I have heard - relieable source - of PE passengers being offered Virgin Clubhouse entrance for a small fee (about £20/25) at check-in. This is well worth it (you can eat breakfast there at get a free facial/massage/haircut) if it is offered to you. The Virgin Clubhouse is beautiful (bar, beauty salon, TV room, library, Nintendo room, computer room with internet PCs, lots of seating, WCs and showers, good view of planes and very close to the gates).
I don't know if this is a frequent occurence - it may be very rare - but if you get the option, take it ;-).
Boo