First time flying with Virgin - Help needed please.

[Cinderella2006]

Hi, we have recently booked a holiday through Expedia flying with Virgin. We have never flown with Virgin before, no reason for this but after reading a view threads I am getting a bit worried.
We are flying standard economy from Manchester in august; flight 73.
Is there anything I should be made aware of? I did not know about the reserving of seats but thanks to the Disboards I managed to reserve the last four seats that were together last night. My only problem was that when it came to reserving the seats for our return flight, there were only four seats available to reserve, the rest were taken? The only four seats that were available were nowhere near each other but obviously they can’t do this when you have two young children? ;.
I have read that you can check in 24 hours before your flight, is this easy? Would you recommend this in order for us to all get seats together? I have no preference as to where we seat just would like us to be together.
I also didn’t realise that you had to pre-book child’s meals either so I have taken care of that one, anything else I should know?
What is the plane food like? We had some nice meals when flying with Thomas Cook and First Choice, we were pleasantly surprised. Also I read that you have a choice of meal, is this right?
Last question, I promise, generally how is the entertainment? We flew with First Choice in November in the Premier Class; which I thought was great value. There were 18 of us, 8 of which were children and we didn’t hear a thing for the full 9 hours

Thank you in advance

Aimee x

 

[Lisash]

Hi Aimee

I had the same problem with being unable to reserve seats on my outbound VA flight for August. Try ringing VA directly (I got the number from their website) I explained the situation to the lady on the phone playing on how worried I was a being separated from my child and she managed to 'find' us an available row. I can't promise this will work for you as it may just be that I got lucky to get a sympathetic person at the other end of the line but it's worth a try.

The food & entertainment options are always fine. There are generally three choices of main meal one of which is veggie. You also get an ice cream mid flight and a snack about an hour before landing, this has always previously been sandwiches but on my last VA flight to New York in April it was just coffee or tea and a brownie or biscuits so not sure if that is what they are doing now instead - as for entertainment if you log onto the VA website and check the whats on board section it gives you TV & film listings for the current and next month - these are usually relatively up to date releases with a few older favourites thrown in and there is also a built in games console for the kids it's usually enough to keep them entertained

 

[irongirlof12]

you should be able to sit together on return flight- virgin only release about 40% of seats for pre-booking so don't worry. You will receive complementary drinks in flight, a small screen in back of chair to watch films etc. food is edible, but not top notch.

Overall our Virgin flights have been good.

 

[signtalker]

Hi there, firstly you cant "reserve" seats you can only request them, and Virgin can change these seats for operational reasons. As a family Virgin will not split families up.

I always fly Virgin on my holidays, and wouldnt fly with anybody else. The food is good, using twilight checkin is fantastic, and the double baggage allowance of 2x23kg is great for all the shopping you want to bring back!

Jules

 

[MorningGlory]

Hi Aimee

I think you can also complete the 'Advanced Passenger Information' on the Virgin website, and it will save you having to go through it at the airport. There's not much to it, just basically info on where you are staying whilst there.

Im flying on VS073 on June 14th and am interested to hear what the service is generally like on it as well. I know that only certain Virgin planes have the entertainment system (with games - they all have movies/tv/radio, etc afaik) and im wondering if any of those planes are being used on the VS073 flights.

 

[Shazzie B]

We've flown the Atlantic with Virgin 4 days. In flight service is excellent. They were fantastic with my son who was air-sick (turbulence) and felt quite poorly, whenever they had to 'sit-down' they checked on him as soon as the were 'allowed up'.

As previous post suggests, you can check what film are showing on the web-site. Food is the best we've had in the 'airline food' category. Although I still take small 'picnic' for the kids.

 

[crabbie1]

Hi Aimee
Just keep having a look at the seating plan as believe it or not people do cancel or upgrade so you may get 4 togeather.Make sure you check in 24 hrs before and have alook at the seat maps then as they do release the other 40%.You can also print off your boarding passes if you wish to save extra time at the airport.I have always found the food excellent for airline food although the kids meal looks great and would prefer that .I have not yet travelled on a VS073 that has the interactive games.I think they are mainly on the london flights but someone on here like OBI WAN or CLAIRE L will be able to tell you.They are HOT on virgin flights.
You will have a fab time anyway and although I wouldn't use VH again I will still continue to use VA with seperate booking,

 

[Claire L]

Chances of getting a plane equipped with the games is quite small but there are 8 film channels. As for food yes there is normally a choice of two meat meals and one vegetarian. Yes on line checkin does open up more seats as only 60% are able to be pre requested.

Claire

 

[MorningGlory]

Chances of getting a plane equipped with the games is quite small but there are 8 film channels. As for food yes there is normally a choice of two meat meals and one vegetarian. Yes on line checkin does open up more seats as only 60% are able to be pre requested.

Claire

This was as I thought

Im not too fussed about it though, DS will have his PSP and we were looking at some of the entertainment available on the VA website today and reckon we will be spoilt for choice.

There even have the full Dark Side of the Moon album!

 

[scottishsue]

We went with Virgin once and the meals and entertainment were very good.

