First Class Expectations
 

Howdy VX forum,

Today was my 5th flight on Virgin America. So far so good but today was a little iffy.

I upgraded to first from Main Cabin. We were served breakfast and a round of drinks with breakfast about an hour into a flight from PHL to SFO. The FA took up the trays, sat and there were no additional drink orders taken or snacks offered.

At hour 3 of the flight she disappeared until the 4 1/2 hour mark. A guest next to me rang for the FA and got a diet coke, but she disappeared again.

I was under the impression we would get breakfast and then before we landed some sort of refreshment plate. Would you say anything to Virgin or chalk it up to someone having a bad day? It's hardly the end of the world but is kind of annoying.

I am surprised they didn't put together a snack basket with some of the "for purchase" snacks. You can always ask for them, but then, you really shouldn't have to. Also, the F screens don't permit ordering.

The FAs should do an occasional pass-through. If they don't, use your call button. That is what it is there for, and maybe it will send a message. I've been on aircraft (not VX specifically) when after waiting way too long, finally ring the call button, and then half the F cabin will also request something from the "magically reappearing" FA.

Thanks! I think I need to overcome my fear of the call button. I guess I associate it with "things more important than bringing me coffee". I shall work on it in the future. I really have enjoyed my few trips on VX and hope to have many more; today just got under my skin a bit.

Does the call button not have a small picture of a steward/ess with a tray and drink on it?

Yes please, get over your fear. Further, if you are in Y on VX and order from the screen, they get a notification and will get your stuff very quickly. But in F, you would have to ring the bell. So, oprima el timbre. Gracias.

Sorry to hear that the lead FA didn't meet your expectations. It sounds like you got a bad apple today. We are supposed to offer a snack basket towards the later part of the flight, with another round of refreshments. You shouldn't have to ring the call button, because the lead is supposed to be stationed in the forward part of the aircraft for most of the flight. Don't miss the chance to upgrade again, so you can get the full first class treatment from those of us who follow airline service delivery procedures. Thanks for your kind words about most of your travels with us :)

So? You'd be surprised how many US flight attendants tell passengers that the call button is for "emergencies only." :td:

it bears repeating that when flying VX's first class, using the call button is expected. if you want anything, you should not wait for the FA to come to you.

i personally feel that it detracts from the experience in F. having flown in F once, i probably never will again (unless my kids ask for another one of those airplane salt/pepper shakers). when i'm in MCS, i know what my options are and can easily order them on red. i don't like having to push the button, waiting for the FA, talking over the person in the aisle seat, and explaining what i want. admittedly though, MCS can be frustrating when the plane doesn't have much of a selection or runs out quickly.

Not on VX.

Thanks for freeing up the seat. I will take First on VX any day, any time.

No need to be tacky.

I think the bigger issue is that on VX I personally pay out of pocket to upgrade; and that sets the expectation bar higher than on AA or US where I get a complimentary upgrade. I realize it's completely psychological but a $299 upgrade does set a higher bar in my book than being EXP and getting an upgrade on AA without shelling out a penny.

You are very correct. Which is why I bust my neck to make sure our guests get a good F experience. I wish this comment could be used to reenforce this concept to any of our teammates who tend to get caught up in the day-to-day routine and forget this very fact. Thanks for being so concise. ^

Thanks for the good words and support! Hope to see you onboard soon!

same experience
 

I really like Virgin America - I've switched from UA (well at least as much as I can due to Virgin's limited routemap).

However, I also had a similar recent experience on Virgin First on a flight from LAX to JFK.

The flight attendant doled out meals and drinks - but did them as quickly as possible - without asking about drink refills. When asking him for refills I sensed a bit of attitude about it. Then once the meal was delivered, he was gone.

There was no snack or drink service prior to landing. I had to really try to catch his attention to get a water.

I also feel hesitant in ringing the call button - I know it's something I should get over, but I guess I'm just used to UA flight attendants attitude towards using these.

Again, I've had great VX first experiences before but was really taken aback from this flight attendant. Felt more UA than VX - and these are paid upgrades...

I've experienced the "dissappearing FA" from F as well. Several of my trips have me heading to PHL and DCA and each time after meal service "poof" they're gone!

On one recent trip, after the FA came to check on folks, he passed the snack basket around and announced that if we wanted more the basket was in the galley! And he left again!

It only took a few of those in Y to discover they could waltz into the F cabin and get stuff free! Forget about ordering from Red!