UC - do you do it for the extras or the seat?

Although I'd often find myself somewhere in the footwell in a less than elegant position, I was never bothered that much by J2000 as much as some others. However, I much prefer UCS even with its flaws[:)]

VS.

Originally posted by VS045
Although I'd often find myself somewhere in the footwell in a less than elegant position, I was never bothered that much by J2000 as much as some others. However, I much prefer UCS even with its flaws[:)]

VS.

Oh you have reminded me of that awful sloping J2000...it was terrible, nevermind all that Ming The Merciless chrome attached! Like you, I'd wake up every 20 minutes, sliding dowwwwwn.

GJ

Originally it was the UCS seat. those of you who live outside 'Larrrndan' know that coming back from the USA (or even Japan for that matter) having a three hour drive home from the airport suffering from jet lag is not funny and can be quite scary.
With the old recline recardo/J2000 seats I still could not get some proper rest in those, I am not designed to sleep up at an angle. I was happy in that case to go PE or other airlines equivalent.
The UCS seat has made this potentially fatal drive home much much safer and better.

HOWEVER.
VS are not now the only airline travelling the routes I do with flat bed seats. Up to now as the prices are within a few pounds of each other the LGW clubhouse is the net which keeps me with Virgin over other airlines.
It is however a very tenuous thread as the rest of the service is letting the product down.
Unlike a few on this forum, I have to pay for my UC flights out of my own pocket, and compared to many on here who have large salaries, it is a higher percentage of my finances, and I want, no, expect to be treated differently to the other classes on the flight. Originally this was what brought me to VS over Continental, American and even BA, (like some of you I was orginally a Freeway member) but this is now sadly missing on the Virgin priorities.
Anyone who has flown from either Gatwick or Manchester (MAN particulary)cannot help feel like a second class premium passenger, from the laughable 'priority boarding' which does not exist, through the crappy Vauxhall Nova IFE, the poor food, service and drinks availability, yes, the truly awful premium amenity pack (fly many tim4es a year its nothing, fly once or twice a year this should be a pleasure to have, not a shoe bag which I got with my last pair of Oxfords)even down now to the cost cutting of no shiny silver ticket wallet or UC luggage lables sent out, just your print your own details.

The Low cost Charters like FCA etc have caught VS up and if they ever have flat bed seats fitted, VS will be in trouble.

So, to summerise my ramblings, the seat for the sleeping on the way home, held to VS by the clubhouse, at the moment. I cannot say this will continue.

Well in the minority here but I liked the J2000 seat.It was innovative, we see other airlines just fitting the same idea now 7 years on. It looked fantastic made of quality heavy duty materials, not cobbled together in a shed with some resin and carpet. I slept fine on it, the trick was to not recline it all the way down.

Even when travellling in the last of J2000 on -300s years after they'd been fitted, the seats looked in better condition than some of the just months old suites.

VS.

For me it is a combination of the seat, and the layout. There are plenty of comfortable aircraft seats, and however much I like the UCS (and I do) I also like the relative privacy, and the fact that you are not paired with a stranger in close confine when seats are placed in twos (or even worse with the BA layout. Always having an aisle, always being able to bed down without climbing over someone, are both very important to me.

As for the UCS itself, I find VS the only airline where, on a return from New York, I can go to bed as soon as the seat belt sign is off and wake up half an hour before landing - those 5 hours or so of rest are invaluable.

Secondarily, the bar and the club house. Having the comfort preflight in the LHR club house (which I mainly use) is fantastic, and I am a great fan of the bar. Meeting interesting strangers and talking about all sorts, while 35k high on the way to say, San Francisco, has provide me with some good stories, and some new friends.

After being a regular PE traveller I decided to splash out and 'treat' myself to my first UC flight last December. I loved every minute of it from checking-in to settling into the lovely suite - unfortunately you were all right and I'm now hooked. I'm purely a leisure traveller so for me UC is a wonderful way to start and finish my holiday. I've booked UC again for my December Orlando trip, and I've just managed to change my PE return flight in May (Orlando) to UC, unfortunately there was no availability going out but I'm sure I'll survive [ii]

Originally posted by firsttimer
for me UC is a wonderful way to start and finish my holiday.

Absolutely well-said -- better than I've managed to express, to be sure. I am one of those people for whom The Golden Age of Travel is still an environment worth seeking and perpetuating on my leisure journeys (I've given up when it comes to biz travel -- just get me there on time, please, and no bugs in the bed or hair in the tub). That means the finest hotels, best restaurants, shopping at nice stores, etc.

