This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
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Just before 5 am, I set off to T3.
Once I arrived there was quite a queue. And it stayed that way as check in didn't open until 05:35. There seemed to be a few issues with the self serve check in machines, but once they were sorted I had the privilege of being the Guinea pig!
It worked fine for me, although a bit slow. The following person, one of the V-Flyers wasn't so lucky and had to go and see a person.
It was then off to security - which was a nightmare. People everywhere, all of whom seemed to be running late for their flight. The system at Manchester doesn’t seem too efficient – mostly automated rather than an actual person, so therefore only allowing somebody through every 30-45 seconds or so rather than 10 or so if a person was signaling people through. By which point most had started looking around and therefore missing the green light signaling them through.
Once through - 45 minutes later - it was through a few corridors, then a 180 degree turn back the way I came to where there were a few bits waiting at gate 18, and a few more V-flyers. There were also a few VS crew around, but they wouldn't be taking the flight they were just on hand to make sure everything went to plan.
There were a couple of VS officials about – and they seemed a little peeved that EasyJet had sent this particular one
Boarding was called just after 7:10, and as my boarding pass was scanned I was handed an Easter present from VS - a Gu chocolate egg
VS3046
MAN-LHR
31st March 2013
A320-200 / EI-DEO Queen of the Cobbles
Seat: 5F / Economy
Scheduled: 07:35/08:45
Off Stand: 07:40
On Stand: 08:38
The cabin was very clean and tidy, as expected. Certainly better than the BA cabin from yesterday, although after a year or so I guess they will end up a little grubby as any aircraft in service for any length of time would.
During boarding, my would be seat mate, another V-flyer said hello and mentioned that he had been moved to the back – interesting as I ended up having a row of three to myself, so couldn’t see any reason for him to be moved.
Soon after everybody was onboard, a ‘photographer’ needed a pic of everybody waving. I use the term photographer loosely as I had a better camera than him so highly doubt the picture will be seen in any mainstream publications any time soon. The official looking guy from VS also took a picture on his phone, although that was more obviously for personal use.
Everybody was welcomed onboard this inaugural flight given a flight time of 35 minutes and we pushed back at 7:40 making a fast taxi over to 05L. During this time the captain welcomed everybody onboard this Virgin Atlantic Little Red flight and that if anybody wanted to visit the flight deck once we had landed they were more than welcome.
Once airborne, the crew were a little slow at starting the service compared to BA - I was actually starting to wonder if there would be time for any service. Eventually it did start, just as descent started. Bit of a rethink regarding the service needed there I think. One of the crew even said she was praying for a hold!
The thought is there, but the practice needs to be polished a bit.
And unsurprisingly, we were put into a hold for ten minutes. Although that still didn't help the crew out much as just before final descent an announcement was made apologizing to those who weren't served. After a few laps in the hold, we were down onto 09L and made the short taxi over to T1. Along the way there were quite a few airport workers watching and taking pictures - more than on my Dreamliner flights in December actually. Disappointingly there wasn’t a water cannon salute.
Once on stand there was a bit of a wait to disembark, and I had a brief chat to fellow a.netter Slinky09 (who was sat behind me) - who agreed that the bacon rolls plan would never work on a flight of this length. Around five minutes or so later, it was off through T1 and on to the coach home.
So how would I compare the two then? Well BA were good and well polished, although that’s to be expected as they have been doing these short flights for a very long time so have had plenty of practice. VS also have a strong product, although there were a few teething issues – such as the self serve check in kiosks not working, toilets overflowing and not having enough time to complete the on board service. I’m led to believe a faulty oven was a factor in that though, so it would be interesting to see how they perform when everything is running smoothly. No doubt on the longer runs up to Scotland the service will be fine, but on a 30 odd minute hop it was all just a bit too rushed. The crew didn’t show they were struggling at any point though and stayed professional throughout.
And I might have actually got a drink if I had sat there too...as time was against me in row 19 
