Virgin Atlantic - For the luxurious Flight (Virgin Atlantic)

Member Name: lindseyphilpot

Product:	Virgin Atlantic
Date:	25/10/09 (179 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Helpful and friendly staff, comfort

Disadvantages: More expensive than most

I often wonder why so many people say they will not travel with anyone other than virgin Atlantic, I simply could not see why people would pay over the odds for a flight to and from the same place. After my visit to Florida flying with Virgin Atlantic I found out why.

I had travelled with virgin Atlantic before as a child when I went to Los Angles with my family. I don't remember the experience that well as I was only 10, all I remembered of the flight was being extremely travel sick and the little bag of goodies they give children when they board the flight.

When we booked up to go to Florida I had my reservations because my daughter would only be 9 months when we travelled. I feared it would be a nightmare and she wouldn't sit still, there would be nowhere for her to sleep and the whole 10 hour fight would just be disastrous. The fact that someone else was paying for it though swayed me as my in laws were paying for the holiday as a wedding present and they would be travelling with us along with other members of the extended family which meant I would have a lot of help.

In the run up to the holiday the company were very helpful. Although we didn't book through them when I went into one of their shops to ask questions about our luggage allowances they were more than helpful and didn't even worry about the fact we hadn't booked through them in the first place.

I was very excited to find out that each passenger would be allowed 2x 23kg suitcases to travel with as this meant we would be able to bring lots of goodies home with us if we travelled light on the way there. I was disappointed though to find out that my 10 month old daughter would not have her own seat but I have since found out that this is what they do for all children under 2 irrespective of if you wish to pay for one or not due to safety reasons.

Before we travelled we had the option to check in online which if you are confident to do so can save a lot of time. This was our first big holiday in years though and we wanted to make sure everything was going to run smoothly so we chose to get to the airport and check in as there were so many of us. (10 travelling together)

Unfortunately when we got there we discovered that we were not all sitting together, we had made countless phone calls to check that this wasn't the case but because we had requested a sky cot apparently they had to move us and there were no seats left together near to the sky cot so we were split up. This made me panic slightly because I wanted to be near to everyone for the comfort of my daughter but it was something I had to deal with. I did deliberate not having the cot at all but in the end I thought this would not be wise and chose to accept the situation.

The staff on the check in desk was extremely apologetic and even chose to ignore that one of our parties bags were over weight because of the mix up. It was quick and simple to check in and for this we were grateful because we had young and old with us.

When we boarded the plane it was like we were walking into the lap of luxury. As everyone knows planes aren't exactly the most comfortable things in the world but this seemed cosy and the atmosphere was calming. The crew were very welcoming and were happy to see the kids who were given little bags of goodies as I had remembered. In these they got a few sweets, a colouring book and a normal book and a few other bits to keep them going.

We were seated and take off from here was quick and calm. We were helped into our seat belts with the baby and as soon as we took off the sky cot was brought for the baby.

We were slightly worried that we had been sat next to a disabled person with the baby. We were sitting next to the window and the gentleman was sitting in the aisle, this meant that any time we had to get up for the baby the poor gentleman had to move. We did try to get it swapped but there were no other seats available.

We got so much help with the baby on the flight; everyone was really lovely to her and brought her food and milk when she needed it. She was very entertained and they had kid's shows on the televisions in the seats for her.

The choice of food on the flight left some to be desired and it wasn't exactly tasty but then who expects it to be on a flight. We got lots of food though and snacks and drinks were brought round very regularly. If you needed anything you only had to ask and it wasn't a problem at all.

There was a huge selection of entertainment on the flight and there were many films to choose from which unfortunately I got to watch none of because of the baby but it was there had I wanted it.
We got a little in flight pack which contained toothbrush and paste, some tissues, a blindfold and some other things.

The flight was smooth and we were updated regularly as to where we were headed and the time scale etc.

I really cannot express my gratitude enough to the staff on the plane that day and on the way back as well because they were so helpful and polite with the baby and really made us feel welcome and not like we were being annoying. Everyone stopped and spoke to her and made her feel welcome as well.

The flight was very successful and I really felt although I had only been on there for a few hours when we were landing. I thought it was going to drag and seem as though I had been on there for years but I couldn't believe how fast it went and I think this was because it was made so enjoyable for us.

The fact that we weren't all sitting together didn't matter at all because we swapped and changed so that the baby was able to go and sit with her Nan and Grandad as well.

Virgin Atlantic is part of the virgin company founded by Sir Richard Branson, They have been operating since 1984 and since then have grown to one of the most reputable airline companies known to man, Virgin Atlantic fly to many places all over the world including the USA, Jamaica, Australia and Hong Kong amongst many many others. With Virgin you get many options and can fly Economy, premium Economy, Upper Class and Business Class. Prices range and Virgin is known to be one of the more expensive airlines but special offers can be picked up.

I really must say that if you can afford to fly with Virgin it really is worth it. Flights are more often than not direct ones and are comfortable and luxurious. The staff cannot be faulted and comfort which is of upmost importance on a long haul flight is to a maximum.

I know don't think I could ever go back to another airline and unfortunately will not be travelling to America in the near future unless I can afford to travel with Virgin as I think this is best for the family.

I hope you enjoy your experience with virgin as much as we did.

Summary: I would only fly with these now