Lots to occupy youngsters !! (Do we have a Pink Floyd fan here) ?

 

[MorningGlory]

We went with Virgin once and the meals and entertainment were very good.

Lots to occupy youngsters !! (Do we have a Pink Floyd fan here) ?

Just a little bit of a fan Sue


Okay, I admit, im a massive fan I just wish I had got the chance to see them live at some point. The closest I got was seeing Roger Waters do a full DSOTM set at Glasto in 2002 - the highlight of my concerting/festival 'career'.

Oh, not forgetting the amazing Australian Pink Floyd that I seen when I was about 18 - they were absolutely superb!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

The majority of the Manchester to Orlando flights are on London Gatwick configured planes. Only a few flights have a Londom heathrow configured plane, due to operational reasons, or that one of the LGW (London Gatwick) planes is in for maintenance.
If in normal practice is the :GW aircraft then it will have the NOVA system of entertainment. (These planes were scheduled to go to Alitalia originally so were specified with the entertainment system the Italians wanted, but they cancelled the order and Virgin picked up the lease cheap!)
This as Calire has said, has 8 channels of entertainment but no games, 5 movies channels, constantly cycling through the film (different film on each channel) 2 kids channels showing kiddie programmes, one general TV programme, 14 music channels agin cycling, plus a map channel showing distance to destination etc..

If you get Odyssey (actually an older entertainment system but specified from new by Virgin) this has much more choice
10 movie channels, 2 kids channels, 8 TV channels, 14 audio channels, 35 Nintendo games and the skymap/
But don't hold your breath for this!

The food is OK, general airline food I am told. Not any better or worse than most airlines (they all essentially use the same catering companies)
You will have a choice of three meals, but if you are in the middle, your first choice may have gone, thats why try and get seated nearer the galleys front and back if this is your main concern. You cannot carry 250 meals per choice on board, no space and huge wastage each flight!
I think you get one main meal, plus a snack of a baguette nearer landing.

They should be still serving the Ice Cream on the middle of the journey, plus water at times. You may have to go to the galley for refills of drinks, but don't forget all your drinks are free (both alcoholic and non alcoholic) so make sure you stock up!
They are a little slow at coming around so its best to go to the galley in the quiet times to ask for a drink.

Only 60% of seats are released before the 24 hour period, so as close as you can, 24 hours before the departure time of your flight, go on line, and check what is now available.
You can also print out your boarding pass at this time and also fill in the Advanced passenger info as well (you can do this now if you want, you don't have to wait until 24 hours before) You will need the passengers passports to do this.

From May 31st, there will be a new (its free by the way) ameinity kit on the LGW/MAN flights, same stuff but in new packaging (new colours etc) and the inbound is sponsored by Lord Of the Rings so will have this logo on it and on the pen.
The good news is that there is a new (well returning) addition to the ameinity pack FLIGHTSOCKS!

Any children in your party will also be given a KiD pack, basically a red satchel with a book, a plastic timer, a Virgin cap in it. Usefull for the rubbish you take to parks!

Any other questions, just ask

 

[evilempire13]

The majority of the Manchester to Orlando flights are on London Gatwick configured planes. Only a few flights have a Londom heathrow configured plane, due to operational reasons, or that one of the LGW (London Gatwick) planes is in for maintenance.
If in normal practice is the :GW aircraft then it will have the NOVA system of entertainment. (These planes were scheduled to go to Alitalia originally so were specified with the entertainment system the Italians wanted, but they cancelled the order and Virgin picked up the lease cheap!)
This as Calire has said, has 8 channels of entertainment but no games, 5 movies channels, constantly cycling through the film (different film on each channel) 2 kids channels showing kiddie programmes, one general TV programme, 14 music channels agin cycling, plus a map channel showing distance to destination etc..

If you get Odyssey (actually an older entertainment system but specified from new by Virgin) this has much more choice
10 movie channels, 2 kids channels, 8 TV channels, 14 audio channels, 35 Nintendo games and the skymap/
But don't hold your breath for this!

The food is OK, general airline food I am told. Not any better or worse than most airlines (they all essentially use the same catering companies)
You will have a choice of three meals, but if you are in the middle, your first choice may have gone, thats why try and get seated nearer the galleys front and back if this is your main concern. You cannot carry 250 meals per choice on board, no space and huge wastage each flight!
I think you get one main meal, plus a snack of a baguette nearer landing.

They should be still serving the Ice Cream on the middle of the journey, plus water at times. You may have to go to the galley for refills of drinks, but don't forget all your drinks are free (both alcoholic and non alcoholic) so make sure you stock up!
They are a little slow at coming around so its best to go to the galley in the quiet times to ask for a drink.

Only 60% of seats are released before the 24 hour period, so as close as you can, 24 hours before the departure time of your flight, go on line, and check what is now available.
You can also print out your boarding pass at this time and also fill in the Advanced passenger info as well (you can do this now if you want, you don't have to wait until 24 hours before) You will need the passengers passports to do this.

