Virgin delayed 4 and 1/2 hours

[martina857]

At the airport today, VS15 should have taken off at 12.45, we have a delay of 4 1/2 hours !! Not happy, first experience with Virgin and THE last.

Martina

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

At the airport today, VS15 should have taken off at 12.45, we have a delay of 4 1/2 hours !! Not happy, first experience with Virgin and THE last.

Martina

It looks like the VS 16 inbound flight was delayed. It only arrived at 11:28 instead of 08:45
It woukld then need to be cleaned refuelled, re stocked and a new take off slot agreed with ATC.
If you don't have the plane, you cant leave again.

[carolfoy]

it really can happen at any time to anyone and it doesn't matter how much you've paid - my worst delay to MCO was with Virgin too - 7 hours! but theres not one airline that isn't susceptible

[lexie32]

anything will be better than our last trip, 22 hour delay with TCD:scared1: cossed fingers we don't have to go through that again next week!

[UKDEB]

Where are you finding that information, Obi? According to Virgin's site, the VS16 arrived at 9am this morning.

[Claire L]

Where are you finding that information, Obi? According to Virgin's site, the VS16 arrived at 9am this morning.

Obi was looking at the 16 which arrived yesterday the 18th for some reason?? But the 15 was only 1 hour late yesterday!

I know that the aircraft which comes in on a route does not necessarily go back out on the same route it may be due to have maintainence, go tech or be swapped for another route, maybe todays origianl aircraft went tech so they have had to bring another in.

Claire ;)

[london75]

There have been a few late flight concerns recently. Terminal 2 Manchester is awful, really don't fancy the 4 hour delay VS075 seems to have suffered today with our 18 month old!

[XAVIER]

According to the Orlando Airport website VS015 is now excpected at 21:25!(was due at 16:40 originally)
There does seem to be a lot of delays recently.

[angel659]

I noticed this as well. To be honest I think we have been delayed 75% of our holidays abroad not just Florida. We flew with VA in Oct 05 and our flight was delayed 2 hours, 1 hour from BA to go to NYC. Its horrible when that happens, because you just want to get there. I normally drive to the airport with a mind of an hour delay, just so I dont get dissapointed.

Good luck anyone who is flying soon.

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
I posted a reply on a similar thread to this a few days ago. I sent VA an e-mail regarding flight delays and they chose not reply, so I sent it again and guess what no reply. Here's a copy of the e-mail I sent:

Hi,
My partner and myself are Flying Club silver members and we fly to Orlando Florida at least twice a year. I have been checking the punctuality of your services over the last ten days and I have to say I am not impressed. The VS015 has averaged a delay of almost 95 minutes per day (worst delay was 3hours 27mins. on 30/03/07) whilst the VS027 has averaged almost 65 minutes per day (worst delay was 3 hours 7 mins. on 30/03/07)
Could you tel me if you think these delays are acceptable for a schedule service and if not how you plan to improve the punctuality.

Mick.

:cool2:

[Richard Bruvofetc]

I've been picking up the info from BAA Gatwick. The 12:45 flight didn't actually leave until 17:45.

Also the "016" from Orlando which is scheduled to take off at 19:40 will not leave there until 23:30, which means it will be late again tomorrow!!

[ely3857]

Any flight can be delayed at any time but the main thing is have Virgin kept you up to date and aware of the situation?

I know it puts you off using a company again when stuff like this happens but there's nothing to say by using a different airline next trip it will be any different, the VS016 could go on time and your new flight may be delayed!

Hope you get there soon :)

:)

Jodie

[Richard Bruvofetc]

Hi,
My partner and myself are Flying Club silver members and we fly to Orlando Florida at least twice a year. I have been checking the punctuality of your services over the last ten days and I have to say I am not impressed. The VS015 has averaged a delay of almost 95 minutes per day (worst delay was 3hours 27mins. on 30/03/07) whilst the VS027 has averaged almost 65 minutes per day (worst delay was 3 hours 7 mins. on 30/03/07)
Could you tel me if you think these delays are acceptable for a schedule service and if not how you plan to improve the punctuality.

:cool2:

Try re-writing your e-mail:

Dear Sir / Madam,

As a frequent flyer to Orlando and a Flying Club silver member, I take a close interest in in flights to Florida. Recently I have noticed that there have been lengthy delays to both the VS015 service (longest 3 hours 27 mins on 30/03/07) and the VS027 (longest 5 hours on 19/04/07).

As there is an obvious issue with the service at the moment, could you tell me whether the issue will be resolved in the near future? I ask this because of my forthcoming trip to Orlando.

Many thanks.

Yours faithfully,

.....

[UKDEB]

We normally get delayed with Virgin, but we've never been this unlucky. It got me thinking about what happens the other end. Do you run the risk of your hotel room having been sold to someone else? Most hotels have a time after which they assume you won't be turning up, don't they?

[Richard Bruvofetc]

the VS016 could go on time and your new flight may be delayed!

:)

Jodie

As the VS016 from Orlando is the VS015 from Gatwick it won't be taking off on time due to the fact that the VS015 is scheduled to land at 21:03 whereas the VS016 "scheduled" take-off is 19:40.:teacher: ;)

[mickg7dyd]

Try re-writing your e-mail:

Dear Sir / Madam,

As a frequent flyer to Orlando and a Flying Club silver member, I take a close interest in in flights to Florida. Recently I have noticed that there have been lengthy delays to both the VS015 service (longest 3 hours 27 mins on 30/03/07) and the VS027 (longest 5 hours on 19/04/07).

As there is an obvious issue with the service at the moment, could you tell me whether the issue will be resolved in the near future? I ask this because of my forthcoming trip to Orlando.

Many thanks.

Yours faithfully,

.....

Wow for a brief moment I thought I was back at school..!

[ely3857]

As the VS016 from Orlando is the VS015 from Gatwick it won't be taking off on time due to the fact that the VS015 is scheduled to land at 21:03 whereas the VS016 "scheduled" take-off is 19:40.:teacher: ;)

I think you mis-understood me Richard,

I meant that if next year the OP chooses to go with a different airline, say BA, specificaly because of this delay with Virgin today they may not nessesarily be better of as they could be delayed with BA nand the Virgin flight on the same day could get away fine

:)

Jodie

[Tink2312]

Any flight can be delayed at any time but the main thing is have Virgin kept you up to date and aware of the situation?

I know it puts you off using a company again when stuff like this happens but there's nothing to say by using a different airline next trip it will be any different

I echo this - we had a delay of 8 hours on Airtours - first and LAST time flying with them!!:headache:

[london75]

I think one of the reasons we fly with the larger companies and pay the premium is we assume that they can react to problems better and have the resources (such as spare parts, pilots or even 'planes) to deal with any eventuality.

This is looking like it's not the case at the moment and given that we've paid £800 per person, I don't expect to be delayed. If I'd gone budget, I would be prepared for it.

BA used to be big and reliable and are just a bunch of sheisters (sic!) now that do not deserve the reputation the name gives them. VA seemed much better but upwards of 4/5 delays from various airports in a week suggests there are problems.

[UKDEB]

I agree, but I think this is the price we're paying for expecting and demanding cheaper and cheaper fares.

[Richard Bruvofetc]

Wow for a brief moment I thought I was back at school..!

Ooops! Apologies. I'm always having to re-write my junior staff e-mails to our sub-contractors just so we can get them to do some work. I think it's rubbing off a little here. :upsidedow
I think you mis-understood me Richard,

I meant that if next year the OP chooses to go with a different airline, say BA, specificaly because of this delay with Virgin today they may not nessesarily be better of as they could be delayed with BA nand the Virgin flight on the same day could get away fine

:)

Jodie

Apologies to you as well Jodie. I'm getting caught up in the whole delay thing! I've only got 6 months until my holiday and I just want to make sure Virgin have VS027 sorted.:rotfl2:

[PoppyAnna]

Ooops! Apologies. I'm always having to re-write my junior staff e-mails to our sub-contractors just so we can get them to do some work. I think it's rubbing off a little here. :upsidedow


Apologies to you as well Jodie. I'm getting caught up in the whole delay thing! I've only got 6 months until my holiday and I just want to make sure Virgin have VS027 sorted.:rotfl2:

I've only got nine more sleeps until I meet with the VS027, I hope it's sorted by then. VA better have it sorted or I'll set my 19month old redhead daughter onto them! She bites, hard! :scared:

[PoppyAnna]

VS027 due to leave at 1115 - 30 mins late.
According to Gatwick Flight arrivals.
:sad1:

[Claire L]

VS027 due to leave at 1115 - 30 mins late.
According to Gatwick Flight arrivals.
:sad1:

Thats pretty good actually as will make up time over the Atlantic so should arrive virtually on time :)

Claire ;)

[XAVIER]

Orlando airport has VS027 arriving at the scheduled time of 15.25. But I thought it was due to arrive at 14.55 (this will be our flight in 3 months time!)
11:15 was the original take-off time before they changed it a couple of months ago and 15.25 the original arrival time!
Maybe it will go back to it's original time slot from now on.

