OLCI the evening before the flight, again fast and no problems even when including additional pax. Had debated the pros and cons of DTD for dropping the bags the following morning but after posting for advice (thanks for all the pointers) and agreeing a very late departure from the villa, decided to go direct to the airport.
Arrived at bag drop.. empty! After the usual greeting have you packed your bags yourself completed the formalities and picked up boarding cards within minutes. The whole check-in area was deserted except for one guy trying his hardest to convince the check-in agent that his e-ticket should be for PE and not Y, not a chance! Well done to the check-in agent who firmly but politely put him straight.
I did find it a bit strange not seeing your bags disappear down the conveyor, but having to wheel them across the check-in hall to the TSA loading point, still, with an empty hall this was no problem.
Onwards to security check which, presumably because of the time of day, we breezed through in around 5 minutes. Down to the gate area and duty free shopping, no problems with liquids as they were sealed in a clear bag and handed to you on the jetway.
The flight was assigned to gate 80 and we had English Rose again for the return journey. I already knew that the load was light for the flight, so was not surprised at how few people were sat adjacent to the gate. Boarding called as usual, UC and AU card holders, PE then any special assistance. Our rows were called almost immediately and we were boarded within minutes.
Push-back was early @ 20:20 and we were airborne by 20:35. Still impressed by the sensation of power from the four engines as they kick-start you down the runway!
Once under way we could move around the half empty flight (123 pax) and sit wherever the fancy took us (barring PE & UC!). Even Mr I should be in PE found himself a better seat! Unlike some I do not like reclining my seat when somebody is behind me, something about invading personal space, so I moved to 59D with Junior Droflet in 59E, F & G. Nobody behind or in front for 2 rows, and only then because they had moved over as well! Drinks run was followed very quickly by the meal service, guess as this was a night flight they wanted to let everybody bed down. Meal over I settled down with the IFE and Melatonin (thanks Sailor) to see me through the night.
Quite a lot of turbulence, but was disturbed more by the gentleman who decided that despite the people trying to sleep around the cabin, he would continue indulging himself from the galley & duty free AND converse loudly with a party on the other side of the cabin who were doing their best to look the other way. They must have achieved this as he then walked around to their aisle, standing with his headphones wrapped around his neck, to continue the monologue! I think a few steely glares from surrounding pax, including myself, finally quelled his enthusiasm for his one-way conversation.
Woken by the cabin lights coming on prior to the breakfast service (Melon, Muffin, Juice & Coffee) with only an hour & 20 minutes to go.. almost an hour ahead of schedule!
Flight deck reported poor weather conditions in Manchester, low lying fog and reduced visibility. ATC requested a holding pattern which pushed our arrival back from 09:05 to 09:25, still 25 minutes early.
Finally on the ground we were directed to a remote stand instead of a gate with airbridge. Presumably the fog had also delayed some departures, leaving aircraft occupying the gates. We disembarked from a Jumbo 747/400 via a set of stairs a first for me! On the bus back to the terminal we could see Jersey Girl on stand ready for the 10:25 departure (VS075?).
Sailed through immigration with a perfunctory glance at the passports, luggage collected within 10 minutes (impressive!), through customs and off to the meet & greet driver to collect the nicely warmed-up car!
All-in-all, a good flight with friendly, efficient CC. Well done VS, we will definitely be flying with you again (e-mailed Customer Services to pass on our thanks).. in fact Mrs Droflet is planning New York for a Christmas shopping trip!
