Virgin Atlantic
Skytrax seems to echo what rog747 has been saying. However there are a few who still rate VS and what it has to offer.
Virgin Atlantic Airways Customer Reviews | SKYTRAX
Not having flown with them since they first started I'm not in a position to comment. But back in the early days the service was superb on the 742. My view and that of friends who fly for them is they have lost there presence in the market place and not moved on with the times. They certainly need to streamline the fleet to save future costs.
Virgin Atlantic Airways Customer Reviews | SKYTRAX
Not having flown with them since they first started I'm not in a position to comment. But back in the early days the service was superb on the 742. My view and that of friends who fly for them is they have lost there presence in the market place and not moved on with the times. They certainly need to streamline the fleet to save future costs.
Join Date: Dec 1998
Location: .
Posts: 2,995
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having flown VS PE and J in the last couple of weeks, I would have to say that the service, food, IFE etc was very good, better than I was expecting having read lots of things on the internet.
The only thing I would agree with is the UD config on the 744, whoever thought of that should be shot!
The only thing I would agree with is the UD config on the 744, whoever thought of that should be shot!
quote:
Having flown VS PE and J in the last couple of weeks, I would have to say that the service, food, IFE etc was very good, better than I was expecting having read lots of things on the internet.
The only thing I would agree with is the UD config on the 744, whoever thought of that should be shot!
me:
good to hear that and i note too having read latest reviews plus feedback from others both with VAA and not the opinion seems to be having a shift change for the better a wee bit...well that's good
perhaps the new Yankee at the top is staring to make a difference?
his axe has been falling all around the chaff and the wheat
Having flown VS PE and J in the last couple of weeks, I would have to say that the service, food, IFE etc was very good, better than I was expecting having read lots of things on the internet.
The only thing I would agree with is the UD config on the 744, whoever thought of that should be shot!
me:
good to hear that and i note too having read latest reviews plus feedback from others both with VAA and not the opinion seems to be having a shift change for the better a wee bit...well that's good
perhaps the new Yankee at the top is staring to make a difference?
his axe has been falling all around the chaff and the wheat
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: MAN
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Were VS ever much good?
I wonder whether people are fondly remembering VS through rose-tinted spectacles.
In the early years of VS I was a regular customer, always in Upper Class. Superficially the cabin service was impressive, at least when measured against the poor standard of BA at that time.
But when things went wrong, they went wrong big time. Yes, all airlines have delays, but after a while I felt that VS were tricksy and mendacious in trying to avoid rebooking pax during Irrops.
Twice on BOS-LON sectors I happily checked in only to (eventually) find out that the flights were delayed by many hours. On both occasions VS only admitted to a delay once all alternative flights on other carriers had left BOS. In both cases, neither plane had actually left LON on the inbound leg when I checked in (but in the pre-internet days you had little opportunity to check such things). And the really irritating thing was the photocopied 'original' letter from Branson expressing his concern about the delay. Of course, as VS didn't admit to any delay until other airlines' flights had left, you were left with no alternative but to sit it out and wait.
Shortly afterwards VS tried to do the same to me ex-JFK. By then I had wised up to their tricks and got them to admit the real extent of the delay. I got them to endorse my ticket over to BA and I'm afraid that was my last booking with VS.
I simply don't trust them, and the general level of the comments on Skytrax suggest I am not alone.
In the early years of VS I was a regular customer, always in Upper Class. Superficially the cabin service was impressive, at least when measured against the poor standard of BA at that time.
But when things went wrong, they went wrong big time. Yes, all airlines have delays, but after a while I felt that VS were tricksy and mendacious in trying to avoid rebooking pax during Irrops.
Twice on BOS-LON sectors I happily checked in only to (eventually) find out that the flights were delayed by many hours. On both occasions VS only admitted to a delay once all alternative flights on other carriers had left BOS. In both cases, neither plane had actually left LON on the inbound leg when I checked in (but in the pre-internet days you had little opportunity to check such things). And the really irritating thing was the photocopied 'original' letter from Branson expressing his concern about the delay. Of course, as VS didn't admit to any delay until other airlines' flights had left, you were left with no alternative but to sit it out and wait.
Shortly afterwards VS tried to do the same to me ex-JFK. By then I had wised up to their tricks and got them to admit the real extent of the delay. I got them to endorse my ticket over to BA and I'm afraid that was my last booking with VS.
I simply don't trust them, and the general level of the comments on Skytrax suggest I am not alone.
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: MAN
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, I'd be the first one to accept that things will have changed since then. But the scary thing about the general theme of Skytrax reviews is that the things I used to find good about VS - namely the cabin service, food, and seats - have all fallen behind competitors, at least judging by reviewers' comments. The comments by others about the need to go back to basics are well made.
Competitors have improved, and it's difficult to see any convincing reason to actively choose VS any more. It's a pity, because BA needs competition.
