Virgin Holidays - www.virginholidays.co.uk Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“Happy Holiday”
Written on: 07/06/2013
Travelled to Barbados for two weeks in May. Trip was booked in October 2012, can not fault Virgin Holidays at all, from initial telephone enquiry through to booking the holiday and timely arrival of travel documents they have been excellent. Heather our rep in Barbados was excellent and always at the end of the phone ready to answer any questions we had. Will definitely use Virgin Holidays again. (read more)
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★★★☆☆
“Day Light Robbery”
Written on: 09/05/2013
Booked our holiday to Mexico (dept September 2013) on 30 April at a cost of £1,347 per person only to find out 2 days later that it had been reduced to £1,263 for no apparent reason. Have complained via 'the call centre' through email but they won't refund the difference. Wouldn't have minded if there was a 'Sale' on that we missed or if it was nearer to departure. Feel duped. Have asked for a gesture of 'goodwill' so will see what they do. Just leaves a bitter taste... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“I went to barbados with my husband in March to...”
Written on: 05/05/2013
I went to barbados with my husband in March to celebrate my 50TH BIRTHDAY on the 4th day we were robbed and threatened with a gun on the beach at 2pm outside my hotel. Virgin Holiday rep did nothing for us after this terrible attack, i asked Virgin Hoildays to inveatgate when i returned home absolutely awful they dont answer my questions and the Rep has lied about the issue, (read more)
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★★☆☆☆
“Corteous yet incompetent”
Written on: 05/05/2013
I have booked a car on the phone after I failed to get the process correctly executed online. The operator was corteous and eager to please but unable to correctly confirm all the data that are essential when booking a car. When I got the confirmation the drop off time was incorrect. I have been renting cars for year this has been the most laborious booking ever. The price was however competitive, so let's hope for the better. But I am nervous and tempted to cancel... So much for the Virgin... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“BAD BOOKING SERVICE”
Written on: 01/05/2013
TRIED TO BOOK A HOLIDAY TO MAURITIUS STAFF COULD NOT BE BOTHERD TO SEND ME EMAILS ABOUT HOTELS SAYING THERE TO BUSY (read more)
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★★★★☆
“Efficient and friendly service”
Written on: 30/04/2013
I visited Virgin travel agent in House of Fraser Nottingham today and couldn't be more pleased with the service I received. Thank you to Lyndsay for being so kind and patient and answering all my questions (and there were many!)and even another question when I got home over the 'phone! I only wish more retail places realised that good customer service is paramount if you want to make a sale.Thank you once again. (read more)
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★★★★★
“Best Holiday company”
Written on: 19/04/2013
I have travelled wih Virgin Holidays on Many occassions. Compared to the competition they are streets ahead, Staff are courteous and knowledgeable. Special assistance team are fantastic. I can't fault them! (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“uncontactable and unhelpful”
Written on: 15/04/2013 by MarthaS (1 review written)
Having had previous good expereince with Virgin Holidays I was looking forward to my holiday with my family and mother. However I received no correspondence from VH until 10 days before we left, I found out via Virgin Atlantic with whom I had booked my Mums ticket, that the flight times had changed. Numerous hours on 0845 numbers trying to confirm that the times had also changed for us etc still no emails.couldnt find our vouchers either etc etc. Anyway having booked seat inJan got to check... (read more)
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★★★★☆
“Mexico Holiday Rockstar service?”
Written on: 04/04/2013
SECRETS CAPRI HOTEL Playa Del Carmen,Cancun Rock Star Service? First time on a Virgin holiday, flights were delayed 30 mins both ways. We upgraded to premium economy class for the extra comfort and service, not as good as Thomson Premium, Staff just going through the motions no smiles and the drinks service not very efficient. The Premium Economy amenity kit was nowhere to be seen. Transfers to hotel poor, had to wait on a coach for 1 hour waiting for other passengers who did not turn up.... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Where was the Virgin experience?”
Written on: 27/03/2013 by Joesmudge (1 review written)
As a treat for my girlfriend at Christmas I surprised her with a trip to New York, since it was our first visit I thought I would go the extra mile and book with Virgin, how mistaken was I, the Virgin experience was none existent. When I booked I had initially found a cheaper price and asked Virgin to price match which they did reduce the price but it was still approximately £80 above the cheaper price which I thought was fine given the Virgin extras I would receive. The disappointments I... (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 213 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Never book with virgin please. Here's the short...”
