Virgin Online check in info

[bluegirl]

HI all Just thought i would let you know what i have found out about this new service.I rang Virgin Holidays today and they contacted the desk at the airport who reported that this new service is working really well!There is a separate queue for DIY check in which is a baggage drop and boarding pass issue station this apparently cuts back on the time spent waiting in normal check in where all flight details bookings etc have to be checked. Hope this is off some use I plan to give it a try in a couple of weeks
Jane

 

[KayleeUK]

Jane

Looking forward to hearing your experience with this

 

[Bexx]

LOL bluegirl, I've just logged in to paste this from the Virgin FAQs (and it's long!). If this really does work as well as they say, it's a definite for us.

DIY Check In
Q What is DIY Check In?
A DIY Check In is Virgin Atlantic’s online check in service. It allows Virgin Atlantic customers to check in for their flights through the company’s website at virgin-atlantic.com.

Q When is online check in available?
A Online check in is open from 24 hours to two hours prior to scheduled flight departure times.

Q Who can use online check in?
A This service is available to all Virgin Atlantic customers except:

Unaccompanied minors
Young persons travelling on their own
Any customers required by Virgin Atlantic to see a member of staff before checking in
Some customers booked as part of a group or corporate group
Customers checking in firearms
Customers who are already checked in

Q What flights are available for online check in?
A Online check in is available for the majority of Virgin Atlantic operated flights. The only routes not currently allowing check in are all flights to/from Port Harcourt, Lagos and Hong Kong, flights from the Caribbean to London, and flights from Delhi to London. Excluded flight numbers include VS030, VS032, VS034, VS036, VS038, VS056?, VS200, VS201, VS651, VS652, and VS300.

Q How does it work?
A Select DIY Check In from the Bookings menu. You will be asked to enter your booking reference or e-ticket number, first name, surname and flight details. You will have the opportunity to identify any of your travel companions you wish to check in with. Please ensure you have the entire group’s passports or passport details to hand, as you will need these to complete check in. Your check in confirmation page will contain instructions on what to do once you arrive at the airport, links to view and amend your seats (for most users), any special instructions for each passenger and links to more useful information.

Q What do you do once you arrive at the airport?
A On arrival at the airport, please go to the DIY Check In Bag Drop desk to collect your boarding documents and check your bags in. This must be completed at least 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.

Please ensure all passengers bring their passports, tickets or e-ticket receipts, and other relevant documentation.

The Bag Drop desk is located at the Virgin Atlantic check in area and our airport staff will be happy to point you in the right direction should you have difficulty locating it.

Please be advised that your allocated seats may occasionally have to be changed at the airport for operational reasons.

 

[Bexx]

bluegirl - I also meant to say thanks for taking the trouble to find out about this. Hope it works well for your trip and have a great time.

 

[Selina]

Thanks Bluegirl. Just been looking at that myself. Let us know how it went. I have just pre-booked our seats - but I noticed it said you must have all the passport details for all passengers - we have a friend coming with us. I imagine it's just passport no - which we have. Can you let us know if there is anything else we would need - issue date, expiry dates, place of issue etc.... if so will have to get all the other info from our friend. Sounds like a really good idea!!

 

[cocinelle]

Sounds a definite boon to those with pre-booked seat angst, as surely it will help eliminate turning up at check-in only to discover 'your' seats are gone. A prospect which is causing me many a restless night.

I need perspective, people..

But quiz me this: do we think that it's worth doing if you're flying Premium Economy or even Upper Class (my time will come, oh yes, my time will come...) - given that you get separate check-in etc anyway...?
Plus it might give the men-folk in my party an argument for arriving later at the airport, and thus- yes, you've guessed it- less time in Duty Free..

It's a conspiracy, I tellsya..

cocinelle x

 

[SEVANS2208]

Does this mean then that twilight check in won't be of much benefit? We ususally do twilight check in to get better seats if poss (though we do pre-book as well - belts 'n' braces!!).

 

[bluegirl]

HI good point iam not sure!

 

[Daftman]

I think the one advantage twilight has over online check in is the fact that you can get rid of your cases the night before your flight.

Sean.