V-Flyer

I had given up any hope of flying on Wednesday especially with Mr Sunshine stuck in Delhi so had only half heartedly started packing..then a friend phones me at 10pm and says switch on the news..so after screaming I began throwing things into bags. I looked on BA.com at 6am the next morning and my flight said estimated so I decided to arrive at Gatwick early to fight off the crowds clammering for my booked seat as OLCI was not operating.

The approach to Gatwick was quiet and we were the only car at the departure drop off point for North Terminal so I thought the airport had closed again whilst we were on route. I told my friend to drive away slowly in case I needed a lift back home again
I walked into a fairly empty terminal and walked straight up to an empty check in desk. I was told that due to the late decision to fly there would be no CW catering on board but htere would be some econ food available. In compensation I was given vouchers for 30 pounds to spend in the terminal

I walked staright through security, again no one around and happy smiling staff I decided that to go first to the Lounge as I was feeling rather giddy with delight that I was clutching a boarding card

After some refreshments in a very quiet lounge I went off to spend my vouchers...and decided that I could cope on econ food so bought one sandwich some chocolate and spent the rest on books I had checked first in true VF spirit that the bar had been stocked on board

I boarded on time and to my surprise there were many empty seats...I counted over 20 empty in CW I was the only person in my row of 8. The crew said there hadn't been time to contact people and they had only been told that they were flying at 10pm.

We took off virtually on time at 12.25 and had a very steep ascent. I must admit to be slightly nervous only because so many friends had sent texts saying aren't you scared at being a crash test dummy Its amazing though the calming effects of champers

The crew were all happy to be working and were faultless throughout the flight

There really wasn't any CW food on board, no snacks, fruit or food of any kind....I did slightly regret buying books instead of food However the econ meal was surprisingly ok...I haven't flown Y in over 10 years and I thought it had improved or I was just hungry! I had spinach cannelloni, roll and butter, a banoffee pie, and a twix.

The snack before landing was a cookie and at that moment I did wish for the lovely warm scones etc. but hey ho I was airbourne

We had a good landing and I was quickly off the plane and had the warmest greeting ever from the passport guy. Bags off quickly and Buns if you can carry them yourselves up the escalators you can take them on the shuttle train. Then I walked into a wall of TV crews...the first Brit to land at Tampa in a week I was interviewed but had I fixed my make up or brushed hair before leaving plane NO There's a lesson to be learned ladies and some men Always be prepared

So my Crash Test Dummy outfit is now on e bay and we will never take international travel for granted again

Sunshine

What a sparkling TR, have a great trip. I too would find the privations of Y food small discomfort for actually being on the plane and getting there.

Lovely trip report. I could feel your excitement at the thought of being able to go and your nervousness that maybe it wasn't going to happen.

So glad you made it and are now a television star to boot

Thank you for the great TR. Briiliant to hear that you manage to get in the air. Hope you have a great trip.

Sunshine

Remarkable that you got away as originally planned

A riveting TR which had me with you (so to speak ) all the way - thanks for the tip BTW.

Hope you mentioned V-Flyer when interviewed

Enjoy the Gulf Coast

buns

Excellent TR.

Is it me or does £30 seem a bit poor on behalf of BA. Were they offering miles? A

I love happy endings!

willd wrote:Excellent TR.

Is it me or does £30 seem a bit poor on behalf of BA. Were they offering miles? A

The £30 was to buy food with. Which, to me, seams a reasonable amount.

It was probbaly more than BA would have spent on the on board meals

Well done Sunshine on a brill TR.

I have to say that is most unlike you not to have a lipstick to hand. You should know by now that virtually every time you go to Florida you are on camera one way or another. I just hope you didn't have a bit of lettuce stuck in your front teeth - did you check yourself as you were travelling alone?

Have fun, go dolphin spotting for me

R-P

Tampa TV on the arrival.

Did you have the oversized sunglasses on when approached by the TV crews?

All that worry about lack of lippy and I am on the cutting room floor....obviously my story wasn't exciting enough or my face without make up too scary for the viewers   In answer to the question about the vouchers I thought 30 pounds was fine....thats a lot of sandwiches and choccie bars and there were no miles offered. I was just happy to be flying.

Sunshine

Stop press Mr Sunshine has managed to get on a virgin flight out of India...he has been stuck there for a week after popping over for a meeting on the wednesday Only problem is that I've now left the UK