The 404 departs at the ungodly hour of 7.25 am, but having stayed with a friend he deposited me outside T3 at LAX at 6 am on what was a dry, warm but still dark California morning. The VX check-in area is shared with V Australia and was very welcoming - apart from the agent at the First desk, who's demeanor suggested he'd gotten out of the wrong side of the bed! Oh la! Checked into 1A and no worries with my bag (packed for three weeks of travel but still under 50lbs, not that I needed to worry, VX will allow up to 70lbs for the first bag in first class and a second up to 50lbs too).
From check-in there's a down escalator to security, slow, single lane which leads to a long underground corridor then up to the terminal innards. I had hoped to find a bookstore but be alert, there's nigh nothing at T3 here other than a few news kiosks and one restaurant and a bar (if you have plenty of time, go to the Tom Bradley terminal next door) ... a little disappointing but I only had to sit for 10 minutes before the flight was called and VX seem to have things running efficiently - the flight was full but boarding with 10 mins to spare.
First - well it was inviting, a large what looked to me pale grey (was it white once) seat, plenty of width and leg room, nicely lit and at 7.15 am a Bloody Mary in hand I was glad of the choice over the humdrum affairs that US legacy carriers can be.
Before the doors were closed, the captain came out and spoke to the First cabin, informing us of the flight and time and route, welcoming us and thanking us. A really nice touch [y]. Also nice to see are a young crew who appeared to enjoy what they are doing, so different from the sourpusses of AA, UA etc.
A strong tail wind meant a 4 1/2 hour flight, no delays at this time of the day and we were off and up, heading out over the sea before a big turn inland and then over Palm Springs, wooweeeee I'll be there in ten days for some R&R!
What can I add, a simple breakfast which was very tasty, the seat was comfortable, a table that is sturdy enough to work with a laptop on, attendant flight crew, the VX Red IFE was good with a wide choice and because I was in First, all free. I thought the flight map was poor though, gave a position using Google Maps and air speed but very little other information ... I didn't watch anything though because the choice, while excellent, featured things I'd largely seen before. But it'll be a worthy contender for VS's future.
Apparently, I could have ordered anything from the menu - albeit they don't show it to people in First as you can ask for anything that the economy cabin has plus the First menu, only they don't list out what the options are so I think that could be improved upon. Before landing we were offered a plate of cheese, which was very nice and went surprisingly well with a large vodka and tonic (well, it's New York time now [:I].
A rather bumpy landing into JFK meant seat belts on early but we were still 40 mins ahead of schedule and then a too long wait for bags ... I had a Tristar driver waiting with me who wasn't too chatty unfortunately so I had to play Airport Mania on the iPhone to while away the time. Between landing and exiting the terminal a big New York storm settled on us and it was lashing down ...
I have a return JFK to SFO next week and I am looking forward to it. What would I say in summary - great! As they say, we have a choice in travel and if there was a VX option I would always take it - it is as people report a breath of fresh air over and above most US carriers. I was hugely comfortable for five hours on board and appreciated the efficiency and enthusiasm of the crew. Good stuff.
There's a plane at JFK, to fly you back from far away
all those dark and frantic transatlantic miles
all those dark and frantic transatlantic miles
