra pampering (usually [8D] ) and the general lack of hassle.

Equally, there will be those who say it is a total waste of money because it costs so much more money and you arrive at your destination at exactly the same time as those in the back. There are people who can afford to travel up the front, but choose to spend their money on other things.

We live in a free country, it is up to you how you spend your hard earned cash, and if that means splurging on UC, then good for you!

It is always interesting to read TRs by people who haven't flown UC before. We will await with interest to find out if you thought it was worth the money when you get back.

Nick

[preiffer]

Hi Nikki, and welcome [y]

Is it worth it? YES, IF you can.

Here's the 'test': When you land, look at those people coming from the back of the plane (and imagine how they're feeling after 9+ hours crammed into that seat). Then compare this to how you feel and feel very thankful that you had the choice otherwise. [:D]

THEN... never look back again (but check with bank manager first [;)])

[buns]

Hi nikki and welcome to V-Flyer

Following on from Nick's post, as someone who has been captivated following an operational upgrade many years ago, I fall into the resounding 'yes' camp.

The benefits of the Gatwick Virgin Clubhouse (my personal favourite) and the intimate Upper Class cabin found on the Gatwick fleet have left me and Mrs Buns becoming addicted[:I][:I]

We will do anything possible to fly Upper when we travel to Orlando, but more often than not, the opportunity to get a mileage upgrade from Premium Economy eludes us.

I think you and your boyfriend will enjoy it and have a thoroughly wonderful time - don't forget to pre-book your treatments in the Clubhouse

buns

Thankyou both for your input, Do you know if there is a Virgin lounge at Manchester?

[buns]

Originally posted by nikki
Thankyou both for your input, Do you know if there is a Virgin lounge at Manchester?

oops[:I][:I][:I]

sorry I had just assumed you were travelling from Gatwick,

regretably, there is not a Clubhouse at Manchester[n]

buns

There is no Clubhouse at MAN but there is a shared lounge for UC PAX.Premium travel is well worth it IMO we travel most of the time just to experience the flight[:D].Probably not one to savor this afternoon on Ryan air though[:0][:D].Have a great flight.

If you can afford it then yes of course it's worth it. However if you only have a finite amount of money available you need to balance the comfort of your time in the aircraft with the additional comfort and luxuries your money could buy you on the ground.

Personally if I had the choice of Y followed by a week in a 5 star hotel or UC and a week in a 3 star hotel then I'd always go for the former - if you can afford both then great. It depends I guess as to whether you consider the journey a means to an end or an end in itself.

FM

Originally posted by FamilyMan
if you can afford both then great.

It certainly is! [y][:w]

And to the OP: it certainly is!

GJ

[Darren Wheeler]

Well worth it in my book. Being young(ish), free and single helps too.

As may will atest, once you turn left there is no going right.

Well it looks like we have made the right decision, I am really looking forward to the experience(champagne too!), I will post my TR on my return(even picking up the lingo). Thanks to all for your knowledge and input.

Welcome to the forum Nikki and hope you have a wonderful trip.

Jilly

[ChuckC]

Nikki, you've heard from the masters here, so allow me to just add my welcome aboard. UC is a most enjoyable experience.

Chuck-

Welcome to the forum nikki (and someone else from Wolves, at last!).

I know plenty of people who would never dream of paying the extra for UC, but then again they may spend a foprtune on their car. It just comes down to personal choice, I'm in the former.

Glad you've chosen UC. I think on Orlando flights its certainly worth it (especially on the night return). Of all the VS flights I did in economy MCO was the worst, all those kids kicking the back of your seat.

So you don't have the on board beautitian and there is no clubhouse at MAN. But I know next time we go to Orlando we'll choose MAN as I'm not sure the extra schlep it'll take to get to Gatwick from Wolves is worth it just for the Clubhouse down there.

Enjoy!

Dean

Originally posted by Wolves27

I know plenty of people who would never dream of paying the extra for UC, but then again they may spend a foprtune on their car. It just comes down to personal choice, I'm in the former.

Glad you've chosen UC. I think on Orlando flights its certainly worth it (especially on the night return). Of all the VS flights I did in economy MCO was the worst, all those kids kicking the back of your seat.

So you don't have the on board beautitian and there is no clubhouse at MAN. But I know next time we go to Orlando we'll choose MAN as I'm not sure the extra schlep it'll take to get to Gatwick from Wolves is worth it just for the Clubhouse down there.

Enjoy!

Dean

You've got to remember that you'll be using the car, in most cases, day in day out whereas UC is for a few hours only.

I'll probably try it next year but on a long haul flight (eg LHR-SYD) rather than say LHR-JFK as I don't really think paying something like £2100 for UC over £400 for economy is worth it for what amounts to 6-10 hours in the air and a meal/couple of drinks or so in the clubhouse.
If you've the money available to burn then why not or if it's a one off trip that you've saved hard for all year.

I'll try PE on my next US flight for comparative reasons and the difference will pay for hotels, trips out etc or even a couple more flights with change.

Nice to hear from you too Wolves 27, I am counting the days now til holiday, My partner really only wanted to fly Virgin so that he could sleep all the way there and back on the bed!!(he is paying so can't complain. I

I don't really think paying something like £2100 for UC over £400 for economy is worth it

I agree but have never paid anywhere approaching that amount for a business class flight in my life,in fact I've never paid that for a first class flight.If your travel is for leisure and you have a bit of flexibility,with a little research,the correct FF accounts and credit cards you can fly up the front for Y money[;)].