V-Flyer

VS008 LAX LHR 26TH FEB 2007 (PE)

After 4 great (but losing!) days in Vegas it was time to return. We arrived at LAX on our Southwest flight at 2pm. Made the short walk over to T2 and were met with immediate chaos!! There was a huge line snaking out from the terminal, blocking all the doors and nobody seemed sure if these were lines for check-in or for security, and there was nobody outside directing things. After a couple of minutes we found out that it was the security line, and managed to push our way inside to find an almost deserted VS check-in desk. There were about 6 or so in the economy line and nobody in the PE line. As we went to the line Keith Allen (Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood etc) managed to push in just before us, but we were then called to the Upper line. Check-in was fairly quick, we had seats 20 H+K this time, and we were off to join the long security queue.

It took nearly over an hour to get through this queue and the one upstairs, but we eventually got into T2. Having been through LAX several times in the past, I knew that this is not the most exciting terminal in the world! We had a quick bite to eat and then settled down to wait for boarding. G-VWKD Miss Behavin was waiting for us at the gate (23) so it was the new seats once again. There was a slight delay in boarding, even the crew had to wait about 30mins before they could board. We boarded just before 17:00 and pushed off the gate just before 18:00. After a short wait we were soon on our way.

Once again bottled water was waiting on our seats along with the menus and amenity kits (we has the larger sack ones instead of the smaller pencil case type ones you normally have on flights from the US). After the drinks rounds (and very generous they were to with the Vodka) lunch was served. I had the Beef and rice, (the other choice was BBQ chicken). After tea and coffee the crew came around with Brandy and Baileys, something which was missing from out outward flight.

Settled down to watch V:Port, which again worked faultlessly. Managed to watch Last King of Scotland which I thought was pretty good, Snakes on a Plane and Nacho Libre which were both OK. During the flight we were offered fruit on a couple of occasions and had several juice and water rounds (another thing which was lacking on the outward leg).

Just before landing we were served breakfast which consisted of fruit, OJ, a muffin and one of those awful warm egg and cheese rolls. The pilot informed us that we would be held in the stacking system for 20 mins or so and we finally touched down just before 12:10, about 25mins late. We then had a slight delay before we could get on to a gate, and then the long hike to immigration.

Once again another excellent flight with Virgin, and for once the crew on the return overnight flight were a lot better and more attentive than the outward flight (not that the crew were that bad on the outward flight). I find that it is usually the other way around! The new seats and service are excellent, the only problem now is that I will have to slum it in Y for my trip to SFO in April.[:(]

As an added bonus, the TPs from this flight took me to silver.[:D] I know it doesnt really mean a lot, but its the first time Ive had any sort of status with any airline.

Glad to hear that you got your Bailey's and Brandy run! I hope you took FULL advantage! [y]

Dominic

Good TR. Nice to see that good service on VS overnight flights does exist.

Silver gets you PE checkin, I am sure you will appreciate which when travelling in Y in April!

Enjoyed the TR, thank you.

Brandy and Baileys? That should make those long trips more enjoyable?

Thanks for your TRs...
..and for reminding me why I routed through SFO to get to LAS recently. I loathe LAX, and my last visit there several years ago was also blighted by a humungous security queue.
Mmm.. never had a brandy on a VS flight - can you remember what brand it was/is?