Flying Virgin Atlantic

[c3h3a3r]

Hi.

We are flying with Virgin Atlantic from the UK in June. I was just wondering if anyone on here had flown with them? In particular I was wondering about the quality of the plane food, and what (free) snacks there are. Also the kids backpack - how big is it and what does it include? I was going to buy both my boys (5 & 7) a backpack to carry a drink and snacks around the park, but am wondering if I could use the Vigin one instead of buying one?

Any other general info on Virgin also appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I am going to move this to our UK boards. Hopefully someone there can answer your questions.

 

[Eliza32]

We flew with Virgin in September just gone. We went economy. The food is good (compared to say Thompson/Thomas Cook) no free snacks, you need to pay for those.
The kids backpacks are quite large and we saw plenty of children using them in the parks, but I'm not really sure what is actually in them. I'm sure someone who actually has kids will be along to tell you soon .

 

[Elise79]

The kids parks are like a messenger bag style with one strap that can convert to two for a back pack.

They have a reading book, activity book, pencil, cap and small tube of love hearts.

I wouldn't think they are really suitable for the parks as the strap has no padding.

As for food - outbound you get lunch, afternoon tea & drinks (no snacks) and inbound you get dinner, breakfast & drinks.

Take snacks with you for your boys - you will be pleased you did!

 

[c3h3a3r]

Thanks to you all for replying.

I didn't realise there was a UK board - thank you.

I thought Thomas Cook (who we booked through) said it was free drinks & snacks

Just wanted the boys to carry their own water bottles and a couple of snacks, so I didn't end up carrying everything! So, they shouldn't be heavy - you think they won't be suitable?


Thanks again.

 

[Disneymadhouse]

I have always flown with Virgin to the USA, and have always found them to be very good. The last time was a couple of years ago and we got snacks as well as complimentary drinks (even alcohol). They have an excellent choice of movies and tv programmes although the games have always been hit and miss. We now have a daughter and will definately be flying with them again when we go for Christmas next year

Claire

 

[Elise79]

Thanks to you all for replying.

I didn't realise there was a UK board - thank you.

I thought Thomas Cook (who we booked through) said it was free drinks & snacks

Just wanted the boys to carry their own water bottles and a couple of snacks, so I didn't end up carrying everything! So, they shouldn't be heavy - you think they won't be suitable?


Thanks again.

They are quite large really - I will dig out one of DDs tonight and measure it.

I also would not want to be carrying anymore bags into the parks than necessary. We take the smallest bag we can. It has nappies & wipes for DD, a small pot of snacks, camera & purse.

I don't take water to the Disney parks anymore if we want water I walk into the nearest CS location and ask for a free cup of iced water!

 

[2Tiggies]

I wouldn't use the VA kids bags in the parks either. The kids will start whining about them being uncomfortable in no time I suspect. DD has tossed hers in the trash every year without fail once we get to the resort.

Would your kids carry a hip pouch? You do need to keep in mind that all bags are checked before entering each park so each child will have to have their bags ready and open. With that in mind I would be looking for something small that is quick and easy for them to open. But I agree with the other posters that the VA kids bag is not suitable. You would be better buying a cheap small backpack for each of them at a discount store here and still have better quality.

I also wanted to mention that getting them into the habit of carrying their own bags from the outset is a very good idea. My 8 year old DD is a lady of leisure and would have me carry her school bag to the gate if I would let her I had to draw the line last year eventually and told her if she wanted anything to come to the parks, she had to carry it. No carry, no take ...

 

[Goofyish]

You can buy bottle straps that attach to the standard small water bottles and then go over your shoulder in the parks.

 

[Chilly]

You get a drink and bag of pretzels after take off. And then an ice cream after lunch when everyone is watching the movie. You also get a cookie after afternoon tea. I'd bring snacks that your kids like though.

 

[dixonsontour]

Kids meals 2009 and 2010 on virgin on way out have been dinosaur pasta bolognaise, small bag haribo and an apple fruit puree sachet (like an ella's kitchen one for babies but not that brand).

Snack before landing is 2 finger sarnies and a biscuit - cheese or ham I think.

Remember to book your kids meal.

 

[c3h3a3r]

Thank you all for your help.

I just don't want to be lumbered with all the kids stuff!

I think it is reasonable to expect them to carry a water bottle and a couple of snacks each.

I am sure neither of my boys will eat the food on the plane!
Anyone have a rough idea how far into the flight the meals are served?

Any other info greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

 

[dixonsontour]

Main meal is served 1 1/2 - 2 hours in. Then snack maybe 1 1/2 before you land.

Take snacks and you will be fine. You could always get some sandwiches from boots etc before you board.

 

[Funky_dino]

I tend to find VA economy is not alot different from thomson/first choice etc.
In my experience if you have younger children with you they give that little extra attention than if you are flying without them.

 

[T16GEM]

there's some great info here, I was wondering whether to bother ordering a kids meal for our two as I doubt that they will eat it anyway - but they will like the Haribo

I plan on taking some dairylea sanwiches for them for a bit later on in the flight as I know that they will eat those.

 

[Funky_dino]

You may as well order it, least there is probably more chance that they might eat something. they also get served before everyone else so least they will be occupied for a bit lol

 

[dixonsontour]

My DH likes the kids dinosaur pasta!

The meal does keep DD busy for a few mins and I imagine she would be put out if she saw the kids next to her getting one not her.

Think there was a tube of yoghurt aswell.

 

[Elise79]

there's some great info here, I was wondering whether to bother ordering a kids meal for our two as I doubt that they will eat it anyway - but they will like the Haribo

I plan on taking some dairylea sanwiches for them for a bit later on in the flight as I know that they will eat those.

The kids meals are generally quite nice - I have tried several of DD's and they are better than some other meals.

Order them - they have lots of snack type bits on that I spread out over the next hour or so!

 

[Pegasus928]

Definitely worth ordering the kids meal just so you can cherry pick the bits they want and leave the rest 0 or use it to top up your own meal

The last 2 flights we have done me and DD have got ourselves some sandwiches from boots once through security. We carry a couple of the smallcool bags in the hand luggage so they stay nice and fresh until we want them.

As for bags at the park I must admit to spending most of my time leading up to a trip trying to find the perfect theme park bag.
I'm sure that once we have older kids we wont need to take so much, and that I am probably guilty of taking more than we need, but we learn as we go.
One thing I found over there that I have kept is a clip that attaches to either the outside of a bag or a belt loop. The other end has a rubber ring that fits over the neck of a water bottle and both these parts are clipped together, allowing for easy access to water for the kids when they need it - which is frequent.