Written on: 27/03/2013
Never book with virgin please. Here's the short version of our experience: on 1st march my husband and I booked a two week all inclusive holiday to Barbados on April 25th and paid in full and received a confirmation invoice, very excited. six days later a Virgin representative (who has one of the worst jobs in the company) contacted me to say there had been a "loading error" regarding the price and we either had to pay another £730 or cancel. No apology, no "skill and care" involved at... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Don't book with Virgin EVER”
Written on: 21/03/2013
Booked a family holiday for 9 in Orlando staying in an executive villa, received our tickets and were then advised 7 days before we were due to fly that no villas were available and they offered us 3 rooms in a hotel which they said was the same as the 5 bedroomed villa. After many emails we were told to take their offer or find something else ourselves which after many hours of searching we did. They were extremely unhelpful in all aspects and then to cap it all they messed up our car hire.... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Tesco club card points with Virgin Holidays”
Written on: 12/03/2013
Booked a hol to Mexico in a Virgin store located in Tesco. Forgot to ask if I could use my club card points at time of booking. Went in 2 weeks later to ask if I could. Was told, extremely unhelpfully, that I could have done if I had told them before booking. I asked why I hadn't been asked if I had any I wanted to use (ibeing in a Tesco store). There answer was to point to an A4 sheet of paper taped on other side of glass. They didn't even have the decency to walk to it! I said it would... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“nightmare to deal with, avoid avoid avoid”
Written on: 07/03/2013
I booked a fly drive holiday with Virgin Holidays to Disney World, Florida...I have not yet flown. I have booked with Virgin Holidays before now and all has gone smoothly, However this time round has been an absolute sham to say the very least. From day one its has been complaint after complaint. Our first encounter was when we originally booked to fly from Manchester to Orlando. We booked online and only AFTER payment, when the confirmation email came through, I read our flight schedule:... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Awful Company, Awful Service!”
Written on: 06/03/2013 by Rcwillco (1 review written)
We booked a very expensive holiday with them, as soon as they had our money they had no interest in us. We needed to extend our stay by 1 day, the only option they provided was to cancel the whole holiday, loose the whole cost of the holiday and then re-book at the full fare! We were left with no option but to book additional flights home with BA and leave the Virgin return flight seats empty. After a while they just started ignoring our requests to come up with a sensible solution, avoid at... (read more)
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★★☆☆☆
“Selling is more important than service”
Written on: 26/02/2013 by stuart.d.s
I booked a "special" holiday for my wife and I to Las Vegas, I was encouraged to upgrade to the premium economy cabin and paid the extra charge after being sold the benefits. My seats were booked at the same time. On the day of travel, the check in staff at Gatwick re allocated my seat, as I was told direct Virgin Atlantic bookings take precedence. We sat in the back row, RIGHT NEXT TO THE TOILET! which was constantly in use by economy cabin customers. ABSOLUTELY SHAMEFUL, and a complete... (read more)
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★★☆☆☆
“Prices constantly changing”
Written on: 12/01/2013 by Jwright281324 (1 review written)
Tried to book a 5 day holiday in New York for October 2013. Went onto the website and found what we were looking for. However we also checked out the costs if done separately so made a note of prices etc and continued to search hotels etc independently. However upon returning to the Virgin Holidays website we found the price had gone up and the flights were now different. This was within a space of a few minutes! In fact we were finally about to book a holiday when my wife went to pick up... (read more)
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★★★☆☆
“Credit card surcharge”
Written on: 09/01/2013 by meditek (7 reviews written)
It would seem that Virgin have joined the ranks of ripoff airlines such as Ryanair but charging for the use of their own Virgin credit cards. Their explanation (below) had me smiling in admiration at the obfuscation worthy of the best of Tony Blair's spin machine. "the only reason why wecollect a surcharge even though its a Virgin Amex Card is because in order to help carry out collection of our payment we enter into contracts with various agencies who require to be paid per transaction for... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“INHABITABLE VILLAS ORLANDO - Worst holiday of our lives! ”
Written on: 08/01/2013
After contacting Virgin Holidays Customer Care Team on returning to the UK after they ruined our £13,000+ holiday, they responded very apologetically and offered £153 compensation with their final offer of £606 (Just over 4% of the holiday) Getting nowhere with Customer Services, we tried the Managing Director. Here is the letter we wrote her: "For the Urgent Attention of Managing Director Amanda Willis Wednesday, 19 December 2012 Dear Mrs Willis, Reference:... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukBarbiepinkrocks's Comment
Written on: 18/02/2013
Hi there sorry to bother you but i have had problems with Virgin aftercare with regards to problems with the car hire company used for our recent holiday, can i ask whether you have had a sufficient response regarding this letter that you have sent? Thanks Rachel
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Barbiepinkrocks's Comment
Written on: 18/02/2013
Hi and sorry to bother you, we have just returned from a holiday with Virgin and am too having problems with the aftercare, i was just wondering whether you have had some resolve with your problems from contacting them?
Regards
Rachel
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Carolinerodney's Comment
Written on: 08/03/2013
We had same problem with dirty villa ,cockroaches , poor customer service accused off making it up , until my husband said he would gather evidence and and show comtempo office all the cockroaches we killed , spend fortune on pest control because contempo were useless even cleaner had complained many times about pest problem and dirty carpets etc and said they ignore her,
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Donnadeamer's Comment
Written on: 28/04/2013
oh no am a bit worried as have booked for 2014 to stay at Legacy Park!!
