Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...when he originally chose the Virgin name for his business empire all those years ago. Anyway back to my own little venture in the form of a Ciao opinion. I have used Virgin Atlantic on a number of occasions to fly to the US so I will confine my comments to those routes only. I flew with Virgin for the first time in 1995 to Orlando, FL. The flight was a fun event from start to finish and at the time the concept of mini-tv screens in the back of ...
...services and in my experience Virgin has that little bit of extra magic that it takes to make a great airline. I would hate to still be living in a world dominated by BA and some American giants. Finally, I’ve just seen a brilliant piece of news for any Ciao addicts who have got this far. I read in the Sunday Times that Virgin is going to be the first airline in the world to offer internet access in-flight. Check your ops en-route! No withdrawal ...

docrt 05.04.2001 (11.05.2001) · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...2001. We were flying Virgin Atlantic as our companions were collecting the air-miles, not because of price. I must admit the check-in at London Heathrow was a doddle and we timed it just right before the queing started, (4 hours before the flight). We boarded on time but were delayed about 30 minutes. I must admit, the little bag of goodies supplied was a nice touch, and included some handy bits and pieces like wipes, toothbrush, socks, eye pad, ...
...we landed I was ready to explode. I was tired and very irritable and couldn't wait to get home. My advice is, if you are flying Virgin Atlantic find out what plane you are going on and book some seats with a bit of room if you can. ...

jewels 15.05.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...a letter I sent to Virgin back in July, 2000: "On 22 June 2000, I was scheduled to leave non-stop Las Vegas to Gatwick, which was to leave at 6:05 pm Las Vegas time. Due to an accident on the freeway I needed to get to the airport (I would have been at the airport by 4:30 pm), I was late coming in. When I arrived, I walked through the whole of the main terminal building before someone told me that you were located in Terminal 2. Already in a panic, ...
...left of the counter, and Virgin was to the right. A British couple were in front of me, and the way they were standing, I couldn't tell if they were there for the Mexican flight, or for the Virgin flight. When I politely asked the gentleman whether he was for one or the other, your agent boomed at me: "You'll wait!" This agent, although I don't have his name, was a heavyset man of late 40's, brown hair and glasses, with a VERY American attitude was ...

TJ_Wilson 09.05.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...would write my opinion on Virgin Atlantic whilst over Russia. I am on my way to Tokyo and would like to share my experiences first hand. I must admit I wasn’t exactly looking forward to twelve hours non-stop flying, I have been up in the air for nearly six hours now and I am very pleased with the service Virgin offer. My Virgin experience began at the check in desk this morning, where I enquired about having a seat with extra legroom, the lady ...
...in a very useful re-usable Virgin Beach Style bag. If I had know I wouldn’t have packed these items in my hand luggage. Once in the air the in flight service commenced and we were given the usual safety video, which was cartoon style format and I must admit grabbed my attention more than usual. I browsed through the menu, which offers lunch, snacks and finally breakfast before we land. There are Western options and Japanese options available. ...

lucybradly 09.04.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...I booked through the Virgin Atlantic website which I found to be very easy to use. It was clear, gave me lots of options and also pointed out additional features that I may not have been aware of, such as choosing a specific type of meal for my journey and making seat requests. The great thing about Virgin is that you can choose your seat from a week before you fly. This makes a huge difference, in all classes of cabin. I always like to have a window ...
...the experience of flying with Virgin Atalntic was a great one, especially on my return journey from which I did not have any jet lag as I was able to get some sleep on my way home. The quality of service is very high and in my opinion, much better than that of British Airways who were my last choice of carrier for the previous long haul flight. The flight came in at £1250 retun which was good value for money. I felt that I had been well looked after ...

