V-Flyer

Having flown Virgin all my adult life, I have never taken a flight when Richard Branson has been on board - until Tuesday...

Much respect to the man. He was mobbed in the lounge with photo hunters and even on board whilst sat in Upper could not get away from people wanting pictures. Guess it's part of the job for him, although I can't say he was overly happy about someone wanting a snap after a 9.5 hour flight - who would?

Super pleasant man, got up 45mins to landing and walked up and down the plane greeting people, then made an announcement as we landed thanking everyone for flying Virgin - and to huge applause.

I too had experience of Mr Branson as he was then on a VS flight. It was 1992 and (I think) it was the inaugural Friday flight from MCO. Apologies if I've got that wrong, put it down to a CRAFT moment. Anyway the man himself was welcomed on board to lots of hugs and kisses from the crew - girls too - and proceeded to come round part way with the trolley on a drinks run. As alluded to by the OP, he posed ad nauseum for pics and happily signed lots of autographs. My daughter (aged 12 at the time) got him to autograph her amenity kit bag - that was when amenity kits were just that :w - whether she still has it or not is another matter. Well done that man!

I believe that Mr B once shared an UC cabin with our very own Honey Lamb and that he signed the book she was reading (not sure she wanted it signing though ...)

"Bring out the Branston!"

That man really knows how to work an audience and rarely forgets a name.

tontybear wrote:I believe that Mr B once shared an UC cabin with our very own Honey Lamb and that he signed the book she was reading (not sure she wanted it signing though ...)

Yes indeed he did. He was in the next suite to me but his profile on that flight was very low-key. He boarded after every one else did and vey few people knew he was on board, even in UC, until we landed when he took the PA and thanked us for flying VS.

He did sign my book at my request via the FSM. He was pleased to do so given that he was reading the same book himself
Here's the TR

We shared a flight from San Fransisco to Auckland with SRB the year before last. I believe that he was accompanied by his wife and aides. He was a real gentleman and took a seat just behind the lavatory in Business Class.

We don't like invading the privacy of other individuals, so no chat or autographs, but we did make the point of changing into clean VS pj's, as ANZ don't supply their own.

We also hoped that SRB took note of the overall quality of the food and wine served by ANZ.