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★☆☆☆☆
“Fraudulent sale of a holiday to Mexico over Christmas.”
Written on: 27/12/2012 by thewackysumners
Booked our holiday through Virgin holiday Debenhams Marlowes Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire for the Christmas period 18th to 29th December celebrating Christmas and my birthday. Booked a trip to Mexico Sian Ka'an Cancun Mexico Gran Bahia Principe Resort Mexico at a cost of £11.000.This was booked 3 weeks before we were due to travel and recommended by the Virgin staff.My husband had just had major back surgery and had that day been okayed to fly but must not lift or walk upstairs or walk... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.uk975Jamieh's Response to thewackysumners's Review
Written on: 20/05/2013
What happened in the end?
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Wackysumners's Response to thewackysumners's Review
Written on: 21/05/2013
Wrote a letter of complaint to Virgin with all supporting documentation and months later received a letter back saying that they were at fault and liable for a miss sold holiday and an offer of £3,000. I wrote back declining the offer stating that it was not enough. They wrote back again after another two letters by myself stating that i would be better of taking them to court and involving a solicitor, so that is what i have done. It is now in the hands of our solicitor. Also went to ABTA have heard nothing what so ever a complete waste of time.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 213 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Awful experience will never go virgin again!!”
Written on: 26/11/2012
Booked a 2 1/2 wk holiday and wedding in Mexico with virgin. Initial booking process was great however, after care support was nil!! I had questions regarding our wedding package and was told only our designated wedding co-ordinator could help well it's not very helpful when they all work part time! Standard questions were answered but if you had unusual questions then they are useless and can't answer them! I them contacted them again to assist me with the on site prices for the... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Cancelation charges”
Written on: 21/11/2012
Sunday 18th November at 8.00pm booked a holiday online with Virgin for 4 days to New York for a total sum of £2210.85 (payment in full taken immediately from my credit card) 2/ Same day but 4 minutes later receive the confirmation of the holiday that contained the following terms “ Should there be any changes to the price shown above when you receive your confirmation invoice, then you've up to 7 days to let us know if you want to cancel your booking. This is stated in our booking... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Worst example of credit card surcharge malpractice?”
Written on: 16/11/2012
Just booked a holiday online with Virgin. There was the expected option to pay with either a credit or debit card. The (very) small print suggested there would be a 2.5% surcharge if paid by credit card. Before paying, we tried both options on the site to see if the price changed. The cost shown as ‘Total amount to pay’ did not change (£1775.72 in both cases), so we paid by credit card. Once paid, the ‘Amount paid today’ line was £1775.72 and the ‘Outstanding balance’ showed as... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukMikef2's Comment
Written on: 03/01/2013
I paid by debit card and they still added the credit card charge (timing as above)! After complaining they reissued the invoice showing a "good wiil" gesture refund of the credit card charge amount, but I'm still waiting for the money to come back.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Very Poor after service”
Written on: 05/10/2012
My son lost his camera. We had virgin insurance (gold) sent in forms only to find that under section16 etc. Basically they weaselled their way out of paying out. I have spent 40000 with virgin over the past few years. Never again. Their support service is terrible. I should have listed to others......... Don't make the same mistake as me. (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Virgin Holiday's terrible service !”
Written on: 28/09/2012 by Michael2035 (1 review written)
We have been Virgin customers since 2002,and at that time were head over heaks with thier holidays and customer seveices. The last couple of years we have noticed some holes appearing,but things happen minor hick ups etc, until this year. Well, we will not be booking with them again, you can get the same or better deal with another company, our Frequent Virgin Club discount is now virtualy worthless, beware of price match promises from Virgin they are not what they seem. More importantly... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukTaraford's Response to Michael2035's Review
Written on: 24/10/2012
Hi all!
I was looking for cheap holiday flights to Florida and came across a fantastic travel site where they sell last minute tickets and even tickets for sold out flights at wholesale prices.
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★★★★★
“This was our first but not the last. ”
Written on: 08/09/2012 by NPbass
My wife and I would normally go all inclusive where ever we go, however this time we went for a two stop over B&B to Thailand with virgin holidays. on booking we were subbed out to Thai airways. But we were met and treated like VIP's. We were picked up and dropped off at every destination that's form airport to hotel and vis versa. Everything was explained to us on what was required, Evan to the point where the rep would que up with us. It was nice not to be dropped off with a quick "good... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“How to upset customers and spoil their holiday”
Written on: 31/08/2012 by Indin60 (1 review written)
Booked a Special Deal with Virgin by a cut off date to get this Special Deal, and also upgraded the room at the cost of £194. Just lost my mum and needed the break. One month later the same holiday was advertised at £100 less and the upgrade room was included. I e-mailed Virgin,rang the call centre(Mumbi) a complete waste of time, did not want to know. I wrote to their head office at Crawley twice, the second time they did not answer, even though they should do because of ABTA code of... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Booked holiday - cancelled the next day”
Written on: 29/08/2012 by Martinv1
Booked a 2week holiday for 4 people to Jamaica £14000 included upgraded fights etc. web site states you can now select your seats which I tried to do. The virgin Atlantic seat selection site tells you they can not let you select your seats as they are changing/upgrading their planes. Fair enough so I found virgin holidays to find out when I can select my seats, I was then told 24hrs before you fly and you will need to do the same on the return flight. I could not believe they expect you... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukIndin60's Response to Martinv1's Review
Written on: 01/09/2012
Virgins customer service is non existence. When you call the centre, they tell you to e-mail, when you do your told to call the centre, some loop system. They are a complete waste of time and money. Keep well away!
