Virgin Upper Class
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Glasgow
To be honest with you, I very rarely hear complaints onboard, maybe Im lucky, maybe Im good at my job and create a good rapor with the pax so they dont feel the need to complain. Tho to be honest Im gaging no matter what we were to do for you Warkman Im thinkin its within your personality to maybe find a wee fault somewhere always? 
hehe just playing. Nova on routes from LGW to the Carribbean is as good or better than any other airlines on these routes, diff story if we operated those aircraft out of LHR I agree, but hey, we dont. The Amenity kit is dire, company have realised that and are meeting with crew and speaking to U/C gold card holders about it.
You said about the loads in other airlines going up aswell...Did you see our J loads when we had the J2000 seat? Trust me we have had to win back alot of customers from that seat.
I dont understand some other of your comments, firstly the drink one originally threw me, but what throws me even more now is the reduction in crew. Nah! Never been a reduction in crew. 1 FSM, 2 CSS`s, 5 SCC (744 lhr), 2 SCC (744 lgw), 4 SCC (A343), 5 SCC (A346) + alll the CC in W and Y.
At the end of the day, we are an airline of a small size competing with alot of huge airlines out there, I for one feel we are doing a good job, offer fantastic service, in a fun nature, its not everyones cup of tea, but then they choose to fly with other airlines, thats the way life is, its about choice. I really hope that you dont just use Pprune to show your grievances , write to VS, e-mail, hell pvt me a message and ill take it in to head office. They will take it onboard.
Maybe ill see you onboard one day
. God help us! HA! 
hehe just playing. Nova on routes from LGW to the Carribbean is as good or better than any other airlines on these routes, diff story if we operated those aircraft out of LHR I agree, but hey, we dont. The Amenity kit is dire, company have realised that and are meeting with crew and speaking to U/C gold card holders about it. You said about the loads in other airlines going up aswell...Did you see our J loads when we had the J2000 seat? Trust me we have had to win back alot of customers from that seat.
I dont understand some other of your comments, firstly the drink one originally threw me, but what throws me even more now is the reduction in crew. Nah! Never been a reduction in crew. 1 FSM, 2 CSS`s, 5 SCC (744 lhr), 2 SCC (744 lgw), 4 SCC (A343), 5 SCC (A346) + alll the CC in W and Y.
At the end of the day, we are an airline of a small size competing with alot of huge airlines out there, I for one feel we are doing a good job, offer fantastic service, in a fun nature, its not everyones cup of tea, but then they choose to fly with other airlines, thats the way life is, its about choice. I really hope that you dont just use Pprune to show your grievances , write to VS, e-mail, hell pvt me a message and ill take it in to head office. They will take it onboard.
Maybe ill see you onboard one day
. God help us! HA!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
From: london
Warkman has above raised a good point regarding load factors. Many airlines right now are seeing increases, and I think it is important that individual airline managers do not start assuming that this means reductions in service quality ('product enhancements'??) are popular with pax.
For instance, it has been pointed out above, that Virgin must be doing something right as they are winning new pax/corporate accounts and load factors are increasing, but rather than Virgin thinking "well we're ok, no need to listen to pax or make any effort", rather Virgin should be trying to capitalise on this expansion in demand across all airlines, in order to take greater market share from the competition.
There are rather a lot of disgruntled BA premium pax out there, and Virgin should really be upping it's game to get them, and keep them.
For instance, it has been pointed out above, that Virgin must be doing something right as they are winning new pax/corporate accounts and load factors are increasing, but rather than Virgin thinking "well we're ok, no need to listen to pax or make any effort", rather Virgin should be trying to capitalise on this expansion in demand across all airlines, in order to take greater market share from the competition.
There are rather a lot of disgruntled BA premium pax out there, and Virgin should really be upping it's game to get them, and keep them.
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: The world's biggest beach
Gpik,
thanks for your comments re the UC cabin.
