This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Check-in faired little better with the lady in deep conversation with her colleague across the conveyor, although I no interest to eavesdrop, her body language clearly showed the conversation was negative. The whole check-in took place without any eye contact or conversation, just her asking if I knew how to get to Fastrack.[:(!]
Access to Fastrack OK, the regular line through to security was winding around and seemed to moving very slowly.
Not quite sure that security were working together, I asked should I put my shoes through x-ray, 'no need sir' walk towards the metal detector to be shouted at by the waiting secuirity man 'shoes must be x-rayed before passing through detector' Sometimes you just know it not going to be a good day.
Five minutes from check-in to Escape lounge, can't better that.
Spent the rest of the time in the lounge, moving down to the gate around 10:00. Asked for priority boarding at the gate desk and was efficiently guided through and on-board.[:)]
Pleasant greeting and welcome champange!
The flight was delayed, apparently there were a number of toilets that were 'out of order' and the option to further delay of move out was being debated. We moved out with reduced toilet facilities which I understand caused a few problems with both P.E. & E Only one toilet was available in U.C.
O.B. flight kits were handed out after take off, more champagne and friendly conversation with the attendants was good. I was a little surprised when a fellow passenger requested a Bellini prior to lunch, only to be told that there was no Bellini mix on board - and there was me thinking it was THE Virgin Cocktail.[:?]
Tapas, which was really a small salad, followed by steak and a glass of Rioja was lunch. Not inspiring.
Afternoon tea? No thanks, and I was not alone!
VTOP - more than a little fair wear and tear, particularly towards the front seats where the ottoman seems to get knocked about a bit. One table did not open and one table had the encouragement of a plastic 'credit card' poked around so it would open.
Reclined seat and my ipod saw me through most of the journey.
The U.C.flight attendants were good - no problems.
At MCO, the attendants at the exit door lost it completely, lower deck P.E. and U.C. just could not get off due to the volume of other passengers.
Immigration fine, baggage waiting on belt, customs fine.
SRB - I have been using this route for three years, three to four times each year, I am booked again for March and May 2007, but now looking at alternatives. Flight attendants invariably offer a good service, are pleasant and efficient. Virgin Manchester, ground staff and aircraft are slipping, the 'sparkle in the diamond' needs to be buffed up. The flights are predominantly B & S, but that shouldn't mean any less standard of service. Fares compare with LGW, but no Clubhouse and 'tired' aircraft!!! Overall, pretty dissapointed on the way out - return T.R to follow[n]
