Virgin Virgin

Hi, I am flying to Orlando in November on VS027. This is our first holiday staying in Disney World and also our first ever Virgin Flight:D I am hoping someone can help me with several questions.
1. We are flying on a connecting flight from Belfast to Gatwick at 7.00am approx, arriving Gatwick 8.20am approx. Our flight from Gatwick to Orlando is 11.15am. I am very worried that we will not have enough time to get our baggage and check in for Orlando in time, as we have never been to Gatwick either! Is this going to be a nightmare timewise, or is it easier than I am anticipating?
2. We are 4 adults and 2 children aged 9 & 10yrs. All 4 of us are 5ft 8inch +. Two of adults are quite large - over 18stone. What would be the best seats to try to get, which would suit both big and tall people?
3. Can we book seats now or do we have to wait until nearer the time. I have tried to "MANAGE YOUR FLIGHT" on the Virgin Website but I can not access it.

I am really looking forward to our holiday and flying with Virgin. We are only Economy[:(], as we can not financially afford Premium, or Upper Class, unless they give special prices nearer the time to upgrade? Is this likely, or just wishful thinking?

Hopefully someone can help me with my query.
Many Thanks

[mitchja]

Hi Buffer and welcome

1. When you check-in at Belfast - you should be able to check your bags all the way through to MCO which measn you wont have to collect your bags at LGW - but you will still have to check-in at the Virgin desk as normal all be it without you luggage.

2. See this link for LGW 747 seat maps. I would maybe think about bulk head seats - but these do now come at a cost.

3. If you have booked with Virgin Holidays they will provide you with a locator number on request (give them a ring) which you can enter on the VS web site to see your seats 11 months in advance. Currently the seat map system can only be used if you are members of FC or you have made a booking direct with VS or booked using VH. In theroy any travel provider should be able to give you your locator number (the booking ref used for the VS flights) so even if it's not VH try it anyway.

The upgrade prices provided by VH are usually the cheapest you will find and they will not change even nearer the time I'm afraid. PE sells out very quickly on most routes but you can always ask at the airport on the day of your flight as you can pay to upgrade on the day - this does sometimes work out cheaper.

Regards

Hi James, thank you very much for your information. I did indeed book with Virgin Holidays direct and tried to access the seat booking system using my reference number from my invoice. Is this not the correct reference number?

Buffer

[Nottingham Nick]

Welcome Buffer,

Not a lot to add to what mitchja has already said, except that I thought exit row seats on the MCO route were still free [?] They certainly won't allocate them until the day of flight though.

The one thing I would ask you Buffer, is whether or not your Belfast flights are set in stone?

You should have enough time, but if I was in your position I would seriously consider flying over the night before your trip and staying in one of the hotels near to LGW. The advantages of this are:

1. It will reduce your stress levels wondering if there is going to be a delay.
2. You can use the twilight check in, thereby increasing the chances of getting exit row / bulkheads.
3. You start the holiday a day early.

I realise that this will increase the cost of the trip, but you can usually get good deals through http://www.holidayextras.co.uk

I just checked a random date in November and they are offering the Gatwick Ibis for £41.94 for a double room - I have no personal knowledge of the hotel, but the Ibis chain is fine.

I wouldn't hold your breath for 'bargain' upgrades nearer the flight time, although- as you can read in other threads on the forum, they do come along every now and again, but seem to be from PE to UC.

Nice thread title by the way.

Nick

Hi Nick, I don't have my exact details yet of our connecting flights but they were booked as part of our Virgin package - Free connecting flights - does this mean we must take what they give us, or can we request to go the evening before?

[mitchja]

Buffer

No I think you need to get a different number.

see http://www.frequent-virgin.co.uk/pages/news/news2.shtml if you scroll down to where is says 'News Flash...' it gives you a bit more info. I presume this works for the online seat maps as well.

