Standby at LHR

This is my first post on the website and I'm proud to be part of this wonderful community!

I am traveling EWR-LHR in a few weeks on deeply discounted tickets (N class I believe). I just found out that I need to be back in NY earlier than planned. Since I am unable to change my flight times unless I pay the $200 fee per ticket, can I arrive at LHR on the same day and get on board an earlier aircraft to EWR or JFK without paying the $200? Is it possible to fly back into JFK if my original departure airport is EWR?

Thanks in advance!

Without paying the $200 I think you are stuffed

[Nottingham Nick]

I agree with Alan, you could try giving VS a ring to ask advice.

If the advice is different, could you let us know please?

Nick

I've tried this before on a number of occasions out of LGW to MCO trying to get on an earlier flight, and once in MIA seeing if I could change my return airport from MCO to MIA.

In all instances VS were willing to make the change, but only for the fee payable at that time (can't remember what it was £75 I think).

Then again, I guess thats not a bad price to pay for some flexability.

I know other airlines will do it. We always do it with BMI here at work and also with KLM.

Matt

I spoke with an agent and he said that it is VS's policy to charge the $200/ticket. He then told me that despite this policy, he could not speak for what an agent at the airport would do. I took this as there being some possibility to get an earlier flight.

My dilemma now is whether to go to LHR nearly 6 hours before my scheduled flight to see if I can get on an earlier aircraft without paying the fee.

Would talking to a VS agent when I first land in LHR do anything for me regarding my trip back? Any suggestions?

[Decker]

quote:Originally posted by Gmasterd
Would talking to a VS agent when I first land in LHR do anything for me regarding my trip back? Any suggestions?

It will most likely come down to load on the day - as in - are they anticipating that YOUR flight will be overbooked. If it is they may be prepared to move you rather than bump someone later and have to compensate them. This is just good economics Perhaps judicious use of the availability tools highighted elsewhere may assist in determining this, but Virgin economy does seem to get quite booked up.

I would say go to airport ticket desk and ask them but DONT mention the fee just ask them if you can standby for earlier flights.

Avoid talking to a man in a grey shirt or woman in a black one as they are supervisors and may be more strict.

Or go to the STAND BY couter which is A1 at Terminal 3 and speak to agent there they may do it for you without even going to the ticket desk!!!

Good Luck!!

After reading the advice from all of you, I think that I will take my chances and head to the airport early to see if I can get an earlier flight without paying the fee.

declansmith, this is my first time going thru LHR. Is counter A1 in Terminal 3 easy to spot? Is it just a standby counter for VS? Also, which should I try first, the standby counter or the check-in desk?

I'll be sure to report back to all of you to let you know how it went!

The standby desk in the first desk in ZOne A, i would go straight there first and see what the agent says

Good Luck