VS024 LAX-LHR 22 Jan 07 (PE)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
This is the first time I have used the VS24, usually preferring VS8 or VS20 to come home from CA. First impressions are that the late departure makes for a significantly softer impact on the body clock -probably famous last words.
Used OLCI which worked fine and, LAX traffic apart, whisked through the airport. Boarding started 2000 for a 2105 departure, allowing us plenty of time to get settled on board VFIT, which is running with the old PE seats at the moment. Having flown out on new PE, the improvements on the new seats are very clear. Interestingly, given comments on being unable to see TV on the new seats when the passenger in front reclines, I found this problem was significantly worse on the old seats.
We pushed back at 2050, so were ahead of time the whole way, arriving 20 minutes early at 1540. This was despite taking a longer routing over Idaho and Alberta rather than the usual Dakota/Manitoba route in order to avoid a heck of a lot of turbulance. The CO commented that other aircraft had a 'significantly worse time than us' on the way over last night. Well played VA on that one.
Onboard, there were several op-ups, but missed out this time (Some you win, some you lose...). Crew service was classic early VA - very professional and very fun. My only grumble is the food on VA out of CA. By comparison with food ex-LHR the quality is still very low.
Overall, a good flight, with plenty of peaceful [|)] thanks to the routing.