Regards

[Nottingham Nick]

quote:Originally posted by buffer
Hi Nick, I don't have my exact details yet of our connecting flights but they were booked as part of our Virgin package - Free connecting flights - does this mean we must take what they give us, or can we request to go the evening before?

I don't know the answer to that, but it may be worth giving VH a ring to find out - if there isn't a mega surcharge for changing, I would certainly give it some thought.

If you do ring, can you let us know the result please?

Nick

[mitchja]

VS flights depart from the south terminal at LGW and I would think your domestic flight will land in the north terminal. Last time I connected at LGW last year it took about 30 mins to transfer from the north to the south terminal (either via a bus or the transit system)

Check-in for VS flights can be a nightmare at times but I think you should be OK but, as Nick says, you would be better off flying across the night before.

I've now learnt that after my transfer nightmare at LHR when I flew down from MAN and the MAN - LHR flight was delayed for in excess of 90 mins and I just made my VS flight after running round LHR.

Regards

Also in November, you might have poor early morning weather (fog etc..) which could cause delays, or an aircraft going tech and the flight cancelled. We always go down the night before, as we do not trust that the M25 will not have problems.

Thanks mitchja, I will follow all the advice I have received and try to book the evening before - however I have to wait until tomorrow, as the Virgin holiday office closed at 6.00pm. I will update you on my progress.

quote:Originally posted by AlanA
Also in November, you might have poor early morning weather (fog etc..) which could cause delays, or an aircraft going tech and the flight cancelled. We always go down the night before, as we do not trust that the M25 will not have problems.

Thanks AlanA - I never thought about the weather!

Dear Buffer,

Just to add to the above, I use the seat map section in "manage your flight" by using my invoice number - you have to put the whole thing in though like 66170/W04 - the last three are a letter W which means Winter and 04 not O4 - i.e. zero not o!!

This then gives you a flight locator number for future use!!

Alternatively just call the number in the brochure and book your seats over the phone - they too will give you a flight locator number at the end.

Dont forget to join the Flying Club - and that means all of you!!!

Have fun in Orlando - if you need any tips then just ask!!!! Where you staying at Disney?????

quote:Originally posted by MarkJ
Dear Buffer,

Just to add to the above, I use the seat map section in "manage your flight" by using my invoice number - you have to put the whole thing in though like 66170/W04 - the last three are a letter W which means Winter and 04 not O4 - i.e. zero not o!!

This then gives you a flight locator number for future use!!

Alternatively just call the number in the brochure and book your seats over the phone - they too will give you a flight locator number at the end.

Dont forget to join the Flying Club - and that means all of you!!!

Have fun in Orlando - if you need any tips then just ask!!!! Where you staying at Disney?????

Hi Mark, I have tried inputting the whole number - it still does not work. I have joined the flying club in my own name - does every passenger need to join, or can I claim the miles for everyone, as I am the lead name on the booking? I am staying in All Star Movies resort, as it was the cheapest on site option. I can't wait to go!!!

[mitchja]

Buffer

All your party will need to enrol seperately in FC in order to all get miles. You will only get miles for your flight.

Once enrolled you will need to give your FC number to VH in order for them to add it to your booking. VH do sometimes get a bit funny about doing this and tell you to call VS directly. If calling VS you will only need your date of travel, flight number and name.

Regards

Hi Buffer,

Mitcha got there ahead of me - all of you must enrol.

I have been to Orlando 8 times and the last 4 have stayed on Disney Property - last time at The All Star Sports with my sister in aw and their family.

I have loads of tips but check out these web sites for all the current stuff

http://allearsnet.com/index.html

http://www.wdwmagic.com

They are both run by people who love Disney have loads of tips and info about the parks and where to stay etc etc etc.

In addition check out the official disney, universal and sea world sites for info!!

We always reckon on putting together a rough itinerary of what we are going to do before we arrive as there is so much to do!!

There are some silly things - like - if you wana room fridge its $10 a day - so the cheapest option is to go to Walmart and buy one for $40!! Then give it to the Chambermaid as a tip!!!!