[Claire L]

Orlando airport has VS027 arriving at the scheduled time of 15.25. But I thought it was due to arrive at 14.55 (this will be our flight in 3 months time!)
11:15 was the original take-off time before they changed it a couple of months ago and 15.25 the original arrival time!
Maybe it will go back to it's original time slot from now on.


From the VA website -

Flight number VS 027
Departure date 20 Apr 2007
Route London (LGW) to Orlando (MCO)
Scheduled departure time 20 Apr 10:45
Estimated departure time 20 Apr 11:15
Scheduled arrival time 20 Apr 14:55
Estimated arrival time 20 Apr 15:09


Claire ;)

[london75]

I've just tried to do some digging as to why there might be a problem and apparently they're mucking about with Heathrow this weekend to completely change the location of the ATC tower and also move over to a different IT system. Wonder if Air Traffic Control are shuffling stuff around and re-organising flight times to facilitate the move? Changes in Heathrow will affect the whole country I'd have thought.

[aaronandterri]

hmm im getting a little worried now about the delays after redaing all these posts, we have a month to go, so not long now, i hope everythings ok by then.....

my eldest is Autistic, and waiting will not be a good thing with him around !

[astrodrummergirl]

Sorry, this is kind of On topic and Off topic at the same time but as someone said that this can happen with all airlines and just wondering something. The only way we can go cheaply is to use indirect flights, most likely American Airlines, and was wondering if the first flight is delayed and we miss the second, what happens?

Thanks,
A very unexperienced WDW visitor:thumbsup2

[Richard Bruvofetc]

I've just tried to do some digging as to why there might be a problem and apparently they're mucking about with Heathrow this weekend to completely change the location of the ATC tower and also move over to a different IT system. Wonder if Air Traffic Control are shuffling stuff around and re-organising flight times to facilitate the move? Changes in Heathrow will affect the whole country I'd have thought.

I've been checking arrivals and departures, and it only seems to be Virgin that are suffering the big delays. They're also having some big delays in and out of Manchester as well.

[kristieuk]

Sorry, this is kind of On topic and Off topic at the same time but as someone said that this can happen with all airlines and just wondering something. The only way we can go cheaply is to use indirect flights, most likely American Airlines, and was wondering if the first flight is delayed and we miss the second, what happens?

Thanks,
A very unexperienced WDW visitor



They will bump you onto a later connecting flight, but it's obviously easier and more straightforward if you book a 'through trip' rather than two separate flights in the first place - so both carriers are eg American or one of their partners.

[astrodrummergirl]

Sorry, this is kind of On topic and Off topic at the same time but as someone said that this can happen with all airlines and just wondering something. The only way we can go cheaply is to use indirect flights, most likely American Airlines, and was wondering if the first flight is delayed and we miss the second, what happens?

Thanks,
A very unexperienced WDW visitor



They will bump you onto a later connecting flight, but it's obviously easier and more straightforward if you book a 'through trip' rather than two separate flights in the first place - so both carriers are eg American or one of their partners.

yeah they are both with american airlines, with direct flights its too expensive to go and when i won't get to go:scared:

[diswix]

We just arrived home today, no delay (vs028) .
However on our outbound we were delayed 2 hours because a diaper had so say blocked the toilet; that was on the 29th march (vs015). We were so excited, we wern't too worried, however it did mean it was dark by the time we reached the All Star Resort. :goodvibes

[Pootle]

According to the Gatwick live flight information site, VS15 took off just over 2 hours late today. I'll be on it tomorrow, so am hoping for the best.

[ely3857]

Apologies to you as well Jodie. I'm getting caught up in the whole delay thing! I've only got 6 months until my holiday and I just want to make sure Virgin have VS027 sorted.:rotfl2:

S'Okay Richard, if the tides were turned (and in 17 months they may well be!) i'd be twitchy aswell :)

:)

Jodie

[diddldonna]

Where do everyone get these flight details from, would love a link to keep upto date.

Donna

[london75]

www.virgin-atlantic.com

Flight Times on the left hand menu

[martina857]

It was 9-20 ish when we landed last night!! 11-30pm by the time we had done immigration and picked up the car and driven to our resort ! Virgin it appears were late every single day this week with VS15 I have never seen so many angry people in one airport. To the people who say that it can happen to every airline... Well yes it can but I have been fortunate enough to fly most of the major airlines in the world and a large number of charters, and never had a delay like that !! When you get to the airport at 10-00 am and are told that the flight is delayed till 5 which in reality was past 6!!

Never again, first and last without doubt, I read these boards regularly and thought there must be something special about them with the way they are praised here, we I can tell you now, Continental, US airways, American, First choice, Brittania and Monarch are MILES better !

A very angry Marti

[wifey]

We have been keeping a close eye on the Virgin flights too using www.flightview.com and we were worrying about the delays:scared1:
If London75 is correct then I don't understand why these set backs only seen to affect the Virgin services especially the ones at Manchester.

We can appreciate there can be problems such as idiots putting nappies and sanitary products down the toilets instead of the bins :mad: which immediately puts that toilet out of use for the whole day( we've seen it happen sooo many times) and birds on the runway (delayed our last flight 30 mins) which can make an awful mess gong through the engines, or even a dodgy tyre needing to be replaced (took about 40 mins yes had that too) and the favourite from our last flight out had to be getting an engineer to the lock on the hold door to lock it because it refused to lock and we were not allowed to take off before it was fixed and the paperwork filled in in triplicate by the flight crew the engineers and sent to ATC :rotfl: :rotfl:( that also took 30 mins to fix).Then the flight crew had to wait for a slot on the runway again before we could taxi off thank goodness they only had to wait 10 mins and then we were gone:cloud9:

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I have had a look at the Virgin aircraft movements for this month. VS 27 is with the exception of two days on time. It is the VS 15 which is late.

Looking more at it, this is due to the incoming Las vegas flight being late, should come in at 09:55, but is coming in around 14:00. This then needs to be turned around for the VS 15.

[PoppyAnna]

I am aware of the cost of purchasing/leasing/running a transatlantic aircraft and that you can't have spares "floating" around.
I have to beg the question if this has been going on for so long and VA will lose previously loyal customers over this, is there not a break in one of VA's routes to slot in an aircraft to help ease these delays?
Or: Can they not lease an aircraft to slot in?

I should be getting on the 027 this time next week, I'd like it sorted.

Obi, I'm sure you'll be able to answer this.

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I am aware of the cost of purchasing/leasing/running a transatlantic aircraft and that you can't have spares "floating" around.
I have to beg the question if this has been going on for so long and VA will lose previously loyal customers over this, is there not a break in one of VA's routes to slot in an aircraft to help ease these delays?
Or: Can they not lease an aircraft to slot in?

I should be getting on the 027 this time next week, I'd like it sorted.

Obi, I'm sure you'll be able to answer this.

I think our posts passed each other :-)
The VS 027 is not late apart from twice this month. One day all flights were daeayed (12th April 16:20 t/o) and that had a knock on effect for a couple of days. VS 027 actually took off early on 4th april.

[stal]

im on the VS015 from gatwick on june 5th. i too have been checking the flight times regularly and seems that flight is ALWAYS delayed. hope it gets better before june!

[lexie32]

im on the VS015 from gatwick on june 5th. i too have been checking the flight times regularly and seems that flight is ALWAYS delayed. hope it gets better before june!

We're on the VSO15 on Thursday we are now placing bets on our delay time!

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Looking at the flight routings, the problem is the VS44 coming in from las vegas. that is late and because that aircraft then (in the main) does the VS15 route it puts that one back.

[stal]

What do you think the reason for the VS44 being late all the time is then?!

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

What do you think the reason for the VS44 being late all the time is then?!

A very good question Stal.

Its been leaving 3 hours on average late every day this month.
I don't know the answer to that one.

The good news is that VS27 took off ok today and VS 15 is boarding at this moment

[Pootle]

What do you think the reason for the VS44 being late all the time is then?!

I flew on the VS15 yesterday morning (Saturday) and the reason they gave for the inbound Las Vegas flight delay was a 'medical emergency diversion'.

We touched down at MCO at 7.30 pm and we were out of the airport and with hire car keys in hand shortly after 8.30 pm - probably our fastest ever out of MCO. Our bags were off early (we flew PE) and no waits anywhere as a result.

Great seats and delightful staff, so the irritation over 3 hour delay soon faded :)

[stal]

wow, looks like the VS15 is due to land at MCO 5 minutes early today!!!

[martina857]

I flew on the VS15 yesterday morning (Saturday) and the reason they gave for the inbound Las Vegas flight delay was a 'medical emergency diversion'.

We touched down at MCO at 7.30 pm and we were out of the airport and with hire car keys in hand shortly after 8.30 pm - probably our fastest ever out of MCO. Our bags were off early (we flew PE) and no waits anywhere as a result.

Great seats and delightful staff, so the irritation over 3 hour delay soon faded

Strange, thats the same excuse that we got on Thursday, whats the odds on that happening 2 days out of 3 !

As for the seats I disagree, I think the charters are just as good as the Virgin seats, if you want really good seats and plenty of room fly with Continental or First Choice, I cannot believe people pay top dollar for Virgin I really can't, obviously marketing and branding play a big part.
M

[UKDEB]

Never again, first and last without doubt, I read these boards regularly and thought there must be something special about them with the way they are praised here, we I can tell you now, Continental, US airways, American, First choice, Brittania and Monarch are MILES better !
I'd be really fed up about that sort of delay, too, but you're making a judgement based on one experience. Of course, you're quite entitled to do that, but the collective opinion you read here is based on literally thousands of flights, so you are going to get a more balanced view. I think that's all it is, though - I can't agree with your claim that Virgin are somehow exalted on these boards. There are a few Virgin devotees here, for sure, but there are equally as many Virgin detractors (and you'll now be joining their ranks ;) ). The rest of us, I'd say, sit firmly in between. To me, it's a means to an end. We fly Virgin because, having done so many times, we now routinely get cheaper fares than with any other airline. For example, we've had to pay £516 for economy seats this August which really hurts as we normally don't pay much more for PE, but all the other airlines (schedule and charter) were in excess of £800. I don't consider Virgin to be anything special, but I've never read anything which convinces me it's worth trying another option (at least not on the Orlando route) because every other airline seems to polarise opinions in the same way.

[richard_andmel]

We LOVE Virgin. We fly them whenever possible. That said, it does seem in the last year or so that delays have become such an expected practice with them, that they are now their norm. I don't mind being delayed up to an hour when flying out of a busy airport but they often seem to have much longer delays. Something between them and the airports obviously needs to be fixed.

[JohnnySharp2]

We always go with Virgin , thef act they flydirect to MCO from Manchester we will continue to use them.
There have been delays but mostly for reasons outside their control, weather or late passengers etc

I do feel their customer service levels have dropped and they seem (in my experience anyway) to make regular errors on invoices when booking direct with them.
Moving to a call centre also has meant in some ways the quality of service and level of knowledge isn't as good, or is inconsistent depending on who you speak to.

[poggs]

I have flown virgin every november for the past five years, for the simple reason that they are always the cheapest when I book eleven months out. As you get nearer they get expensive, but if you book early, virgin are dirt cheap. 3 of us are flying from mancheater to orlando on 26th november for £791 all in! Also as I stay in DVC on site, then I dont need TCD's manditory car and they are too dear.

[Pootle]

Strange, thats the same excuse that we got on Thursday, whats the odds on that happening 2 days out of 3 !

As for the seats I disagree, I think the charters are just as good as the Virgin seats, if you want really good seats and plenty of room fly with Continental or First Choice, I cannot believe people pay top dollar for Virgin I really can't, obviously marketing and branding play a big part.
M

Ouch, I feel your pain! I'm not a great Virgin supporter as it happens. I used to fly with them quite a bit in the early nineties when they advertised a generous 34" pitch in economy - now long gone of course. I cross the Atlantic 3 or 4 times a year and it's BA usually, but if I'm flying economy then I choose an American carrier so I don't have to endure sitting in a row of 3.

My comment about good seats was to do with the fact that we were issued bulkhead PE seats (81 AC) and had loads of room (and we are tall). Had I been in the centre section where they had less leg room, I would not be at all impressed.

I was surprised that you had been given the same reason for delay :rolleyes1 I had wondered why the almost-on-time VS16 had not been used as the VS15 on Saturday. Fewer full fare paying business passengers on the MCO route maybe?

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I had wondered why the almost-on-time VS16 had not been used as the VS15 on Saturday. Fewer full fare paying business passengers on the MCO route maybe?

G-VROS came in as VS 16 and went out as the Las Vegas flight VS43.
Sunday it came back from Las Vegas as VS44 and went out as VS015.

[stal]

just for the record for the VS15

yesterday it arrived 20 minutes late

today its scheduled to arrive 6 minutes early

[stal]

other two just for the record

-28th arrived about 45 minutes late
-29th arrived about 15 mintes early

[jen_uk]

Never again, first and last without doubt, I read these boards regularly and thought there must be something special about them with the way they are praised here, we I can tell you now, Continental, US airways, American, First choice, Brittania and Monarch are MILES better !

A very angry Marti

I have always flown with Virgin to Orlando because with the discounts we get they are only about £75 more expensive and sometimes have been cheaper! I disagree that those other airlines are better, I have flown with Brittania, First Choice and Monarch and all of those flights were either very average or worse! I think that the customer service at Virgin has gotten worse but I still think they are a great airline to fly with. The baggage allowance is great, yes it has gotten smaller but its still bigger than most and the things like DTD check in etc are brilliant. :goodvibes

[stal]

31st april - 10 minutes late
1st may - 19 minutes early
2nd may - 6 minutes early

seems like things are looking up for the VS15 now?!

[cleo]

Does it help to know I sat on a BA airplane for 9 hours (yes, 9 hours) with no food, no water, and a stream of never-ending excuses for why we were sitting there (the lamest one being that the fuel was 'unbalanced')? After 9 long hours they admitted the ground crew had gone out on strike and there was no one to take us off the plane. Once they did get us back to the terminal they dropped us off (with about a million other stranded passengers) and basically said 'Good luck and goodbye!'

Would I fly with them again? Sure. These things happen. I didn't like it, but I'll bet they didn't either. Flights get delayed and as much as it's a serious pain in the behind, it's a fact of travelling life.

[homerdog]

I always fly to Orlando with Virgin these days because of the benefits of being in the Flying Club, but to rule out future travel based on one bad experience is crazy.

Over the years I have had delays (anything from 1-7 hours) on BA, Qantas, American Airlines, Continental, United, Airtran, Delta, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, Alitalia, KLM, Iberia, easyJet, Monarch, Jersey European, Gulf Air, PanAm and even Danair.

In other words, every airline has plenty of delays - it's not very pleasant, but if you want to travel, you've got to accept it's gonna happen!

[UKDEB]

Over the years I have had delays (anything from 1-7 hours) on BA, Qantas, American Airlines, Continental, United, Airtran, Delta, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, Alitalia, KLM, Iberia, easyJet, Monarch, Jersey European, Gulf Air, PanAm and even Danair.
Are you really Alan Whicker? :rotfl:

[Manatee]

the only flight i have been on that took off exactly on time was an RAF VC10 flight to Hong Kong, Dan Air now thats a blast from the past, had a delay on Laker airways once, they had to change an engine, :scared1: no spare planes in that fleet.

[homerdog]

Dan Air now thats a blast from the past

1974, Comet, flying to Naples, 2 hours sat on the tarmac, damn hot!

[homerdog]

Are you really Alan Whicker? :rotfl:

No, I just look a lot like him! :thumbsup2

[stal]

So for the past few days the VS15 has been leaving on time. But yesterday it left 5 minutes EARLY but arrived 3.5 hours LATE!!

How doid that happen, did it get lost?!

[Claire L]

So for the past few days the VS15 has been leaving on time. But yesterday it left 5 minutes EARLY but arrived 3.5 hours LATE!!

How doid that happen, did it get lost?!

