This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
We managed to grab our prefered row on both legs (19) and arrived at MCO in plenty of time for the scheduled departure. Checkin was a breeze and we were taken to the UC desk in order to speed up the process. The line at security wasn't too bad and we were soon in the terminal and waiting to board. The flight was due to depart at 6.45pm and boarding began at 5.55pm. We were called at 6.10pm and by 6.20pm the PE cabin was full.
The first signs of something amiss began to occur as a couple of engineers boarded the plane and the captain announced that we had paperwork problems but he'd update as and when. As the departure time passed it was obvious that there was an additional problem and the captain then informed us that the problem was in fact due to refuelling and that the fuel had been deposited in the wrong engine and we were now waiting for this to be rectified. This continued for the next two hours during which time the crew came around with water for the passengers. Credit to the captain for keeping us informed throughout with constant updates. We finally departed at 8.30pm!
Drinks were immediately served followed by dinner. Unfortunately when the crew reached us in row 19 only one choice was left which was a fish dish (which I can't eat) They offered the economy alternative which I didn't like but the FSM came to speak to me and said he'd look at the UC menu and see what was available. He offered the curry which was great although no starter, dessert or wine was offered. I fully appreciate that not all choices will be available but this appears to be a constant problem with PE on this route when sitting in row 19.
After the meal I decided to watch a movie however the earphone socket was broken on the armrest! Sleep beckoned instead and on wakening we were just about to begin the descent into Manchester.
We've travelled in PE many times on this route but over the years unfortunately have seen a decline in the service - on occasion an individual flight is superb (as on our outward journey) and individual crew are excellent. I've emailed Crawley to complement the FSM on this flight.
The flight landed approximatley 55 minutes late and the luggage was on the belt within 10 minutes!