VX251 LAS-SFO 21 MAY 10 (FIRST)
Posted: 22 May 2010, 20:11Not being of the overly progressive technological persuasion, Mrs Buns and I arrived at McCarran Airport without the benefit of online check in, but nevertheless eager to confirm that we were still on the flight that would take us back to San Francisco to catch our flight back home that very evening. Despite the Airport being its usual hive of activity, Check In was deserted and we walked straight up to the Desk and were warmly greeted by the Agent who accurately surmised that we would be on the San Francisco flight.
As I hauled each of our cases onto the baggage weighting platform, I was ever-so grateful we were travelling in First. The Agent clearly noticed me struggling to lift the bags up and cheerfully remarked "we accept up to 70 lbs"
. Now don't ask me what had occurred in Vegas, but somehow our cases had acquired some additional weight even though this had definitely not been one of the usual buns household US shopping expeditions 
Armed with Boarding Passes (amazingly recorded as Seq. 29 & 30) we made our way through the priority security channel into the relatively serene environment of airside. Using the free WiFi, we both caught up with Facebook before having a quiet sit down at the Gate area for the next hour. Of course the lure of one last go on the Slots could not be ignored whilst we waited
The incoming plane arrived at Midday and disgorged its eager passengers from New York. I nearly had the chance of acquiring that rare beast known as an I Pad as one of the passengers had left theirs behind on the plane
but it was retrieved and the guy was just chatting to his chums paying no attention to the announcements for him until he realised and tried to go back on board 
As promised, Boarding commenced at 12:40 and we the first to board - now I know we were in First, but I have been on plenty of US flights where the overhead lockers at the front are quickly filled by those sitting at the back. Warmly welcomed on board, we both quickly deduced that this was going to be a totally different experience to that the gallant V-flyers had encountered on our way to Las Vegas.
The Flight attendant at the front of the aircraft was engaging, dare I say entertaining, without any loss of professionalism. It was clearly evident that the entire crew (who had been together for the past four days) had a passion for their work and a commitment towards the Virgin Brand. As the pre flight drinks were offer around the cabin the Attendant remarked to a fellow First Class passenger "This is a non working flight - if that is work on your lap, it will have to be removed
" To me that it what the best of flying with Virgin is all about.Push back was before time and we joined what seemed like the entire Southwest Airline fleet awaiting our turn to take off. For those who have not travelled on VX before, the flight safety demo is just an extension of the "fun" witnessed moments before. Once airborne a prompt and attentive service commenced - now I am not saying this was Mrs Buns' doing, but the First Class cabin did run out of Gin
For an hour and twenty minute flight, I would not be expecting full blown lunch or dinner, but I was disappointed that all that was offered were packets of crisps, nuts or biscuits. I suppose this is the age old argument - "We did try offering other products but these were declined by previous passengers ...... "
All too quickly the flight was over and as we left the aircraft (why is it that the Americans can get the airbridge up to the aircraft a darned sight quicker
) I reflected on whether VX was for me.I still cannot work out whether VX is a true low cost carrier or is competing against the established US carriers. Provided the price is right, I would travel on VX again.
buns
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