This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
After trying many options, i now prefer to book an extra day at the hotel and have a leisurely final day at the Hotel. Thinks to V Flyer, i had an inkling that flight would be delayed and sure enough an hour or so later i received both text and e mail saying the flight would be delayed by an hour and a half. Unfortunately, on this occasion, i was having a driver pick me up so was not able to take full advantage.
After a quick 20 minute journey down the 417 (thanks to the new interchange at Boggy Creek Road) I was at the Terminal and with a hop skip and a jump from the kerb, i was in the UC Check In area. The usual agent was there and she welcomed me back and thanked me for my custom. I was able to ask if Row 20 was still free and she obliged by moving me to 20A. After being issued with Boarding Pass and Lounge Invite I had a stroll around before tackling the TSA Endurance Test.
Not they say familiarity breeds contempt - in my case not looking properly at the instructions on the back of the Lounge invite and i went to where i normally do - which is no longer the priority line. That said, it make no difference as the whole thing is a shambles aided and abetted by passengers not taking things out of their pockets before going through the x ray and taking their worldly goods with them as hand luggage. I can see a business opportunity to offer fast track at a price
It took over half an hour to get through and this is why I get to the Airport early and no longer use McCoy's for a pre-flight meal. After enduring the farce i made my way to their Outback Steakhouse for a final US Burger and Beer, before popping across to the Duty Free and picking up a bottle of Tanqueray for £16 as opposed to a bottle of Gordons on the Plane for £13 (when you can get in Tesco for £15).
I then went to an empty Delta Sky Club. At first i thought it was merely because it was a monday, but it was later pointed out that BA now go somewhere else - this means it is a haven of peace and quiet.
There are some food offerings , but nothing substantial and whilst you can still get complimentary basic drinks (such as Jack Daniels and Beefeater Gin) you can opt for "premium" brands (such as Tanqueray 10) for between $6 - 8.
Never let it be said that V Flyer do not tell you about bargain offers. You can pick up a bottle of Dom Perignon in the Delta Sky Club for $250
One of the benefits of the Delta Sky Club is VS provide a member of staff to escort you onto the aircraft. Although this was in place, due to the fact the flight had been delayed, boarding had started early, so it was not the case that we were boarded before normal boarding commenced.
As such i was one of the last to board the upstairs PE Cabin (I am sure my seat companion was hoping for a free seat next to him!) and after settling down and putting my things in the side bin accepted the glass of sparkly stuff.
With only 221 passengers boarding was quickly finished and we pushed back slightly before the planned 9:05. Quick taxi and we were airborne.
The Male crew member working the upstairs PE Cabin was splendid and appeared to really enjoy his job (which is more than can be said of the non existent member of crew on the outbound flight). Menus handed out (as well as a service feedback form) and the drinks run undertaken.
THE MENU
Starter
Seasonal Salad - Peppery radishes with lemon oil
Main Meal
Beef Stew
Chinese three cup chicken
Spinach cannelloni (V)
Pudding
Passion fruit, raspberry and Chocolate dome
Cheese and crackers
Being in Row 20, I was served first and opted for the beef. Whilst tasty, it was grey in appearance and my feedback comment to VS was it was memorable for all the wrong reasons. VS have stopped shopping at Waitrose and now shop at Aldi. Just the tray presentation and the packaged products now used just look cheaper.
After the meal I settled down for some sleep. One of the downsides of Row 20 is whilst it has a lot of leg room the light pollution from visits to the bathrooms can be distracting
Breakfast is now:
Fresh Fruit
Yoghurt and a sachet of granola
warm cinnamon bun
Not much else to say, got into a rainy Gatwick as predicted at 10:30 and nice to see the automatic gates in use at passport control. I remembered my £1 coin for the trolley as as soon i was at the carousel my bags were waiting for me. Through Customs and met my Tristar driver to take me home.
Overall, PE remain a solid package from VS, but it is the little things (like no longer newspapers and hot towels) that are no doubt going to impact customer perceptions. When i was in the US, I was amazed how many people i spoke to who now fly premium with Thompsons - this is the true competitor to VS in this market and not BA.
What saved them on this flight was a super member of crew
Thanks for reading
buns