VS020 SFO-LHR 27 MAY 13 (Premium Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

We arrived about 2.5 hours before the flight was due to go, and the check in area was quiet across all classes - no queuing. At check in they managed to only tag two of our three cases, even after asking how many we planned to check in - I almost did not notice. Luckily I counted the tags just after leaving the desk and went back - they then tagged the third bag.
We had travelled out in economy (in the bubble) but had chosen to travel back overnight in Premium Economy - a good choice as the extra space and comfort make a significant difference. The departure gate area at SFO is clean and spacious, although no pay per visit lounges were available at the time we arrived, and I do not think paying 50USD per person for the Delta lounge would have been worth it - it had closed at 4pm - in comparison it makes the Servisair in Heathrow look good value. The seating area at Gate 11 is comfortable as US airports go, with two cafes above the main area with plenty of seating and some shops.
The flight was due to depart at 7:45pm and we boarded just after 7, with PE being able to board in parallel with UC and others needing extra time. The leather seats in PE are very comfortable and we were quickly offered drinks.
We took off a little ahead of the planned timeslot.
The food was average with the main course (beef) being a bit chewy - probably the murgh or vegetarian choice would have been better. I did not watch the in flight entertainment preferring to catch up with some TV shows on the iPad, and then 5 or 6 hours sleep. I had the English breakfast (mushrooms, bacon and scrambled egg) which was not that great, and a cup of tea. We landed on time, and were amongst the first to depart after UC. There were no queues at the UK border and we were away within 30 minutes (using Purple Parking meet and greet - getting triple miles -- Purple Parking is much improved at T3 now they use the new car park).

Thanks for posting your TR. It sounds like a decent flight except for the average food. I have only been to San Francisco once but my lasting memory of it was having my photo taken with James Brown who was performing a New Years Eve concert in the hotel next door.

Thanks for posting ,PE is a good product with a nice seat ,just need to sort out the food sometimes IMO

Thanks for posting, don't see too many PE reviews on here. We are flying PE back from SFO in September so it's useful information

Thanks for taking the time to post your TR I wonder if VS will have a look at BA's WTP meal strategy and consider it...having meals from Club was a real treat However, I do rate VS overall package as good, if not slightly better