VX906 SFO-LAS 19 JUL 14 (First Class)

[mitchja]

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Used the complimentary shuttle from the Crowne Plaza to get to SFO T2 which only takes about 10mins.

I'd checked in online the day before. No iPhone PassBook boarding pass option that I could see. First Class check-in at SFO was fast and efficient and I was handed my boarding card. First Class on VX does offer unto 2 bags to be checked in for free (upto 23Kg each). There's no recognition or anything extra offered having VS AU status.

Priority line security was fast, efficient and well organised. Do remember to remove everything from your pockets (even handkerchiefs) when going through the body scanners in use at SFO. There are plenty of shops and cafes on the airport concourse. I didn't bother with any lounge access. The VS Clubhouse was closed at that time of day, not that I've have used it anyway being in the international terminal.

The flight was called at around 12:50 for a 13:30 departure. First Class and Main Cabin Select does get priority boarding. I was welcomed by name as my boarding pass was scanned at the top of the jetway and just got a hello as I boarded the aircraft.

Pre-flight drinks where offered (in plastic glasses). The door was soon closed and the captain came out of the flight deck and welcomed everybody on-board using the PA system.

One thing I'm not too keen on with VX is their insistence to keep the window blinds closed the whole flight from the second you get on to the second you get off. I personally like to see where I'm going when sat in a window seat. They did say it was to keep the cabin cool.

Today's flight tie would be 1hr 24mins. Once airborne the WiFi and IFE was started. I'd already ordered a WiFi pass using the GoGo website which does work out a little cheaper pre-ordering it. The WiFi worked well. I flicked though a few channels on the IFE during the flight. Complimentary snacks and drinks where offered to all First Class guests. Nothing special really, things like full size packets of crisps or cookies. Drinks served in proper glasses this time.

Before long we started out decent in to LAS so the cabin was secured. We landed on time and was soon at the gate in LAS at T3. Short walk to the baggage carousel and bags where coming off within 10mins.

All in all a solid flight on VX, but there's was no wow factor I remember from a previous VX flight. The 'team member' working the First cabin was OK but nothing really stood out. They did there job and that was it really. There was no interaction between the flight team and the passengers much, though I suppose with it being a short flight, there's not really time.

VX now also offer an 'express seating' option on top of Main Cabin, where you can pay $30 to reserve a seat in the first couple of rows of Main Cabin / economy (excluding the front row of economy, which is Main Cabin Select)

This is very helpful, sounds like Virgin are a good solid choice for this route. Thank you for sharing your experience. Looking forward to seeing SFO airport for myself, have heard lots of great reports. Enjoy the Palazzo, we love their rooms..this sounds terrible but I always check the back of the sofas for chips and have found a few!!!

[buns]

James

Thanks for yet another helpful and very informative TR

Interesting your comment about the "wow" factor

buns

Thanks James for your TR. I know what you mean about the window blinds, every VX flight I have taken they have been down but I have simply lifted and no-one has ever said anything to me, like you I sit at a window on these flights for a reason - to look out of the window!

I did hear the VX have adapted their in-flight service on these shorter hops recently where they use to offer a tapas style dish, but now just packaged snacks and a full bar service.

Shame about the "wow" factor and the lack of interaction from the team member but otherwise sounds pretty solid. Have a good time in Vegas

Jon