virgin flights

[Mrs Dazzle]

I am stunned that people assume that a "better quality of person" travels in PE or UC. Just because people have the money to travel in these cabins, doesnt mean they are automatically going to be a better class of person than those that choose to travel in Economy!!!!

What you pay for in the "Premium" cabins, is better legroom and a slightly improved service from the cabin crew. It does NOT "guarantee" you a peaceful flight away from the "rabble" that fly economy! Just because someone may have a decent sized bank account DOES NOT make them a better person / parent than those that travel in economy!

Im shocked at the snobbery here!

We CHOOSE to travel economy, because we prefer to spend our money on something other than a 9 hour flight. I suppose we could pay for PE if we wanted to, but I would find it a waste of money. Im not a good flyer, and has someone has already said, I dont really care where I sit, Im still going to hate the flight whether the seats cost £400, £800 or £2000!!

Thats my rant over! Ready for the flames..........

Well I'm guessing this in part is directed at my comments - but having already said I expted to be shot down in flames . . . in for a penny in for a pound.

I am disappointed that I am obviously being classed as a snob - Perhaps I have some sort of moral views that means that when I travel somewhere - whatever class - I (and my family)conduct ourselves in a decent manner and treat the staff with the same courtesy I would hope they would treat me.

The first time we could afford to travel PE I was beyond excitement - I was so looking forward to it and I wasn't disappointed. However, subsequent PE flights have been a little disappointing because of the way some people have behaved. We have obviously been unlucky and been on very full flights (October). We were very lucky to be upgraded - for free - from PE to UC on a flight to St Lucia and there was one chappy who was blotto for most of the journey and his attitude to the crew was appalling, but gladly he slept most of the way

Now, one of the things I dread, really dread, about transatlatic flights is the amount of alcohol consumed by some people - no matter what 'class' (in aircradt terms, not people terms). These people seem to think that because it says it's 'free', they have got to have as much as humanlypossible - this is where a lot of rudeness comes into play. Expecting an Exocet (sp??!!) missile coming my way for these views

Anyway, I'm calmed down now, sorry if I offended anyone by my 'snobbish' views - no where did I say I expected a better class of person. My words were actually "Whilst one would think that by paying £1800 more, we can expect a superior service (which it can be), you cannot know who else will be travelling with you - and the cabin crew seem to be not very good at dealing with these people - something I was in communication with VA about".

Allie - hope your cold is getting better and the Vics has done it's job

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

there is nothing wrong with being a snob you know.
just because the Sun and the Star want us all to conform to the lowest common denominator does not make them right.

I do agree however, that having money does not preclude anyone from being a chav, you are just a chav with cash.

Some of the lottery winners have caused a few problems, and some of the most obnoxious people I have met in Upper Class have been buisnessmen/women who act as if they personally are the owners of the airline, regardless that they are only in there because someone else is picking up the tab.

Its like the augument regarding children in buisness class. It all depends on how the child is brought up, not wether the parents are rich or not.

 

[vinny1971]

I would ring First Choice. They do upgrades which give you the same benefits as Virgin for a fraction of the price and from what I hear are just as good. I upgraded last year and it was great. You get put on the plane first and let off first.

Last year I stayed at a Disney Hotel and the full package came to £4000.00 the seats we sat on were a 38inch pitch and the TV Screens were much bigger. Like I said before the whole trip was great.

This time we are going with First Choice. We have again up graded our seats which are the same pitch sizes as virgin and the TV Screen is the same to. All the benefits we got last time we are getting the same this time. But the big difference is, this holiday is costing us £2300.00. And we are doing the exact same holiday.

I was going to book again with Virgin this year as I was so impressed with the service last year. But after a few wise words from some close friends who work in the travel business I soon woke up. Remember although it is a long flight it is only 8 hours of your holiday on the plane (16 in total).


Good Luck

Vinny

 

[ely3857]

Hiya

Simple answer really,

If you can afford it then go for it, If you cant then dont.

But please dont assume everyone who flys economy is rude or that everyone who flys premium economy isnt.



Jodie

 

[trevorsem]

As with most things in life, it's a case of how much £1,800 means to you.

I for one, could not justify spending that amount of money, but each to their own....

 

[wendye]

As with most things in life, it's a case of how much £1,800 means to you.

I for one, could not justify spending that amount of money, but each to their own....