excelsior81 29.07.2009 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...2001 I used to fly Virgin Atlantic from London to New York 3 to 4 times a year. I looked forward to every one of these journeys, since this airline truly did offer service that was out of this world. These days, however, it is merely a mediocre airline. THE OLD DAYS: VIRGIN ON THE GROUND On the ground, the check-in staff was always friendly and accomodating, asking about seat preferences. But the really impressive thing about this airline was the ...
...age. THE OLD DAYS: VIRGIN IN THE AIR From the first moment when you got to your seat and picked up the little goody back with socks, earplugs, sleeping mask, tissues and paper - you just felt like Virgin was offering a more luxurious version of the ordinary economy class. In the old days, Virgin would also occassionally offer drinks before take-off in economy class, especially where the departure was a little bit delayed. Virgin was also one of ...

Delicate_Orchid 13.07.2004 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

Our Virgin Flight experience on flight route Gatwick to Orlando International Airport June 2004 and Nov 2005. Virgin was recommended to us by close pals to use for traveling to disney world and getting the complete package IE flights, hotel, tickets. Our close pal has traveled with them 20 times and has always praised there service. June 2004 Trip was our first long haul trip, we had never been longer than 2 hours on the plane and did not know what ...
...plane the children were given virgin packs which included a book, crayons, watch/bangle, sweets. The pack was just super as my children used it for a while after their holiday. We were seated very quick, we flew economy and didn't expect much but seats were comfortable (would have liked abit more leg room) and the TV screen were of good quality and instructions on how to use it was very simple. On average you have about 6 movies to choose from plus ...

CRAFTYDONNA 24.10.2006 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...have to fly somewhere and Virgin Atlantic provide flights there then I highly recommend you fly with them. But why I hear you ask, well if excellent customer service and amenities even in the cheapest seats are what you are looking for, then Virgin is the way to go. I allways find Virgin products and services seem to be a cut above the rest and their airline is no exception! I was hugely impressed with the service that I have received on my Virgin ...
...flights before, but as usual Virgin are way ahead of their competition you can do more than just watch movies you can also play games, listen to music, and even make phone calls all right from the comfort of your seat and yes the seats are very comfortable with more than usual leg room! Airplane food strikes horror with many people especially my Dad, he never eats anything, he just nibles on some pringles or biscuits. But oh no! Not on Virgin, my ...

Christophene 02.04.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...respects you can't really blame Virgin for what happened in '99! I'd booked a holiday to Florida for 4 people, a year in advance and I'd heard good things about Virgin and decided to pay the extra and go with them. All was going well, and the day before we left, I noticed news reports about a hurricane called Floyd which was approaching the area and growing. We laughed it off! The next day, we arrived at Manchester airport to see 'Cancelled' signs ...
...to hit Florida! Virgin advised us that they were unable to confirm when the flight would leave as Orlando airport was closed and couldn't confirm when it would reopen. All fair enough so far. We stayed around in Manchester, and rang Virgin later that day who said the best advice they could give us was to turn up at the airport the next day and see. Which we duly did - at 6:00am. Again, the cancelled signs were up and we left the airport again, not ...

dEaDfRoG 27.04.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...back in 1993 I used Virgin Atlantic for a return flight to Boston from London Gatwick & was left very impressed. In 2006, we decided to have a fly/drive holiday in New England & use Virgin for the return flight to Boston from London Heathrow. Heathrow airport is a pain to use, but Virgin has become the preferred carrier across the Atlantic now that BA have lost the plot & it's a small price to pay if it means using a decent airline. The Virgin flights ...
...I stated that it was Virgin Atlantic, with a look on her face of pure disgust she remarked, "we don't have an agreement with Virgin for baggage, sorry!". Thinking to myself, that it's about time the two companies did come to some arrangement for the sake of the passengers, fast forward two weeks on my return. I asked the lady at the Virgin check in desk in Boston if our baggage could be sent through to our destination & she said, "No problem sir". ...