I am guessing they got diverted either due to a medical emergency or due to the bad storms around Orlando yesterday as MCO was closed for about 30 minutes from 1630hrs to 1700hrs and that could of meant they diverted elsewhere to wait for the storms to clear and then they had to rearrange landing slots etc.

Claire ;)

[Richard Bruvofetc]

So for the past few days the VS15 has been leaving on time. But yesterday it left 5 minutes EARLY but arrived 3.5 hours LATE!!

How doid that happen, did it get lost?!

Interesting. Where do you get your departure details from?

When I've been checking with actual departures from the BAA website and this has shown that the Virgin flights have all been taking off approx 1/2 hour to an hour late (have the details on my work PC). Whereas the Virgin website has been quoting taking off near enough on time. :rolleyes2

Today the VS027 took off at 11:02 (only 17 minutes late) on the BAA website, Virgin are quoting 10:50.

[Claire L]

Interesting. Where do you get your departure details from?

When I've been checking with actual departures from the BAA website and this has shown that the Virgin flights have all been taking off approx 1/2 hour to an hour late (have the details on my work PC). Whereas the Virgin website has been quoting taking off near enough on time. :rolleyes2

Today the VS027 took off at 11:02 (only 17 minutes late) on the BAA website, Virgin are quoting 10:50.

I have been checking the VA website! The difference in take offs is due to one site taking the time as when the airplane pushes back from the gate and the other from actual take off.

BTW the late arrival for VS015 yesterday I noted on the VA website.

Claire ;)

[Elise79]

Looks like it has had a knock effect today :confused3
Flight number VS 015
Departure date 07 May 2007
Route London (LGW) to Orlando (MCO)
Scheduled departure time 07 May 12:45
Actual departure time 07 May 13:43
Scheduled arrival time 07 May 16:55
Estimated arrival time 07 May 17:21

Elise

[Claire L]

Looks like it has had a knock effect today :confused3
Flight number VS 015
Departure date 07 May 2007
Route London (LGW) to Orlando (MCO)
Scheduled departure time 07 May 12:45
Actual departure time 07 May 13:43
Scheduled arrival time 07 May 16:55
Estimated arrival time 07 May 17:21

Elise

The VS015 is usually the same plane that was the VS044 and came in from Vegas so not sure if yesterday's delay of the VS015 would of effected the VS015 today.

Claire ;)

[alanda]

My sister has returned recently from an Easter break. Their flight was delayed on their return but they were informed before they went to the airport and were able to enjoy an extra half a day in Disney.

Now that's a good result from a flight delay.

[PoppyAnna]

here I am sitting at gate 81 at MCO for the vs016 that should have left at 1940 but is apparently delayed until 2325. We have been to the virgin staff twice for information, I quietly approached for info on the delay (when no estimate was displayed) and was met by rude staff that did not make eye contact, didn't look up from their vdu's and couldn't give me a reason for the delay. My DH approached but saw only a member of groundstaff there so asked him if he was representing virgin to answer a query and was given the following "would I be standing here working on the the computers if I didn't work here"
Not good enough.
I'm sorry if they are on a longer shift due to the delay but that's no excuse for rudeness.

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

The problem for most airlines is that they do not have groundstaff under contract any more, in the UK many airlines contract out groundstaff to people like Aviance etc, with only a few contract employees to oversee.
In foriegn countries, they don't even have that.

I would write a letter of complaint when you get back to Customer Services. You might at least get some FF points!

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Also should say that the VS16 is now due in at 12:24 instead of 08:45.
This is having a knock-on effect to the VS15, now delayed from 12:45 to 14:45, but I would imagine that wont be the final take off time :sad2:

[Claire L]

Also should say that the VS16 is now due in at 12:24 instead of 08:45.
This is having a knock-on effect to the VS15, now delayed from 12:45 to 14:45, but I would imagine that wont be the final take off time :sad2:


I thought the VS015 was usually the VS044 from Vegas?

Claire ;)

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I thought the VS015 was usually the VS044 from Vegas?

Claire ;)

Most of the time, but sometimes the VS16 goes back, but you are right, majority of the time its the VS44
That landed at 10:20 only 25 mins late :-0

[PoppyAnna]

we landed at 1215 exactly. after a near five hour delay the last two of which there were no available refreshments. it took 90 mins to get a drink from the crew. they finally dipped the cabin lights aftr over 3 hrs, most of which was spent selling duty free by which time it was sunrise with all the blinds up! we asked why they hadn't dimmed the lights they siad they were waiting to finish serving duty free, although they served the PE cabin with their lights down. after a near five hour delay with two children under four this was no fun. I just wished they could have done the duty free bit later rather than sooner and more than two drinks were made available.
pretty shoddy virgin!!!
Must add when the five of us checked in at dtd they gave us three across the window seat for my dd19mo and the infant care chair they gave my dd4 and my mum (5ft 3in) an extra legroom seat across the aisle from us with a bassinet table!! what a waste!!! laughable......

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

we landed at 1215 exactly. after a near five hour delay the last two of which there were no available refreshments. it took 90 mins to get a drink from the crew. they finally dipped the cabin lights aftr over 3 hrs, most of which was spent selling duty free by which time it was sunrise with all the blinds up! we asked why they hadn't dimmed the lights they siad they were waiting to finish serving duty free, although they served the PE cabin with their lights down. after a near five hour delay with two children under four this was no fun. I just wished they could have done the duty free bit later rather than sooner and more than two drinks were made available.
pretty shoddy virgin!!!
Must add when the five of us checked in at dtd they gave us three across the window seat for my dd19mo and the infant care chair they gave my dd4 and my mum (5ft 3in) an extra legroom seat across the aisle from us with a bassinet table!! what a waste!!! laughable......

Well it could have been worse, you copuld have been delayed 24 hours as the TCD passengers, or 39 hours like the Flyglobespan passengers.

[PoppyAnna]

Well it could have been worse, you copuld have been delayed 24 hours as the TCD passengers, or 39 hours like the Flyglobespan passengers.

Yeah, but I didn't pay flyglobespan prices!!!

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Yeah, but I didn't pay flyglobespan prices!!!

Exactly :thumbsup2

[martina857]

Yeah, but I didn't pay flyglobespan prices!!!

I was just reading the last few posts and was was going to post that it would not be SO BAD if the flights were a decent price, but they are not. This level of service is unacceptable for a sheduled, high cost airline !! In fact bluntly they are RUBBISH compared to the competition.

M

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I was just reading the last few posts and was was going to post that it would not be SO BAD if the flights were a decent price, but they are not. This level of service is unacceptable for a sheduled, high cost airline !! In fact bluntly they are RUBBISH compared to the competition.

M

Hang on Martina. I think you are letting your biaise against Virgin atlantic colour your reasoning.
Which competition?? BA? Continental? American?

A decent price? I have been costing up some prices for a friend of mine and they are coming out CHEAPER than TCD!

So much for high cost.

As for rubbish, they are the most used airline to Florida (and to many other destinations) with excellent service. I have NEVER had a poor service from them.

[Red-Snapper]

Those of you mentioning deteriorating customer service, duplicate or wrong invoices and foreign call centres - are you actually referring to VA or VH - cause it sounds to me like VH - which this thread is not about ?

I recently flew VA to Vegas and back. 3 hour delay going which to me seemed at least in part due to a rather relaxed atitude of the ground staff in getting us onto the plane, bag search etc.

I do wonder if the increased security has led them to not worry about late departures.

Anyway, on the way back I asked the check-in clerk if the VA044 flight was on time - she replied "Yes - amazing - it makes a change for this flight" !!

So they obviously have some long standing issue with the Las Vegas flight that regularly causes a knock-on with the VS015.

[homerdog]

You can't always blame the airlines either - last month my Virgin flight from NY pushed back twenty minutes ahead of schedule and the captain announced that we should be in the air early, only for ATC to keep us hanging around at the end of the runway for 45 minutes...

[XAVIER]

VS027 has been arriving early in Orlando recently....but today it was over two hours late getting airborne from Gatwick! :confused3

It had better get itself sorted out before we fly on it in July! :sad2:

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

VS027 has been arriving early in Orlando recently....but today it was over two hours late getting airborne from Gatwick! :confused3

It had better get itself sorted out before we fly on it in July! :sad2:

Bioth the incoming VS28 and VS44 flights were 30 mins late arriving at Gatwick and this has a knock on effect.
Add to this late passengers/inventory discrepancies/minor maintenance and you get these sort of delays.
It was 48 mins late yesterday.