Competitors have improved, and it's difficult to see any convincing reason to actively choose VS any more. It's a pity, because BA needs competition.
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A lot of Virgin's problems are of their own making.
Some are easy to point out with the benefit of hindsight (eg not seeing that the future of long-haul has two engines).
However, they have simply failed to see the way the industry is going in terms of co-operation between carriers through partnerships which even an airline as rich in capital as Emirates has recognised.
It is somewhat ironic that if Virgin had the scrutiny and financial discipline that comes as a consequence of public ownership, it might have pursued a different course.
If they hadn't fought a completely futile battle against BA and AA (driven no doubt by the personalities involved) and had instead moved to respond, they wouldn't now be launching their own TATL joint-venture some four years after AA and BA which is now reaching a state of maturity. I do also wonder about Virgin's deal making ability behind the scenes given their failure to secure deals (or extract value from them) in the past.
When you consider that BA is forecast to make a profit of about £700m this year and Virgin is forecast to make another loss the divergence in performance of the two carriers is actually quite startling.
I'm sure the performance of Virgin will improve over the next couple of years but they have wasted a lot of time over the past few years.
Some are easy to point out with the benefit of hindsight (eg not seeing that the future of long-haul has two engines).
However, they have simply failed to see the way the industry is going in terms of co-operation between carriers through partnerships which even an airline as rich in capital as Emirates has recognised.
It is somewhat ironic that if Virgin had the scrutiny and financial discipline that comes as a consequence of public ownership, it might have pursued a different course.
If they hadn't fought a completely futile battle against BA and AA (driven no doubt by the personalities involved) and had instead moved to respond, they wouldn't now be launching their own TATL joint-venture some four years after AA and BA which is now reaching a state of maturity. I do also wonder about Virgin's deal making ability behind the scenes given their failure to secure deals (or extract value from them) in the past.
When you consider that BA is forecast to make a profit of about £700m this year and Virgin is forecast to make another loss the divergence in performance of the two carriers is actually quite startling.
I'm sure the performance of Virgin will improve over the next couple of years but they have wasted a lot of time over the past few years.
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: London
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Virgin coasted for years as BA fought with cabin crew and disaster after disaster. And then BA fixed it, and then some.
The BA website functionality, app services etc. is streets ahead of Virgin.
As a customer, the Virgin website moves from sleek new graphics to old fashioned version from years ago.
The BA website functionality, app services etc. is streets ahead of Virgin.
As a customer, the Virgin website moves from sleek new graphics to old fashioned version from years ago.
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: In transit
Age: 70
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am no lover of BA but have to agree that their website, although it has some annoying quirks, is substantially better than VS's. Their customer service is better too.
Although I prefer to fly VS where there is a choice between the two, I have found their website booking process very poor and their call centre 'service' even worse when I've had to call to do something not possible on the website. The staff seem to be poorly trained and disinterested.......
edit : ........... and their call centre is not one of those 'Indian' ones that people criticise, it's in South Wales. It would probably be a lot better if it were in India.
Although I prefer to fly VS where there is a choice between the two, I have found their website booking process very poor and their call centre 'service' even worse when I've had to call to do something not possible on the website. The staff seem to be poorly trained and disinterested.......
edit : ........... and their call centre is not one of those 'Indian' ones that people criticise, it's in South Wales. It would probably be a lot better if it were in India.
Last edited by Capetonian; 2nd Jan 2014 at 18:12.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have to say that Virgin Atlantic seemed to have lost the plot some years back regarding customer service. Mrs Seafire and I used to fly VS twice a year on holidays to the USA &/or SYD, always Upper or Premium.
I too was a Virgin fan, not just the airline, but their various other products too, including Virgin Money & ISAs etc. In fact I even got myself the Virgin Atlantic 'Black' Visa credit card, and paid the subscription fee, so I could double my accruing Flying Club Miles. What a con that was - within three months of getting my card they changed it to Amex! With Visa I'd spend perhaps £900-£1200 per month (I was a smoker then!), but due to the lack of Amex retailers, I was soon forced to split all my purchases between my VS-Amex and a non-VS Visa card. Upon complaining directly to Virgin I was told, "Amex offered us a better commission rate"?! After three years my VS Flying Club Miles total was simply derisory, and I had to "buy" a huge number of points just to get a flight. I then closed the account, pronto!
Meanwhile, back on the actual Virgin Atlantic front, things were getting worse. Their website never was much cop, but once during a stay in Vermont I went online to double-check our next day's flight BOS-LHR, only to find our pre-selected seats had vanished! No joy correcting that on the VS website, so I tried phoning the USA "Helpline"(?) and after ages going around their numerous phone-menu options, a recorded voice said, "...get to the airport early...." and then HUNG UP on me! Result? Miserable centre seats for the two of us from BOS back to LHR....!