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Lindabiddlecombe's Response to Martinv1's Review
Written on: 08/09/2012
July 2012 - we booked holiday to Florida for 4 people back in January. We reserved our seating .... all well and good. 24 hours prior to departure tried to book in online. Spent hours trying to do this but their system would not allow me to. Got to the airport in plenty of time to be told we had lost our seating allocation and we were now totally split up for the 8 hour flight and no guarantees re flight back. After alot of complaining they said they could seat us 2 x 2. After more complaining they found us 4 seats together (what a surprise). Doesn't end there though, we unfortunately booked our villa through Virgin. Arrived at Orlando airport to find they were not expecting us and no villa keys/details available. They told us to drive 20 miles to the resort office to collect details/keys. When we arrived at office, which was unmanned, no keys or villa details. No-one answering the emergency number ..... after a long flight with two children you can imagine how we felt! At the moment I am in battle with Virgin. I am awaiting an offer of compensation, won't hold my breath. Will never travel or holiday with Virgin again.
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Nagspope's Response to Martinv1's Review
Written on: 27/09/2012
As they mentioned to you, they are currently upgrading their 'leisure' fleet from Gatwick by refitting the 747 aircraft with the 'new' Premium Economy and Economy seats. They are upgrading one aircraft at a time and will be completed by the end of the year (so they say). The upgrades mean that the configuration of each plane will change.
If you upgraded to Premium Economy and are flying before 5th january 2013 then you cannot choose your seat before check-in as they cannot be sure which aircraft you'll be on. If you flyafter 5th January 2013 then it will be possible to request seats after October 8th.
it could be that this information wasn't available to you at the time or they failed to let you know (if they knew themselves!) Hope this clears it up for anybody else. . .
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Neildevon's Response to Martinv1's Review
Written on: 05/10/2012
I booked flights and accommodation to New York. 4 nights for 2 people at waldorf Astoria for £1952 flying on October 13 2012. Went to pre-book seats to find that no flights were booked just room at hotel, despite confoirmation invoice showing myself and wife as passengers. Have sent 3 emails to cancel and have no response. Phoned but all I got was an India call centre trying to sell flights. asked for telephone number to complain to but was told in pidgeon english that there was no such number. Still no response. Will have to take to court. will never use Virgin again and will make as many people aware of their sharp practice
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★★☆☆☆
“No added value - choose someone else and save”
Written on: 24/08/2012 by miztachris
I travel with VH to Florida in March next year as do friends who booked with another ATOL agent. Their holiday has the exactly the same elements (same dates, same flights with Virgin atlantic, same accomodation, same vehicle hire etc) yet their holiday is £800 cheaper. Now, I don't compare services on cost alone, value for money is more important. As a (previously) loyal VH customer I justified the extra cost to my friends by saying the service is better. My friend simply said "How? What... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Rockstar treatment is rubbish”
Written on: 13/08/2012
Went on a cruise with Virgin Cruises that had 'Rockstar' service. The 'V' room at Gatwick was very good but apart from that the Rockstar service was rubbish. Priority boarding - Directed to wrong queue Restaurant cover charge - had to keep asking Royal Caribbean about this. They didn't seem to know much about Rockstar but after several visits to Customer Service we received some vouchers - others in our party didn't though Champagne Reception with senior crew members - again had to... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukNotamused100's Comment
Written on: 16/08/2012
I totally agree with their half soaked survice. I have not even trevelled and am still awaiting their 10 day after 10 day to change holiday plans. They do not know what they are doing and get it wrong or have not sorted my cruise hols as yet still awaiting 4 months on. I get no joy from virgin staff or the cruise staff. It seems they have not even had their training their Managers are rubbish they cannot sort out a simple hol and they keep putting prices they get you signed up and rub u blind. DO NOT FALL PREY TO THEIR CRUISES IF YOU WANT TO KEEP YOUR CASH GO TO THOMPSONS, THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GREAT ON THEIR CRUISES.
