This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
This was to be a solo trip as the sole purpose of a quick journey out to Orlando and back - over a weekend - was to re-qualify as Au.
I had toyed with a number of destinations, but to fulfil some family obligations (shopping) the choice was Orlando with UC out and PE back, to achieve the necessary 8 Tier Points.
The Journey
Unusually for me, I actually check in line the day before (only SEQ58 I'm afraid ) to find that I had been moved from my requested seat to 10A - with a patronising message from VS telling me i still had a super seat.
Anyways, the Tristar Car arrived (as usual) ahead of the appointed time and I was deposited on the upper level of the South Terminal some 25 minutes later. Soon at the UC Check In, I noticed how the VS area full of those visiting the Invictus Games (Help for Heroes shirts being the giveaway), but quickly seen and professionally processed before making my way upstairs to the Premium check In area and through security in no time. Given the lambasting that Gatwick often gets, compared to the shambles at Orlando, this actually gets a Gold Star from me.
Warmly welcomed back into the Clubhouse with the immediate question of mrs Buns' whereabouts. after explaining the purpose of my trip and family pressures, I was quickly escorted to a seat in the dining area and sat down the full breakfast washed down with some Lanson champagne
After breakfast I popped out into the teaming Terminal to collect some pre-booked foreign currency. Using the link on the Gatwick Airport Website, i had caught a rate (with a guarantee that if better on the day it would be honoured) which compared to the rate of 1.29 on the day was extremely good. Indeed, the pre booked rate was bettered and so I felt pretty good with myself.
Back into what was now a very busy Clubhouse, i found at seat at the far end and was able to survey the surroundings much better than I usually do from a seat I like to take in the snug. Had a chat with the shoeshine man (who had appeared in the VS Documentary last year) and booked a treatment for later on as I was on one of the last flights to leave that day. Throughout the stay, the staff looked after me and worked hard to make sure all were having a good time. No Las Vegas groups today (but the terminal was full of stag and hen parties clearly going to much closer destinations ) and a few media types were making the most of the hospitality being offered by their hosts - otherwise a celeb free visit on this occasion.
I bade my farewell to the excellent team in the Clubhouse and made my way down to Gate19. i was selected for additional screening to much profuse apologies and (thanks to other V Flyers' references) collected my bottle of water at the top of the jetway.
A perfunctory welcome on board and given the general direction to go, i made my way to 10K. I was keen to see who was to be sitting in 12A (my originally requested seat and thought it might be some VIP going to the Games). It was clear this was a frequent flyer who had managed to get Crawley to get the seat of his choice . Champagne offered, but I asked if it was possible to have a glass of prosecco, which was cheerfully obliged. I have to say this crew member worked exceedingly hard throughout the flight and it is her hard efforts that advances the score below average.
A full UC Cabin there were 391 on this flight and there were a few seats empty at the front of the lower PE Cabin. Push back pretty much on time and we were soon airborne where the same crew member worked the entire cabin. No sign of the FSM and the other crew member working the cabin seemed to be far more interested in bunnying in the Galley rather than doing any work and only came out when the hard working crew member was on her break.
I have already covered the menu on board. I opted for the steak and although i cannot be certain, either the portion was far below the recommended size or had been divvied up to go round. The dessert was OK back it seemed to be either dessert or cheese.
Watched Trumbo, which was an excellent film and one I would heartily recommend. Had a chat with a few other passengers as crew interaction was not something that was welcomed on this trip.
Afternoon tea is now offered as one of the "extra bites" options and you are merely presented with plated items (smaller than before) rather than the service from a trolley.
Soon after, we started our descent into Orlando - as an indication of the crew (and FSM) the cabin was not cleared and both I and one other passenger had a glass on our trays uncollected
We landed into MCO as we taxied towards the Terminal, the sight of four VS Jumbos together with the BA flight, made my heart sink. 12A was clearly keen to exit the aircraft and was shouted at for leaving his seat before the aircraft had even stopped!! Karma prevailed as it was announced there would be a 20 minute delay before we could leave the aircraft. As one final indicator of the FSM, it took a fellow passenger to tell the UC Cabin that de-planning had commenced.
As to be expected, a full Immigration Hall and by the time I had been processed, my case had been taken off the conveyor. I met my driver one hour after the plane had landed.
So Overall, a lack lustre experience and when compared with REDENGINES4ME the day after, it goes to show how VS do urgently need to address consistency
Thanks for reading
buns