ON LINE CHECK IN

quote:Originally posted by Bazz
Hi Jonathan,

77a is on the main deck, it's a window seat, last row of PE on the port side.

Theres NO PE on the main deck of the LGW 747 400's

only Y and J
W is all upstairs in the bubble

[Bazz]

Sorry Jonathan, for some foolish reason I was thinking on the LHR fleet [:I] Don't know why I went down that route [?] must have had a (another) senior moment

No worries!
Of course that did mean I would get row 11/12[8D] on a W!!
the UCS will put an an end to that guarantee

Just felt like bumping this thread, to see if anyone has been using the online check-in recently and if so is it working well and saving oodles of time?

Additional question to Jonathan, having read your post just above: have you been on a LGW flight to destinations other than MCO, booked in PE? If so, where did they seat you, since row 11 and 12 are UC on these?

quote:Originally posted by onionz
Just felt like bumping this thread, to see if anyone has been using the online check-in recently and if so is it working well and saving oodles of time?

I checked in last night on-line for VS020. Yes, it did save a lot of time. There was a reasonable queue at the economy desk, about 10 minutes wait going on past experience, which I was able to jump by going to the DIY check-in desk (no queue).

Seat selection did not go so smoothly. I had pre-assigned a reasonable aisle seat but the on-line check-in let me select an exit row seat, which I did. When I checked-in I was given another aisle seat, not nearly as good as the exit row or my original pre-assigned seat.
I was however told that I could have the exit row if I paid $75. Is this typical?

Gareth.

First, welcome to the forum Gareth!

Thanks for the feedback on the online checkin. Professor Yaffle (above) raised the prospect of checking in early to grab an exit row seat, but the Virgin website seemed to indicate this wouldn't be possible (contrary to how the BA OLCI works). So it's interesting that the system let you select that, and a shame it didn't work out in the end. This is useful info for anyone else here planning on using the OLCI.

There is usually a charge for an exit row seat on Virgin in Economy apart from on the MCO route (because of the high number of people who can't be seated there due to age) - it's £50 so the dollar amount you mention sounds about right.

Thanks for the welcome onionz! It seems there is a wealth of information on this site.

I've just had my seat changed at the gate to the same exit row but on the opposite side of the plane, so I'm happy again.

Now if I can only catch a couple of hours sleep on the place, it will make moving house tomorrow so much easier...

Gareth.

quote:Originally posted by gmv100

I've just had my seat changed at the gate to the same exit row but on the opposite side of the plane, so I'm happy again.

So did you get away with not having to pay the $75 because they had some exit seats left which no one had taken? By the way, nice work in keeping us updated all the way to the gate! Now if you manage to reply to this during the flight, that would be really impressive!;)

quote:
Now if I can only catch a couple of hours sleep on the place, it will make moving house tomorrow so much easier...

You're obviously someone who likes a challenge! Moving house while jetlagged has to be one of life's greater hurdles! :D

I dont think It'll be too long til online in flight TR's
if Luthansia can do it im sure VS can!!:D (Internet not necessarily in flight TR's!!)

Used the online checkin for VS250 about a week and a half ago. Massive queue for the normal check in which would have probably taken me 3/4 hour. But no queue for the DIY bag drop - a great system if you are travelling Economy, and I loved just cruising past all those people. But if you are on PE, probably less value and in UC I would stick to the red carpet.

Tried to use it in Shanghai, but they have not got the DIY desk set up yet, so of no value at all at that end.

Hi jonathan just to let you know row 11 and 12 would not show on the OLCI system as the seats on the main deck are Upper Class seats used as PE, and these seats allocated last of as they try to get the upper deck full first.

Also row 11 and 12 on MCO flights are normally reserved for pax travelling on full fare PE tickets.(or friends of VS staff) :D

Of course thats in theory but it all depends on the day!

If you have reduced mobility you should call special assistance they will put a note in the booking, also this way you have more chance of being upgraded if you cannot get up the stairs.

The Cabin Safety Manual says all passengers must be able to go up and down the stairs swiftly and unaided in the event of an emergency.

Hope this helps.

Declan,
Thanks for the advice, I fly VS a lot and am very familular with special assistance;)
I appriciate I shouldn't be able to select those seats (11,12) on a W ticket
However if special assistance can add notes so I'll get row 11 or 12 @ check in It would be good if they could override the OLCI so that the seat they add to the notes is also on the OLCI

being an AU holder anyway the queues at airport checkin arent normally that bad
its a shame as I usually carry only hand luggage and OLCI would be handy