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Lynda59's Comment
Written on: 14/09/2012
I have the same problem. Booked a Virgin Cruise (Rockstar) paying for several upgrades - flights, hotels, cabin etc and to-date they have made numerous mistakes (I am keeping all the evidence). To-date, I have found the customer service has either been brilliant or "we can do this to you because it is in our SMALL PRINT" response. The latest is that they wanted our seats going out so offered us a day earlier flight with free hotel. Great, I said (paying for an upgraded room to match what I had already booked). BUTwhen I checked the flights online I noticed that they have now mucked this up BIG TIME and it took three attempts for me to get them to look on the actual website (after the "small print" conversation) for them to see that it is totally wrong - and they need to speak to someone to sort this out. They promised to phone back within the hour - still waiting!!!!!! hmmmm.
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Notamused100's Comment
Written on: 26/10/2012
You can sit by the phone, do not believe in getting back to you. If you ring them there is a long process before you get answered and then we will help you just give us 10 more days. They never come. Just have to chase them up again and again.
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Lynda59's Comment
Written on: 29/10/2012
Just want to say: I got there in the end with Virgin. I managed to get to customer service supervisor. I made sure I put everything in writing - and I kept regular copies of my non-existent flight. I also (bearing in mind my late father's advice) put EVERYTHING in writing. Confirming telephone calls etc etc. It was a hard slog but I have now got the holiday correctly booked and a little extra too! I am looking forward to my holiday now - I have seats booked on the plane ( I regularly double-check this), correct dates booked at the hotel (corresponded with a really nice member of staff at the hotel so had evidence that Virgin had this wrong too) and I have double-checked with the cruise line who have confirmed that I am booked ok on that. Interestingly enough, the lady at the cruise line did not know about the Virign Rockstar agreement, she checked with some colleagues before coming back and confirming that I have this as well. I am booking the additional extra's directly. Note: If Virgin upgrade your room in a hotel (even for 1 night) they charge approx £40 admin for doing this. All I can advise, is that if things start to go wrong - PUT IT IN WRITING and keep records. I am sorry to see that many staff at Virgin think that Virgin is so big that no-one will be able to argue with them and that their "small print" covers them for everything. I will wait and see how the holiday goes before making any more comment. At the moment in fairness to Virgin, I will say that they have made good - but it was a hard slog getting there.
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Showing 21 - 30 of 213 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“TOTAL RIP OFF”
Written on: 10/08/2012 by K-B- (4 reviews written)
Found holiday on web site. Rang the call centre who jacked the price up, THEN refused to give discount. On their own booking they discounted the inflated price to make it look as though I had received discount, then invoiced me for the inflated price. Have complained to 5 different people now and they still keep trying to fob me off saying I got the discount. Absolute con to get you to book using a virgin credit card. For a £6500 holiday I expect things to go like clockwork, however... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukIndin60's Response to K-B-'s Review
Written on: 31/08/2012
I absolutely agree. Give it time and it will go the same way as the rail franchise! Mr Branson is losing the plot! We will never go with virgin again.
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Hashtag's reply to Indin60's Comment
Written on: 18/02/2013
went with them to london by train, to say it was a dissapointment is an understatement
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★☆☆☆☆
“one star service from Virgin”
Written on: 10/08/2012 by lepton
Dont believe their hype about rock star service, we booked 17 months in advance for 8 people to Florida, 16 days before we left that someone had cancelled our seats on the flight by mistake, we were offered flights to and from Gatwick instead of Manchester,after 3 hours in the travel agent we were given seats on a later plane,but the family was seperated, on arrival we had no address given for villa and were held at US customs,no Virgin rep in site,when we finally got thru we found no villa... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukLindabiddlecombe's Response to lepton's Review
Written on: 08/09/2012
Know exactly how you are feeling. July 2012 - They messed our seating around on the place - gave our selected seats to someone else. I was unable to check in online because the system would not allow me to. We then arrived in Orlando to find they were not expecting us and had no villa keys or details. They sent us 20 miles to a resort office, when we arrived it was unmanned and there were no keys or villa details in the lockbox for us. Tried phoning the emergency number and no-one answered. The holiday cost us over £5000 for 4 - at the moment in battle with Virgin. Will never holiday or fly with them again!
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★☆☆☆☆
“Honeymoon disaster”
Written on: 07/08/2012 by KirstySibley (1 review written)
My boyfriend (now husband) booked out dream honeymoon with virgin at their Wimbledon branch. We wanted our wedding guests to make donations towards our honeymoon as our wedding gifts, we felt this would save the embarrassment of giving us cash on the day. We were told by virgin this would be fine!!! They would take down the names of the guests who made the donations so we know who to thank afterwards. Well this all went wrong... First they changed our hotel, we were booked in the hilton in... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukCarolb123's Response to KirstySibley's Review
Written on: 10/08/2012
So sorry for your loss and hope you manage to get resolution from Virgin but don't hold your breath. I have been holidaying with Virgin for 15 years and have noticed over the past few years that the service is falling dramatically. First ever complaint I have made and the response was very uncaring and matter of fact. Didn't expect that reaction to a loyal customer.I have now booked my next holiday with BA. If Virgin up their game to the standard that they once had.Then I would reconsider holidaying with them again.They used to be a high end travel company,and you got what you paid for, sadly you still pay a premium cost for a holiday but do not get the premium service. They are on the road to being a low cost service with high cost prices.
