Having got our boarding passes proceeded to the Fast Track security gates, only to be met with a “computer says no” beep. Summoning help, the rejection was apparently due to us being 3 minutes too early. So we then had to wait along with several others for the 3 minutes to elapse
Once through the gate at the second attempt, security was quick with nothing needing to be taken out of bags.
The 1903 lounge was relatively quiet, I think due to the first wave of flights having left or already boarding.
The food was markedly better than our last visit. After about hour or so the lounge started to to get progressively more busy.
We left the lounge and walked down to the gate (206). The walk was like a roller-coaster having to go up and down a few flights of stairs in order to reach the gate.
Boarding was smooth with the UC cabin being fairly full. The FSM welcomed and introduced herself. She seemed to to know quite a bit about our past travels with VS, I wondered how much info was held on her tablet?
The Captain mentioned in his pre flight announcement that there was a problem with one of the brakes (“don’t worry we have plenty more”) which meant that the landing gear would need to be kept down for two minutes after take-off.
We taxied to 27L and took off, staying relatively low until the wheels went up after which a normal climb was resumed.
I had already choosen the Chicken and Mushroom pie from the limited preselect menu. For starter I had the Curried Cauliflower soup (largely based on recommendations in the forum). I loved it, I would be tempted to say maybe the best tasting food I have had on an airplane.
The Chicken and Mushroom pie by contrast was just OK. A little too soggy for my liking.
For dessert I choose the Warm Fig and Polenta cake, this was very tasty.
Since this was a rare occasion when I would not be driving on arrival, I decided to go with a Hennessey’s along with a black coffee. It was suggested however if I waited a few minutes for the coffee machine to warm up I could have an americano instead. I never knew this option existed. After a few minutes a piping hot americano was served along with a generous pouring of brandy.
As this was a early afternoon flight, I did not try to sleep and was pleased when the one of the crew came around with the mid flight ice cream (which I usually miss). I choose Rhubarb and Custard which apparently was a new flavour.
For afternoon tea I had the cream scone, my usual treat.
The flight landed a little after 4 and after a long taxi arrived at the gate.
Everyone got up and moved towards the assumed exit door (L2) only to be told a few minutes later that it would be the front door (L1) that would be used. After a swift about turn we disembarked a few minutes later.
We elected to use the MPC app through immigration. I was a bit confused how this worked as it just seemed allow you to access a different (shorter) line, after which you went through the normal immigration procedure. Strangely my passport was stamped on entry to the US for the first time in years.
Our bags were coming down the baggage carousel as we reached it and we then made our way to the taxi line.
After a short wait we headed to Times Square with an enterprising taxi driver who ensured we arrived at out hotel barely 45 minutes after leaving the airport, despite the heavy traffic.
This was probably one of the most enjoyable flights I have had with VS, the cabin crew seemed extra keen and contributed to a great start to our week long break.
