V-Flyer

Does anyone here have experience of the dayflight from Newark to Heathrow? I normally take the VS10 but thought I would give it a go.

Yes, plenty. Its the one I take when I can't get a bed in UC for the overnight flights. I like it because the dep and arr times are convenient. It's, in my experience, less frequently delayed as well. Need any other info?

Thanks for the reply.

Only other question would be is the recovery time from jetlag any shorter than flying overnight?

Recovery time is an individual thing but I found that the 2 times I took the daytime flight, I went straight to bed and woke up as usual the next morning

There are a few TRs for the VS18 so have a look at those.

As to jetlag it varies from person to person. When you get back to the UK most people tend to go straight to bed (as it is late evening when they get home) and sleep and wake up at normal UK time but it will still take a few days to get all the time differences out of your system.

it makes a nice change! i've only used it once as normally i need a connection up to manchester & there's nothing as late as after this gets in. The main benefit thats already been mentioned is that it's much less likely to be delayed than the usual night flights

obviously there's no revivals lounge available

I'm the same as Tinuks as i don't get jet-lag on this flight.

VS018 Pros: daytime flight, no delays, good for jet lag (I get home, have a drink, watch some TV, go to bed as normal, wake up fine), I mix a little work, perhaps a film, some snoozing etc and it works really well!

VS018 Cons: takes out the whole day whereas a night flight means you can work more :0 .

Much prefer it if my schedule allows.

Another vote for the VS18. y)

I stayed in the Hilton at Newark Airport overnight to make things easier in the morning. On arrival I had a connecting flight to Cork and was at home in bed at the usual time without a hint of jet lag.

I agree with the previous posters. Flew VS18 last December rather than the overnight and it was a much better experience all round. Thoroughly recommend (as long as you don't mind the very shortened day!).

Another vote for the 18 y) y)

I too found the acclimatising much easier and Mrs Buns made best use of a weekend when we both had to be back at work on the Monday morning.

The flights can be pretty full as it is a connector for VS flights flying to Asia, so expect a different cabin mix

buns

Used this flight regularly when returning from visiting family and will agree with all the comments regarding VS 18. Loved it as the jet lag was minimal and it felt normal getting in, having a beer and going to bed y) y)

Another vote for the 18

I try to hop up from IAD to get this metal if possible, have never had a hint of jet lag. Wish VS would put some more on day flights from East coast.

Interesting thread -- I'm trying the 18 for the first time in April. I've looked at the trip reports -- am I right to expect breakfast and then dinner?

Does the Clubhouse serve breakfast beforehand? Is it open from the beginning of check-in?

Thanks for the help.

at240 wrote:Interesting thread -- I'm trying the 18 for the first time in April. I've looked at the trip reports -- am I right to expect breakfast and then dinner?

Does the Clubhouse serve breakfast beforehand? Is it open from the beginning of check-in?

Thanks for the help.

On my flight it was more a snack than breakfast with bacon rolls also on the menu.

Breakfast is served in the CH - it's a buffet layout but I've always found the food in the EWR CH good.

I presume that the CH does open the same time as check-in

I believe the Clubhouse is open from 5 am for the VS18, I've certainly been there before 6 am when the traffic is kind, and yes a full hot buffet style breakfast is served in the clubhouse with a good range of options from fruit, to cereals, to sausages etc.

It is odd that once onboard you are offered breakfast again after take-off, but then some people will have checked in late and not eaten before, and yes at240, the next meal is billed as dinner and tends to be served about 3 hrs before landing.

Thanks slinky and honeylamb.

flyingfox wrote: Wish VS would put some more on day flights from East coast.

They used to have the VS25/VS26 which was a daylight eastbound from JFK.

Actually, just thought of another question about VS18. On an average day, how long does the ride take from Manhattan (by car) at say 5.30 am?

Really appreciate all of the expertise and advice -- thank you for it.

I often go from the Royalton on 44th and it rately takes more than 30 minutes at that time.

Can't speak for the VS18, but I can for the concept of a morning US departure.

I've done the BA BOS-LHR flight that leaves at 8:15. OK, you do have to be up fairly early to make check-in especially if not staying on-airport, but a daylight flight home, especially in summer, and arriving at a reasonable time in the evening is bliss, especially in Y as there isn't the need to try and sleep.

Thank you everyone for your replies. I may book one night at the airport hotel to save me getting up too early!

I have done the VS18 a few times and I would highly recommend it. To make things easier on the morning of departure, I have stayed at the Marriott hotel opposite the terminal.

I returned on the VS018 yesterday. I now dread using a nightflight from the east coast, so much better is the VS018 experience!

You get on the plane, and immediately set your watch to UK time, and tell yourself that you just "slept through" the morning which has suddenly disappeared. It's weirdly psychologically effective.

At night, you might have a bit of trouble getting to sleep initially, but it's not too bad. And the next morning, waking up can be a bit of a wrench, but thereafter you're pretty much fine!

I compare this to a night-flight which pretty much zonks me up for perhaps days.

The VS018 is an unsung gem, and I hope it never disappears!

(By the way, I didn't use checked baggage and stayed at the airport Marriott. I woke up about about 6:45 and was at the airport by about 7:15. Just strolled to the gate - it was fine)