AllEars net is full of stuff like that including better routes from the airport - but you must have change - supermarkets topstop at or go to, tips about check in planning maps etc etc etc !!!!!

You can also make advance room requests so that you get a good spec. Read all the reports and you will get a good idea of what you want

Anything else - just ask!!!

Mark

quote:Originally posted by mitchja
Buffer

All your party will need to enrol seperately in FC in order to all get miles. You will only get miles for your flight.

Once enrolled you will need to give your FC number to VH in order for them to add it to your booking. VH do sometimes get a bit funny about doing this and tell you to call VS directly. If calling VS you will only need your date of travel, flight number and name.

Regards

could you please give more details on how to do this
VH said do it via the flying club they said do it on the day
as i am flying UC i really dont want to loose the miles

another quote
Dont forget to join the Flying Club - and that means all of you!!!

i think you will find that children cant join if i am wrong please tell me because when i tried to register my 9 year old who is flying UC they said that she could not claim any miles --i was a bit miffed about that having paid for the seat i dont see why we dont get them .

when do you fly buffer i go out on 15th november lgw-mco

steve

quote:Originally posted by MarkJ
Hi Buffer,

Mitcha got there ahead of me - all of you must enrol.

I have been to Orlando 8 times and the last 4 have stayed on Disney Property - last time at The All Star Sports with my sister in aw and their family.

I have loads of tips but check out these web sites for all the current stuff

http://allearsnet.com/index.html

http://www.wdwmagic.com

They are both run by people who love Disney have loads of tips and info about the parks and where to stay etc etc etc.

In addition check out the official disney, universal and sea world sites for info!!

We always reckon on putting together a rough itinerary of what we are going to do before we arrive as there is so much to do!!

There are some silly things - like - if you wana room fridge its $10 a day - so the cheapest option is to go to Walmart and buy one for $40!! Then give it to the Chambermaid as a tip!!!!

AllEars net is full of stuff like that including better routes from the airport - but you must have change - supermarkets topstop at or go to, tips about check in planning maps etc etc etc !!!!!

You can also make advance room requests so that you get a good spec. Read all the reports and you will get a good idea of what you want

Anything else - just ask!!!

Mark

Thanks for that Markj - I am already addicted to http://www.disboards.com and allearenet - didn;t know about wdmagic - will give it a look.

[Nottingham Nick]

quote:Originally posted by candyman

as i am flying UC i really dont want to loose the miles

i think you will find that children cant join if i am wrong please tell me because when i tried to register my 9 year old who is flying UC they said that she could not claim any miles --i was a bit miffed about that having paid for the seat i dont see why we dont get them .
[/quote]




Don't worry about losing the miles, you can make sure your FC number is on your booking wehen you check in. If, for any reason the miles aren't put into your account, there is a simple process on the VS website for claiming missing miles.

With regards to the fact that you don't get points for your nine year old, this is also a much debated topic. Golds can claim points for their children, but others can't.

There was talk a couple of years ago of introducing a child'd membership, but I don't think it got off the ground - other that the scheme for golds.

The normal argument against it is the reduced revenue the airline gets from a seat occupied by a child. In your case that argument is somewhat flawed as you have spent a lot of money on a UC ticket.

Nick

quote:Originally posted by candyman

quote:Originally posted by mitchja
Buffer

All your party will need to enrol seperately in FC in order to all get miles. You will only get miles for your flight.

Once enrolled you will need to give your FC number to VH in order for them to add it to your booking. VH do sometimes get a bit funny about doing this and tell you to call VS directly. If calling VS you will only need your date of travel, flight number and name.

