Flying with Virgin

[Sapper383]

Hi all, my family and I are flying to Orlando in September from Gatwick. We are using Virgin for the first time. Could anyone share their experiences of Virgin with us particularly when flying with children. My son is 10 and my daughter is 4. What entertainment is there for the kids, films etc?
Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[islandmum]

well its pretty easy really, you can order them kids meals if they want (usual fare is chicken fingers beans and mash, plus a fruit shoot, gingerbread man, chocolate desert) or they can have the regular adult meal choice, the entertainment system on the Gatwick/Manchester fleet isnt great I'm afraid, you're limited to the set 12 channels and at the mercy of when the set schedule, its not an on demand system.

you can go on the Virgin website to get the months films about 1 month before you travel.

I personally find the entertainment system really bad for our kids (6 and 4) because the kids channels (2 of them) are bad and they only had one kids movie last time we travelled which on a 9 hour flight didnt go far.

You can bring your own DVD's and ask the cabin crew to give you a portable DVD player if they have any spare which might help.

Hope that helps,

 

[jen_uk]

I've flown loads of times with Virgin and I really like them. The staff are usually very friendly and helpful, the food is good, don't know much about the kids food tho. Children get a pack of stuff to entertain them, presumably with crayons and stuff in. When the entertainment works its really good, you have a seatback tv and have 12 channels to choose from, they show a variety of films etc. The problem is is that its getting a bit unreliable now, the last 2 flights I have taken it hasn't worked on the outbound flight, so I would make sure you take books and stuff just in case there is a problem. Last year the cabin crew gave me a DVD player to watch so it wasn't all bad The flights are normally on time, you have a great luggage allowance and if you are flying with virgin holidays then you can use Down Town Disney check in on your last day to get rid of your cases.

 

[Pegasus928]

We have always flown Virgin to Florida, and always with 2 kids. DS has never bothered much with the IFE and would much rather walk up and down the plane and chat with the hostesses. DD likes to watch the kids films or play on her DS. At 14 and 10 they are both too old for the stuff that comes in the back packs, but as it's the first time your 2 have had them they will make a nice gift for them.
Food is pretty much standard airline food and the kids meals are adequate. If you have any fussy eaters with you I would consider sticking a few things in your carry on just in case. Drinks are free throughout the flight and the luggage allowance is good compared to some other airlines.
Hope you have a good trip