But aircraft are not things that run like clockwork. Sometimes they are early, sometimes late. Every airline is the same, even the German ones :rotfl:

[martina857]

Hang on Martina. I think you are letting your biaise against Virgin atlantic colour your reasoning.
Which competition?? BA? Continental? American?

I am not bias against Virgin at all, I just think they are crap and getting crapper :-))

M

[aaronandterri]

VS027 has been arriving early in Orlando recently....but today it was over two hours late getting airborne from Gatwick! :confused3

It had better get itself sorted out before we fly on it in July! :sad2:


Noooo....please dont say this we fly monday, my ds will not handle a delay(nightmare ....):confused3

Hope everythings ok by monday (please lots of pixie dust):)

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I am not bias against Virgin at all, I just think they are crap and getting crapper :-))

M

That's quite a strong statement Martina.
How are they "crap" and how are they getting "Crappier"??
In your first post you state you have only used them once, so what is your statement based upon?

[martina857]

Speak as you find Obi, speak as you find.

M

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Speak as you find Obi, speak as you find.

M

I always try Martina, I always try, but I am genuinly interested as to why you think the way you do on this matter :)

[Red-Snapper]

I'm guessing martina has an axe to grind, and grind it she will :)

However I agree - to base such strong comments on only 1 experience is rather strange.
I wonder what the reaction would be to a whole day lost with one of the budgets ?

nuff said i tink

[Laurafoster]

I agree ive had one AWFUL experience with TCD and whilst i wouldnt be so keen to travel with them in the future i certainly wouldnt rule it out totally as each and every airline has good and bad! Its the way they deal with the bad that counts.

[martina857]

I always try Martina, I always try, but I am genuinly interested as to why you think the way you do on this matter

Because I am angry with them Obi but also
because I hate shoddy service which is what Virgin Atlantic are providing right now. My delay was not an isolated incident. I also think that the level of service is not that good with them either compared to certainly the US airlines. The planes are old, the seats narrow and I think that the prices are way to much for economy class booked anything less than 10 months in advance. Their customer service leaves a lot to be desired also.

I'm guessing martina has an axe to grind, and grind it she will

However I agree - to base such strong comments on only 1 experience is rather strange.
I wonder what the reaction would be to a whole day lost with one of the budgets ?

nuff said i tink

To right I have ;-) Although alas strange I am not :happytv:

BUT.... I have flown all the budgets apart from 1 (see below) to Florida LOTS of times, worst delay was 1 hour due to fog (Thomas Cook), the level of service I had on all of those flights was not that much different to Virgin, apart of course from First Choice that were miles better than them. At this juncture I would like to point out I have never nor never would be silly enough to book a TCD flight, 10 minutes research in my opinion would put off even the most positive people. I actually prefer flying into Sanford as well, if I had a choice it would Continental into Sanford for me :-)

M

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Because I am angry with them Obi but also
because I hate shoddy service which is what Virgin Atlantic are providing right now. My delay was not an isolated incident. I also think that the level of service is not that good with them either compared to certainly the US airlines. The planes are old, the seats narrow and I think that the prices are way to much for economy class booked anything less than 10 months in advance. Their customer service leaves a lot to be desired also.



To right I have ;-) Although alas strange I am not :happytv:

BUT.... I have flown all the budgets apart from 1 (see below) to Florida LOTS of times, worst delay was 1 hour due to fog (Thomas Cook), the level of service I had on all of those flights was not that much different to Virgin, apart of course from First Choice that were miles better than them. At this juncture I would like to point out I have never nor never would be silly enough to book a TCD flight, 10 minutes research in my opinion would put off even the most positive people. I actually prefer flying into Sanford as well, if I had a choice it would Continental into Sanford for me :-)

M

Well, interesting view Martina.
Your main unhappyness seems to be that you were late in taking off and you base your major concern on that.
Well, you only need to look at all the airlines and none of them have a 100% on time take off level. 4.5 hours was a long wait but unusual. 1-2 hours can be the norm dependant upon a lot of things at an airport as large as Gatwick.

First choice, only choice from Gatwick is a Thursday take off, against daily flights from virgin, BA and the others. So if you want to fly any other day forget it with them. Easy to be on time with a single flight per week, but even they have their off flights, they are only showing 88% on a single flight to Sanford per week.

The level of servie I have found with my many flights, both personal and on buisness is second to none, much, much better than the American airlines who pale in comparison to Virgin. You mention Continental, I am a One Pass member with them and they are OK, but not to the standard of Virgin, plus they codeshere many flights on VS metal!

This age nonsense, is precisley that, nonsense. the aircraft are not old, the Gatwick/Manchester 7474's are the youngest in the fleet of 747's, besides with aircraft it is the amount of takeoffs and landings that count, not the birthdate.
They are younger aircraft than Britsh airways and American and Continental. They have the youngest fleet compared to any of the scheduled airlines.
The prices are comparible to BA and other scheduled airlines, and I, checking many times a year, find them to be always cheaper than American airlines, the ONLY time I have found cheaper American airlines prices was once with Continental on a code share with Virgin!
The other reason prices are higher is I would imagine, that when you want to fly so do many other people and the cheaper prices have gone. If not they would not be the largest European airline flying into Florida daily.

Seating width and pitch. FCA do not make theirs available to the public, so difficult to say what their is actually.
American: Width 17.2" Pitch 32"
Continental W 17.9" P 32"
Delta: W 18" P 31-32"
Northwest W 17.2 P 31-32"
British airways W 17.5" P 31.0"
Virgin W 17.5" P32"

so again, not narrowl seats compared to the other airlines are they?

The economy service is probably their worst area, and they themselves know it needs to be worked upon and thats what they are in the process of doing. The gatwick aircraft will have new seating and economy service in 2008 after the buisness routes at heathrow are done in this year.

Finally Sanford. Well this has been the cause of many debates on here and that is down to personal choice. My personal choice 9is MCO with all the facilities it has compared to sanford that, when you have a major delay there is nothing to do, or to eat, is a long journey when you have just arrived and the choice of car hire services is poor. It is a reginal airport set up for charter airlines, compared to MCO which is a proper internal/international airport with many routes.
If a major airline (why would they, or why havent they??) went from Sanford, it would physically not be able to cope.

[wicket2005]

Interesting post Obi. Another Jericho fan I see.:) (Excellent series)

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Todays flights are a mixed bag.

Gatwick to Orlando:

Virgin Atlantic VS27 took off 2 mins late at 10:47 est arr 15:03
Virgin Atlantic VS15 delayed as usual 105 mins est dep 14:30 with est arr 18:50
British Airways BA2037 took off 40 mins late, est arr 15:29 9 mins late

Gatwick to Sanford:

Monarch ZB329 took off on time est arr 14:33 10 mins late
My Travel VZ67 took off 4 mins EARLY! est arr time 21 mins late
TCD XLA122 On last call, so 25 mins late ATM

Manchester to Orlando:

Virgin Atlantic VS75 took off 12 mins late at 10:37 est arr 14:48
Virgin Atlantic VS73 scheduled for on time departure at 13:30

Manchester to Sanford:

First Choice DP118 took off 25 mins late at 09:50, est arr 15:02 88 mins late. (Martina??? :rotfl: :rotfl:)
Thomas Cook TCX473K est dep 12:05 no data (normally means big delay)
TCD XLA130 est dep 13:30 No data

Glasgow to Sanford:

My Travel VZ65 took off 20 mins late est arr 14:32
Globespan 725 est dep 18:45

Interesting mix eh?

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Interesting post Obi. Another Jericho fan I see.:) (Excellent series)

It's been blooming well cancelled!! :mad: :mad:

[wicket2005]

It's been blooming well cancelled!! :mad: :mad:

Totally and utterly gutted! It is one of our favs at the moment. I am off to find out more.

