I'd again done OLCI the previous day.
During the afternoon, I noticed that the inbound VS147 flight was running late from LHR. My Flighty app then sent me a notification giving me a planned new departure time 1 hour later than scheduled. An email from VS minutes later also confirmed the new 23:30 departure time. No big deal. I don't know what the issue was to cause the delayed departure as the incoming aircraft (G-VZIG) previous flight landed back at LHR from Mumbai 19 minutes ahead of schedule!
Flighty gives you all this info. I do highly recommend Flighty (it's a paid add but well worth it) as it's a fantastic app giving you lots of info such as immediate aircraft type and schedule changes (the schedule changes are often several hours before you got notifications from the airlines themselves).
Picked up my bags from the hotel and headed back to YYZ again using the Union Express train. Transferred from T1 to T3. Eventually found VS check-in desks tucked away at the far left end of the terminal.
VS Upper Class check-in was quick and efficient. I had to ask where the priority security line entrance was as it's not immediately obvious as it's a self-service white automatic gate system to the left of the security entrance. The main problem is it's plastered with AmEx marketing/branding signs with one small Priority Security Entrance sign which is easily missed. Anyway, you end up joining the standard security lanes once through but the short line was moving pretty quickly. It's still old-school 'lap-tops & iPads out of your bags' process as they still use the old 2D x-ray scanners, though there are a mix of full body scanners and standard walk-thru metal detectors in use.
I was though within a few minutes. Very friendly and helpful staff so it was all good.
Found the KLM Crowne Lounge that VS use at YYZ. It's accused using lifts up to the next level. It offers a hot and cold buffet service. It's a pleasant enough lounge with nice views of the airfield. The only other lounge there is a Plaza Premium lounge (which BA looks to use as I shared the lift with 2 BA CW pax who headed into the other lounge).
AmEx Plat customers can use that lounge. I later found out that lounge does have a shower unlike the KLM lounge. Next time I will give that lounge a try as well. Flights are announced from the KLM lounge. There a variety of seating areas and the buffet was regular refilled. Self service alcohol and none-alcoholic drinks available as well. The Riesling they had was actually very drinkable
I tracked the incoming VS147 come in to land, hoping it would be turned around quickly to get an earlier departure, this was not the case. With the 1 hour delay, VS pax were the last ones in the lounge. The flight was called around 22:50 and by the time I reached the gate 30 pre-boarding had already commenced. Group 1 pax where soon called forward.
I was again warmly welcomed on-board by the FSM working the door and directed to my 8K seats. Upper Class was fuller on this flight. Again Premium and Economy seems pretty full as well so good to see healthily loads on this newi(sh) route. The FSM again later came and introduced herself to me, thanking me for being a Flying Club Gold member. Sleep suits were handed out if required.
I don't eat a main meal on these shorter flights home. Breakfast cards and menus were on the seat ready. Filled my breakfast card in and asked to be woken up for it. The door was soon closed and we pushed back 5 minutes ahead of our new 23:30 departure time. Another quick taxi and we were soon airborne. The seat belt sign seems t take ages to be turned off. The crew were already taking meal and drinks orders.
Once the seat-belt sign was turned off, I got up got changed ready for bed, by the time I got back t omy seat the crew had converted it to a bed for me
I managed over 3 hours sleep (I track my sleep using my Apple Watch). My watch was not very happy though has it said my sleep overnight vitals metrics were off my typical readings, one of which is wrist temp which was higher than normal...I've always said over-night flights get too warm!!!
I was already starting to wake when the crew member came and woke me up. I got up got changed and freshening by which time my breakfast was heading towards my seat. I had the waffles, fruit platter and the granola all of which were well presented and very tasty.
We'd made up some time flying back and landed only 20mins late. We had a few minutes wait for a stand to be cleared at T3 but I was soon saying goodbye to the crew and heading to arrivals.
I was through the eGates in no time. I now get accepted every time through these now. Bags came off pretty quickly and I was soon being welcoming up in Revivals. I had a couple of hours before my train and as it was approaching 12:00pm I grabbed a quick shower and ordered brunch. Revivals closes at 12:30 and stops taking orders for food at 12:15.
Heading to King's Cross via the Piccadilly tube line again. King's Cross was an absolute zoo due with every single departure screen blank caused by a signalling / power failure at Stevenage. Nothing had been arriving or departing on the East Coast line for several hours. It took me 10mins to get from the entrance to the LNER first class lounge there were than many people in the station. Luckily my 14:03 Leeds train was about the 3rd train to depart again that day so I got my seat and ended up only being about 40mins late so I got 50% of my fare back.
Again another fantastic VS flight run by a good FSM with a great set of crew.
My 7 x VS Upper Class flights so far this year have all been consistently good with great crews. Hopefully this trend carry on with the next 4 x VS flights I have planned later this year.
As far as I'm concerned VS really do seem to be getting everything right now. May it continue for many more years to come
Regards
James Mitchell
James Mitchell
