UC - A little bit worried...!!!

Hello

I am fairly new to this site, and I have read the trip reports over the last few weeks with interest.

I must admit to suffering the jitters somewhat. I recently booked a holiday to Orlando for me and my husband. We decided to take the plunge and upgrade to UC which to be honest has doubled the cost of the holiday.

After reading some of the trip reports here, I must admit to being somewhat concerned as to whether it will all prove to be a big waste of money, and a few people seem unimpressed with the service.

i would appreciate anyone who could give me some reassurances that the money we are going to fork out will be well spent.

Thanks
Sezz

If your a first time flyer, then you havent got any standards to match!
The upside there is you cant compare the food to what it was a year ago for example.
Many users on this site are frequent flyers to Virgins UCS so I guess the magic and excitement and delight has possibly faded now from their experiences, and as you do, you get picky. I guarentee however its gotta be better than economy!

I've just been in the Upper Suites for the first time ( I will do a trip report shortly!) and I found the service and the whole experience superb I think that you'll love it. I now think that it is the only way to fly[y]

I havent flown UCS either - but like you have booked it for our trip to Orlando in September. I have flown with Virgin enough to have seen it though and let me tell you the one thing I am paying for is the fact that the seat is a 6ft 6in bed on the way back!! I am not that bothered about the food or even the service - but the thought of that lovely bed is wonderful.

Couple that with easier check in, no scramble for seats, the lounge access and a nice big TV screen then I thing the extra wedge is worth it - particularly if you were able to book the UCS with Virgin Holidays who have got a fantastic price!!

And like the previous post said - lots of folk use UCS all the time so they have every right to question how it is in relation to how it was - for me however - Im dead excited!!!

[Nottingham Nick]

As an infrequent J class flyer, I can empathise with your concerns.

Whilst it is true that there are a number of TRs on the board where the UC experience hasn't lived up to expectations (or has become staid, after a number of trips), there are also a number of reports where the experience has been excellent.

You have no control over the attitude of the staff, nor the preparation and quality of the food. You do however, have a large amount of control over the whole experience.

I assume you will be travelling from LGW, in which case you will be able to take full advantage of the Clubhouse and pre book treatments. Do a forum search to get details of these, if you aren't already familiar.

As you are a fair way from LGW, I would also advise travelling to the airport the night before and stopping in nice hotel... you usually get some good deals here, if you haven't already booked.

Also, on the plane - make the most of the food / the bar and all of the extras.

There isn't a Clubhouse at MCO for the return but there is a lounge, that has got mixed reviews here over the last few months.

All in all, I believe that - if you go with the view that you are going to have a great time, it is more likely that you actually will.

I hope you have a great trip, and hope that you let us know how it went when you get back... good or bad.

Nick

Thank you to one and all for taking the time to respond to my panicked questioning...[:0] It has gone a long way in helping to reassure me.

This will be my first UC experience, and although booked as part of a Virgin holiday, it has still added an extra £2200 to the cost of the holiday.

Saying that, I am sooo looking forwards to the experience. As a larger lady who stands at 6 foot tall, I need the space frankly and Virgin seems the place to get it. After being impressed with their PE, I don't see how UC can be a disappointment to me. I appreciate that many people here are frequent flyers who experience UC more than I can ever hope to. The danger is that I will become addicted to UC and PE will never seem the same again...!!!:D

Once again, thanks for your comments everyone.. I can't wait to fly..!!!

Cheers
Sezz

[Nottingham Nick]

Originally posted by Madmilomutt
The danger is that I will become addicted to UC and PE will never seem the same again...!!!:D

You won't be the first who has fallen into THAT trap [8D]

There are a few people on here who will be able to counsel you though. [}:)]

Nick

[buns]

Madmilomutt

Hi and welcome to V-flyer

I think what often comes across on this site is the extent to which expectations are (or are not) realised. It is in the case of the latter that the disappointment shows.

Two things I would like to add to the debate:

1. I have just come back from a UCS flight (after upgrading with miles) and I can say the service and food are still both excellent. To me, the suite cannot be matched. I am hooked[:I][:I]

2. Mrs Buns is also a tall lady and she has been persuaded by the space the suite offers to move up from PE.

Have a good trip

We have also booked UC for the first time for a holiday to MCO next September. We booked through VH and thought it a good upgrade price. I have to say regardless of some of the negative comments on here, we can't wait.

[ChuckC]

Welcome to VFlyer,
The others have said it very well indeed. I'll just add that one of our august members remarked some while back that the atmosphere in UC--chiefly the increase in personal space, especially the Suite--should count for a great deal of one's enjoyment of flying in "the pointy bit". The food and service are a plus, of course (when they are well executed); but, as Nottingham Nick points out, we have no control over the crew.

Looking forward to your TR. In the meanwhile please use the resources here at VFlyer; this Forum made my first trip on VS a much more rewarding experience.

Regards,
Chuck-

Sarah,
Welcome. Any questions on VS and more feel free to ask, somebody will always post an answer.

We flew UC for the 1st time this year.
We had such a great experience that we're already looking for UC prices for next year.
Make the most of the experience, stay overnight at LGW,just get a room only deal. Have breakfast in the clubhouse. Pre-book the beauty treatments.
One thing that we have done for the last few years is pick the car up the following morning in MCO. This way we enjoyed the inflight bar.
On the way home the Delta Crown room is OK, free drinks, but no food. Maybe after the clubhouse our expectations were too high.

Don't forget, if you haven't already, join VS flying club and start earning miles for your 1st free flight.

Enjoy... And remember the trip reports.

Enjoy... And remember the trip reports

I've just posted mine to Orlando as promised:D

Nick has said so much that is sensible and right ... really, really enjoy your trip and don't be put off that 'you havent got any standards to match' because I'm sure you do.

Flying UC is a wonderful experience, when my no 1 first flew it after years of biz class in opposition airlines the response was overwhlemingly fantastic. Me of course is a jaded and slightly cynical pax who notices minor changes and comments on them - but I usually fly for work so it is not relaxed and is full of hassles ... we tend to transfer these to all aspect of our travels.

Truth is, what we may say about our niggles ask this question: why are we still here and not spending our hard earned money with any other airline?