I'll show this tread and the cabin diagrams from other websites to my fiancee.
I must admit my heart says book Virgin, as there are so many positives on offer.
I hope we get cabin crew with your attitude as you sound like you really care about your job and doing the best you can.
thanks for your comments re the UC cabin.
I'll show this tread and the cabin diagrams from other websites to my fiancee.
I must admit my heart says book Virgin, as there are so many positives on offer.
I hope we get cabin crew with your attitude as you sound like you really care about your job and doing the best you can.
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: South Warwickshire
Originally Posted by Gpik
To be honest with you, I very rarely hear complaints onboard, maybe Im lucky, maybe Im good at my job and create a good rapor with the pax so they dont feel the need to complain. Tho to be honest Im gaging no matter what we were to do for you Warkman Im thinkin its within your personality to maybe find a wee fault somewhere always? hehe just playing. Nova on routes from LGW to the Carribbean is as good or better than any other airlines on these routes, diff story if we operated those aircraft out of LHR I agree, but hey, we dont. The Amenity kit is dire, company have realised that and are meeting with crew and speaking to U/C gold card holders about it.
hehe just playing. Nova on routes from LGW to the Carribbean is as good or better than any other airlines on these routes, diff story if we operated those aircraft out of LHR I agree, but hey, we dont. The Amenity kit is dire, company have realised that and are meeting with crew and speaking to U/C gold card holders about it.I am not a picky pax, just not happy about what I perceive as a diminution of the service over the past few years. It seems that UC went up with the introduction of the Suites (Yes, J2000, same guy behind these as the new "scrooge packs" by any chance??
) but since then its all been removals not enhancements (for UC, certainly the new PE seats will be good)I even stayed loyal when the food went REALLY dire! but VS have to pick up their game again.
I don't do carribean, I do do (Duvets?) the USA and in that market VS are now being squeezed on price and quality of service.
Originally Posted by Gpik
You said about the loads in other airlines going up aswell...Did you see our J loads when we had the J2000 seat? Trust me we have had to win back alot of customers from that seat.
Originally Posted by Gpik
I dont understand some other of your comments, firstly the drink one originally threw me, but what throws me even more now is the reduction in crew. Nah! Never been a reduction in crew. 1 FSM, 2 CSS`s, 5 SCC (744 lhr), 2 SCC (744 lgw), 4 SCC (A343), 5 SCC (A346) + alll the CC in W and Y.
Originally Posted by Gpik
At the end of the day, we are an airline of a small size competing with alot of huge airlines out there, I for one feel we are doing a good job, offer fantastic service, in a fun nature, its not everyones cup of tea, but then they choose to fly with other airlines, thats the way life is, its about choice. I really hope that you dont just use Pprune to show your grievances , write to VS, e-mail, hell pvt me a message and ill take it in to head office. They will take it onboard.
Originally Posted by Gpik
Maybe ill see you onboard one day . God help us! HA!
. God help us! HA! If you do the LGW-MCO routes we could have already met
I will give you an update on a MAXJET flight I am taking next month.
Joined: Aug 2002
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
From: South of France
Reading some of the above comments, I think Virgin need to be careful.
Over the past few years, Virgin have made a concerted effort to "harvest" premium passengers for their routes and have been very successful by providing an excellent product. I am one of their "harvestees". I run a division of a FTSE100 company that did a corporate deal with Virgin in 2003 that made UC travel very attractive. I travel about 15 returns a year and I have 15 colleagues who do the same. In the wider corporation, there are another 1000 people who fly regularly. However, we all have a choice..it is not mandated that we use Virgin.
I think it is perfectly appropriate for Virgin to look carefully at their costs and put pressure on suppliers to do the same. I also think it is appropriate for Virgin to increase the price of the ticket from time to time. What is not appropriate is for them to reduce the product. I promise you, if they do that, even by the smallest amount, people will walk. Virgin can put forward any argument they like about how it's not really different or how it makes sense but if I or people like me don't like it, they will vote with their feet..just like we did with BA...and they could afford to lose pax. The customer is not always right, but the customer is King.
