This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Check-in was a breeze and pretty easily through security and immigration. Had a bit of time to kill and as always cursed my luck at not renewing Au the previous year. Flight departed from gate 3 - exactly as last time a month ago and boarded very early - I was sitting in my seat by 19:30. There was lots of movement around the cabin and it soon became apparent that it was a very full flight and upgrades - certainly from Y to W were plentiful. I was occupying an aisle in the middle with a spare seat between myself and the passenger on the other aisle. One of the FAs approached and asked if I would mind switching seats to accommodate a family across the middle - no problem - I still had an aisle. The other passenger was also asked to move but couldn't quite work out whether he was told to as he had been upgraded or whether he was being upgraded.
There were actually quite a few families in W and I counted at least 5 children none of whom I felt behaved badly during the flight. Obviously this and the full load was symptomatic of the post-Easter departure.
Prompt departure from the gate and unusually I totally missed the safety talk to the point where I could not even remember it being given. The entertainment system was switched on promptly and I settled back to watch Casino Royale - which if I have to be honest I was quite disappointed with. The same problem I always have with the screens which is that if the passenger in front reclines I cannot adjust the contrast or tilt the screen enough to actually view the screen. I have to fully recline my seat and even then it's not a perfect picture.
I had the Beef Casserole for dinner and must have been hungry as I cleared the tray.
Tried to find something else to watch - including a couple of the Film Competition shorts that VS are asking passengers to vote for - and finally settled on a documentary on the Dixie Chicks.
Dozed a bit before landing despite trying to stay awake. Smooth landing pretty much on time and direct taxiway to the gate. With such a full flight I knew getting to immigration quickly was important so put on a bit of pace. Was glad I did - there were 6 desks opened in immigration - 4 of which were for US citizens. Luckily I was pretty close to the front as was through in about 10 minutes, pity the poor passengers from the back of the bus.
Quickly picked up sole bag and headed for taxi rank and Manhattan.
. Glad to hear that you had a painless flight! Enjoy your time over there!
