Couple of Q's for Virgin UC passengers...

[jharrowell]

Hiya,

It's getting close to flight day now and I wanted to ask a couple of questions of people who've done the LGW - MCO run in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class.

1) Do we get a priority security lane? I remember a security channel off to the left that most people don't get to use (was directed there once and it was amazingly quick) and wondered if it was a Business class priority lane.

2) What headphones do you get on the flight, is it the same ones as in Economy/PE? Thinking about splashing out on a pair of Bose QC15's (Yum, those headphones are amazing!)

3) Are they good at handling non-standard food requests? I'm veggie and diabetic which you can't choose from the website. It seemd they think you can be one or the other, not both. Hmm, I'll have to phone the UC line today...

Lastly, do you think it's worth going flat bed and getting some ZZZs on the way out? It's a day flight and doesn't go through night, but I was thinking 40 winks might help me switch to EST...

 

[Pinky166]

1) Do we get a priority security lane? I remember a security channel off to the left that most people don't get to use (was directed there once and it was amazingly quick) and wondered if it was a Business class priority lane.


Yes you do have a seperate check in line, fast track through security & a seperate queue for boarding.


2) What headphones do you get on the flight, is it the same ones as in Economy/PE? Thinking about splashing out on a pair of Bose QC15's (Yum, those headphones are amazing!)

Yes it is the same as economy. I always use my own.


3) Are they good at handling non-standard food requests? I'm veggie and diabetic which you can't choose from the website. It seemd they think you can be one or the other, not both. Hmm, I'll have to phone the UC line today...

They always have a vegetarian option.

Lastly, do you think it's worth going flat bed and getting some ZZZs on the way out? It's a day flight and doesn't go through night, but I was thinking 40 winks might help me switch to EST...

I never sleep on the way out so personally I don't bother with the flat bed but I do on the way back.


Have a great trip.

 

[jharrowell]

1) Do we get a priority security lane? I remember a security channel off to the left that most people don't get to use (was directed there once and it was amazingly quick) and wondered if it was a Business class priority lane.


Yes you do have a seperate check in line, fast track through security & a seperate queue for boarding.

I knew about the check in lane and boarding queue, but wasn't sure about the securuty lane. Thanks.

2) What headphones do you get on the flight, is it the same ones as in Economy/PE? Thinking about splashing out on a pair of Bose QC15's (Yum, those headphones are amazing!)

Yes it is the same as economy. I always use my own.

Me too. Think I'll get those Bose headphones then. Assuming the 1080p projector on eBay sells, anyone need a projector?

3) Are they good at handling non-standard food requests? I'm veggie and diabetic which you can't choose from the website. It seemd they think you can be one or the other, not both. Hmm, I'll have to phone the UC line today...

They always have a vegetarian option.

I expected that, but it's when you mix in the diabetic as well that it can become a pain.

I suppose if it's an issue I could just skip desert as it's the freedom menu and get cheese & biscuits or something.

Lastly, do you think it's worth going flat bed and getting some ZZZs on the way out? It's a day flight and doesn't go through night, but I was thinking 40 winks might help me switch to EST...

I never sleep on the way out so personally I don't bother with the flat bed but I do on the way back.

Oh, I definately intend to make use of that flat bed on the way back.

Have a great trip.

Thanks!

My only real worry is that this'll spoil me and I won't want to travel in anything less that UC from now on! Hmmm, I could live with it...

 

[ClareH37]

Re. the food, I'm gluten free and type 1 (don't know if you're type 2 or 1, but being type 1 I am not on such a restricted diet as type 2), I tend to customise the meals. Basically, take what I want/need and leave what I don't.

I also do order a gluten free meal though as it's normally chicken with veg and potatoes, but have the normal starter (usually a salad) and cheese and biscuits for pud (I take my own gluten free biscuits).

The guys at the premier team always tell me to order my diet specific meal (i.e. gluten free) and if there's anything on the flight that I can have then I do, and have even left my gluten free meal before now, no problems at all.

Have a great flight

 

[jharrowell]

Re. the food, I'm gluten free and type 1 (don't know if you're type 2 or 1, but being type 1 I am not on such a restricted diet as type 2), I tend to customise the meals. Basically, take what I want/need and leave what I don't.

I also do order a gluten free meal though as it's normally chicken with veg and potatoes, but have the normal starter (usually a salad) and cheese and biscuits for pud (I take my own gluten free biscuits).

The guys at the premier team always tell me to order my diet specific meal (i.e. gluten free) and if there's anything on the flight that I can have then I do, and have even left my gluten free meal before now, no problems at all.

Have a great flight

Type 2 managed by pill unfortunately.

At this point I'm not on a very restricted diet, but I think that's more because of lousy NHS support rather than need. (Dietician basically said "eat healthily and cut out sugar and fruit juice", hugely helpful.)

I've given up on their help and am trying to sort out my own diet at this point, as I know my numbers aren't properly under control atm...

EDIT: My partner just finished talking to the UC team and they have noted that I am a veggie and diabetic so hopefully it's all sorted.

 

[ClareH37]

Type 2 managed by pill unfortunately.

At this point I'm not on a very restricted diet, but I think that's more because of lousy NHS support rather than need. (Dietician basically said "eat healthily and cut out sugar and fruit juice", hugely helpful.)

I've given up on their help and am trying to sort out my own diet at this point, as I know my numbers aren't properly under control atm...

EDIT: My partner just finished talking to the UC team and they have noted that I am a veggie and diabetic so hopefully it's all sorted.

I'm sorry you're not getting the proper support I've never had a problem with my meals, you'll be really looked after and the crew will go out of their way to customise something for you

 

[jharrowell]

One good thing,

The one time I've really got a handle on my Diabetes is at WDW. Though having a restricted diet is hard at WDW, I rarely need it as all the extra walking burns that sugar out of my system.

So while at WDW, just avoid deserts (or eat a diabetic speciality) and I'm great.

So at least I won't feel bad while tere and I can get a handle on the stuff the NHS was supposed to help with when I get back.

 

[Pinky166]

I expected that, but it's when you mix in the diabetic as well that it can become a pain.

I suppose if it's an issue I could just skip desert as it's the freedom menu and get cheese & biscuits or something.

They also have lots of fruit, cheese & biscuits, sandwiches, salads etc so I am sure you will be able to find something to eat.

My only real worry is that this'll spoil me and I won't want to travel in anything less that UC from now on! Hmmm, I could live with it...

It is really tough to fly any other way once you've experienced UC/First. Our last two trips have been PE and although nice it's still not the same as UC.

 

[Jets fan]

Hi

I am Type 2 diabetic and never tell them before I go as in UC they adjust meals to suit you. Once I had duck and orange sauce and I just asked for the orange sauce to be missed off. When you are in UC they bend over backwards to accomodate you and your needs.

Have fun!

Tina

 

[MickeyMcMouse]

The headphones in Upper are noise reduction ones - not bose qc2/3 but still better than in economy or premium.

Enjoy your flight

David