Virgin UK - Crew Discussions
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Glasgow
Age: 43
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Think it depends on the person you get, some are lovely, others are just not, i did it a couple of times on my monthly standby and they were fine with me, tho i find sometimes if your lovely to them then they are the same!
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What I kinda thought. Never had any trouble with crewing in 13 years, always been lovely, but then so have I!!!!
hey thats the name of the game, no-one forces me to do a job I love!
hey thats the name of the game, no-one forces me to do a job I love!
Last edited by sign-it-to-your-room; 6th Jun 2007 at 17:15.
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Glasgow
Age: 38
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Commuting?
hello all,Wondering if you can help me... I just got a job with VS and am so excited! I live in Glasgow and have just bought my first house. I'm planning on moving for the six weeks of my training. After that I plan to commute from GLA. Could anyone tell me of their experiences and tell me if it is, infact, possible? How much is it likely to cost me, and am I stupid to think that it's possible? Any benefits or discounts I can get in my first six months?
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: north west
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Virgin Glasgow
hi there, i too have applied for virgin yet i live up north (about 40mins from MAN). I would also be commuting down there if i got the job, I think roughly it will cost around £200 - £300 per month based on 4 - 5 flights down tho london per month. The other option is the train, you get 40% discount after 6 mths, but if your under 25 u can get a young persons railcard which gives u 1/3 off. I have got a specific thread about commuting, u mite want to have a read. I think there are lots of commuters so i can be done, the only thing i worry about is this monthly standby thing that vs are now doing. I havent got the job yet, but i have put off applying for so long as i was unsure if i could commute, ive decided just to go for it! 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Pink,
I commute from MAN and it's not really a problem but far from ideal.
Just so you know, we're eligible for a Tribe card which enitles us to discounts on the train from day 1. It's just staff travel that you have to wait 6 months for.
I personally find it easiest to take the train down as it guarantees me getting there then jump on the first flight back up.
I'm on the Airbus so luckily most of our flights are in the evening and ex LHR which suits the commute. However, according to some of my friends it isn't too difficult to swap with crew that prefer the LGW flights.
Good luck with the application
Cheers
I commute from MAN and it's not really a problem but far from ideal.
Just so you know, we're eligible for a Tribe card which enitles us to discounts on the train from day 1. It's just staff travel that you have to wait 6 months for.
I personally find it easiest to take the train down as it guarantees me getting there then jump on the first flight back up.
I'm on the Airbus so luckily most of our flights are in the evening and ex LHR which suits the commute. However, according to some of my friends it isn't too difficult to swap with crew that prefer the LGW flights.
Good luck with the application
Cheers
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: north west
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
car park pass
thanks for your comments AFA 
i really have been thinking long and hard about the whole commuting thing, ive done lots of reseach on internet today!
Just another few questions i have, if you dont mind
* is it true that if you have a car park pass for say MAN or LHR, and u are rostered a flight that leaves EX-LGW, that u can park there also? just incase i wanted to drive 4 looong hours, which would be last resort
*When u get the train do u get the heathrow express coach from watford, that seems to be the only way yo get to LHR from up here
*AND finally, when u have a really early check in (say 7am, no time for the train that morning), where do u stay the nite before? ive heard virgin crew get good rates on ibis etc, do u know?
anymore info u cud give me wud be great x
thanks
i really have been thinking long and hard about the whole commuting thing, ive done lots of reseach on internet today!
Just another few questions i have, if you dont mind
* is it true that if you have a car park pass for say MAN or LHR, and u are rostered a flight that leaves EX-LGW, that u can park there also? just incase i wanted to drive 4 looong hours, which would be last resort
*When u get the train do u get the heathrow express coach from watford, that seems to be the only way yo get to LHR from up here
*AND finally, when u have a really early check in (say 7am, no time for the train that morning), where do u stay the nite before? ive heard virgin crew get good rates on ibis etc, do u know?
anymore info u cud give me wud be great x
thanks
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No, you now get one parking pass and one pass only. If you choose a MAN pass intending to fly down most of the time, then that's all you get. It's a sore point as if your pass is for LHR and you have a LGW flight, you have to catch the crew bus which runs every 90 mins or so, and adds hours to each day you work.