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Notamused100's Response to KirstySibley's Review
Written on: 22/09/2012
I totally agree with you, to had a loss of ones's dad whilst newley married and to have no help from Virgin either to rebook or refund. I have not gone on holiday and they have doubled the cost of holiday due to minor changes. I would strongly suggest using another holiday provider. They do not care about their customers.
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Notamused100's Response to KirstySibley's Review
Written on: 22/09/2012
I totally agree with you, to had a loss of ones's dad whilst newley married and to have no help from Virgin either to rebook or refund. I have not gone on holiday and they have doubled the cost of holiday due to minor changes. I would strongly suggest using another holiday provider. They do not care about their customers.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Sharks!!!”
Written on: 25/07/2012
Yep. I'm the original reviewer and our friends are now coming with us and they got it £700 cheaper!!! I wrote to Richard Branson and one of his dogs bodies answered. Basically giving the same ansa as the first one saying tough s***!! (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“new call centres are rubbish!”
Written on: 11/07/2012
I have been to the states with Virgin numerous times but this will be the last unless they radically change their new call centres. Hopeless would be kind! (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Terrible customer service”
Written on: 02/07/2012 by Dannimarou (1 review written)
We have just been to las vegas with virgin and the start and end of our holiday was ruined by them.i have traveled with and recommended virgin to my clients for years but never again. Our flight out there started off o.k until the meals came around,they had ran out of 2 out of he 3 choices so we had 1 choice left which wasn't something either me or my boyfriend would eat so I said no thanks we will leave it,the air hostess who was serving us was o.k but her snotty co worker another air... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukCarolb123's Response to Dannimarou's Review
Written on: 07/08/2012
Have been holidaying with Virgin for 15 years and have noticed over the past 2 that the service is falling dramatically. First ever complaint I have made and the response was very uncaring and matter of fact. Didn't expect that reaction to a loyal customer.I have now booked my next holiday with BA. If Virgin up their game to the standard that they once had.Then I would reconsider holidaying with them again.
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★★★☆☆
“GREAT SERVICE BOOKING HOLIDAY I FLIGHT GOOD ARRIVAL AWFUL”
Written on: 26/06/2012
WE BOOKED OUR HOTEL AND FLIGHT INSTORE couldnt fault it agent logged on all our special requests as it was my wifes 65th birthday we had a great flight service could not be faulted but on arrivel after waiting to pick up our luggage we went to introduce ourselves to our virgin rep we were dismissed very quickly with hurry give ur name to we never caught her name and get on shuttle we went to lady concerned who thrust a piece of paper into our hands and with hardly acknowlwging us thrust a... (read more)
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★★★★☆
“Lovely Las Vegas Honeymoon”
Written on: 03/06/2012
We had an amazeing honeymoon with virgin bookd all our trips with them befor we ent but where they realy made the effort was through the rep that we saw when we arrived. At the airport we had been handed a letter saying tomorow your rep will be at the luxor wich was across the road. We went along with the hope of getting help in changeing our room as we was staying in the MGM and had been given a horrible dark smelly room. Feeling this was slighly Virgins fault as there descriptions of the... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Group holiday to Cuba April 2012 ”
Written on: 29/05/2012
I booked a holiday to Cuba with a group of 6 friends. LGW V63 to Havana 4 April 2012 We carefully planned our holiday to celebrate the majority of us turning 50 which fell between last year and this year. This Holiday was going to be our time of refreshing, a group of friends spending quality time together without Children, Grandchildren and Partners. The flight to Havana was fine except one member of the group was unable to access the in flight entertainment and was not given a portable... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukGuest's Comment
Written on: 17/06/2012
i booked a Holiday to Criibean last week with virgin Holidays and i can say that i had never experienced this amount of fun with my family all hotels resorts were jsut amazing plannning to go St Lucia "stlucia.cc"
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Lifesatrin's Comment
Written on: 29/09/2012
I'm afraid that's Cuba for you!!
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★☆☆☆☆
“Never again ”
Written on: 22/05/2012 by megandoll
I would never book with virgin holidays again. We booked a two week trip to Florida the flight was ok our trouble started when we arrived at our villa the reps at the airport must have been laughing at us we were told not to put the address in the tom tom as the villas are that new it will not register the street how wrong they were it was old run down shanty town dirty old mucky villas that stunk of dirty old chip pan fat they were working on the villa as we turned up the drive to the villa... (read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 213 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Special Family Holiday let down by Virgin”
Written on: 14/05/2012
We went to Florida for 3 Weeks in November 2011. Booked with Virgin as we had been told how great they were to this destination. However, things started to go wrong before we left - including being given wrong info before we left regarding trips we had booked, in-flight entertainment broke down, very high pressure on arrival to upgrade our car (we were lied too to achive this by the Alamo agent who told us the car we had booked was too small for our party), hotel couldn't find our booking,... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“ROBBING B******S”
Written on: 08/05/2012 by mikirobbie12 (1 review written)
Booked holiday in february for this September 2012 to Mexico for over £3000 and paid the deposit. Checked prices and the holiday is now nearly £400 pounds cheaper!!!! Wrote and complained and they didn't want to know. Basically they said tough S**T. Note to myself don't go with Virgin again as they are sharks!!!!! (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukOuiseyg's Response to mikirobbie12's Review
Written on: 09/05/2012
I've had exactly the same problem except my holiday went down by £150 in two hours!! Like you said they couldn't care less, seem to be out to just catch you out and no matter what time I phone I get the indian call centre and they don't understand me and I don't understand them. I will never use Virgin again and I'm gutted that I'm giving them our hard earned cash!