Drive in check-in changing, reduced amenities all seem small but it's my £3000and I'll spend it with whom I want.
I'm off now, to take the VS flight to JFK
Over the past few years, Virgin have made a concerted effort to "harvest" premium passengers for their routes and have been very successful by providing an excellent product. I am one of their "harvestees". I run a division of a FTSE100 company that did a corporate deal with Virgin in 2003 that made UC travel very attractive. I travel about 15 returns a year and I have 15 colleagues who do the same. In the wider corporation, there are another 1000 people who fly regularly. However, we all have a choice..it is not mandated that we use Virgin.
I think it is perfectly appropriate for Virgin to look carefully at their costs and put pressure on suppliers to do the same. I also think it is appropriate for Virgin to increase the price of the ticket from time to time. What is not appropriate is for them to reduce the product. I promise you, if they do that, even by the smallest amount, people will walk. Virgin can put forward any argument they like about how it's not really different or how it makes sense but if I or people like me don't like it, they will vote with their feet..just like we did with BA...and they could afford to lose pax. The customer is not always right, but the customer is King.
Drive in check-in changing, reduced amenities all seem small but it's my £3000and I'll spend it with whom I want.
I'm off now, to take the VS flight to JFK
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 3
From: UK
Crikey I cannot believe that 'snooze packs' are such a big issue!!
The new seats are excellent, way better than the J2000, sitting at the bar is far nicer than staying in the seat, masseurs to ease muscles on the flight, smart and usually cheerful cabin crew, a young aircraft fleet, good schedules, better than average IFE entertainment, and on the flights I have used the food has been very acceptable. On time performance is not too shabby either, though there will be people out there with horror stories I'm sure because all airlines suffer them.
BA are more predictable, and suit a certain type of passenger. The stilted and more formal approach of their crew is not for me, I like crew who don't just flash the cabin crew smile then return to frostiness. It is much more sterile environment in my opinion.
People should beware the websites where pax report on flights as often they are written by people with an axe to grind, either pro or anti, and in some cases I doubt whether the person actually flew with the airline they are writing about or are a competitor trying to damage them. Dirty tricks........surely not
The new seats are excellent, way better than the J2000, sitting at the bar is far nicer than staying in the seat, masseurs to ease muscles on the flight, smart and usually cheerful cabin crew, a young aircraft fleet, good schedules, better than average IFE entertainment, and on the flights I have used the food has been very acceptable. On time performance is not too shabby either, though there will be people out there with horror stories I'm sure because all airlines suffer them.
BA are more predictable, and suit a certain type of passenger. The stilted and more formal approach of their crew is not for me, I like crew who don't just flash the cabin crew smile then return to frostiness. It is much more sterile environment in my opinion.
People should beware the websites where pax report on flights as often they are written by people with an axe to grind, either pro or anti, and in some cases I doubt whether the person actually flew with the airline they are writing about or are a competitor trying to damage them. Dirty tricks........surely not
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: South Warwickshire
Originally Posted by surely not
Crikey I cannot believe that 'snooze packs' are such a big issue!!
Originally Posted by surely not
The new seats are excellent, way better than the J2000,
Originally Posted by surely not
sitting at the bar is far nicer than staying in the seat, masseurs to ease muscles on the flight, ,
Originally Posted by surely not
smart and usually cheerful cabin crew, a young aircraft fleet, good schedules, better than average IFE entertainment, ,
Originally Posted by surely not
and on the flights I have used the food has been very acceptable. ,
Don't get out much or fly much then eh??
