This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
.This was booked as an economy reward with the last reward seat sale (actually not too bad a use of miles now VA have lowered the surcharges a little on reward bookings)
OLCI was done 24 hours before (SEQ 3). Once again I had a nice stay the night before at the Premier Inn at North Terminal. It takes less then 15min to get from here to the Virgin Check-In area in the South terminal, so really is very convenient for the price. I have marked the ground staff down slightly as the agent didn't seem as welcoming as they normally are (especially at the Upper Class desk). I also had to ask for a customs form from the pile, whereas normally these are just given to you (as has been the case every other time I have flown). Just a couple of small details really.
This was to be my last trip as a gold card holder thanks to the fantastic competition V-Flyer did last year
, so off through security and into the clubhouse I went. This really is a lovely place to wait and pass the time. The staff were brilliant and nothing was too much trouble. As I was flying in Y, I asked if they might have a small bottle of water to take on the plane (save me buying one), no problem at all and less than 1 min later a small bottle of chilled mineral water appears! I was able to book in a facial which was really relaxing. The treatments really are a great way to start the holiday.I went to the gate before boarding was called in the clubhouse - what can I say, I'm keen! I took advantage of the priority boarding and got myself settled upstairs then waited for the rest of the passengers. We had a fairly light load as is to be expected this time of year. Premium and Upper looked pretty full but there was plenty of room in Economy, we even had some empty rows in the bubble.
Push back was bang on time and take off was nice and smooth. Alas strong headwinds meant the flight time was estimated at 9hr 30min, but hey, I have had nearly 10hours once before on an Orlando flight and that was before Vera Touch was introduced, this was going to be a doddle
!!Soon after take off I had the lovely surprise of the FSM coming up to introduce himself, he had also bought me some champagne and crisps from Upper Class to enjoy. This was a great treat for me and those those crisps were fantastic!! I guess Gold Card holders are sometimes acknowledged but as you guys often say, the treatment is inconsistent. This was a first for me and made me feel really special.
I was also asked what my choice of meal was for the main service and got my lunch served first. Another nice little touch, I was beginning to feel rather spoilt! The choice for lunch was ceasar pasta salad followed by lasagne, chicken or vegetable curry. I had the curry, it was lovely if a little spicy! The pudding was a delicious Gu Key Lime pie (much preferred over the chocolate pudding I had last year!).
I must say I have really enjoyed the new economy dinner service since it was revamped a couple of years ago. Overall I maybe rate it better than the current Premium Economy menu but that is manly due to my hatred of them serving fish as a starter! My sister on the other hand disagrees with me - I guess you can't please everyone!
A couple of hours later we were treated to the ice cream. I hate that Skinny Cow stuff, it's not ice cream....why do they serve it....yuck......HANG ON A SECOND....it's a FAB ice lolly they are handing out, woo hoo!! Ah the childhood memories, who doesn't lovely an ice lolly with sprinkles on!
We saw a couple of juice and water runs during the afternoon with people frequently venturing to the galley if they wanted something else to drink. I didn't really notice that much as I was too engrossed in the F1 fest that Vera Touch was treating me to, well I say "fest"... I watched Rush (fantastic film by the way) and a documentary about safety in F1 which was also great and really accompanied Rush well. I also enjoyed Man Of Steel.
A couple of hours before landing and tea was served. The usual half a sandwich and mini cup cake. All quite nice but could do with being bigger!
We landed south to north at Orlando Airport (shame as I lovely flying over the 528 beachline just before touchdown!) at 1738, then began a rather lengthy taxi to the gate. Our plane arrived first, just before the Manchester and Lufthanser flights which meant an empty immigration hall, always a bonus. My carefully selected seat meant I exited just after the front section and I was lucky enough to clear immigration in less than 5 mins! In fact I had to wait a bit for my luggage, only about 10 mins though and then it was through customs to head toward the shuttle back to the main terminal.
Overall another fantastic flight from Virgin. OK the lighter loads do make economy that bit more spacious but I cannot fault the product. The recognition of the Gold Card was a great bonus and just made the trip that little bit more special - big thumbs up from me
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. Thanks for the TR!
