Upper Class
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 325
Upper Class
We're flying one way on points in Upper Class From LHR to YVR. I heard we get complimentary Lounge access at LHR. Do we also get a free Spa treatment there too? Any other perks I should be getting or asking for? What about when we land in YVR since we have to stay the night to continue on to SEA in the morning...this is all booked on one ticket.
I understand we don't qualify for the limo service.
Thanks for all your help.
Shane
I understand we don't qualify for the limo service.
Thanks for all your help.
Shane
#2
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 632
You do indeed get access to the Clubhouse at LHR and it is a great lounge. It is certainly worth spending a few hours there. There are various free spa treatments (and some that you pay for), but it can get very busy so best advice is to book as soon as you arrive. You get to use the UC wing at LHR, which makes security quick and easy.
There won't be anything at YVR on arrival, I'm afraid.
Re limo -- you can use more miles to book it (17.5k, I think), but the value for money is usually pretty poor.
If you are really out to maximise perks, you could try the drive-through check-in at LHR, but you need a driver!
There won't be anything at YVR on arrival, I'm afraid.
Re limo -- you can use more miles to book it (17.5k, I think), but the value for money is usually pretty poor.
If you are really out to maximise perks, you could try the drive-through check-in at LHR, but you need a driver!
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,176
We're flying one way on points in Upper Class From LHR to YVR. I heard we get complimentary Lounge access at LHR. Do we also get a free Spa treatment there too? Any other perks I should be getting or asking for? What about when we land in YVR since we have to stay the night to continue on to SEA in the morning...this is all booked on one ticket.
I understand we don't qualify for the limo service.
Thanks for all your help.
Shane
I understand we don't qualify for the limo service.
Thanks for all your help.
Shane
Once you have cleared security etc go straight to the CH and then straight to the spa to book and then find a seat and order a drink and food. You can always nip out to do some shopping later. This won't guarentee you a treatment but it might put you ahead in the queue!
If they are fully booked they will take your name and call you if there any no-shows.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 325
Define a driver...
RE: drive through check in...We have someone who will be dropping us off, if that's what you mean? What is this perk, just curbside drop off?
Are you able to book Spa treatments (the shave sounds really nice to me) before you arrive (I'm booked already) or only day of travel?
I think our flight is at one but plan on being there in the morning to take it all in on our way out.
Are you able to book Spa treatments (the shave sounds really nice to me) before you arrive (I'm booked already) or only day of travel?
I think our flight is at one but plan on being there in the morning to take it all in on our way out.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,176
RE: drive through check in...We have someone who will be dropping us off, if that's what you mean? What is this perk, just curbside drop off?
Are you able to book Spa treatments (the shave sounds really nice to me) before you arrive (I'm booked already) or only day of travel?
I think our flight is at one but plan on being there in the morning to take it all in on our way out.
Are you able to book Spa treatments (the shave sounds really nice to me) before you arrive (I'm booked already) or only day of travel?
I think our flight is at one but plan on being there in the morning to take it all in on our way out.
You can only book treatments on the day. They did used to have an advance booking system but they changed it a couple of years ago to first come first served on they day. As I said earlier if they are fully booked they will 'wait list' you but the system is designed to reduce the number of no shows.
#6
Join Date: May 2006
Programs: VS Au, Skywards Au, BA Exec Ag, HH Diamond, Taj Au
Posts: 1,389
As UKTravelBear says however, this is not a drive up and drop off service. You actually enter a secure area of the airport up a ramp into the terminal, and to do this VS will need to know your arrival time (a 30 min range slot) and the registration number of the car being used to drop you off - you need to call and arrange this a minimum of 24 hours before drop off.
When you arrange it you should get an email confirmation with the details and location of DTCI - beware, the ramp is not signed so you need to look for it with care.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Los Angeles, New York, Lisbon-Portugal
Programs: BA Gold, UA Premier 1K, Amex Plat, GlobalEntry
Posts: 844
This may help you to make a decision.. :)
A video of the service.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjLjHKLOcEc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjLjHKLOcEc
I would definitely arrange DTCI since it is a wonderful experience, very exclusive, very smart, and well worth trying.
As UKTravelBear says however, this is not a drive up and drop off service. You actually enter a secure area of the airport up a ramp into the terminal, and to do this VS will need to know your arrival time (a 30 min range slot) and the registration number of the car being used to drop you off - you need to call and arrange this a minimum of 24 hours before drop off.
When you arrange it you should get an email confirmation with the details and location of DTCI - beware, the ramp is not signed so you need to look for it with care.
As UKTravelBear says however, this is not a drive up and drop off service. You actually enter a secure area of the airport up a ramp into the terminal, and to do this VS will need to know your arrival time (a 30 min range slot) and the registration number of the car being used to drop you off - you need to call and arrange this a minimum of 24 hours before drop off.
When you arrange it you should get an email confirmation with the details and location of DTCI - beware, the ramp is not signed so you need to look for it with care.
#11
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Los Angeles, New York, Lisbon-Portugal
Programs: BA Gold, UA Premier 1K, Amex Plat, GlobalEntry
Posts: 844
#13
Join Date: Aug 2006
Programs: BA Gold, Aegean Gold, IHG Platinum Elite, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 114
#14
Join Date: Aug 2006
Programs: BA Gold, Aegean Gold, IHG Platinum Elite, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 114
Can anybody recommend a decent priced car service to take advantage of the DTCI?
I'm not that far from the airport so don't feel like paying the GBP65 for the official service compared to GBP25 for a regular taxi.
I'm not that far from the airport so don't feel like paying the GBP65 for the official service compared to GBP25 for a regular taxi.
#15
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: A Brit living in Los Angeles, California
Programs: SPG Platinum, VS Red, BA Blue
Posts: 241
I used the service with a taxi. Ironically, the morning I was due to fly out of LHR last July, I got an email stating that I had been selected to now use the drive through service with a private car or taxi. So I dropped my rental car off at Hertz and called a taxi. When the taxi arrived, I called the phone number provided in the email (I will research and see if I still have it), gave them the registration of the taxi, make and model. Then followed the directions from the email to the private entrance at LHR. At the entrance, they can see the car, then they let you through.
Last edited by tagv12; Feb 10, 2012 at 8:05 pm