Originally Posted by surely not
On time performance is not too shabby either, though there will be people out there with horror stories I'm sure because all airlines suffer them,
Originally Posted by surely not
BA are more predictable, and suit a certain type of passenger. The stilted and more formal approach of their crew is not for me, I like crew who don't just flash the cabin crew smile then return to frostiness. It is much more sterile environment in my opinion,
Originally Posted by surely not
People should beware the websites where pax report on flights as often they are written by people with an axe to grind, either pro or anti, and in some cases I doubt whether the person actually flew with the airline they are writing about or are a competitor trying to damage them. Dirty tricks........surely not
Could not be that even they, the most pro Virgin people around have actually had enough of the reduction is service being provided by the bean counters at Virgin accounting????
Joined: Aug 2002
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
From: South of France
Hmm..amenity packs have all become a bit relative now. Given I flew to JFK yesterday, the mind is slightly concentrated on "what if" kind of questions.
I travelled up to Boston this morning and am due to fly back on VS12 tonight..as 11 hasn't left LHR yet, I feel I am in for a bit of a wait....
I don't know, all this and now no shaving cream or toothpaste..what is the world coming to?
I travelled up to Boston this morning and am due to fly back on VS12 tonight..as 11 hasn't left LHR yet, I feel I am in for a bit of a wait....
I don't know, all this and now no shaving cream or toothpaste..what is the world coming to?
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 3
From: UK
Warkman you are a very silly person...............
Judging by your typing on this a few snifters had been had before responding?
So on the one hand you are complaining people are awake when you want to sleep.........but then
so they are trying to make it possible for you to sleep and you complain. Grumpy old git you are Haven't a clue what is meant by surley? Did you mean surly, in which case I would disagree with you. Must be the way you treat them that p!sses them off so, I haven't had any probs with them getting surly, or indeed with BA crew getting surly.
Well without wishing to get into a competition, I fly quite a lot and on a variety of routes with a variety of airlines and I have been offered far less acceptable food than VS offers
That cannot be based on anything other than petty prejudice as they are not bottom of the delay tables for LHR or LGW. At least have the decency to rubbish me with true statements.
My remarks re the accuracy of some of the pax websites is not to say that the pax are nasty, or that VS are above critiscism, it is to point out that the person writing the review doesn't actually need to have travelled at all!! I know someone working for an airline who when he checked out one of the complaints found that none of the details were remotely correct. So don't believe all you read is factual.
Of course trhey are going to be a big issue its a diminution onn the service provided!
The bar has less drink available than before, the IFBT is ONLY available on LHR flights,m NOT LGE or MAN flights and have you trieds to sleep when the drunks are sitting at the bar on west to east flights talking loud???
they are only cheerful on the east to west flights, on the way from west to east they are the most surley group who want you asleep or out of their hair ASAP.
Haven't a clue what is meant by surley? Did you mean surly, in which case I would disagree with you. Must be the way you treat them that p!sses them off so, I haven't had any probs with them getting surly, or indeed with BA crew getting surly.
Don't get out much or fly much then eh??
They have the worst performace than any other airline
My remarks re the accuracy of some of the pax websites is not to say that the pax are nasty, or that VS are above critiscism, it is to point out that the person writing the review doesn't actually need to have travelled at all!! I know someone working for an airline who when he checked out one of the complaints found that none of the details were remotely correct. So don't believe all you read is factual.
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: South Warwickshire
so, not many people are unhappy with "New" Virgin UC??
http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/arti...4257_1,00.html
http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/arti...4257_1,00.html
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Getting others to the FL now
I have flown VS Upper Class 3 times this year, & only on one occasion was I impressed.
The VS crew are really awful - no attention to the finer details towards their premium passenger. I have always claimed that VS are just a glorified charter airline.
The seat on both the A340-600 & 744 are truly uncomfortable, and offer much less space when compared to other airlines offering similar service for roughly the same price.
Within the last 12 months, I have also travelled with SQ & BA, 1st and business at least 10-15 times. Never a problem with either carrier. Service is so much slicker and promt. When i'm spending near GBP4000 per ticket, I expect a lot more than what I get when I fly with VS - which usually equates to a very unfriendly flight.