And it most certainly means looking for -- and paying a premium for -- the most delightful and exciting experience when it comes to getting there and getting back.

Thus, with my VS UC legs such a key component of the entire experience, it's especially galling, a real a gut punch, when they get it all wrong. I've had some great trips, and some dodgy ones (check my TRs). Here's hoping VS are reading these posts and taking it all to heart.

Because for you, for me, for many others here, the flight itself is right up there with the visits to the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Taj Mahal, Ginza, or Tate, etc., etc.

Happy flying, firsttimer!

GJ

I have to say its the seat overall that sways me to VS. But to be very honest its the whole experience that makes the whole thing great towards other airlnes. The CH is amazing , the food there , , I just love spending extra time in the CH to enjoy all the benifits of flying UC.

I suppose if one was flying very regular these benifits would eventually become just something thats is there but as my UC flights are only 2/3 times per annum , I enjoy the whole experience. I would like actually to suggest something though , the food at the club house is great yet the food on board is basic / average so how about VS just offering a 'basic' snack on board but promoting / asking passangers to enjoy the food at the CH and fitting all aircraft with V-PORT. It does my head in to not have a VOD system on board, as this is also something I really enjoy - I love movies - I have in the past 18 months been on 2 return flights with VS in UC. Once to Barbados and we had VPORT - The other 1 wase on the Shangahi route which is also VPORT. I go next month to Shanghai again and will experience the VOD system so now I am used to it but for the family holiday I fly to Orlando via Gatwick and return from Barbados and will have to experience the alternative - I know this will drive me nuts but I suppose compared to sone airlines its still amongst the best. Anyway UC for me is all about the experience and enjoyment - the check in / the CH / the SEAT , the entertainment and the bar. For me UC is no1 -

[Scrooge]

Here is the thing though, though it sounds good on paper the cost of fitting V:Port onto the LGW/MAN aircraft is going to be high (this has come up before) and these aircraft are going to be leaving VS in the near (5 years or so) so from a cost point of view it would be wasting money.

The money would be better spent improving the food and general service on board.

Porsche911,
You need to update your FC card colour on this site. You must be silver at least.

Alan , I made an error by including next months trip - I have flown so far twice IN UC with 2 (INC May) to come and another in September. However I used to fly 2 times a year to Singapore and had a Krisflyer card and when I went to Barbados last Feb (2006) I handed in my Krisflyer card but now most of my long haul business trips are now to Shanghai I switched all my business to VS. I will be silver next month - By the way how do I update when I receive same from VS.

Originally posted by porsche911
Alan , I made an error by including next months trip - I have flown so far twice IN UC with 2 (INC May) to come and another in September. However I used to fly 2 times a year to Singapore and had a Krisflyer card and when I went to Barbados last Feb (2006) I handed in my Krisflyer card but now most of my long haul business trips are now to Shanghai I switched all my business to VS. I will be silver next month - By the way how do I update when I receive same from VS.

Congratulations for next month Porsche.
When you get your silver card you will have a new Fc number. Go to your profile and input the new number and by the mystic workings of PixUK, it will change to a Silver avatar [:D]

A vote for the suite from me. Whilst I really love spending time in the LHR/JFK lounges, the fact that I know for the next 7 hours I will be sitting in relative comfort and arrive at my destination refreshed and ready to go,is the most important thing.

[HighFlyer]

Interesting that many find the suite the most important part of the experience. I'd say that this certainly puts ANZ in a good position for some of us contemplating flights to LAX, HKG or SYD. Same seat, higher quality food and wine, Tier points and miles, etc. Only downside i can really see is the RCC lounge instead of a Clubhouse.

Thanks,
Sarah

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Interesting that many find the suite the most important part of the experience. I'd say that this certainly puts ANZ in a good position for some of us contemplating flights to LAX, HKG or SYD. Same seat, higher quality food and wine, Tier points and miles, etc. Only downside i can really see is the RCC lounge instead of a Clubhouse.

Thanks,
Sarah

As I mentioned earlier Sarah, the lead VS has with the suite is being eroded and many VS regulars if they can get a better complete service will vote with their cash and look at altenative airlines.
Airlines these days are no different to the PC world and automotive amnufacturers essentially. They have to reinvent their programme every few years to keep them above the cheaper companies who follow on slightly behind to keep their passengers.
the problem is that the length of time between new facilities introduction seems to be extending at VS and a perceived and shown reduction of those facilities from the initial introduction is doing Virgin more harm that the cost savings.

