LHR Operational Issues? {Summer 2022)
Jul 14, 2022, 9:16 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,881
LHR Operational Issues? {Summer 2022)
I'm scheduled to fly Upper Class back to SFO later this month. How's VS's operating at LHR recently? Is VS experiencing similar levels of problems as BA?
I skimmed through several threads about recent issues (Upper Class Wing fiasco, delayed flight, etc)....but more curious about VS's overall current performance at LHR this summer.
I skimmed through several threads about recent issues (Upper Class Wing fiasco, delayed flight, etc)....but more curious about VS's overall current performance at LHR this summer.
Jul 14, 2022, 11:50 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Midair
Programs: A bunch
Posts: 91
The problems are generally with security and on the ramp. If you fly Upper Class you’ll check in in the upper class wing at Heathrow. It is “generously” staffed so no problem there. They also have their own security check. It might be a bit slower than usual (as the staffing shortage is affecting them slightly as well) but should be fine. The terminal is overcrowded so go to the clubhouse. The only potential issue is the baggage handling where baggage is routed through the general baggage system where sorting and loading might get affected. It will “probably” be fine but I have bought apple tags and put in my luggage to keep track of it as this is the area at most risk for disruption.
Jul 16, 2022, 1:05 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
The problems are generally with security and on the ramp. If you fly Upper Class you’ll check in in the upper class wing at Heathrow. It is “generously” staffed so no problem there. They also have their own security check. It might be a bit slower than usual (as the staffing shortage is affecting them slightly as well) but should be fine. The terminal is overcrowded so go to the clubhouse. The only potential issue is the baggage handling where baggage is routed through the general baggage system where sorting and loading might get affected. It will “probably” be fine but I have bought apple tags and put in my luggage to keep track of it as this is the area at most risk for disruption.
Jul 19, 2022, 3:23 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 9
On top of that… LHR is now telling airlines to cancel select flights and the airlines don’t get to decide which flight to keep or cancel for the next few weeks so this is going to be organized chaos to cut down on passenger numbers as they want to cap it to 100k passengers a day.
I hope this is the case as i dont thnk virgin will cancel the Vegas flight im due on but heathrow might
Jul 21, 2022, 1:00 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: VS Gold
Posts: 1,178
Well I was able to get rebooked onto an LAX flight the same day. I think due to Gold Status?
Anyway, you'll be pleased to know that they offered to book me on to the LAS flight too, so I assume they plan to run it.
The only reason I took the LAX flight is that only middle seats were left on the LAS flight
Anyway, you'll be pleased to know that they offered to book me on to the LAS flight too, so I assume they plan to run it.
The only reason I took the LAX flight is that only middle seats were left on the LAS flight
Jul 21, 2022, 1:10 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 9
Well I was able to get rebooked onto an LAX flight the same day. I think due to Gold Status?
Anyway, you'll be pleased to know that they offered to book me on to the LAS flight too, so I assume they plan to run it.
The only reason I took the LAX flight is that only middle seats were left on the LAS flight
Anyway, you'll be pleased to know that they offered to book me on to the LAS flight too, so I assume they plan to run it.
The only reason I took the LAX flight is that only middle seats were left on the LAS flight
Jul 21, 2022, 1:25 am
#12
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 9
Jul 23, 2022, 5:20 am
#13
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
From what I’m told at VS and Delta the airlines don’t have a choice but the slots coordinator is making the decisions on which flights to cancel to balance the cap.
Jul 23, 2022, 6:49 am
#14
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 9
How far in advance do they do this? I'm due to fly to Vegas next Sunday with virgin and still not 100% confident
Jul 26, 2022, 4:16 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 114
Yes, we are getting a bit worried now. We are booked on VS7 on 12/8, which is a Friday, and I see that the VS7 on Friday 29th has been cancelled. I know there's nothing we can do until we know more but it's a bit nerve wracking.