Nicholas Wood
Junior Member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2013
- Posts
- 47
I'd just like to say thanks to Virgin for an enjoyable first flight as Gold. I spent the last two weeks in Christchurch on business (ex Brisbane).
Work had me on a flexi fare going over so I figured I'd splash some points and give Y+ a go. It got me fast tracked through all the queues and into the Koru lounge for breakfast which was a nice touch. I was seated in 1D on a flight with two other Y+ travelers in 1A & 1B. Overall a very pleasant experience. We were the only international flight landing in Christchurch at the time so no delays at any point there.
My SCs were applied to my account and upgraded to gold 72 hours later. When booking my return seat I selected 7A. Upon checking in I had nobody in front of me in the priority Checkin and was quickly served, Greeted by name and advised that I had been given seat 3A and the seat beside me had been reserved. I was also given an express customs pass and reminded that I was welcome to use the Koru lounge.
With only 6 other guests in the lounge I had another enjoyable breakfast and watched the morning news. I went to the gate just in time to be advised that Gold, families, etc were welcome to board and avoided any sort of queue and found my seat. The plane was near capacity but at promised 3B was empty. The flight was very pleasant and as it was an early morning I took the chance for a little shut eye before a little reading. Flight staff were all very friendly (although did not get quite the same attention as in Y+).
Being the second off the plane and armed with priority bags and the express customs card my longest wait was a queue of 5 people in the NZ/AU passport line. My bag appeared as I walked past the carousel and I proceeded to the Express line (behind 1 person) where after a quick check of my card I was advised to proceed directly through exit 3 (no checks/scans).
All and all an impressive service by Virgin who I continue to use as my preferred airline. My one thought is now is there really any benefit between a Y+ and a saver lite other than an onboard meal (that is not required due to lounge) and additional SCs?
Thanks Virgin.
Work had me on a flexi fare going over so I figured I'd splash some points and give Y+ a go. It got me fast tracked through all the queues and into the Koru lounge for breakfast which was a nice touch. I was seated in 1D on a flight with two other Y+ travelers in 1A & 1B. Overall a very pleasant experience. We were the only international flight landing in Christchurch at the time so no delays at any point there.
My SCs were applied to my account and upgraded to gold 72 hours later. When booking my return seat I selected 7A. Upon checking in I had nobody in front of me in the priority Checkin and was quickly served, Greeted by name and advised that I had been given seat 3A and the seat beside me had been reserved. I was also given an express customs pass and reminded that I was welcome to use the Koru lounge.
With only 6 other guests in the lounge I had another enjoyable breakfast and watched the morning news. I went to the gate just in time to be advised that Gold, families, etc were welcome to board and avoided any sort of queue and found my seat. The plane was near capacity but at promised 3B was empty. The flight was very pleasant and as it was an early morning I took the chance for a little shut eye before a little reading. Flight staff were all very friendly (although did not get quite the same attention as in Y+).
Being the second off the plane and armed with priority bags and the express customs card my longest wait was a queue of 5 people in the NZ/AU passport line. My bag appeared as I walked past the carousel and I proceeded to the Express line (behind 1 person) where after a quick check of my card I was advised to proceed directly through exit 3 (no checks/scans).
All and all an impressive service by Virgin who I continue to use as my preferred airline. My one thought is now is there really any benefit between a Y+ and a saver lite other than an onboard meal (that is not required due to lounge) and additional SCs?
Thanks Virgin.