To answer the qu at the top of this thread, don't waste your money mate - fly with BA or someone else & save yourself a lot of hassle.
The VS crew are really awful - no attention to the finer details towards their premium passenger. I have always claimed that VS are just a glorified charter airline.
The seat on both the A340-600 & 744 are truly uncomfortable, and offer much less space when compared to other airlines offering similar service for roughly the same price.
Within the last 12 months, I have also travelled with SQ & BA, 1st and business at least 10-15 times. Never a problem with either carrier. Service is so much slicker and promt. When i'm spending near GBP4000 per ticket, I expect a lot more than what I get when I fly with VS - which usually equates to a very unfriendly flight.
To answer the qu at the top of this thread, don't waste your money mate - fly with BA or someone else & save yourself a lot of hassle.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 7
From: STANSTED & MANCHESTER
flown BA and VS first class not happy at all
I now ask office to use new stansted airlines eos and maxjet for JFK
you should try em it was out of this world however maxjet should get better on time arrivals when their new aircraft come early next year
I now ask office to use new stansted airlines eos and maxjet for JFK
you should try em it was out of this world however maxjet should get better on time arrivals when their new aircraft come early next year
Autorise a L'atterrissage
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: London
I have had some of the best, and some of the worst flights I ever experienced with Virgin.
This has nothing to do with what is in the amenity kit, or however well the bar may be stocked.
It is simply down to the incredible variation in cabin service - some really happy that you are there, others downright surly and rude.
Until Branson and his management team address this, then the airline will be no more than an also-ran.
A great pity, as I have always been a strong brand-evangelist of Virgin.
This has nothing to do with what is in the amenity kit, or however well the bar may be stocked.
It is simply down to the incredible variation in cabin service - some really happy that you are there, others downright surly and rude.
Until Branson and his management team address this, then the airline will be no more than an also-ran.
A great pity, as I have always been a strong brand-evangelist of Virgin.
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: South Warwickshire
Interesting.
I had a telephone call on Thursday from a girl in SRB's office about the email I had sent regarding the reduction in the service levels.
It seems they have had a lot of complaints recently and they are all being passed onto the head of procurement.
Even she admitted that the ameinity packs had gone down from the original Virgin Vie packs to the carboard envelope of today.
the corporate line is that they are investigating the extra items for the snooze packs, so its still carrying on.
She also mentioned that they all read V-Flyer, i did ask if they read PPRunE as well and she said yes :-)
I had a telephone call on Thursday from a girl in SRB's office about the email I had sent regarding the reduction in the service levels.
It seems they have had a lot of complaints recently and they are all being passed onto the head of procurement.
Even she admitted that the ameinity packs had gone down from the original Virgin Vie packs to the carboard envelope of today.
the corporate line is that they are investigating the extra items for the snooze packs, so its still carrying on.
She also mentioned that they all read V-Flyer, i did ask if they read PPRunE as well and she said yes :-)
Nigerian In Law
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 92
From: The stool at the end of the bar
I've been commuting on VS in UC for the past 6 years. Got the Gold Card, the whole nine yards. Sadly the in-flight service, on board amenities and telephone support have definitely deteriorated over the past year.
I called the "Premier Service Team" number to change a booking and was put through to an Indian call centre. Nothing wrong in that, except it means Tricky Dicky's bean counters are doing what Dyson, Dell and others have done; cut costs at the expense of good service. I was held for 18 minutes while the lady checked with her supervisor whether I could change the date, then another 11 minutes while she got shown how to do it !!