[UKDEB]

If a major airline (why would they, or why havent they??) went from Sanford, it would physically not be able to cope.
Whilst I find your devotion to Virgin a tad disturbing at times, Obi ;) :rotfl: , I rarely disagree with your assertions. I'm not so sure about this one, though. Someone reported here recently that Virgin had been canvessing opinion on precisely such a change and it would actually be difficult to believe that they don't periodically look into its feasability - they must be constantly looking at any and all means of cutting costs. In fact, they'd be acting irresponsibily towards their shareholders if they didn't. As much as I struggle to imagine how it would work, I feel a certain level of disquiet about it. Maybe you could work some sort of Jedi mind trick on them. :teeth:

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Whilst I find your devotion to Virgin a tad disturbing at times, Obi ;) :rotfl: , I rarely disagree with your assertions. I'm not so sure about this one, though. Someone reported here recently that Virgin had been canvessing opinion on precisely such a change and it would actually be difficult to believe that they don't periodically look into its feasability - they must be constantly looking at any and all means of cutting costs. In fact, they'd be acting irresponsibily towards their shareholders if they didn't. As much as I struggle to imagine how it would work, I feel a certain level of disquiet about it. Maybe you could work some sort of Jedi mind trick on them. :teeth:

ROFLMAO! :dance3: I will critiscise tham if I feel they are wrong though. (Upper Class food springs to mind, not fit for purpose (I would have said Economy, but I don't want to get flamed again! :scared: :scared: ))

I think they are looking at expanding the places to fly from in Europe, and the space at MCO is getting tighter. If the Scots flights take off that places another plane into Orlando.
It might be that when they go to the A380 (If) they will have the smaller aircraft flying from the regional airports and into Sanford.
My concern is that at the moment, a single runway is always a bottleneck, and having an extra 350 plus passengers arriving would collapse the infrastructure as it is now.
Now if the airport said to Virgin "We will build you your own terminal and give you priority take off slots" that might swing it.
But I think that was what the survey was about, to guage the passengers thoughts.
I do have in the back of my mind, a time ago that at one time Virgin did fly some flights into Sanford???

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Totally and utterly gutted! It is one of our favs at the moment. I am off to find out more.

The final episode has juts left it hanging in the air, not a good final episode at all!! :headache: :mad:

[wicket2005]

The final episode has juts left it hanging in the air, not a good final episode at all!! :headache: :mad:

What a nightmare. Read on one of the forums that the company may make a special wind up episode, not that that is much consolation. I hate getting hooked and then be denied an ending.

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

What a nightmare. Read on one of the forums that the company may make a special wind up episode, not that that is much consolation. I hate getting hooked and then be denied an ending.

I know what you mean, I was looking forward to seeing how they got out of it and now..nothing!

Like many American shows which failed because of the ratings war :-(
Current list of cancelled shows:
US/Canada shows cancelled/ended 2006-2007: [updates via ]
All of Us (CW)
Andy Barker, P.I. (NBC)
Armed & Famous (CBS) 3 eps unaired
Big Day (ABC) 1 ep unaired
The Black Donnellys (NBC) 7 eps unaired
Campus Ladies (Oxygen)
The Class (CBS)
Close to Home (CBS)
Crossing Jordan (NBC)
Day Break (ABC) 7 eps unaired
Deadwood (HBO)
Drive (FOX) 2 unaired eps may air Jul 4
Falcon Beach (Global)
George Lopez (ABC)
Gilmore Girls (CW)
Grease: You're the One That I Want! (NBC)
The Great American Dream Vote (ABC) 3 eps unaired
Happy Hour (FOX) 2 eps unaired
Help Me Help You (ABC) 4 eps unaired
Identity (NBC)
In Case of Emergency (ABC) 1 ep unaired
Jericho (CBS)
Justice (FOX) 1 ep unaired
Kidnapped (NBC) 8 eps unaired
The King of Queens (CBS)
Knights of Prosperity (ABC) 4 eps unaired
The Megan Mullally Show (synd)
Nanny 911 (Fox) 2 eps unaired
The Nine (ABC) 6 eps unaired
The O.C. (Fox)
Raines (NBC)
The Real Wedding Crashers (NBC) 3 eps unaired
Reba (CW)
The Rich List (FOX)
Rome (HBO)
Runaway (CW) 3 eps unaired
7th Heaven (CW)
Show Me the Money (ABC) 2 eps unaired
Six Degrees (ABC) 5 eps unaired
Smith (CBS) 5 eps unaired
Standoff (FOX) 8 unaired eps, may resume Jun 8
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (NBC) finale Jun 28?
Thank God You're Here (NBC)
3 Lbs (CBS) 5 eps unaired
Three Moons Over Milford (ABC Family)
Trading Spouses (FOX)
20 Good Years (NBC) 9 eps unaired
Vanished (FOX) 4 eps unaired
Veronica Mars (CW)
The War at Home (FOX)
The Wedding Bells (FOX) 2 eps unaired
What About Brian (ABC)
The Winner (FOX)

[wicket2005]

There are 3 series in that list I just started to watch. I just wish they wouldn't bother or at least say we are dropping it, you have to round it up quickly.

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

There are 3 series in that list I just started to watch. I just wish they wouldn't bother or at least say we are dropping it, you have to round it up quickly.

This is why i now Download the series as many times we do not get the final series as the Tv companies don't bother.

I was just getting into Veronica Mars as well. (tasty lead actress!!!)
Deadwood, unusual and interesting, In case of Emergancy was coming on well, :confused:

PS Mods, sorry, going well off topic now! :cutie:

[UKDEB]

PS Mods, sorry, going well off topic now! :cutie:
No worries, Obi - I was getting a bit bored with the original one anyway. :lmao:

[martina857]

Well, interesting view Martina.
Your main unhappyness seems to be that you were late in taking off and you base your major concern on that.
Well, you only need to look at all the airlines and none of them have a 100% on time take off level. 4.5 hours was a long wait but unusual. 1-2 hours can be the norm dependant upon a lot of things at an airport as large as Gatwick.

First choice, only choice from Gatwick is a Thursday take off, against daily flights from virgin, BA and the others. So if you want to fly any other day forget it with them. Easy to be on time with a single flight per week, but even they have their off flights, they are only showing 88% on a single flight to Sanford per week.

The level of servie I have found with my many flights, both personal and on buisness is second to none, much, much better than the American airlines who pale in comparison to Virgin. You mention Continental, I am a One Pass member with them and they are OK, but not to the standard of Virgin, plus they codeshere many flights on VS metal!

This age nonsense, is precisley that, nonsense. the aircraft are not old, the Gatwick/Manchester 7474's are the youngest in the fleet of 747's, besides with aircraft it is the amount of takeoffs and landings that count, not the birthdate.
They are younger aircraft than Britsh airways and American and Continental. They have the youngest fleet compared to any of the scheduled airlines.
The prices are comparible to BA and other scheduled airlines, and I, checking many times a year, find them to be always cheaper than American airlines, the ONLY time I have found cheaper American airlines prices was once with Continental on a code share with Virgin!
The other reason prices are higher is I would imagine, that when you want to fly so do many other people and the cheaper prices have gone. If not they would not be the largest European airline flying into Florida daily.

Seating width and pitch. FCA do not make theirs available to the public, so difficult to say what their is actually.
American: Width 17.2" Pitch 32"
Continental W 17.9" P 32"
Delta: W 18" P 31-32"
Northwest W 17.2 P 31-32"
British airways W 17.5" P 31.0"
Virgin W 17.5" P32"

so again, not narrowl seats compared to the other airlines are they?

The economy service is probably their worst area, and they themselves know it needs to be worked upon and thats what they are in the process of doing. The gatwick aircraft will have new seating and economy service in 2008 after the buisness routes at heathrow are done in this year.

Finally Sanford. Well this has been the cause of many debates on here and that is down to personal choice. My personal choice 9is MCO with all the facilities it has compared to sanford that, when you have a major delay there is nothing to do, or to eat, is a long journey when you have just arrived and the choice of car hire services is poor. It is a reginal airport set up for charter airlines, compared to MCO which is a proper internal/international airport with many routes.
If a major airline (why would they, or why havent they??) went from Sanford, it would physically not be able to cope.

And your view is interesting too Obi, albeit wrong :-)

My main points are that Virgin VS15 and not so often VS27 are becoming increasingly more prone to delays than the other airlines, to my knowledge (and I really do not check timings like you do) since April 12th there has been a +4 hour delay on 15 on at least 6 occasions. Also that the service on the US airlines is better than Virgin both of these are true.

On top of that Virgin customer service stinks ! Thats a fact too for the people that have experienced it, a simple search of these boards will back it up.

As for the planes themselves, well maybe that is open to personal interpretation so in MY view the planes appear old and cramped, you can state the measurements all you like but unfortunately I did not have a tape measure with me when I flew, I just know I found the Virgin 747 uncomfortable compared to say the A380 or the 777 on other more favourable airlines.