ScottishWestie 02.11.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

I am a member of Virgin Atlantic frequent flyer program and Virgin Holidays Club.. and regularly fly from Manchester to Orlando, HOWEVER !!!!, Virgin have yet again done the dirty on their Northern based clients, and are using a company called Air Atlanta to operate their Manchester - Orlando service, with no seat back videos, no Virgin livery the aircraft is A Boeing 747-300 all white with a green tail. The subcharter company are advertising on ...
...behakf of Virgin which is not true..people have paid for a scheduled flight and the facilities that Virign advertise anr a MAJOR selling point to entice people to fly Virgin Atlantic.. It is entirely understandable that in the small print Virgin reserve the right to substitiute another aircraft in the event of unservicability of their own Aircraft but not on a long term basis like the current situation is.. Virgin are continuing to market their ...

Dalesman 15.08.2000 (15.07.2001) · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...trip, I had to use Virgin as they were the only airline with tickets. The Aeroplane I flew in a brand new 757 called Tinker Belle. It was very clean, well decorated but perhaps a little small. The seats were comfortable but close together and therefore taller people will have a little discomfort. There is adequate standing areas allowing you to stretch your legs occasionally. The flight was fairly smooth but I attribute this more to the friendly ...
...food is never great, however Virgin Atlantic manage to give you edible sandwiches and a fairly decent dinner. On a seven hour flight you get a main meal and a snack. You generally have no choie with the snack, but have a choice between to main courses with the main meal. The Entertainment Virgin were the first to introduce a TV for each person on the flight. This gives the user the choice of watching several movies or watching various shows. Additionally ...

Simoncook1 12.02.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...UM's were escorted by a Virgin agent through to the departure gate. We went through the crew channels to make it faster. We waited at the gate before getting onto the plane but instead of being boarded first the UM's had to wait in the boarding area where the agent talked to the lady at the gate. I was shown to my seat and greeted by a smart, friendly flight attendant who introduced herself as Alice. I was sat in a window seat with a man sitting ...
...passengers but I don't think Virgin does. Luckily the man was very polite and I actually met him again on the return flight! Soon into the flight, drinks were served, then dinner-a bit rich I thought. Then the lights were dimmed so I watched tv. There were some quite good things on including 'What Women Want'. Then I went to sleep. The legroom was quite good on the A340 and the seats were ok. Premium Economy looks nice though-bigger seats, more legroom, ...

Katieshaz 01.11.2002 (29.07.2003) · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...transferred to Gatwick for the Virgin flight as my connecting flight to Heathrow had been cancelled. Imagine my surprise on finding myself surrounded in a congenial atmosphere. The music playing on the captains stereo was rather amusing 'Hey you whats that sound, everyone look whats going down' (or something along those lines which helped lighten the mood. The seats were more comfortable than BA, although you can never have enough room on airplanes ...
...time for a card from Virgin was fantastic in comparison to BA ( at least 3 months difference). There are special offers with the card which you can spend your airmiles on flights, holidays or assorted car rentals etc. All in I know which one I prefer and if you were going on a holiday (or work like a business trip!) this is a sure-fire way of kicking it off to the right start. skinbop72 ...

skinbop72 26.03.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR

...them again. I hadn't tried Virgin before, even though a stunning girl I used to live near was a Virgin flight attendant, and once, whilst visiting a friend near Gatwick I drunkenly kissed a girl who claimed to do the same job! So the attractiveness of their flight attendants was never in doubt, and the general image of the company is one of an airline for young, attractive, trendy types who think nothing of jetting over to New York for a shopping ...
...aircraft was spotlessly clean, the Virgin cabin staff immaculately dressed. All somewhat attractive, if not quite as stunning as the legend has it, pretty but too much blonde hair dye and make up clashing with the bright red uniforms, and forced smiles. The seats were pretty standard for a B747-400, I am average height for a guy so there was some leg room, yet because of the new entertainment system about a third of the under seat space is lost due ...

eljefe 19.03.2004 · Read full review
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Review of Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR