Virgin on outstanding

Let me start this post by mentioning how I will never forget the time David Dimbleby said how these days he gets to avoid “the horrors of flying and airports”. With this one remark he gave away the snobbery and privilege that taints his entire outlook on life (in another he declared what a delight it must have been to have been an ancient farmer with only a fire in the middle of the room to warm you). While many people can only fantasise about flying, and never even get to leave their home town, Dimbleby resents spending a few hours defying what is naturally possible for human beings, seeing an aerial view of earth, and being waited upon in what is effectively a moving hotel (I bet he doesn’t fly economy either). Enough said about that, let’s talk about Virgin.

Richard Branson seems to have a unique midas touch when it comes to public services, and (although many may have stories to the contrary) he seems to have achieved the impossible feat of providing a good service, being very successful in business and being a nice guy at the same time. Credit where it is due, always.

I am flying with Virgin Atlantic today, from London Gatwick to Orlando, Florida. The booking was easy, using their website, and 10 pence cheaper from the closest reseller (Expedia). I am always happy to cut out resellers, as they have no right to take your money for doing nothing but standing between you and the service provider, so I was pleased to book directly on the Virgin web site (all in cost £308). Not only can you book online with Virgin but you can also check-in online, which I did. On arrival at the airport there were many staff to assist, and no queues. The plane left on time, and there is more leg room on this plane (a Boeing 747) than I have previously experienced. Food is better than usual, service good and entertainment selection exceptional.

Branson is doing things how they should be done – which is rarely seen in business. There are even little touches like the headphone jack on the seat is not some weird one whereby the airline can insist you buy headphones for it. No, it’s a normal headphones jack and they give you free phones or you can use your own.

By far most depressing aspect of this flight is the presence of so many incompetent parents and graceless people, but blame for this can hardly be laid at the door of Virgin. Their only shortcoming so far is that the on-board entertainment is scheduled and not controllable by the viewer – and that is hardly much of a criticism.