Sandford or MCO well there is a dilemma, after 12 hours of travel with small children do I want to be out of the airport in 25 minutes and on the road or do I want to spend up to 2 hours walking for miles carrying children that are exhausted, dropping my bags back on a conveyor after I have waited to pick them up and do it all over again, wait for an age in a car hire queue and looking at your post ... go shopping. For me thats a no-brainer !

As for the prices that really is nonsense, I have been looking today for our Sept trip, American Airlines £395 per person, Virgin £650 per person on my family of 4 I would SAVE £1000 not an insignificant amount of money !

Obi we will have to agree to disagree, you like them I (on my one occasion of using them) did not.

M

[angel659]

I loved VA the crew were great. I love the plane food on VA. :scared: I will only fly with VA or BA from now on. 777 we flew on to NYC was better aircraft than VA, but the food was vile. I think its each to thier own to be honest. Some people love them and some dont. :thumbsup2

[UKDEB]

Martina, I'm not taking sides in your disagreement with Obi - it goes without saying that you're perfectly entitled to choose who to fly with regardless of the number of times you've flown with a particular airline. Based on things I've read, I think it's highly unlikely that I'll ever fly with TCD, so I don't necessarily agree with the assertion that your judgement is flawed because you've only had one experience of Virgin.

I don't have a problem with anything which boils down to a simple difference of opinion (such as the Sanford/MCO debate). However, your claim that Obi is talking nonsense about prices needs to be challenged. I've said this on these boards many times before and I'm sure this won't be the last - I have no particular allegiance to Virgin, and I'd happily book with someone else who could offer a comparable product at a cheaper price. However, Virgin comes in cheaper every time and that's why I continue to fly with them. You have to compare like with like. American Airlines doesn't offer direct non-stop flights from the UK to Orlando.

[martina857]

Martina, I'm not taking sides in your disagreement with Obi - it goes without saying that you're perfectly entitled to choose who to fly with regardless of the number of times you've flown with a particular airline. Based on things I've read, I think it's highly unlikely that I'll ever fly with TCD, so I don't necessarily agree with the assertion that your judgement is flawed because you've only had one experience of Virgin.

I don't have a problem with anything which boils down to a simple difference of opinion (such as the Sanford/MCO debate). However, your claim that Obi is talking nonsense about prices needs to be challenged. I've said this on these boards many times before and I'm sure this won't be the last - I have no particular allegiance to Virgin, and I'd happily book with someone else who could offer a comparable product at a cheaper price. However, Virgin comes in cheaper every time and that's why I continue to fly with them. You have to compare like with like. American Airlines doesn't offer direct non-stop flights from the UK to Orlando.

You are right Deb, indirect flights do not suit everyone but the end result is the same and if a family on a budget can save £1000 thats a lot of spending $'s. If on top of that you are getting better customer service.....
On the flip side to that I have been going to Florida/USA 3 or 4 times a year since 1992, I am a tightwad and always look for the cheapest flight, my indirects and directs run at approx 70% direct 30% indirect, this was our first Virgin flight because it was the first time I have found them to be cheaper than BA or the charters, we actively tried to go with Virgin time after time but always found them dearer. So I suppose your comment also depends upon other factors that I am not aware of. I should also point out that I am fairly sure I have never paid more than £350 per person for economy. There is a downside to switching airlines all the time though with not building up any one reward system.

American do fly into Miami though and thats a nice flight if you do a stopover down there.

I have nothing against Obi by the way, as far as I am concerned we are just having a grown up conversation, I admire his passion for them, he has obviously had good experiences and is happy, I on the other hand am not.

All of the experiences of the seasoned travellers on here are invaluable to people looking for tips, when they see this thread they will have a balanced view.

Oh and Obi, FYI Virgin are the 2nd worst airline at Gatwick for punctuality, beaten only by LOT Polish to last place ;-)

M

[tashasmum]

As for the planes themselves, well maybe that is open to personal interpretation so in MY view the planes appear old and cramped, you can state the measurements all you like but unfortunately I did not have a tape measure with me when I flew, I just know I found the Virgin 747 uncomfortable compared to say the A380 or the 777 on other more favourable airlines.


M

I might be shot down in flames here but I didn't know the A380 had flown any commerical flights as yet

[UKDEB]

My point wasn't about whether or not indirect flights suit everyone, nor was I doubting that you may able to save money by booking with an airline other than Virgin. My only concern, ironically, was that those looking for tips or a balanced view might read your uncompromising judgement that Obi's comments on pricing were "nonsense" and take that on face value. If you're going to make such adamant statements, they need to be qualified. That a direct, non-stop flight is more expensive than an indirect one is hardly surprising. Your remark suggests that the Virgin flights you've looked at are uncompetitive and overpriced and that simply isn't true. Tell me that I can get BA flights on the same dates for 2/3 of the price of Virgin and I'll start sitting up and taking notice. Then you are genuinely comparing like with like.

[stal]

Just a quick update. it seems the planes been getting in at around 6.30pm for the past few days now... a few days ago it was in around 9.30pm

[Claire L]

I might be shot down in flames here but I didn't know the A380 had flown any commerical flights as yet

Yup you are right on that one, due to the lengthy delays alot of airlines are cancelling, lowering or postponing their orders.

Claire ;)

[martina857]

My apologies, I had just been reading about the A380, it should read A330 :thumbsup2

M

[martina857]

My point wasn't about whether or not indirect flights suit everyone, nor was I doubting that you may able to save money by booking with an airline other than Virgin. My only concern, ironically, was that those looking for tips or a balanced view might read your uncompromising judgement that Obi's comments on pricing were "nonsense" and take that on face value. If you're going to make such adamant statements, they need to be qualified. That a direct, non-stop flight is more expensive than an indirect one is hardly surprising. Your remark suggests that the Virgin flights you've looked at are uncompetitive and overpriced and that simply isn't true. Tell me that I can get BA flights on the same dates for 2/3 of the price of Virgin and I'll start sitting up and taking notice. Then you are genuinely comparing like with like.

And MY point is that in 15 years of looking for THE best price every time I go out this year was the first year that Virgin have been the least expensive, hence I used them. Had I have known then what I know now I would have booked indirect at nearly half the price, had a 2 hour stopover and still been there before the Virgin flight AND experienced better customer service to boot.

No BA are similarly priced right now, you are correct but this is not always the case though and I will be sure to point out to you when the time comes. However if you want like for like, First Choice flying into Sandford are £379 for my dates in September compared to £650 for Virgin, actually this is not a fair comparison because FC have superior seat pitch in economy of 33", superior entertainment and the added advantage of flying into the better airport oh and no delays. The only disadvantage as Obi says is the once per week flight from Gatwick, but as a punter so long as I get on that one I can cope with that ! I stand by my comments.

M

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

We've flown Virgin 3 times in the past and never had any problems whatsoever.
We was happy with the service they provided and the calls we have made with them recently.:thumbsup2

[jen_uk]

Ive flown with Virgin numerous times and have never thought their planes lookded old or tired. Whenever I book check the prices for loads of companies and Virgin are always either the cheapest or only a very small amount more. I have also never really had any problems with their customer service.

[martina857]

I am not to stubborn to realise that there will be a lot of "happy campers" who are perfectly pleased with their Virgin flights and good luck to all of you and to Virgin and especially their marketing dept ;) I am just pointing out that I was not happy and that there are better options out there.

M

[wicket2005]

I am just pointing out that I was not happy and that there are better options out there.

M

I know where to come to find a good value flight to Orlando then, sounds like you do a lot of research before you book your flights.:)

I have only ever travelled by economy chartered flights and to be honest I have always been perfectly happy, to me it is just a way to get from a to b. I am travelling scheduled economy for the first time, with Virgin, this year so it will be interesting to see how they compare.

[UKDEB]

If I'd had the kind of delay you experienced with Virgin, I may well have made the same decision never to use them again. What I wouldn't do, though, is patronise other people by telling them that my one experience makes me better equipped to judge how they compare. Your posts suggest that you are somehow better informed and that everyone who has had a good experience (or in many cases, numerous good experiences) is being duped and doesn't 'get it' in the same way that you do.

This really all boils down to the fact that you've been particularly unlucky with your one experience of Virgin and exceedingly lucky with every other airline you've ever flown with. By all means vent your frustration here and most of us will empathise. Please don't state your opinion, though, as if it were fact.

