Virgin VS027 Service from LGW - MCO Delays

**Peddersgang** · 08-09-2009, 12:05

Dear Members,

Like most folk who belong to this forum we are frequent visitors to Orlando, however on the last 4 visits the VS027 service has always been delayed, can anyone advise why, we have always used Virgin but have to say its gone from bad to worse particularly on this route 747-400's are looking rather tired as well, we realise this is a very popular destination, however the service and delays continue to worsen, we have used Virgin since the early 90's and have to say overall we've experienced excellent [clap] service on various other long haul routes, Our family of 4 fly out again 11th Dec 09 this year for Xmas and New year (Can't wait) we will be flying the VS027 service again, should we experience the same delays I'm afraid we'll be giving VA a miss [msncry], flown BA a few times can anyone recommend BA Service from LGW into Orlando?

Thanks

**christhear** · 08-09-2009, 12:09

Hi Mark

Every vigin flight I have been on to Orlando has been delayed, and we have never managed for all 3 of us to have working TV sets. The planes from Gatwick are also extremely ropy.

Flew into Miami this year, completely different story, nice plane good entertainment system, nice crew. We were dleayed on the way out but that was due to passengers arriving late.

My personal opinion is that Virgin really dont give a damn about the Orlando route.

**Peddersgang** · 08-09-2009, 12:28

Hi Christine,

Thanks for your response, I have to say I agree with you totally, Delay, Delay, Delay and without no real reason on this route..

Flown many other destinations with VA and without any problems, nice planes and crew…

Will give BA a go next time round.

Thanks Mark.<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by christhear
Hi Mark

Every vigin flight I have been on to Orlando has been delayed, and we have never managed for all 3 of us to have working TV sets. The planes from Gatwick are also extremely ropy.

Flew into Miami this year, completely different story, nice plane good entertainment system, nice crew. We were dleayed on the way out but that was due to passengers arriving late.

My personal opinion is that Virgin really dont give a damn about the Orlando route.[/quote]

**ShirleyD** · 08-09-2009, 13:55

BA are really working hard on their punctuallity and over the summer, they were the most punctual airline at Gatwick

**ravtino** · 08-09-2009, 14:31

We flew the afternoon flight from Man with Virgin and had an 8 hour delay

and no seat back tv for me a portable dvd player, this was on the 31st July, had to say not impressed, they brought a different plane from Gatwick which seated 107 less so they offered 600 euros each and a night at the airport BB and evening meal and a seat on sats aftertoon flight, now what happened to the poor peps on sats flight that were been off loaded?? they were going to go Man- London- London - New York-New York - Orlando.

**BIGEYE** · 09-09-2009, 07:43

We had a 4 hour delay going out last year and a 9 hour delay returning. Missed our connecting flights and really badly treated by VA. Because we woulf miss our connecting flights out of LGW, VA flew us from MCO to Newark to connect with a VA flight from here to LHR. On arrival at LHR we were to make contact with VA ground staff who were to arrange ground transport from LHR to LGW, we would then catch out connecting flight out of LGW. From arrival in LHR to catching the connecting flight at LGW, we had three hours. An impossible task at best of times, but this was the only option available as we could not get a confirmed connecting flight until two days later if we missed the flight we were booked on.

Anyway, we raced off without luggage amd caught our flight to Newark. Guess what, the VA flight out of Newark was also delayed. When we eventually arrived in LHR, VA ground staff new nothing about ground transport to LGW, and weren't concerned as our connecting flights were with BA. I fear that VA just got us out of MCO as we were causing a bit of a stir at their departure desk after waiting for four hours to be told nothing.

I explained our situation to BA and they got us waitlisted on the next flight to EDI. We all got on this flight (family of 6) and arrived 45 mins later than we were scheduled. Well done to BA and you know what you can do VA!

Just to mention, I asked VA if there was any compensation available, and they says that air miles would be given as compensation.
I tracked VA flights for about two weeks after our return, and every day the delay was 8 to 9 hours. I think that when planes are not full, they use the same aircraft on the outward journey as the return, making use of only one aircraft.
A word of advice, use the early check in at downtown disney so that you are aware of any delays and can plan your day ahead to suit. For most travellers, an extra day is welcome as there are no connecting flights to catch.

If you do have other travel arrangements, you will waste that day on the phone trying to make other travel arrangements. Those phone cards VA give you with £2 credit on them are useless as you have to use them with Vitgin's own phone number at the discounted rate of 60p per minute. We had to go back to the villa which we had checked out of, just to make use of the phone.

**blott** · 09-09-2009, 12:17

Not all delays...

The last couple of times we've flown Virgin from Manchester, we've actually arrived in Orlando an hour early (yes, I know, it's unbelievable but true). Same thing has happened when flying back to Manchester and we've arrived even earlier (1.5 hours to be precise).

Only not really a problem as such has been that some of the flights are not from a pod and from some distance away requiring a bus and outdoor steps up to the plane. Just means that if it's raining - and it's very often raining in Manchester! - you can get pretty cold and wet.

**ellie** · 09-09-2009, 23:42

Have experienced many delays on Virgin. Having said that, our flight in June was excellent.

Last flight with BA, excellent plane on way over, on demand screens.
Delayed for just over 2 hours on return from Orlando. Received text message to tell us that we were going to be delayed and with new check in time so we didn't have to rush to the airport, also received an email telling us - unheard of!

When we got to the airport there was a letter of apology waiting for us and vouchers for food. Again, unheard of. We have been delayed many many times with Virgin and never even been given an apology or a voucher for a drink.

BA plane on the way home pretty grotty, seats had no filling at all, but it got us there.. no complaints.

All airlines can experience delays, although Virgin certainly do seem to have their fair share. Its the way it is handled that makes a difference, and we thing BA did very well on this occassion 10/10.

**SDJ** · 10-09-2009, 03:38

We are using BA next Monday for the first time for years. Not travelled the Orlando route with the but had a disaster almost every flight we have done with them. Decided to give them the benefit of the doubt especially as I got my flight free from my shopping at Tesco!!!!

Will report back - hopefully a good report this time.

Sandra