V-Flyer

Okay so this is my first ever trip report, I thought I should write one after all I fuss I made about the flight and because I am currently quite jetlagged with a broken body clock so need something to do!
I felt like I started travelling the day before I actually left, seeing as I was running around like a headless chicken all day. I stayed at one of my friends the night before because she lives about 2 minutes from work, sorry I mean the airport! It was around 12am before we managed to get sorted, packed and organised.
We got up around 6am, got all our stuff together and then went on the uber long drive round the corner to staff west where we jumped on the bus to T1.
We headed straight to premium check-in because as staff we refused to queue up with what can only be described as untrained monkeys! I asked the woman on check-in what seats had been sorted and they were some awful things on row 29, so I asked if there was anything better and luckily we got 8 DEF which are the bulkhead right at the front before premium, we also got fastlane stickers which was useful as we didn't have to go to Monarch check-in and ask someone we knew for some over there!
Security was quick and painless, it's second nature now really, but luckily I didn't get beeped, I hate being beeped!
We headed to a busy departure lounge where we headed to duty free, boots and WH smith for the usual pre-flight bits and bobs. We also got some money exchanged to dollars at a good rate thanks to a staff card which was handy!
We went for breakfast at some cafe place, the name escapes me but I did get robbed of nearly a fiver after which I realised I could have used my pass and got a staff breakfast for about £2.99! After we ate we took our malaria tablets which makes me almost sick every single time but after that little horror we got rather bored so went to find our gate. We quickly signed into a set at gate 27 and luckily it was our gate and the aircraft had just got in, so we sat down and made ourselves comfortable.
Boarding was on time and we managed to escape the chaos and were almost first on after premium because we were in row 8. We sat down, got comfy whilst admiring the leg room, which almost caused people to trip! and people watched wishing everyone would just get on quicker.
Doors closed early and we actully left early as well, which seeing as I watch planes go late everyday I felt was a stroke of luck! Captain said our flight would be a nice short 8 hours 12 minutes. We had about a 5 minute trundle to the runway then off we went however this part of my journey goes a little foggy, I assume we were going up, however I was in such a state we could have been doing loop-de-loops for all I know! Once we leveled out I calmed down a little, which was good news for one of my friends as I'd nearly broken her hand. As the crew were sat near us as well they asked if I was okay and got me some tissues which was very good of them.
The crew came round with some headphones for the IFE which we didn't buy, one of my friends borrowed some which she 'forgot' to give back, one had splitter headphones already and I found some on the floor, so £2.50 each we saved there. About an hour later the crew came around with snacks to buy for those mainly who didn't book meals, after which they switched on the IFE. I tried to watch the book of eli but found it slow starting so gave up on it pretty quickly and read a magazine or 3 before lunch.
I'd ordered a vegetarian meal and was expecting vegetable mush but came out with a curry and cous cous which was very nice which suprised me alot. We also got a lunch box style cardboard box with some fruit, cracks, a bun and a fru lemon cheesecake desert. Everyone else was given the same except they had beef and potatoes which was very nice also apparently.
I then decided to watch the blind side which is about some kid playing american football and was rather boring but there wasn't much else on so I though I may as well. We hit abit of turbulance which set me off again slightly but it passed quite quickly and we then got mini cornetto style ice-creams. After that followed what seemed like another eternity of bordem, which was made worse by what can only be described as the M4 corridor in front of us with everyone walking around I was constantly moving my feet so couldn't settle properly. I found myself walking to the toilets alot as well just for something to do, and because the amused me so much because they were downstairs! Simple things do amuse me so!
About an hour and a half before landing we got 2 finger sandwiches and a scone which was very nice also.
About 40 minutes before landing we started our descent, immigration forms were given out which was irritating, I now know what VS passengers meant on check-in when they were so greatful we handed the immigration cards out earlier on. A very smooth landing followed however the bumpy runway was like driving over a cobbled road!
We finally got off into what felt like a sauna! The airport was amazing, all straw roofs and open buildings, you also get your picture taken before you get to immigration which was a lovely touch and which you can buy when you leave for $9. Immigration was quick as it was quiet and we were almost first off. I'd bought our landing cards online which meant we went straight to the front, passports were stamped which also excited me alot as I've never had a stamp in my passport before! We then went to the Thomas Cook desk who told us which coach to get onto for the 20 minute drive to our hotel.

Well, I think that's about it! I think it's now time for some British food

Thanks for the TR, top notch job. What kind of aircraft has a downstairs toilet?

Did you find the journey back any easier?

Paul

A330-200.
I was alot better, had a wobbly moment when it was dark and it was abit bumpy, I think because I was tired as well, but definitely alot better.

Thanks for the TR, Lizz. Sounds like you had a good trip!


I'll probably be flying from Manchester for our hols next year.

Stupid question really - did you have to pay for your meals?

No but it was included in the price when we booked it, we just used a Thomas Cook travel agents, so I'm assuming if someone booked through something else they'd have to buy them seperately or buy food on board.

I was wondering how you got on!

Looks like you made it in one piece ! (so your friend has a crushed hand but what are friends for?)

Lizz

Congratulations for having the courage to do the flight and posting your First TR - of Course

Well done for your friends taking so much care of you

Thanks for a good read

buns

Thanks for the TRs Lizz.
So do you think you actually will come to enjoy flying?

I'm hoping to get there one day, few more long haul flights and I might crack it!

Terrific TR Lizz, well done and thank you. Time to get some more flying experience and book your next hols.

Well done Lizz - nice TR.

However, please note that the "Blind Side" stars the lovely Sandra Bullock and as such it AUTOMATICALLY ranks a prime cinema.

I should know cos I watched it twice on my last flight out.

Great TR Lizz, thanks for posting.

Thank you for your great first TR.

I'm glad you managed to have a great experience and hope this will encourage you to do more flights.