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Guest's Response to mikirobbie12's Review
Written on: 20/07/2012
I second that.
We booked a special offer , virgin picked the week and put a buy now date on it in May 2012. One month later that special offer was reduced by £100, and the room we paid £194 upgrade for was in with the price. They had me on a loop system ring this 0800 number, when you do they tell you to e-mail, when you do they tell you to ring the 0800 number, what a system. I wrote to their head office at Crawley, and 28 days later in accordance with ABTA rules, they have not yet replyed. This is not the first time I have had trouble with Virgin, on my last trip I requested a veggie meal, we were near the back of the plane(not all seated together) and when the cabin crew got to use all the veggie meals were gone. When I complained I was told it was only a request, they could not be expected to carry meals for everyone! I should have know better to book with them again. We will be cancelling there are much better tour operators. DO NOT GO WITH VIRGIN THEY REALLY ARE SHARKS YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !
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Guest's Response to mikirobbie12's Review
Written on: 27/07/2012
The same thing has happened to me. They advertised a SPECIAL OFFER book by this date to get the holiday at this rate. We did and one month later they reduced it and the room we paid £194 upgrade was put in the reduced price! When we complained they did not want to know. We wrote two letter in line with ABTA code of conduct, and they have not answered the second and its well gone 28days. We have cancelled the holiday which was for November 2012 and lost our deposit. We will not be going with virgin again or will any family or friends . Sharks have got nothing compared to this company. Do Not Trust Them Especially Special Deals. Keep Well Away
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Guest's Response to mikirobbie12's Review
Written on: 27/07/2012
We also booked a Special Offer for a holiday to Barbados in Nov 2012.Virgin put a book now date on it. One month later the holiday was reduced and the upgrade we paid £194 extra was included in the reduced price. I phoned, e-mailed (India) waste of time. Wrote two letters to Head Office at Crawley, the first one they answered, a standard letter, wishing us a happy holiday! and the second in line with ABTA 28 days of conduct, nothing!. We have now cancelled,lost our deposit, they have upset me so much and caused so much stress we never want that name in our house again. SHARKS do not come near this organisation. Be Very Careful Of There Special Deals
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Carolb123's Response to mikirobbie12's Review
Written on: 11/08/2012
Sadly Virgin have let their standards fall dramatically. I have holidayed with Virgin for 15 yrs and have seen the demise of this company over the past 2 or 3 years. I was happy to pay a bit extra to get a superior service, now I pay extra and only get a mediocre service across the board. They were one of the high end agents, now they are heading towards the bargain end of the spectrum with high end prices. After so many years booking with Virgin I have now spent my hard earned money with a different company. If Virgin up their game and get back to the previous standards of service and accommodation then I will book with them again but I WILL NOT HOLD MY BREATH.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Utterly useless”
Written on: 08/05/2012
So the holiday started in the v room and all was well, until we boarded the plane. The cabin crew talked our group of four out of upgrading saying" it's no different than economy". When the inflight meal was served we were given a menu with 3 choices available, unless you were sat towards the rear of the plane. When we did order our meal. It didn't turn up! When we landed the cabin crew were just worried about getting there holidays started! We got to our virgin recommended hotel to find out... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Honeymoon ruined! Horrible Customer Service ”
Written on: 04/05/2012 by dh888
I spent a few weeks if not months planning my once in a life time honeymoon. We decided on St Lucia and booked way in advance through Virgin Holidays. A MONTH before our trip I receive a letter stating that the Property is carrying out an extensive "enhancement project" where they plan to build extra villas and refurbish the reception area, breakfast room and most of the tennis courts! The letter concludes that they hope we have an AMAZING time and come back with wonderful memories!! The... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“NO SHOW POLICY”
Written on: 02/05/2012
I will be travelling to from LHR -Chicago then NYC - LHR with my Husband on the 10th, due unforseen reasons and a family emergency my husband will need to travel to the US before me, flying directly to San fran. This counts as a NO show on the 10th for my husband who is meant to be travelling with me, this also means all his internal flights in the US and the outward flight back t0 NYC will automatically be cancelled, as this is the NO SHOW POLICY ONLY for Virgin Holiday, no VIRGIN... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Special Holiday to Barbados”
Written on: 30/04/2012
Booked a holiday July 2011 to Waves Hotel in Barbados for Feb 2012. This was a present to my husband for his birthday and retirement from me. Three weeks before the holiday we received tickets, one day later received a letter to say that due to inhouse error there was no room for us and we would have to go to another hotel. We were offered the Almond Village (which had just had salmonella) or the Almond Casurnia, neither had the good reviews of our first choice. We were promised an upgrade... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukGuest's Comment
