Virgin Atlantic - Your experience

[jasonja3]

I have decided to fly VS to HKG next week in upper class to save significant $$ on the trip and I am no where near re-qualification for WP.

At 6'4", I am looking forward to comparing their 202cm beds to QF and BA on the over night return. Can anyone offer their experience/comment on the VS product?

JJ

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

VS Upper Class seats are also used by NZ Business Premiere. They are very comfortable, true lie flat and a reasonable length. You can also recline during takeoff and landing if you want.

The only quibble is the suite walls are quite enclosing and take getting used to.

Its about the best business class seat around and better than many first class seats.

 

[Mal]

Virgin Atlantic were very keen on poaching WP's and SG's from Qantas about a year ago.

If you're thinking about using them for several flights, and don't have a relevant FF membership where you'll earn points on them, maybe you should ask them if they'll status match you FF wise.

Oh, and if you join their FF scheme, don't forget their Virgin Virgin flyer promotion - 18000 bonus points.

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/au/specialoffers/bonusmilesoffer.jsp

 

[aus_flyer]

Virgin Atlantic were very keen on poaching WP's and SG's from Qantas about a year ago.

If you're thinking about using them for several flights, and don't have a relevant FF membership where you'll earn points on them, maybe you should ask them if they'll status match you FF wise.http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/au/specialoffers/bonusmilesoffer.jsp

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/au/specialoffers/instantgold.jsp

 

[jasonja3]

Virgin Atlantic were very keen on poaching WP's and SG's from Qantas about a year ago.

If you're thinking about using them for several flights, and don't have a relevant FF membership where you'll earn points on them, maybe you should ask them if they'll status match you FF wise.

Sent them an email two weeks ago, no response:-| , so I called, and was flatly told no, seemed very disinterested:evil: :evil: . At least with QF and AMEX when I call and they cannot help me after making a genuine effort ie: asking someone else etc, they are polite and always ask if they can do anything else to help.

For this reason, I delayed booking with VS as I thought they were not interested, but in the end, dollars talk.

 

[jakeseven7]

Flown once, probably never again - did in the first place for the exact same reason as you - cheaper than QF!

Ran into problems when I had to change my return date, flights infrequent, customer service (phone) was deplorable, probably the worst ever, made everything difficult. Even local Virgin CS is better than Atlantic. In the end I got so frustrated I cashed in my return flight and flew QF home (there is something nice about flying a national carrier back home as well sometimes)

In terms of the metal, the seats were ok, but I acutally didn't think they were much better than other carriers J class - and certainly not worth the massive billboards at Sydney airport saying they are miles better than everyone elses - I think they set really unrealistic expectations... Service/food average. Probably 5/10 overall.

Good luck!

 

[jasonja3]

Well I have to say, quite impressed with VS. Service levels may not be quite up to BA, but not far behind.

Food & beverage selection was good, and I especially liked being able to eat when I am hungary, rather that being told when to eat!!

The cabin is very open with the lower seats, and sitting in 2K on the starboard side, I could see clearly though the windows on the port side, as well as my window. The cabin lighting is a bit different, but not adversive. Having the seated bar encourages you to get up and move about, so I felt the atmosphere was more relaxed and easy going. Staff were always available at the bar to help and serve, and the massage was good to break up the flight.

Seats are great, big screen, big table, good privacy. It really excelled on the o'nite flight, where I got a genuine sleep albeit 4.5hrs, thanks to the good length!!

The lounge at HKG is not too shabby, a bit like a trendy bar, with full meals available which can be ordered from their menu. Only approx. three showers though, had to make a booking when I arrived.....

I have to start requalification for WP shortly so I will be back with OW as the benefits with QF are better for me than The Flying Club. Glad I tried their product, and will return.