This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
We all know that Virgin does many things well, but unfortunately technology is not one of those things. I checked in online 24 hours before (but got a shamefully high SEQ score..) and couldn't get the mobile boarding pass to be sent to my phone. No big problem.
The (prohibitively expensive) Heathrow Express was down at the week-end so I was driven into the airport and arrived at 9am. The check in was quite busy, but as I am a silver card holder, I managed to sneak into the premium economy line, with only one person in front of me. My bag was a little over weight (I am told that they disregard 23-25kg) but I managed to charm the (very nice) check in lady and she let the bag go through without extra charge (I have been told that there is a 'put your foot under the bag' trick, which I have yet to test). I was told that students travelling on Virgin are entitled to another free bag (news to me) but you must book in advance.
Security at Heathrow was uber quick and shortly after 10.20 the gate was called - gate 21 for the VS 21. There was an array of good magazines, but I was disappointed that the Daily Mail was the only choice of newspaper (does that say a lot about the Virgin flyer?!). I was subjected to a random security check - over quickly.
Once the ground staff open the doors, the whole boarding process does not really count for anything as you can just slip on through even when your row number has not been called. But there were some more law abiding citizens than yours truly!
I was greeted at the door (of Miss Sunshine) by an extremely vivacious and charming crew member and I thought that this boded very well. Finding my seat, a little in front of the loo, I thought that the cabin was very dark and dare I say a little gloomy (but peaceful?). Strangely, barely any announcements were made before take off and after the doors had closes with 219 Pax and 14 crew (slightly more than normal as I believe they were bringing back at A340-300 the next day). The load in economy must have been about 75% and we were told by our CSS that after take off we could move around but 'do not be surprised if my crew come around asking for payment if you move to one of the champagne coloured extra legroom chairs.'
As soon as the seat belt signs were quickly turned off, I snuck to the bulkhead at the front of economy where there were three extra seats free. The crew did not know if they were chargeable seats but I was informed a little later that I could sit there no problem (with so much more legroom than the extra legroom seats, why on earth would you pay for the latter?). It was rather sumptuous to be at the front, served first, with lots of legroom, in a quiet cabin.
The crew in economy comprised a male CSS and 4 female juniors. I must say that they were extremely good, professional, presentable and friendly, but they did not have the Virgin 'glow' in their demeanour that I am used to. The service was slick, with smiles, but there was no real personality injected into what they did (bar the one girl at the door who greeted us). I imagine that some groups are just more cohesive than others and it depends on the CSS/FSM and their liveability/leadership skills. The FSM (who looked like an old hand, especially with the older style badge) was very present and visible in the cabin.
The entertainment system was excellent as always and I watched the Dallas Buyers Club which I enjoyed. There are copious amounts of adverts, which is a little irritating, but I suppose they have to pay for the movies somehow.
The cabin cleanliness was immaculate and there was barely a scuff anywhere. I must say that the seats in economy have zero cushion, and are about as comfortable as a park bench, to be honest - hence why the A340s are a little more pleasant to fly in this respect.
Virgin has turned a corner with the food: it was utterly delicious on this flight. I had a chicken with creamy mushroom sauce with the Gu pud (why do they bring this so much later?) and a sensational snack pack (with Tyrrels crisps, mints, and a flapjack with a sundried tomato sandwich). Thank goodness the muffin tops have gone for now.
I am a little perplexed why they give out menus, which evidently no one reads. It seems an awful waste. Wouldn't it be better to put the money into giving out hot towels?
I did order a bottle of whisky with the duty free service (evidently something the crew pull straws to avoid doing). They did not have £4 change and I got it back at the end of the flight in coins which included 2ps - I think a change fund would be something they should look into.
It was sad that amenity kits are no longer dished out on the flight but I suppose it is just a gimmick really - especially on day flights.
The flight passed quickly, and we landed into Dulles 30 minutes early and braved the immigration line (fortunately sneaking in before a couple of other international flights had arrived).
A stellar flight from Virgin and it seems as though it might not have lost its mojo for good...