[martina857]

My posts were not meant to be patronising and if they came across that way then I apologise wholeheartedly ! However I do find your post patronising !

You asked for like for like and I gave it to you, it is FACT that I have wanted to fly Virgin since as long as I can remember but ALWAYS have found better value, which "facts" in your opinion am I stating that are not such ?

M

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

And your view is interesting too Obi, albeit wrong :-)

My main points are that Virgin VS15 and not so often VS27 are becoming increasingly more prone to delays than the other airlines, to my knowledge (and I really do not check timings like you do) since April 12th there has been a +4 hour delay on 15 on at least 6 occasions. Also that the service on the US airlines is better than Virgin both of these are true.

Sorry Martine I cannot agree (surprise! :rotfl: )
VS 15 has been over 4 hours delayed only 3 times from 12/04/07 to 18/08/07, 16/04 (6 hours), 19/04 (5 hours) and 12/05 (4hrs 45 mins) all of these and the majority of the other over 1 hour dalays are all due to the late inbcoming VS44 from las Vegas.
VS15 (true, the least on time flight of the Virgin Orlando flights, mainly because of the Las Vegas connection) has the follwoing from 12 april to 18 may:
Early 3%
On time from gate 59%
Late up to two hours 3%
Over two hours 35%
Total on time/early departure based on 37 flights 65%

The other flights:
VS27
Early 5%
On time 84%
Late by up to 2 hours 5%
Late by over two hours 5%
Total on time of 37 flights: 89%

VS16 is
early 54% (All flights from orlando are normally early due to tailwinds)
On time 11%
Late +/- 2 hours 14%
Late +2 hours 22%
Total on time 65%

VS28
Early 57%
On time 32%
Late up to 2 hours 3%
late over 2 hours 8%
total 37 flights on time 89%

so, no I refute the argument there. 28 flights a week, compared to First Choice one flight on a Thursday "take it or go with someone else" Airlines (I have yet to get their figures but I will,)


On top of that Virgin customer service stinks ! Thats a fact too for the people that have experienced it, a simple search of these boards will back it up.

No, the majority of complaints about Customer Service are to do with Virgin Holidays, a seperate compamy to Virgin Atlantic Airways.


As for the planes themselves, well maybe that is open to personal interpretation so in MY view the planes appear old and cramped, you can state the measurements all you like but unfortunately I did not have a tape measure with me when I flew, I just know I found the Virgin 747 uncomfortable compared to say the A380 or the 777 on other more favourable airlines.

The measurements are not mine, but the Air industries own measurements, used on many web sites, to save you taking your tape measure. :laughing:

I cannot belive that you can say a Airbus is less cramped! They are lower ceilinged, squashed out aircraft and considerably noisier than the 747!
They are a horrible range of aircraft. Even Virgin use them I am sorry to say :eek:


Sandford or MCO well there is a dilemma, after 12 hours of travel with small children do I want to be out of the airport in 25 minutes and on the road or do I want to spend up to 2 hours walking for miles carrying children that are exhausted, dropping my bags back on a conveyor after I have waited to pick them up and do it all over again, wait for an age in a car hire queue and looking at your post ... go shopping. For me thats a no-brainer !

12 hours of travel?? Not if you go direct it isn't! its a maximum of 9 hours, normally 8 hours, with no 8 hours across the pond, two to four hours stuck at an airport and then two hours down to Florida. No wonder your children are tired!
As for walking miles for tow hours in MCO, thats just nonsense. The longest i have ever had to wait to get from the aircraft to the car hire was 1 hour and that was down to a thunderstorm which came through and the bags could not be off loaded. Its normally 30-40 mins at the most, and I will be at my villa in Kissimmee long before you would be off the I4 from Sanford.

when you Charter is delayed at Sanford on the way home, what have you there to keep you occupied? That was mu comment about shopping and food retailers!

As for car hire queues, with such a poor choice at Sanford, with only the driver allowed in the booking area, there are many comments on these forums about having to wait a ,ong time for a car at Sanford



As for the prices that really is nonsense, I have been looking today for our Sept trip, American Airlines £395 per person, Virgin £650 per person on my family of 4 I would SAVE £1000 not an insignificant amount of money !

Obi we will have to agree to disagree, you like them I (on my one occasion of using them) did not.

M

Sept this year? talk about leaving it to the last minute! :rotfl: :rotfl:

Again, you are not looking at like for like, but direct and indirect.
FCA with only one flight a week is also not a like for like with Virgin, BA giving you a 7 day choice and direct.
You pay the premium NOT to spend "12 hours with tired children" as you seem to do to save a few bob :goodvibes :goodvibes

We will disagree, but nicely I hope :cool1:

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I am not to stubborn to realise that there will be a lot of "happy campers" who are perfectly pleased with their Virgin flights and good luck to all of you and to Virgin and especially their marketing dept ;) I am just pointing out that I was not happy and that there are better options out there.

M

Martine,
There are also a lot of happy people who fly TCD and Globespan :eek: :eek:
and other Charter airlines, plus happy campers who go Indirect for 12 hours plus :rotfl:

You have now brought in a new comment, the Virgin marketing department????
What is your beef with them??

You still have not really explained (apart from a 4 hour delay and seats which feel smaller than they are) what is your problem with Virgins service?

[martina857]

We will disagree, but nicely I hope

Definitely :banana:

I will also give Virgin 1 more go based on your argument if I get them cheaper than elsewhere.

I have enjoyed crossing swords with you but I feel we have taken the discussion as far as we can so I will now honourably bow out :goodvibes

M

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Definitely :banana:

I will also give Virgin 1 more go based on your argument if I get them cheaper than elsewhere.

I have enjoyed crossing swords with you but I feel we have taken the discussion as far as we can so I will now honourably bow out :goodvibes

M

Okaydokay Martina :hug:

[UKDEB]

which "facts" in your opinion am I stating that are not such?

I can tell you now, Continental, US airways, American, First choice, Brittania and Monarch are MILES better !

I was just reading the last few posts and was was going to post that it would not be SO BAD if the flights were a decent price, but they are not.

In fact bluntly they are RUBBISH compared to the competition.

The planes are old, the seats narrow

And your view is interesting too Obi, albeit wrong

Also that the service on the US airlines is better than Virgin both of these are true.

Virgin customer service stinks !

As for the prices that really is nonsense

All these comments are opinion dressed up as facts.

I object to having words put in my mouth. You told me:

You are right Deb, indirect flights do not suit everyone but the end result is the same

I didn't say that. I said that American Airlines doesn't fly direct, non-stop from the UK to Orlando.

And:

You asked for like for like and I gave it to you

I really didn't. And you didn't. The only like for like comparison is Virgin Atlantic and BA who are both scheduled airlines operating direct, non-stop daily services from the UK to MCO. Anything else does not qualify as like for like.

[grahamsgirl]

Hi guys
I would just like to say in VA defence, the first time we flew with them in Sept 2002 there was a 3 hours delay we were suppose to leave at 10.25am on VS075 from Manchester, we were told when we checked in there would be a possible delay. Fair enough we thought nothing we could do.
They made an announcement at the gate stating the flight would be delayed until 13.25pm and that if we could bear with them they would be issuing refreshment vouchers within the next half an hour. The attendants brought out the Kid Packs and gave them to all children waiting.
As a family of 4 we got £40.00 worth of vouchers that we bought some refreshments with, but didn't get to use them all up, then when we got on the plane each seat had a letter on it apologising for the delay and offering a 10% discount on next flight with VA. We used the discount the following year , and have flown with VA each time and have always been pleased.
I do appreciate times may have changed but we were really impressd how they handled the situation.

[sammyteach]

What an interesting debate. Shall i pitch in and hijack the thread to talk about Globespan.........:mad: No perhaps thats not a good idea after all my therapist says i need to learn to let go:rolleyes1

[MorningGlory]

I dont want to end up jinxing myself before we go, but for a first experience I am very happy so far with VH.

They gave us an unbeatable price for our holiday (waaaaaaaaay below what anyone else could do it for) during one of their sales.

Their customer service is criticised alot on here (and with good reason no doubt) but I have nothing but praise for them. Until I booked this holiday, I had never received a call pre-holiday from my on-site rep. I did with Virgin!

As I have never flown in a jumbo before, I dont doubt it will be as pleasant as a 9 hour flight can be. I wouldn't fancy it in a cramped charter plane. 5 hours to Turkey was enough for me.