New Virgin Flight

[John Hill]

We flew out on the inaugural Virgin Flight on 5 May 2003 having been greeted at Gatwick by Steel Band and own check in desk. Having flown Virgin many times (Frequent Virgins) the flight was only slightly better than the normal high standard with Sir Richard Branson onboard plus 100 or so guest. Sir Richard greeted every person on the plane a nice touch.

For those who have not flown with Virgin before one or two plus points over the other airlines that fly to Tobago.
A. You can book your seats 180 days in advance. (No charge)
B. The luggage allowance is 2 pieces per person, each not more than 32kg making total of 64kg this includes golf clubs if you take them.
C. Free drinks all the way there and back.
D. The seat back movies, TV, audio and games are great way to pass the time, along with the ice creams.
E. Choice of three menus Lunch outward Dinner homeward. Tea outward Breakfast, homeward.
F. Super friendly young staff nothing to much trouble.

Flying time was 8 hours we arrived 45 minutes early in a tremendous downpour immigration was a nightmare with 400 people to attend to.
Note - the normal number from this flight will be less as it goes onto Grenada then back to Tobago.

The return to Gatwick was even better we checked in at the Hotel 09.45am were given boarding passes luggage was transported to airport they call it “Check in and Chill out” which is exactly what we did until we left the hotel at 19.15 at the airport it was of the coach hand luggage screened and straight onto the waiting plane. Flight time home 7.25hours arriving Gatwick 50mins early.

[Malc C]

How can you be a "Frequent Virgin" ?????

I thought that was it after the first time.

Malc C

[Sue Mills]

.. just to let those who are not going on a tight budget know - last minute/travel4less have 2 for 1 deals flying virgin upper class until July 4th........ now thats the way to go! Package is to the hilton or coco reef and they are incredibly helpful - and patient 'cos i just booked to go!

[John Hill]

Would you like anyone to carry your bags. I could be ready at the drop of a hat.

[Steve Wooler]

Sod off, John - you've just got back, so don't be greedy. Don't expect special treatment just because another guest recognised you from your cartoon avatar. If there's any bag carrying to be done, I'm way ahead of you in the line!

[Sue Mills]

Love the double act guys - and this site is awesome, looks like you've made your mark on history steve.
With all that luggage allowance I reckon bag carriers are essential so am already taking my partner (who's very kindly pickin' up the tab - and no he's not for hire girls!) together with my mother - to whom all bag carrying applications will be forwarded..........
LOL
Woh I'm goin' to Tobago (much better than boring Barbados)

[Steve Wooler]

Give you Mum my email address and tell her I a great bag-boy and a lot nearer her age than John. My nose isn't as big either.

[John Hill]

Steve you will get know where with all that fungus under your chin. I am told Mum wants a Toy Boy not a old man like you, you may not even be able to lift her bags, let alone anything else.

[Steve Wooler]

Listen, sunshine, don't you know the value of experience? It may take me all night to do what I used to do all night, but it's quality, not quantity - that's why we love Tobago so much. Anyway, the fungus tickles the parts that ordinary chins cant get to.

[Donna Mason]

Hello John,

I am due to holiday in Tobago in April 2004 and you mention, that you can pre-book seats 180 days before travel. This is not far ahead for me, I'm flying economy class, so do I qualify. and what are the best seats or row to have for more leg room.

You have also mentioned (and have read several times) about immigration, I assume this means standing in a queue for a long period of time, this can cause my husband from suffering with a back problem. You didn't notice if there are any seats around while you wait.

look forward to your reply.

Ta Donna

[Steve Wooler]

HI Donna

I'm afraid you'll need to contact Virgin direct, or through your travel agent/tour operator, re pre-booking the seats.

The queues at Immigration on arrival at Tobago are no worse than anywhere else. I don't recall any seats in the arrival area, but I'm totally sure that if you mentioned the situation to one or other of the staff who will be floating around, something will be arranged for your husband.

[Terence H]

You have also mentioned (and have read several times) about immigration, I assume this means standing in a queue for a long period of time, this can cause my husband from suffering with a back problem. You didn't notice if there are any seats around while you wait.

look forward to your reply.

Ta Donna

Hi Donna,
Just twopence worth from me.

Waiting to go through immigration is not too bad.
When I was there in May , there were about three or four plastic chairs at the back of the room. Next to the small ,and often missed ,duty free bar.
Whether the chairs remain there or not is a different matter!
We sat down and let the queues go right down then went through.
There is no reason to rush!

I think there were plans to upgrade the situation , especially with the Virgin flights, but did not hear what happened to these plans.

Good luck , have a nice holiday.

[John Hill]

Hi Donna

There is a seating plan on the Virgin Atlantic web site you may be to late to book but worth a try phone Virgin Direct.

[Glyn Kirpalani]

Hi Donna

My mother also has a back problem, amongst her numerous ailments. She requested wheelchair assistance from Virgin and they really looked after her, whizzing her past all the immigration queues in a wheelchair, then collecting her luggage and out to my car. She also received help at Gatwick and on board.

I guess you could follow along and be fast tracked too - all depends on the seriousness of his problems I guess, and how independent he feels.

Enjoy the flight anyway