From May 31st, there will be a new (its free by the way) ameinity kit on the LGW/MAN flights, same stuff but in new packaging (new colours etc) and the inbound is sponsored by Lord Of the Rings so will have this logo on it and on the pen.
The good news is that there is a new (well returning) addition to the ameinity pack FLIGHTSOCKS!

Any children in your party will also be given a KiD pack, basically a red satchel with a book, a plastic timer, a Virgin cap in it. Usefull for the rubbish you take to parks!

Any other questions, just ask

Some useful info there - does this mean that I am wasting my money if I go out and buy some flight socks in advance for £10 from boots? Are they free on the plane?

 

[Claire L]

Some useful info there - does this mean that I am wasting my money if I go out and buy some flight socks in advance for £10 from boots? Are they free on the plane?

The socks provded are just towelling type not the flight socks I presume you are mentioning from Boots.

Claire

 

[evilempire13]

The socks provded are just towelling type not the flight socks I presume you are mentioning from Boots.

Claire

Ah yes sorry did not make myself clear - I was thinking they were the ones that help prevent DVT - looks like I am still going to have to buy them then!

 

[Claire L]

Ah yes sorry did not make myself clear - I was thinking they were the ones that help prevent DVT - looks like I am still going to have to buy them then!

No problem, I find the socks given are useful if walking around without shoes, saves getting your own socks dirty!

Claire

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Yes, a sort of over sock to keep your feet clean, (or in the case of some of the toilets, keep the crud off your feet when people have the cleanliness of a you know what)
Keep your feet warm as well if you suffer from cold feet.

 

[CHEK]

The majority of the Manchester to Orlando flights are on London Gatwick configured planes. Only a few flights have a Londom heathrow configured plane, due to operational reasons, or that one of the LGW (London Gatwick) planes is in for maintenance.
If in normal practice is the :GW aircraft then it will have the NOVA system of entertainment. (These planes were scheduled to go to Alitalia originally so were specified with the entertainment system the Italians wanted, but they cancelled the order and Virgin picked up the lease cheap!)
This as Calire has said, has 8 channels of entertainment but no games, 5 movies channels, constantly cycling through the film (different film on each channel) 2 kids channels showing kiddie programmes, one general TV programme, 14 music channels agin cycling, plus a map channel showing distance to destination etc..

If you get Odyssey (actually an older entertainment system but specified from new by Virgin) this has much more choice
10 movie channels, 2 kids channels, 8 TV channels, 14 audio channels, 35 Nintendo games and the skymap/
But don't hold your breath for this!

The food is OK, general airline food I am told. Not any better or worse than most airlines (they all essentially use the same catering companies)
You will have a choice of three meals, but if you are in the middle, your first choice may have gone, thats why try and get seated nearer the galleys front and back if this is your main concern. You cannot carry 250 meals per choice on board, no space and huge wastage each flight!
I think you get one main meal, plus a snack of a baguette nearer landing.

They should be still serving the Ice Cream on the middle of the journey, plus water at times. You may have to go to the galley for refills of drinks, but don't forget all your drinks are free (both alcoholic and non alcoholic) so make sure you stock up!
They are a little slow at coming around so its best to go to the galley in the quiet times to ask for a drink.

Only 60% of seats are released before the 24 hour period, so as close as you can, 24 hours before the departure time of your flight, go on line, and check what is now available.
You can also print out your boarding pass at this time and also fill in the Advanced passenger info as well (you can do this now if you want, you don't have to wait until 24 hours before) You will need the passengers passports to do this.

From May 31st, there will be a new (its free by the way) ameinity kit on the LGW/MAN flights, same stuff but in new packaging (new colours etc) and the inbound is sponsored by Lord Of the Rings so will have this logo on it and on the pen.
The good news is that there is a new (well returning) addition to the ameinity pack FLIGHTSOCKS!

Any children in your party will also be given a KiD pack, basically a red satchel with a book, a plastic timer, a Virgin cap in it. Usefull for the rubbish you take to parks!

Any other questions, just ask

Obi, do the virgin planes have names on the side of the plane , my DD seems to think they do

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Obi, do the virgin planes have names on the side of the plane , my DD seems to think they do

Yes, all Virgin Planes do and the "girl" is also different on each one.
The normal Virgin planes from Gatwick and Manchester are:

G-VAST "Ladybird"
G-VGAL "Jersey Girl"
G-VLIP "Hot Lips"
G-VROM "Barbarella"
G-VROS "English Rose"
G-VROY "Pretty Woman"
G-VTOP "Virginia Plain"
G-VXLG "Ruby Tuesday"

 

[CHEK]

Yes, all Virgin Planes do and the "girl" is also different on each one.
The normal Virgin planes from Gatwick and Manchester are:

G-VAST "Ladybird"
G-VGAL "Jersey Girl"
G-VLIP "Hot Lips"
G-VROM "Barbarella"
G-VROS "English Rose"
G-VROY "Pretty Woman"
G-VTOP "Virginia Plain"
G-VXLG "Ruby Tuesday"

Many thanks Obi, a pat on the shoulder tomorrow for my DD!!, so now to see if she can guess which one we'll be on from Manchester on Thursday......