Staff travel tickets are now £58 each, so it's a chunk out of your salary each month.
Staff travel tickets are now £58 each, so it's a chunk out of your salary each month.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, that's true. Only one carpark pass issued now i think. In your case the easiest thing to do would be to arrive at LHR whichever way you choose then catch the Virgin bus to LGW. You can buy another pass for about £40 per month but it's hardly worth it.
For early check in's however you would obviously need to be there the night before. For the few early flights out of LHR (MIA, JFK, IAD) it is possible to catch the 1st flight down but otherwise i normally stay at either the Crown Plaza or the Holiday Inn both of which do a crew rate. Not sure about LGW as we never fly out of there on my fleet but i heard the Ibis is ok.
Yes, it's best to get the train to Watford Junction then catch the Virgin bus to LHR. It's really good actually as they depart about 10 mins after the trains arrive (and every half hour) and stop right opposite the crew room. Plus most importantly it's free for us!
The commute is a big chunk out of the salary and the sby tickets are now £58 as has been mentioned. However the train tickets can be as little as £12 each way which really cuts down the costs. Not sure which part of MAN you're from but if you're near Manchester Picadilly, Stockport or Macclesfield
it's very convenient. The commute costs me far less than the increased mortgage payments i would incur if i decided to move back down south.
Worth it for me but see how you feel after 6 months. You can apply for the MAN base or become an honorary Southerner!
Feel free to pm me if you have anymore questions. If i don't know the answer cos it's LGW or specific cc stuff i'll find out.
Cheers
For early check in's however you would obviously need to be there the night before. For the few early flights out of LHR (MIA, JFK, IAD) it is possible to catch the 1st flight down but otherwise i normally stay at either the Crown Plaza or the Holiday Inn both of which do a crew rate. Not sure about LGW as we never fly out of there on my fleet but i heard the Ibis is ok.
Yes, it's best to get the train to Watford Junction then catch the Virgin bus to LHR. It's really good actually as they depart about 10 mins after the trains arrive (and every half hour) and stop right opposite the crew room. Plus most importantly it's free for us!
The commute is a big chunk out of the salary and the sby tickets are now £58 as has been mentioned. However the train tickets can be as little as £12 each way which really cuts down the costs. Not sure which part of MAN you're from but if you're near Manchester Picadilly, Stockport or Macclesfield
it's very convenient. The commute costs me far less than the increased mortgage payments i would incur if i decided to move back down south.
Worth it for me but see how you feel after 6 months. You can apply for the MAN base or become an honorary Southerner!
Feel free to pm me if you have anymore questions. If i don't know the answer cos it's LGW or specific cc stuff i'll find out.
Cheers
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm afraid it's not possible to buy another parking pass, I tried that and was told I couldn't. My commuting days are now over, hallelujah. I tried catching a flight a few times from Manchester, but couldn't get on serveral times, so gave up. Even trying to get there for the 9.30 LA proved impossible. It was quicker to drive than sit around for hours waiting to get on a flight in the end. I once allowed six and a half hours at Manchester airport to operate the Jo'burg, and got there with one minute to spare!
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Glasgow
Age: 41
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi
Honestly it will be more expensive during your first 6 months before you receive your BA/BMI concessions. I commuted from Glasgow after probabtion, but know people who moved straight back after training. They just had to book flights as soon as they received their roster - and it worked out quite dear, but they were confirmed seats - also you will have to give yourself plenty of time at the LHR/LGW side incase of any delays with the VS inbound flight which could end up costing you a small fortune trying to get home.
I think it is worth it though - it's 4 months realistically of doing this - 5 at a push - and you'll get used to it pretty quickly - if you are really brave you could always consider the bus?! National Express from Buchanan Street to Heathrow every night - if you get there early for flight - sneak into the crew sleeping chairs and rest up before check in. Don't be surprised at the lengths some crew go and travel to get to work - says a lot about the great job!!!
When your probation is up, and you get concessions - v important dont go sick at all in first 6 months as it'll knock getting your concessions back - not nice - use your concessions and buy 5 tickets a month - roughly £270, standby - but be ready for the performance it can mean trying to get to work form Glasgow standby especially as a Virgin Junior - good luck - you probably will be taking that bus every time! There are just a lot of BA staff who commute and take up loads of spare seats - then VS lot - but again - worth it - and you'll always have an airport pal to chat to!!
