VS015 LGW-MCO 29 OCT 17 (Upper Class)
Posted: 17 Nov 2017, 19:10
This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
So as regular readers may recall, the last VS experience Mrs Buns and I encountered was so bad that we thought long and hard before biting the bullet and upgrading to UC. As a bit of a spoiler, I am so glad we did
Anyways, back to the TR proper. We had made the most of the extra hour in bed as the clocks went back and were up and ready in time for the Tristar car to pick us up at 7:30 - I should add we were on Z fares and I now use Tristar to take us to Gatwick as it costs only a little more than local cab companies yet gives peace of mind for nice car and good driver!!
It being a Sunday morning, 20 minutes later we were at Gatwick and one other bonus of using Tristar is they now have access to the ramp adjacent to the North Terminal, so we were dropped off just outside the Terminal doors
It being so early, the VS area was extremely busy with many of the flight times being brought closer together because of the clocks going back. After the usual "You are early" comment from the Check In Agent, we made our way through the Premium Security and with the minimum of fuss we were through to Airside. Fortunately, or unfortunately for some the new exit from security takes you through the Duty Free Line up which then deposits you in the middle of the Terminal.
A few moments later we were welcomed back into the Clubhouse. This was our third visit to the new location and it is slowly growing upon us, although I do miss the shoeshine man as I always used to have a lovely chat. As is our usual routine, we took a table in the bistro and Mrs B had the full english, whilst I opted for a couple of poached eggs on toast with some baked beans - not on the menu, but they will always be happy to oblige with the stock items. Needless to say, some champers was called for and after we retired to the comfy seats nearest to the entrance.
The usual beauty therapists were not working that day and some former IFBTs (who are now flight crew) had been summoned in to fill the gap and we both booked a manicure (now a paid treatment) for later than morning. We both separately ventured back into the main Terminal and now that it is predominately Easyjet, it does seem a lot, lot busier than the South Terminal. My advice to anyone travelling through Gatwick is to book a lounge as well as booking premium security as it is worth it.
Four hours later we were called to our flight, so bid farewell to the excellent team there and made our way to Jersey Girl. Welcomed on board and made our way through to what was a full UC. Some decent Canard-Duchenne Champagne to welcome us and a very attentive crew throughout the cabin. Pushed back slightly early but with the clocks going back, i knew it would be a later arrival in Orlando.
Shortly after take off, the FSM came round and introduced himself, thanking us for loyalty!! We knew were in for a great flight and along with the rest of the cabin, the crew worked throughout the flight to look after us and the full PE Cabin behind us.
The all important bit - Grub
Starters
Tomato and mozzarella carpaccio
Louisiana crab cakes
Carrot and fennel soup (v)
Mains
Fillet steak
Roast chicken
Paneer taw masala (v)
Wasabi roasted salmon
Pudding
Apple bread and butter pudding
Salted caramel verrine
I went for the soup and then the steak, Mrs B the crab cakes and steak. Both felt they were good and well presented.
Settled down to watch "Captain Underpants" and was giggling through most of it I did try Despicable Me 3, but a combination of it having been a long day and the Gentlemen Jack got the better of me, so a nap was called for.
For afternoon tea, I opted for the burgers - OK but have had better.
As we arrived at Orlando I looked at the mass of VS aircraft, the BA plane and just thought "here come the nightmare" Although as we walked down the passageway we were directed away from the automatic machine room, I was pleasantly surprised to to see a almost empty Immigration Hall. Albeit there were only a few officers on duty, we were through relatively quickly and picked up our bags almost straight away!!.
Up the escalator and into the Terminal we were away from the Airport in just over half and hour
All in All, this ranks as one of the best flights Mrs B and I have ever had and after such a poor experience last time, it goes to show it is not only the Immigration Hall at Orlando that can be a lottery.
Thanks for reading
buns