VS354 LHR-BOM 16 FEB 13 (PE)
Posted: 18 Feb 2013, 07:14As you know I had economy booked outbound and PE return, but wanted to upgrade on the way out. Called 24 hours before and was told no problem, took credit card details and said that was all done. Happy me.
Tried to check in a few hours later, no upgrade on the screen, still economy. Called back, told there had been nothing put through. They asked if the could call back in 30 mins and let me know (took all the details again).
They did call back 30 mins later to say all now confirmed, will see change of status in 10 mins and will be able to check in on line after an hour. Great.
Change of status appeared, but still couldn't check in. Called again, was told that flight ref needed to transition and that would happen sometime today-but don't worry, all was OK.
Tried to check in at the hotel at the airport, but still couldn't, so just waited till I arrived at check in.
Tried to check in at PE and was told payment had not been taken and I needed to go to "Tickets and assistance" desk.
Took another 30 mins to sort it out, but finally had my PE boarding card. Was very lucky to get a seat in PE as it hadn't been reserved. Lots of stress-I wish it had been easier.
Anyway, no one in security line so that was a breeze, had breakfast and read the Saturday Telegraph. Went to boarding gate, separate PE line with no one in it and then lots of papers and magazines on offer in the boarding area.
Called on with U/C and children, was on sitting down in 2 mins with a drink-lovely
Staff were nice, very efficient and we took off on time. Service was good, food OK and I had the most amazingly attractive Indian girl sitting next to me-quite beautiful
Didn't dare go to sleep with her next to me, in case I slobbered/snored!
VERA is good, watched 3 films and then we landed. Didn't think much of having to get a bus to the terminal, but hey ho. Immigration was fine, quite fast but the baggage took the best part of an hour-just always a nightmare in Mumbai, plus this time there were power cuts.
Hotel car was waiting and off I went to bed!
I really do think PE is a brilliant middle class offering. It not just the space or the nice seats, but with Virgin you get the dedicated check in desk, priority boarding and de planing which just makes it "better". I like the no queue at the boarding gate too. And BA offer none of these with WT+, hence my Virgin choice. I was not disappointing.