Regards

could you please give more details on how to do this
VH said do it via the flying club they said do it on the day
as i am flying UC i really dont want to loose the miles

another quote
Dont forget to join the Flying Club - and that means all of you!!!

i think you will find that children cant join if i am wrong please tell me because when i tried to register my 9 year old who is flying UC they said that she could not claim any miles --i was a bit miffed about that having paid for the seat i dont see why we dont get them .

when do you fly buffer i go out on 15th november lgw-mco

steve

I fly on 3 November - hope we can get Miles for children also.

hey buffer try this addy


http://www.wdisneyw.com/

great disney boards exactly the same as these boards are for virgin they are
for disney realy nice helpful people

have a great stay there all star are very good for budget

for the first time this visit we are staying at the caribean beach resort
for the firs tweek of our stay then on to a private villa for the next 3 weeks
of our stay


steve

Seats by the bulkhead are FREE on all flights and are priority for pax with babies or passengers requiring special assistance.

Exit seats are sold on all flights Except MCO where seats are not charged for.

Passengers who require an extension seatbelt cannot sit an exit!!

Armrests on Bulkhead and exit seats DO NOT RAISE as the tray table is located here making the exit and bulkhead seats narrower than a standard seat!!!

I would say try for a row of 4 in the centre of the aircraft or the double seats at the back.

Make sure you call Virgin Atlantic reservations to order kids meals, they MUST be pre ordered and are fantastic from the UK!!!

quote:Originally posted by declansmith

Seats by the bulkhead are FREE on all flights and are priority for pax with babies or passengers requiring special assistance.

Exit seats are sold on all flights Except MCO where seats are not charged for.

Passengers who require an extension seatbelt cannot sit an exit!!

Armrests on Bulkhead and exit seats DO NOT RAISE as the tray table is located here making the exit and bulkhead seats narrower than a standard seat!!!

I would say try for a row of 4 in the centre of the aircraft or the double seats at the back.

Make sure you call Virgin Atlantic reservations to order kids meals, they MUST be pre ordered and are fantastic from the UK!!!

Many Thanks I will give them a call.

quote:Originally posted by Nottingham Nick

quote:Originally posted by buffer
Hi Nick, I don't have my exact details yet of our connecting flights but they were booked as part of our Virgin package - Free connecting flights - does this mean we must take what they give us, or can we request to go the evening before?

I don't know the answer to that, but it may be worth giving VH a ring to find out - if there isn't a mega surcharge for changing, I would certainly give it some thought.

If you do ring, can you let us know the result please?

Nick

I telephoned Virgin Atlantic, who gave me a booking reference. I went on to book my seats and guess what! - the code did not work. I called them back and the lady I spoke with tried to input it - it did not work. She checked availability and booked us Rows 59 + 60 HJK - 2 X rows of 3, which will hopefully be fine. As for the childrens meals, she advised me not to bother booking, if the children will eat adult type food. As they are 9 & 10, I think this will be fine. I was very impressed by the lady I spoke with, she was very helpful, pleasant and informative. I asked about my connecting flights from Belfast but had to ring Virgin Holidays re this. Virgin Holidays advised me that my departure time from Belfast will be 7.00am, arriving Gatwick @8.30am. I explained that I was worried about meeting my Orlando flight on time. The gentleman assured me that it would be o.k. There are a lot of people on the same connecting flight, which apparently arrives in the South Terminal ( it is with British European). He said as long as we have 1hr to check in we should be fime.
Hopefully everything will be great. If you have any info. on the seats we have been allocated can you let me know. I did say I wanted a quiet area on the plane.

Spare kids meals are loaded only from LGW not from MCO.

Only the hot bit is loaded so if the kids decide they want it on the day they will get adult tray and kids hot bit which is currently mini burgers, chips and beans.

Kids meals also get dairylea dunkers, frubes, a ribena style drink, cut fruit in a bad, frubes and some jelly sweets.

I would recommend them but its up to u!

I suspect I may be too late. Just a reminder when signing other family members up for Flying Club to make certain that you do it via MilesMoreFriends (http://www.virgin.com/milesmorefriends) to get the additional miles available - 15,000 miles if in Upper Class, 7,500 in Premium Economy or 3,000 in Economy. They all add up!

Nick