VS015 LGW-MCO 18 Feb 08 (Upper)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

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I've been really apprehensive about taking this trip due to my father being quite unwell, but he would never hear of me not coming so I just took a deep breath and got on with everything, knowing that I'd feel better once I arrived and always on the end of the 'phone.

My husband drove me to the Gatwick Hilton on Sunday where I'd booked a Deluxe room including breakfast. I didn't bother paying the extra for an executive this time as I knew I wouldn't be in time for the lounge anyway. First time I'd had breakfast in The Garden Restaurant and it was excellent, a fully cooked and continental spread and it was lovely and relaxed. As I wasn't flying until 12.45pm, I had a leisurely morning before I went over to the terminal at 10.30am.

I'd checked in on line and printed out my boarding pass, had requested it emailed to me so I could print it in PDF form but no email arrived, so back to the A4 sheet. I didn't bother going to the desks as I knew my carry on was a little heavy but not over-sized - this way there was little chance of it being weighed and fortunately it wasn't.

Fast-track security was empty and through in less than 5 minutes, and after buying some duty free I went to the Clubhouse. It was chaotic in there as the VS27 was delayed for 90 minutes, and the service left a little to be desired but as I'd already had breakfast I just went to the bar for drinks. Boarding was called at noon, and it was a shorter walk to gate 17. I walked straight through for boarding as it had already started so don't know if priority boarding had taken place.

I was ready to fall asleep even before take off but managed to stay awake until after drinks and the first meal was served. I choose the Salmon and The Lamb which I thought were pretty good, washed down with a couple of glasses of Chianti.

The crew were excellent, I was addressed by name at all times. For some reason there were two FSMs on board, both worked extremely hard and were very attentive. The cabin had 4 spare seats. I watched an obscure Rom Com with Ben Stiller, definitely not suitable for children, but fell asleep soon afterwards for around 3/4 hours. Woke up and had afternoon tea, sandwiches were a little hard but the cranberry scone was nice. Spent some time playing on the DS and soon landed to a wet but still warm Orlando.

Immigration was a nightmare as the VS27 had only landed 5 minutes before us, but it passed quickly as I chatted to another couple who hadn't visited for 10 years. Through customs and you now take an elevator to the right which brings you out right outside the satellite train doors, this is much better and has obviously been set up now that you can take your luggage through.

Down to Alamo and was pleased to see no queue and was allocated my SUV very quickly. More often than not I use Dollar for the Express line but this was just as quick, and as Alamo was over 100 pounds cheaper I thought I'd risk the queue. Not sure whether I've done the right thing as when it comes to cars I'm ill informed. There was a choice of two Jeeps, around 6 or 7 Toyota Ravs and a Pontiac Torrent. I took the Torrent as it seemed quite a bit bigger, and as we have a couple of relatives arriving Thursday and my DH on Saturday it seemed a better choice.

The 417 was quiet but very wet and was safely in the villa by 7.30pm after picking up some supplies from Publix on the way.

Still trying to stay awake but won't last much longer

Jilly

Heya! Glad you had a really nice flight! I was cabin crew onboard! lol. I was working in Economy yesterday. Glad it was a great flight. There were two FSM's as one of them was rolled off another flight because of crewing issues. First flight I have ever done as the only male crew onboard.

Sorry I didn't meet you, would have loved to have chatted with you.

Hope you had a good flight too and weren't too overworked, give my regards to the staff, they were great - I was on my own sat in 8A.

Jilly

I will let them know you appreciated them so much

[buns]

Jilly

Thanks for the info on the new elevator taking you up to the train[y][y]

I suspect that the majority of use carrying heavy bags etc. will still have to face the 'double drop' fiasco at MCO and have to wait in the main terminal before being able to continue the journey[n]

Being addressed by name is a plus point in my book and conveys much more that miles ever can[;)]

Hope all remains well

buns

Buns, must have been a bit tired last night. When I said elevator I meant escalator! If I stuck to calling it a lift I wouldn't get confused.

It did save some time though and looked as if it's only been installed within the last couple of weeks.

Called home already and all is OK at the moment, thanks.

Jilly

Seems that you can even take your bags with you on the transit train as last week when I was there people were taking there suitcases straight up the escalator and onto the train so no double dropping bags off.

Big Improvement and amazing how that escalator suddenly appeared on the train platform.

Originally posted by declansmith
Seems that you can even take your bags with you on the transit train as last week when I was there people were taking there suitcases straight up the escalator and onto the train so no double dropping bags off.

Big Improvement and amazing how that escalator suddenly appeared on the train platform.

You've been able to take your bags on the train for a few months now, although I suppose it's difficult if you either have a lot or children with you too.

The escalator makes it even easier now.

Jilly