The two areas that VS in Premium excell are the seat itself, which is now being copied by many other airlines and the Clubhouses.
Now whilkst no other airline I know has the same facilities as the VS clubhouses, many Virgin passengers only have one to use or in the case of Manchester flights none. Clubhouses are few and far between.
Add to this the now paid access availability through VH, the kudos of having these clubhouses is diminishing. Not anymore for UC pax and Goild card, but also for anyone flying VH and having a spare £35 in the case of Gatwick.
As many other charters are now having paid access clubhouse use, and rather like econ pax wanting more, thse will eventually catch up with the facilities of the two UK VS clubhouses. Then what will make Virgin unique to spend say, and extra £1,000 over these airlines?

Originally posted by AlanA

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Interesting that many find the suite the most important part of the experience. I'd say that this certainly puts ANZ in a good position for some of us contemplating flights to LAX, HKG or SYD. Same seat, higher quality food and wine, Tier points and miles, etc. Only downside i can really see is the RCC lounge instead of a Clubhouse.

Thanks,
Sarah

As I mentioned earlier Sarah, the lead VS has with the suite is being eroded and many VS regulars if they can get a better complete service will vote with their cash and look at altenative airlines.
Airlines these days are no different to the PC world and automotive amnufacturers essentially. They have to reinvent their programme every few years to keep them above the cheaper companies who follow on slightly behind to keep their passengers.
the problem is that the length of time between new facilities introduction seems to be extending at VS and a perceived and shown reduction of those facilities from the initial introduction is doing Virgin more harm that the cost savings.

The two areas that VS in Premium excell are the seat itself, which is now being copied by many other airlines and the Clubhouses.
Now whilkst no other airline I know has the same facilities as the VS clubhouses, many Virgin passengers only have one to use or in the case of Manchester flights none. Clubhouses are few and far between.
Add to this the now paid access availability through VH, the kudos of having these clubhouses is diminishing. Not anymore for UC pax and Goild card, but also for anyone flying VH and having a spare £35 in the case of Gatwick.
As many other charters are now having paid access clubhouse use, and rather like econ pax wanting more, thse will eventually catch up with the facilities of the two UK VS clubhouses. Then what will make Virgin unique to spend say, and extra £1,000 over these airlines?

So well stated: altenative; amnufacturers; that; excell; whilkst; Goild; thse; and, well, erm...and.

AlanA, you are our Chorchill. Our Murtin Lother Kung, Jr. A declaimer for our times, to be sure. I saloot you, sir.

GJ

Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes

Originally posted by AlanA

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Interesting that many find the suite the most important part of the experience. I'd say that this certainly puts ANZ in a good position for some of us contemplating flights to LAX, HKG or SYD. Same seat, higher quality food and wine, Tier points and miles, etc. Only downside i can really see is the RCC lounge instead of a Clubhouse.

Thanks,
Sarah

As I mentioned earlier Sarah, the lead VS has with the suite is being eroded and many VS regulars if they can get a better complete service will vote with their cash and look at altenative airlines.
Airlines these days are no different to the PC world and automotive amnufacturers essentially. They have to reinvent their programme every few years to keep them above the cheaper companies who follow on slightly behind to keep their passengers.
the problem is that the length of time between new facilities introduction seems to be extending at VS and a perceived and shown reduction of those facilities from the initial introduction is doing Virgin more harm that the cost savings.

The two areas that VS in Premium excell are the seat itself, which is now being copied by many other airlines and the Clubhouses.
Now whilkst no other airline I know has the same facilities as the VS clubhouses, many Virgin passengers only have one to use or in the case of Manchester flights none. Clubhouses are few and far between.
Add to this the now paid access availability through VH, the kudos of having these clubhouses is diminishing. Not anymore for UC pax and Goild card, but also for anyone flying VH and having a spare £35 in the case of Gatwick.
As many other charters are now having paid access clubhouse use, and rather like econ pax wanting more, thse will eventually catch up with the facilities of the two UK VS clubhouses. Then what will make Virgin unique to spend say, and extra £1,000 over these airlines?

So well stated: altenative; amnufacturers; that; excell; whilkst; Goild; thse; and, well, erm...and.

AlanA, you are our Chorchill. Our Murtin Lother Kung, Jr. A declaimer for our times, to be sure. I saloot you, sir.

