VS075 MAN-MCO Aug 06 (Upper)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Interesting comments on MAN -MCO routes, Upper Class, especially the passenger(s) who were incorrectly 'profiled' by security prior to check-in with the suggestion that they were heading for the wrong desk! I fly this route 4 or 5 times a year, Upper Class and have to admit to the same greeting on a couple of occasions, much to my travelling companions amusement. The last greeting was 'flying economy sir? must be my comfort clothing, jeans and casual shirt....Don't judge a book by it's cover. Seriously, this situation does nothing to enhance the Virgin credibility prior to check-in, I would much prefer the greeting, 'Good Morning, may I check your tickets, please?

Everything past pre-check-in seems to run OK, Fast Track through security is an obvious advantage and although the 'Escape' lounge can be rather crowded, why check in so early that you must spend un-necessary time waiting around?

The on-board Flight Attendants seem pretty level, with friendly but attentive service, however they do seem to guide passengers into eating together at the same time unless you are specific with your eating timetable when they seem happy to accommodate your requirements. Maybe this is due to the high level of leisure passengers, on this route, that are percieved as slightly easier to be of service to.

Beware, the 'nibbles always seem to be in short supply, post lunch, maybe a few more packets of savouries in the galley would help those afternoon tipples.

Its rare to find many vacant seats, which can only be good for business, but recently, the wear and tear on seats, screens and tables seem to be making a marked appearance, excuse the pun, and despite emails highlighting this issue, 3 to date, Virgin Customer Services seem to find ignoring my comments as the best response they can offer. I would welcome advice off others of a 'name' that I could copy my emails into just to entice some sort of response. SRB?

Anything else that could improve a good service - BHX-MCO - but thats another story!!!

Seems more of a general opinion than a specific TR

I've only done Upper on this route a couple of times and was totally underwhelmed by it all tbh.

[Decker]

Interesting to hear of your 'sartorial discrimination'. I don't tend to find that from LON but that may be a regional thing.

How are you feeding back? - you're presumably Gold and I find this normally gives instant escalation.

Your greeting by security is an unusual one. At LGW the security agents are all told to ask if you are flying upper and it has always been the case when we have travelled.

You mention you found the seats a bit worn - did you know which a/c you were on?

Thanks for your replies.

Daywalker: I'm not a regular internet forum user - you are correct that my comments were purely general opinion, but hopefully beneficial to someone.
Ade99: As far as the aircraft are concerned, I have no idea, it's something that I never take note of.
Decker:I am still without any reply off Virgin Customer Services regarding the condition on Upper Class Suite - any help on another route to gain a response? I am gratefull to be in a position to fly Upper Class however, Gold or otherwise I would expect the courtesy of a response off Virgin!

[Decker]

RF - it's weird. As I say I always get replies. Do you get a 'We've had your email' email?

i allways get a reply within 24hrs or so!

RF, let me know your email and I will send you the Virgin contact details of the person who sorted my complaint.
Regds,
Paul

To conclude this matter. I have now had a letter of SRB's Asst.

At least I now have a direct contact.

Booked in MAN - MCO in November - lets wait and see.......

{HighFlyer - Edit to remove staffers name in line with Forum Rules}

[fozzyo]

Originally posted by Realistic Flier
Anything else that could improve a good service - BHX-MCO - but that's another story!!!

That would be quite perfect it really would. I'd be happy with MCO-BHX because I'd prob still go down to London for the whole CH experience.

Thanks for the TR - great read, and glad you have had some feedback on the matter. Or at least a contact.