You can even arrive by taxi. The left turn off is extremely sharp!

Great, thanks folks for prompt replies. Will get that booked.

Thanks TCAS FAN
When I rang the number they said that pre-booking was no longer required - just turn up. My guess is that i) That saves time (=money) in admin of noting details ii) That many folks then turned up in a different vehicle anyway.

Thanks PAXboy, will remember that for next trip. Enjoy the Clubhouse, if you are travelling to MIA you will have to use the Delta Business Class lounge on the return, its absolute c**p, no comparison to the Virgin Clubhouses, you even have to buy your drinks if you do not want some obscure brand, and forget the champagne!

Utter drivel of the highest order, worthy of Branson on his high horse "4 engines 4 long haul" days.
I do love VS but sometimes they make it hard....do they even realise they're good enough not to need this special treatment anymore?

The tunr off to the Clubhouse IS sharp! There is barrier and entryphone now. They checked the names and flight numbers of pax and then lifted the barrier.
Yes, the Clubhouse and service was brilliant. Could not fault them.

As to the expansion plans, I support them, not least as they mark Cape Town as being restored. I think the whole 'flag carrier' thing is a long hang over from their BA problems. I would rather point out that there is no flag carrier - as we no longer have a state owned airline and the largest airline is not all British. But they are playing an old tune and can't seem to get it out of their ear.

....and there we were all thinking (a few years ago) that getting Flybe (as it currently is) an increasing foothold at LHR seemed a bit crazy.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...mas-cook-slots

VS looking to gain extra slots at MAN. Although it mentions possibly using DL aircraft i'm guessing as slot sitters, any chance of VS keeping A340's on (again) and the 747's longer, with long term goal of more new A330/A350's? Chancing their luck at getting second hand A330's?

I could maybe see Virgin take on Thomas Cook's G-TCX* A330's and adding additional capacity on some of the ex TCX routes, as well as reintroduce BOS. We shall see I guess

They dont need re-add Boston, DL are doing it for them soon. They could get DL do ATL again aswell, that would free up a frame or 2.

Oh of course I forgot that Delta were taking it over.

Any news of any further expansion?

Seemed to think a new MAN destination was going to come about?

I believe that a shortage of aircraft has been responsible for a lack of announcements at this time.

Got to say I heard a whisper about BA returning (longhaul) to Manchester

Not happening.

This was from an exdespatcher who's wife works for BA out of Heathrow. You never know, we should ask a cleaner or caterer they always know first.