VS01 LHR-EWR 26 Jan 08 (PE)

[Decker]

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Possibly the shortest TR I've ever done.

Turned up at the UC check in to find the carpets gone, the podium gone and the security check gone. Got to check in and PNR indicated I had to go to VH desk to collect vouchers. Off to far end of check in area, collect vouchers and return to check in and request exit row seat. Quick phone call made and seat released. Loads very low apparently. Through empty UC Wing, shoe carnival and Club House via W H Smith's (New Statesman, The Week and loads of Creme Eggs for US friend's children).

First things first, check bags and coat. Computers, Bistro (Lamb and Chorizo Sausage with brioche crumbs), read papers by 'fire', facial (very good) wander to gate. Wait 5 minutes then priority boarding announced. First one on board where welcoming FA didn't really know the layout but turned out to be mega friendly. As my seat was RIGHT BY the door the FSM suggested I sit at the bar during boarding. Did so and stayed until no more people boarding.

Push back a little early so an OTP. Video demo started without seat belt signs on - soon rectified. Then an announcement from the Captain that the APU wasn't working to we'd have to be jump started (he didn't say that - I'm translating [:p]). In messing around with this the ground crew broke the hatch they had open and it would no longer shut so a delay was announced, the seat belt signs were extinguished, v:port was switched on and the bars were opened. It was already apparent but these little touches confirmed we were in the hands of a quality FSM. I have flown with this chap before but as ever the lead was set for the crew and it was to be a consistently excellent service.

2 hours later we took off after another (manual) safety dem. (We'd had to open the doors to allow the engineers back on board).

I was joined for take off by a very interesting and pleasant physicist who works about 6 months a year in the US studying colours using an absorption spectrophotometer? (Exit row must be populated). Fascinating stuff, apparently drinking changes the way you see colours as the alcohol has a higher osmotic potential so dehydrates the aqueous humour and changes differences in colour perception. Also ******* and ******** ******** are the liquids they don't want you taking on board as they combine to make a fairly explosive mix. Moment seat belt signs were off he was back to his seat to work and I was left in splendid isolation.

Food was served (I had the roast chicken and I have NO complaints about the food - wine glasses are teeny but...) and shortly thereafter I reclined with eye mask and ear plugs and Bose and dozed the entire flight. All else was uneventful and I was first at immigration. They did hold us back until all of the upper deck had left but some speed walking soon rectified that. EWR immigration its usual random self and it took about an hour to get through though the official did welcome me back (I'd passed through EWR 3 weeks ago).

Bags were on belt so quick collection, through customs onto ait train to P3 and by 23:00 I was in my hotel in an upgraded room - thank you Hilton .

All in all a very pleasant experience made more so by a fantastic crew.

[honey lamb]

I wonder if the FSM was either of the FSMs I had on board my recent flights to JFK. Both of them were quality with the return journey guy having the slight edge.

[Decker]

See PM

Originally posted by honey lamb
I wonder if the FSM was either of the FSMs I had on board my recent flights to JFK. Both of them were quality with the return journey guy having the slight edge.

I was on a flight the other day and the FSM was telling me about how a contributer to v-flyer called 'honeylamb' was one of her favourite passengers and how she so well informed about Virgin ......
Well done [y]

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by hackneyguy

Originally posted by honey lamb
I wonder if the FSM was either of the FSMs I had on board my recent flights to JFK. Both of them were quality with the return journey guy having the slight edge.

I was on a flight the other day and the FSM was telling me about how a contributer to v-flyer called 'honeylamb' was one of her favourite passengers and how she so well informed about Virgin ......
Well done [y]

[:I]

Another good crew report - I'm beginning to suspect signs of what LROM was referring to not so long ago????

Originally posted by Decker
... apparently drinking changes the way you see colours as the alcohol has a higher osmotic potential so dehydrates the aqueous humour and changes differences in colour perception.

Now, I'm no physicist, but I do have postgraduate exams in ocular physiology.. and not only does your aqueous humor not 'dehydrate' (thanks to intrinsic ciliary body regulation mechanisms) it has b*gg*r all to do with colour perception.

In fact, colour perception is highly complex function, and involves many 'higher' neurological systems (ie. your brain), not just the cone photoreceptors of your retina.

[|:)]

[Scrooge]

Originally posted by hackneyguy

Originally posted by honey lamb
I wonder if the FSM was either of the FSMs I had on board my recent flights to JFK. Both of them were quality with the return journey guy having the slight edge.

I was on a flight the other day and the FSM was telling me about how a contributer to v-flyer called 'honeylamb' was one of her favourite passengers and how she so well informed about Virgin ......
Well done [y]

Well now we know where HL disappeared to for a couple of weeks [y]

Originally posted by McCoy

Originally posted by Decker
... apparently drinking changes the way you see colours as the alcohol has a higher osmotic potential so dehydrates the aqueous humour and changes differences in colour perception.

Now, I'm no physicist, but I do have postgraduate exams in ocular physiology.. and not only does your aqueous humor not 'dehydrate' (thanks to intrinsic ciliary body regulation mechanisms) it has b*gg*r all to do with colour perception.

In fact, coloar perception is highly complex function, and involves many 'higher' neurological systems (ie. your brain), not just the cone photoreceptors of your retina.

[|:)]

English damn you [?]

Excellent.... 'Decker TR lite'

Usual high standard, if very short [:D] thanks!

Dean

Originally posted by Decker

EWR immigration its usual random self and it took about an hour to get through though the official did welcome me back (I'd passed through EWR 3 weeks ago).

Bags were on belt so quick collection,

I am always surprised at the reports of how long it takes people to get through immigration at EWR and JFK. As a US citizen I usually get through much quicker. The flipside is that I wind up waiting ages and ages at the carousel for the bags to even begin coming out, so I guess either way you wait. It's just the side of the desk you're waiting on that changes!

[Darren Wheeler]

Nice TR. Thanks. Perhaps changes are starting to kick in at last.

Don't know much about the light absorption, but a few too many leaves me seeing funny colours.

Typical though, just when you think a quick getaway is on the cards, Murphy kicks in.

[buns]

Whilst the TR may have been 'lite' it was not short on relevant detail - to get a FSM who can make a difference by using a little common sense / initiative will ensure customers return.

Many thanks

buns