Written on: 05/05/2012
Hello, I would be happy to back you up for the watchdog case. Our honeymoon in South Africa and Mauritius was ruined by several Virgin mistakes, the biggest one being Virgin demanding from us extra payment while we were on hols. The extra payment was for a name change as my husband has a double surname and Virgin Holidays included only his 2nd surname on all the flight the tickets. To cut the story short we were told to "either pay or stay where you are". Having paid £350 we found out that we were not allowed to board all the planes: SA to Mauritus and Mauritius to LHR as the ticket with the new name had never been issued. There were also several smaller issues, which I won't go into but we made an oral compalined and dealed with Andrew (Africa/Asia Virgin Holiday reresentative) who refused to refund the money claiming that the ticket with the new name exists. The last time we called him was from the Mauritius airport, when we had trouble getting on board as the Air Mauritius staff could not find my husband ticket. He said he'd sort it out and would call us in a few minutes. That was two days ago and he has not called. My husband boarded the plane because Air Mauritius heard our story and was so helpful that they re-issued the old ticket for free. They also told us (and so did SA airlines) that no name change was unnecessary as my husband can easily travel on his main surname. I'd be more than happy to go to watchdog as this company is a joke, the worse we've ever experienced and something has to be done about them.
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Guest's Comment
Written on: 27/07/2012
We to will back you up for the watchdog case. We booked to go to the Waves in Barbados in Nov 2012. We booked a Special Offer with Virgin to be booked by 9th May 2012 to get this special price. We also upgraded by £194 for a sea view room. One month later the holiday was reduced and the room was in the price!. I phoned (India) waste of time, they said e-mail, they said phone! We wrote to head office at Crawley, first letter was answered, with a standard letter saying , nothing we can do enjoy your holiday! The second in line with ABTA, were still waiting now 30days+
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★☆☆☆☆
“Price match response”
Written on: 25/04/2012
I wrote to the Managing Director as follows:- I am not sure if this will find its way to the correct person. I have tried to find Richards email address but without successes. I am a very frustrated and previously passionate Virgin Holidays customer. For the last 12 years plus my wife and I have taken a two week holiday every year in the Caribbean mainly with Virgin Holidays. This year we decided to go to La Source in Granada in October for two weeks upgrading the room and flight to... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“attitude of staff when dealing with complaints!”
Written on: 02/03/2012
Have previously used virgin atalantic and virgin holidays many times. standards have definitely dropped over the last few years. soent 12 months planning a special trip to mauritius , used virgin holidays had hoped to ahev flown with them but the route by them stopped the month we went. I became ill at the hotel ( rats outside mums room in traps and cockroaches in friends room) when home was diagnosed with salmonella their customer service and attitude was disgusting. initally implied i was... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Ruined New York Holiday”
Written on: 27/01/2012
Booked a holiday to New york with Virgin Holidays 12 months in advance, everything ok until arrival at Manchester airport to find out the flight had been cancelled a month earlier, we had not been informed. The flight booked was a direct flight to JFK airport, we were given tickets to go via Paris, when we tried to get the flight from Paris to New York we were told that we only had stand by tickets & we were refused boarding because the plane was full. We were put on stand by for the next... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Booking wrong - totally disorganised would never use...”
Written on: 11/01/2012
I have booked an overnight stopover at the Hilton Gatwick through the Virgin Flying Club for Feb 2012. The offer on the website included a complimentary breakfast if booked before 15th Feb 2012. When my confirmation and e-voucher came through. The terms were Room only. When I queried this I spoke to Virgin Holidays who told me at first to speak to Virgin Atlantic. My booking could not be found and I was then directed back to Virgins holdays, who are a nightmare to get through... (read more)
Visit virginholidays.co.ukGuest's Comment
Written on: 21/01/2012
Same problem being experienced in addition to having car parking included. Vigin say this is a mistake yet we can still book via their web site. Complete dissatisfaction as we cannot even speak to the person who left us a message to call back in the first place.All paid for and we have the voucher saying Hilton gatwick inc 21days parking. A nightmare to get sorted...still ongoing!!
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Sportyn1's Comment
Written on: 10/05/2013
This happens in majority of cases when you purchase a holiday... once you have bought a holiday why than go and check the price, of course there will be days whereby the price is low or high... surely if you are an experianced person buying holidays this shouldnt be new to you.
I find it most unhelpful for comments such as this, why should you get "Goodwill"?