This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Car rental return was very easy and clearly marked on the signs coming up to the terminal. Checkin at Orlando was very smooth with a very polite and efficient lady who called us over from the PE line to the Upper Class checkin desk ( no upgrade, thankfully[:)])
Our seats we had reserved were duly allocated and she explained that after we had weighed the luggage and had ID tickets put on, we had to take them over to the security for final check. This was quickly done with a security guard clearly explaining (politely) to everyone
where they should take their luggage if they were flying with Virgin.
Went through security with no problems. I am not sure if this was a one off, but Orlando is like chalk and cheese when compared to Miami.[y]
Shuttle train took us to the terminal and we were soon having a glass of wine in the bar near/in the Outback steak house.
We went to the gate and there was a large line for ecconomy. PE was a straight walk up and on to the plane with no fuss. [y]
First impression of Virgin PE seat compared to BAs WTP is that it is softer/more comfortable. The side bins are superb. We didn`t even use the overhead storage lockers. They also make a very good place to put your dinner trays etc when you are not using them.
Side by side seating also meant that I could talk easily with my wife and look out of the two windows next to my seat.
Seat recline could have been just a little bit better but was still good. Legroom was good (I am 6`3')and the leg rest was actually quite useful. On the BA one, it seems too high so I can`t get my feet on it with any comfort. Champagne was offered as soon as we got on board and the small table between our seats took our glasses easily.
Food was good by airline standards and to me was no worse than the UC offered on our trip out. We had a nice salad,BBQ chicken,cheese and sesame seed crackers, bread roll and a very good chocolate cake thing with coffee plus a chocolate mint.All was polished off and the empty trays placed out of the way on our side cabinets. Baileys and Brandy was then brought round but unfortunately as I was driving when we got home,I declined. Wines beers etc were offered. Just as a comparrison, I asked if they had Drambuie that I had had on the way out in UC. 'Sorry only Gin or Vodka'. I don`t know if this is a downgrade or if they just did not have Drambuie on the flight.
Breakfast was very basic of a muffin, fresh orange juice and fresh fruit salad with coffee or tea.
Only down side was that the cabin crew member appeared to be just going through the motions.
Flight was early by about 20 minutes. IFE was usual low quality Manchester offering but the head phones had at least been upgraded to the same as Upper Class[;)].
All in all, worthwhile upgrade from Ecconomy and apart from the seat not converting into a bed, not much different to UC.