I called the "Premier Service Team" number to change a booking and was put through to an Indian call centre. Nothing wrong in that, except it means Tricky Dicky's bean counters are doing what Dyson, Dell and others have done; cut costs at the expense of good service. I was held for 18 minutes while the lady checked with her supervisor whether I could change the date, then another 11 minutes while she got shown how to do it !!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 983
Likes: 51
From: EGSS
I flew LHR-DXB-LHR Upper Class last week for the first time. A 340-600 on the way out and a -300 on the way home. I loved it, especially where the seat is certified to be fully reclined for take-off and landing (but not in bed mode!). Service great, food great, and the lounge clubhouse and limo pick-up from home are something else
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Buenos Aires, AR
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class experience
Hello. I just flew LHR-DXB in Virginīs upper class.
I am used to flying in economy and sometimes in the old C class of LH and AF.
What a flight! Gee, Iīm shocked.
First, the Club House at LHR. I arrived from Paris at 1PM and my flight left at 8.30PM approx, so I had a loooooooot of time there. I was shocked to see such a lounge. Space to do whatever you want, relax, take an incredible shower, use the jacuzzi, even get tanned and use the sauna!! You can choose to have a free treatment (haircut, feet massage, back massage, etc..etc.). The bar is free...the food is delicious. Internet is also free...they have a very nice terrace (it was a little bit chilly... - 3°C) but with a nice view. ...I mean. ..to me, the Club was truly amazing. The people working there were ALL extremely educated and corteus.
Then, I boarded the 346. Seat 2K. First: shocked to see a bar in there. Then: the layout of the seats is so strange. They are angled 45° facing the aisle and the configuration is 1-1-1. The seat is comfortable and the bed is also nice although a bit short for a guy my height: 1,87m. A bed....You get a Duvet and a pillow..I was even given pajamas!!. I had never seen a flatbed in a flight! The entertainment system is also fantastic and the map is the best I have seen on board. I was like a little kid with a new toy. And the staff were all sooo amazing. Coming from LH where they almost shout at you..specially in economy and also in business...the service was amazing. Everyone had a smile...I mean...it was a great experience. And you can choose what you want for breakfast, different cereals, french toast, preserves, panckakes, orange juice...like a hotel!
And they even have Expresso coffee in the plane...
Kudos to Virgin Atlantic..at a very reasonable price USD 2000.- round ticket (purchased at expedia.com). I just hope they would fly to Argentina!!! I believe I wonīt be able to do much flying with them because of the routes they have.It was a wonderful experience.
I am used to flying in economy and sometimes in the old C class of LH and AF.
What a flight! Gee, Iīm shocked.
First, the Club House at LHR. I arrived from Paris at 1PM and my flight left at 8.30PM approx, so I had a loooooooot of time there. I was shocked to see such a lounge. Space to do whatever you want, relax, take an incredible shower, use the jacuzzi, even get tanned and use the sauna!! You can choose to have a free treatment (haircut, feet massage, back massage, etc..etc.). The bar is free...the food is delicious. Internet is also free...they have a very nice terrace (it was a little bit chilly... - 3°C) but with a nice view. ...I mean. ..to me, the Club was truly amazing. The people working there were ALL extremely educated and corteus.
Then, I boarded the 346. Seat 2K. First: shocked to see a bar in there. Then: the layout of the seats is so strange. They are angled 45° facing the aisle and the configuration is 1-1-1. The seat is comfortable and the bed is also nice although a bit short for a guy my height: 1,87m. A bed....You get a Duvet and a pillow..I was even given pajamas!!. I had never seen a flatbed in a flight! The entertainment system is also fantastic and the map is the best I have seen on board. I was like a little kid with a new toy. And the staff were all sooo amazing. Coming from LH where they almost shout at you..specially in economy and also in business...the service was amazing. Everyone had a smile...I mean...it was a great experience. And you can choose what you want for breakfast, different cereals, french toast, preserves, panckakes, orange juice...like a hotel!
And they even have Expresso coffee in the plane...
Kudos to Virgin Atlantic..at a very reasonable price USD 2000.- round ticket (purchased at expedia.com). I just hope they would fly to Argentina!!! I believe I wonīt be able to do much flying with them because of the routes they have.
It was a wonderful experience.