GJ

So pleased you find dyslexia an amusing problem GJ

Originally posted by AlanA

Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes

Originally posted by AlanA
[quote]Originally posted by HighFlyer
Interesting that many find the suite the most important part of the experience. I'd say that this certainly puts ANZ in a good position for some of us contemplating flights to LAX, HKG or SYD. Same seat, higher quality food and wine, Tier points and miles, etc. Only downside i can really see is the RCC lounge instead of a Clubhouse.

Thanks,
Sarah

As I mentioned earlier Sarah, the lead VS has with the suite is being eroded and many VS regulars if they can get a better complete service will vote with their cash and look at altenative airlines.
Airlines these days are no different to the PC world and automotive amnufacturers essentially. They have to reinvent their programme every few years to keep them above the cheaper companies who follow on slightly behind to keep their passengers.
the problem is that the length of time between new facilities introduction seems to be extending at VS and a perceived and shown reduction of those facilities from the initial introduction is doing Virgin more harm that the cost savings.

The two areas that VS in Premium excell are the seat itself, which is now being copied by many other airlines and the Clubhouses.
Now whilkst no other airline I know has the same facilities as the VS clubhouses, many Virgin passengers only have one to use or in the case of Manchester flights none. Clubhouses are few and far between.
Add to this the now paid access availability through VH, the kudos of having these clubhouses is diminishing. Not anymore for UC pax and Goild card, but also for anyone flying VH and having a spare £35 in the case of Gatwick.
As many other charters are now having paid access clubhouse use, and rather like econ pax wanting more, thse will eventually catch up with the facilities of the two UK VS clubhouses. Then what will make Virgin unique to spend say, and extra £1,000 over these airlines?

So well stated: altenative; amnufacturers; that; excell; whilkst; Goild; thse; and, well, erm...and.

AlanA, you are our Chorchill. Our Murtin Lother Kung, Jr. A declaimer for our times, to be sure. I saloot you, sir.

GJ

So pleased you find dyslexia an amusing problem GJ
[/quote]

Sorry, I did not see your disclaimer. My deepest apologies. Please do not take my comments as a statement on your condition; per your private message to me, I hope that one day they can provide a spell check that is of use to you on the site so that buzzards like me don't swoop down on you.

It's difficult -- I grow almost livid at the lack of spelling on here. It's almost my spiritual hegira. Of course, that's me being an ass when you are concerned -- I put my foot in my mouth and I apologize.

Well, at least you are not nuts like some German car afficianados...take succor in that fact.

GJ

I do understand what you mean GJ. Even I get a little annoyed when on many forums nowadays 'text speak' is used as if it is the English language. The word 'You' seems to have gone out of exisitance to be replaced by 'U'

Well, as my company is a tight ass, I tend to only get PE seats at best, but use me miles to upgrade.

I rarely upgrade during the day but always upgrade on night flights.

To be honest, I prefer PE. You feel less enclosed than being in 'the coffin' as peter o'toole told me. You can chat to friends better in PE, and the only saving grace of UC is the bar (which is too small).

To see what I mean, have a look at Etihad airlines new suites:
http://www.etihadairways.com/etihadairw ... tZones.htm

Both Diamond (1st) and Pearl (business) make the UC suite look a bit tired

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Interesting that many find the suite the most important part of the experience. I'd say that this certainly puts ANZ in a good position for some of us contemplating flights to LAX, HKG or SYD. Same seat, higher quality food and wine, Tier points and miles, etc. Only downside i can really see is the RCC lounge instead of a Clubhouse.
Thanks,
Sarah

A very good point Sarah. My sister moved to Auckland this month and I have been looking at various carriers to get me there, ANZ included. I have read some of the TRs for ANZ on V-flyer, all of which appear to be very positive.

[i]Originally posted by AlanA
So pleased you find dyslexia an amusing problem GJ

Well said Alan - please don't be so quick to take the P peeps [:)]

Interesting thread. I think more than anything else the service has to be spot-on and you build on that. I travelled with SQ in Raffles Class a few times a while back and although the sloping seats aren't the easiest to doze in (I traditionally don't sleep well on planes whatever class I'm in), this is a minor quibble when you're being looked after so well.

I can imagine, flat seat or not, an indifferent service - especially if coming out of your own pocket - will have a far larger impact on your enjoyment of a flight.

Darryl

I do it for the extra space and I want to be pampered a bit, I work a lot of hours to pay to turn right.
Don't shoot me but my best experience of Upper Class was actually in the old seats.