First class ticket validity at Virgin lounges

[boyaloud]

Thinking of purchasing a Wolverhampton to Coventry 1st class single tomorrow - does this allow me entry into 4 1st class lounges as well as, obviously breaking the journey in BHM and BIA? Thanks.

 

[sonic2009]

Yes it should do.

 

[Goatboy]

They are nothing to write home about though. Don't go out of your way.

 

[bb21]

Thinking of purchasing a Wolverhampton to Coventry 1st class single tomorrow - does this allow me entry into 4 1st class lounges as well as, obviously breaking the journey in BHM and BIA? Thanks.

Do you mean BHI - Birmingham International? I don't know what BIA is supposed to mean, because in terms of CRS codes it is Bishop Auckland, meanwhile in IATA airport codes it is Bastia in Corsica with Birmingham Airport being BHX.

 

[boyaloud]

Great thanks, I've been to Brum International before and loved it! I'm a strange person who loves being a lounge tourist! What great value for 4 lounges + 1st class travel! Thought I was probably wrong with BIA, am used to MIA so just said that for ease! Thanks, I stand corrected!

 

[bb21]

If you are doing a "tour" of the lounges then the Birmingham International one is probably the better one out of this lot. The other ones are all a bit basic.

 

[Deerfold]

Great thanks, I've been to Brum International before and loved it! I'm a strange person who loves being a lounge tourist!

Nothing wrong with that - I use EC lounges about twice a week - but only about half the time am I actually travelling.

 

[afyutr]

Never thought about the fact that it's probably cheaper to buy a first class ticket for some short journeys where the station has access to a lounge than to buy a standard ticket, paper, coffee and snack.

Shame it's not a free bar!

 

[Brucey]

Never thought about the fact that it's probably cheaper to buy a first class ticket for some short journeys where the station has access to a lounge than to buy a standard ticket, paper, coffee and snack.

Shame it's not a free bar!

I bought COV-BHI a little while ago. The lounge at Coventry only had tea, coffee and a carton of milk in the fridge. No snacks, newspapers or other drinks. I didn't really fancy a hot drink so ended up with a cup of milk. :roll:

 

[boyaloud]

Well I had a most fabulous day! Started at Wolverhampton which was huge, really spacious, very well appointed with about 6 large brand new sofas. Spotlessly clean full glass view of platform/passengers walking by as they alighted trains looking jealous, and best of all, no-one else there! Well-stocked with lots of biscuits, hot drink machine, cranberry + orange juices in fridge, cans of pepsi+diet, water, milk in fridge, loads of glossy magazines and papers, piles and piles of them.

Next went to Coventry on a Pendolino, only 1 other person in my 1st class carriage! There it was amazing - a lovely refurbished 60s room, only 60s bit being the wooden roof really (is Cov station listed? It should be!). This was busier than Wolverhampton but still quiet. Best of all was the fact there were apple, orange + cranberry juices, apple, orange + cherry Tango (full 330ml cans!) - hadn't had these in ages so was in heaven, coke, water etc. Roast chicken Walkers crisps (random flavour!). Later, salt+vinegar were brought out. Again a stylish spacious lounge though less than half the size of Wolverhampton. Next was Birmingham International, very nice light airy lounge, lots of food, plain, cheese + onion + salt+vinegar Walkers, Tunnock's Teacakes (marshmallow/biscuit/choc), biscuits, new slim tall 250ml cokes (really excited me!).

Finally Brum New St, worst of all the lounges, smallest despite biggest station (another example of how ill-thought out the BHM refurb has been done). No crisps, hardly any biscuits, basic drinks, only good think was very posh coffee machine which made a great coffee and allowed you to add your own precise quantity of hot milk foam. And one of those fun boiling hot/ice cold luxury taps.

 

[paddington]

Well I had a most fabulous day! Started at Wolverhampton which was huge, really spacious, very well appointed with about 6 large brand new sofas. Spotlessly clean full glass view of platform/passengers walking by as they alighted trains looking jealous, and best of all, no-one else there! Well-stocked with lots of biscuits, hot drink machine, cranberry + orange juices in fridge, cans of pepsi+diet, water, milk in fridge, loads of glossy magazines and papers, piles and piles of them.

Next went to Coventry on a Pendolino, only 1 other person in my 1st class carriage! There it was amazing - a lovely refurbished 60s room, only 60s bit being the wooden roof really (is Cov station listed? It should be!). This was busier than Wolverhampton but still quiet. Best of all was the fact there were apple, orange + cranberry juices, apple, orange + cherry Tango (full 330ml cans!) - hadn't had these in ages so was in heaven, coke, water etc. Roast chicken Walkers crisps (random flavour!). Later, salt+vinegar were brought out. Again a stylish spacious lounge though less than half the size of Wolverhampton. Next was Birmingham International, very nice light airy lounge, lots of food, plain, cheese + onion + salt+vinegar Walkers, Tunnock's Teacakes (marshmallow/biscuit/choc), biscuits, new slim tall 250ml cokes (really excited me!).

Finally Brum New St, worst of all the lounges, smallest despite biggest station (another example of how ill-thought out the BHM refurb has been done). No crisps, hardly any biscuits, basic drinks, only good think was very posh coffee machine which made a great coffee and allowed you to add your own precise quantity of hot milk foam. And one of those fun boiling hot/ice cold luxury taps.

Did you have any trouble with using the tickets to enter the lounge or break journey (including inconsequential actions such as staff rolling eyes or just making comments)?

 

[boyaloud]

Did you have any trouble with using the tickets to enter the lounge or break journey (including inconsequential actions such as staff rolling eyes or just making comments)?

None whatsoever - it was only New St where a person checked ticket, all other were done via camera. Was let straight in on all occasions.