I'm with you on that one trevorsem! £1800 would pay for another holiday for us and there is no way would I pay that much extra just to upgrade to Premium. I don't really mind main thing to me is getting there with the least amount of delays and hassle.

 

[kevin harrison]

I was going to book again with Virgin this year as I was so impressed with the service last year. But after a few wise words from some close friends who work in the travel business I soon woke up.

Vinny

Can you expand on this a little more please?

 

[SEVANS2208]

We have the same dilemma - it would cost us £1700 to upgrade the 4 of us to PE. Both of my girls are at a private school (NO - I'M NOT A SNOB!!) so we have had to make the decision NOT to upgrade as that money would pay for the youngest ones fees for a term.

As people have already said, it depends how much £1800 means to you. We would love to upgrade and I'm sure the experience would be great but I really can't justify the expense

 

[trevorsem]

I am stunned that people assume that a "better quality of person" travels in PE or UC. Just because people have the money to travel in these cabins, doesnt mean they are automatically going to be a better class of person than those that choose to travel in Economy!!!!

What you pay for in the "Premium" cabins, is better legroom and a slightly improved service from the cabin crew. It does NOT "guarantee" you a peaceful flight away from the "rabble" that fly economy! Just because someone may have a decent sized bank account DOES NOT make them a better person / parent than those that travel in economy!

Im shocked at the snobbery here!

We CHOOSE to travel economy, because we prefer to spend our money on something other than a 9 hour flight. I suppose we could pay for PE if we wanted to, but I would find it a waste of money. Im not a good flyer, and has someone has already said, I dont really care where I sit, Im still going to hate the flight whether the seats cost £400, £800 or £2000!!

Thats my rant over! Ready for the flames..........

Like I said, each to their own. For us, our holiday begins the moment we get to Gatwick for the Virgin flight out. For our Family though, £1,800 will pay for our theme park tickets and most of the rest of the holiday spending.

Trev

 

[_Mark]

It depends on how much £1800 means I suppose - it means a lot to me!

I look at it this way...every minute of the journey, you are paying £3.30 (give or take). That's in addition to the cost of the basic flight.

I'd spend all my time looking at my watch! But that's just me - I'd love to treat my wife to something like this, but I guess I'll have to wait for the lottery to come up.

 

[Miffy2003]

Welcome to the Dis, Mark!

Have you a trip planned?

 

[_Mark]

Going back out June 14 for our 6th trip and my wife's 40th birthday (shhhh)! Always been Virgin as we've been happy with the service...this time: Port Orleans Riverside. Perhaps we should just move there...!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Mark,
For my wife's fortieth birthday I took her to Victoria & Alberts. Absolutely fabulous!!

 

[_Mark]

Dare I ask...was it really expensive? But was it worth it? (I'll get into trouble for asking how much it cost).



Did you have to book in advance?

Thanks

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

It wasn't cheap, but for her 40th it was worth it! $145 per person plus tip.
See my report and menu at this URL
http://www.v-flyer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4842

yes, you have to book in advance, the tel numbers in the report.

 

[Candy]

It depends on how much £1800 means I suppose - it means a lot to me!

I look at it this way...every minute of the journey, you are paying £3.30 (give or take). That's in addition to the cost of the basic flight.

I'd spend all my time looking at my watch! But that's just me - I'd love to treat my wife to something like this, but I guess I'll have to wait for the lottery to come up.

Well Mark it depends on how much $145 x 2 =$290 means to you.each to its own.

 

[_Mark]

Just read your excellent report Obi

You've talked me into it - money better spent than a £3 per minute flight upgrade!

Now, how to pack the jacket and dress....

 

[Candy]

As i have already said each to its own.it depends on what is inportant to you.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Mark,
one other thing, use the chance to get your suit dry cleaned, the quality is excellent and cheap!
I used a dry cleaners at Orange Lake, $7 for the best dry clean it has ever had.

 

[mark&sue]

I would not up-grade the flight but would definately do Victoria and Alberts again. I loved it. Not sure if worth the money if taking children as they do not do kids meals or prices. I put my daughter into the kids club at Grand Floridian. Booked both before we left.

Meanwhile DH would prefer to up-grade flight than to go to Victoria and Alberts as he thought it was a bit stuffy. I am sure we will go again though!!!



Susan