Six years ago at MAN, on our way to MCO, our Premium check-in line was stationary for 30mins, whilst the Economy line alongside was speeding through. Upon querying this with a duty VS Pax Rep walking past, she said, "..some staff passengers have a check-in problem..."! Staff??! Ye Gods!
Amongst other things, to quote from my "final" letter of complaint to Virgin Atlantic, "...I wouldn't offer your so-called breakfast to a child, let alone to an adult paying for a Premium service..." . Sorry SRB, but considering VS is a long-haul airline, why should I tolerate your uncomfortable seating and inedible food? The reviews would appear to support me on this. Alas, adieu to Virgin Atlantic.
Try comparing the VS Premium Economy against BA's WTP product. For me, it's no contest and I've chosen NOT to fly VS for the past six years, and have happily found BA much more than adequate. You never know, we might even start looking at BA for flights within Europe too, instead of easyJet!
I realize this has been a bit of a rant, and it gives me little pleasure that what I'd once looked upon as a great home-based "2nd force" innovative airline, would now surprise me if still in business in a few years.
I too was a Virgin fan, not just the airline, but their various other products too, including Virgin Money & ISAs etc. In fact I even got myself the Virgin Atlantic 'Black' Visa credit card, and paid the subscription fee, so I could double my accruing Flying Club Miles. What a con that was - within three months of getting my card they changed it to Amex! With Visa I'd spend perhaps £900-£1200 per month (I was a smoker then!), but due to the lack of Amex retailers, I was soon forced to split all my purchases between my VS-Amex and a non-VS Visa card. Upon complaining directly to Virgin I was told, "Amex offered us a better commission rate"?! After three years my VS Flying Club Miles total was simply derisory, and I had to "buy" a huge number of points just to get a flight. I then closed the account, pronto!
Meanwhile, back on the actual Virgin Atlantic front, things were getting worse. Their website never was much cop, but once during a stay in Vermont I went online to double-check our next day's flight BOS-LHR, only to find our pre-selected seats had vanished! No joy correcting that on the VS website, so I tried phoning the USA "Helpline"(?) and after ages going around their numerous phone-menu options, a recorded voice said, "...get to the airport early...." and then HUNG UP on me! Result? Miserable centre seats for the two of us from BOS back to LHR....!
Six years ago at MAN, on our way to MCO, our Premium check-in line was stationary for 30mins, whilst the Economy line alongside was speeding through. Upon querying this with a duty VS Pax Rep walking past, she said, "..some staff passengers have a check-in problem..."! Staff??! Ye Gods!
Amongst other things, to quote from my "final" letter of complaint to Virgin Atlantic, "...I wouldn't offer your so-called breakfast to a child, let alone to an adult paying for a Premium service..." . Sorry SRB, but considering VS is a long-haul airline, why should I tolerate your uncomfortable seating and inedible food? The reviews would appear to support me on this. Alas, adieu to Virgin Atlantic.
Try comparing the VS Premium Economy against BA's WTP product. For me, it's no contest and I've chosen NOT to fly VS for the past six years, and have happily found BA much more than adequate. You never know, we might even start looking at BA for flights within Europe too, instead of easyJet!
I realize this has been a bit of a rant, and it gives me little pleasure that what I'd once looked upon as a great home-based "2nd force" innovative airline, would now surprise me if still in business in a few years.
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Nr Aston Down, Cotswolds
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Virgin have become complacent!
10-15 years ago VS were the leading UK brand in the industry. So they puffed out their chest and started telling the world.
Trouble is, they still think that is the case! Well, news for you! BA and the likes have moved on.
It's time for VS to up their game!
Trouble is, they still think that is the case! Well, news for you! BA and the likes have moved on.
It's time for VS to up their game!
yes exactly what my opinion posted earlier...
do VAA management not fly on other legacy carriers to see how its done?
do VAA management not fly on other legacy carriers to see how its done?
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: MAN
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the last 20 years has passed them by, judging by the fact that their publicity is still focussed on female cabin crew dressed as stripograms (I'm being polite). Half their potential market is female, for heaven's sake, and harking back to the sexist 80s is hardly what you'd expect in the 21st century.
yes a 60 year old Branson in a pilots outfit picking up some blonde bimbette over his shoulder and plonking her on a wing or in an engine intake for a photo shoot is very wearing...lol
I think the last 20 years has passed them by, judging by the fact that their publicity is still focussed on female cabin crew dressed as stripograms (I'm being polite). Half their potential market is female, for heaven's sake, and harking back to the sexist 80s is hardly what you'd expect in the 21st century.
Is this his tackiest PR stunt yet? Richard Branson lifts his kilt to promote Virgin¿s expansion into Scotland | Mail Online
Yes, the Daily Mail thought it was tacky....
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: London
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Type in You Tube "Pam Ann Vigin Atlantic" and watch the VAA parodies naughty but very funny and illustrate Basil Bush's point.
I wont post them here as I'll probably get banned - lol !
I wont post them here as I'll probably get banned - lol !