Hope it all works out well!!
Honestly it will be more expensive during your first 6 months before you receive your BA/BMI concessions. I commuted from Glasgow after probabtion, but know people who moved straight back after training. They just had to book flights as soon as they received their roster - and it worked out quite dear, but they were confirmed seats - also you will have to give yourself plenty of time at the LHR/LGW side incase of any delays with the VS inbound flight which could end up costing you a small fortune trying to get home.
I think it is worth it though - it's 4 months realistically of doing this - 5 at a push - and you'll get used to it pretty quickly - if you are really brave you could always consider the bus?! National Express from Buchanan Street to Heathrow every night - if you get there early for flight - sneak into the crew sleeping chairs and rest up before check in. Don't be surprised at the lengths some crew go and travel to get to work - says a lot about the great job!!!
When your probation is up, and you get concessions - v important dont go sick at all in first 6 months as it'll knock getting your concessions back - not nice - use your concessions and buy 5 tickets a month - roughly £270, standby - but be ready for the performance it can mean trying to get to work form Glasgow standby especially as a Virgin Junior - good luck - you probably will be taking that bus every time! There are just a lot of BA staff who commute and take up loads of spare seats - then VS lot - but again - worth it - and you'll always have an airport pal to chat to!!
Hope it all works out well!!
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: worthing
Age: 56
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pay Talks
The union is not endorsing the unofficial action planned by militants on the 9th of June.It's in our best interest's to allow due process even though it takes an age.Rumour control latest is an increase on route pay not basic.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
9th June is the date bandied about for UNOFFICIAL strike action, which would be foolish. Not only would you lose money, you stand to lose your job too. Besides, I'm on standby that day 
So few would take unofficial action, it would be a complete waste of effort.
Wait for news from the union about official strike action if the talks don't make any satisfactory progress. If the rumour is right about no rise in basic, well ....
So few would take unofficial action, it would be a complete waste of effort.Wait for news from the union about official strike action if the talks don't make any satisfactory progress. If the rumour is right about no rise in basic, well ....
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you participate in an illegal strike your union will lose all credibility with the management and they will have NO chance of negotiating a decent deal.
One of the bargaining chips you have is that the company are desperate to avoid the negative publicity of industrial action and you will throw that away by doing this.
Let the union try and do the job you pay them for, don't screw them & your colleagues like Tea or Coffee over by striking against their advice.
I really want you guys to get the deal you deserve but idiocy like this makes me wonder what some of you are thinking.
One of the bargaining chips you have is that the company are desperate to avoid the negative publicity of industrial action and you will throw that away by doing this.
Let the union try and do the job you pay them for, don't screw them & your colleagues like Tea or Coffee over by striking against their advice.
I really want you guys to get the deal you deserve but idiocy like this makes me wonder what some of you are thinking.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Above 5L
Age: 43
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know we are all desperate to get a pay rise.
Bills, Mortgages, Rent, Commuting Expenses all add up, and that's before you even have a chance to enjoy your life.
It's all well and good us getting 7 free flights per year, but I don't know anyone who can afford to go on a holiday 7 times a year, let alon afford to pay the taxes.
But... We all have to be patient. Getting VAA to change their management practices is going to be a long and slow process.
Rather than promoting unofficial strike action, we should be promoting union membership. I have flown with several crew both CC and SCC who are not even members, some who have been around for over two years!!!
I want to see more text messages promoting union membership!!!
Bills, Mortgages, Rent, Commuting Expenses all add up, and that's before you even have a chance to enjoy your life.
It's all well and good us getting 7 free flights per year, but I don't know anyone who can afford to go on a holiday 7 times a year, let alon afford to pay the taxes.
But... We all have to be patient. Getting VAA to change their management practices is going to be a long and slow process.
Rather than promoting unofficial strike action, we should be promoting union membership. I have flown with several crew both CC and SCC who are not even members, some who have been around for over two years!!!
I want to see more text messages promoting union membership!!!