VS046 JFK-LHR 11 Mar 07 (PE)
Posted: 14 Mar 2007, 00:05This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
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Anyhoo, caught the bus from the Port Authority Bus Station to JFK ($15) which if time isn't an issue, is an easy way to get to the airport, with no steps to manage with cases. Arrived about 6pm and found the queues very low at check in. Even Economy was not snaking round the little maze like the last few trips on VS046 I've been on. Checked in at the PE desk, much friendlier than the LHR check in, and got my pre-booked seat of 74C. Carried my case over to be scanned and wandered down to the shops.
What I don't like about JFK is the lack of comfortable seating in this area. There's concrete benches, or the food areas. I went into one of the bars, bought a coke and sat people watching for an hour or so [8D].
Went through the security checks, again, very empty. My last flight on VS046 saw the queues snake back along past all the shops, but was very quick this time, no problems with my shoes, laptop, liquids, etc.
Boarding started on time at 8pm, with priority boarding clearly signposted, got on and took my seat. Plane soon filled up, with a few people not happy about their seating choice. Two women wanted me to move to 74H but I refused, not wanting the toilet flush to annoy me, bit harsh I know, but I like 74C [:p]. They persuaded 74K to move to 74A. Then 75AC wanted to sit upstairs and no one wanted to move down, despite the FA saying it was an exit row and not understanding why anyone wouldn't want it, when they usually jump at the chance. Then a woman who acted like a supermodel came and sat in 71K and all the men were gawping (well, most! [:o)]) and getting very excited. I didn't recognise her though. Full up upstairs, and we pushed back about 20:50, which I assume looks good for VS stats though it's wheels up that's the important time. That wasn't till about 21:30, due to 9 planes being in front, but that was better than previous times.
An announcement came out about a passenger with a severe nut allergy, and could we all refrain from even opening any products that had nuts in, otherwise it would cause them severe problems. No issues reported for the flight, so assume everyone complied. Wasn't aware that a peanut whiff in the air con could cause a reaction like this, but hey!
The crew were discussing whether this was a good night flight or not, they weren't sure. It was an all women crew upstairs, and they were very giggly and chatty all flight, ok, I know I sound like a grumpy old man (well, I am) but it did get a bit much at times.
Saw a drinks service but have no recollection of food being offered and saw no one eating, not sure what happened to that.
Cabin was too hot again, do they do this deliberately? I have asked and been told 'of course not' but I don't believe it. It's never hot on the way out, always the way back.
Very uneventful flight, I couldn't sleep, despite having my nice QC3s on, but quite effective with cutting down the plane noise, but not giggling girls. As the seat in front was fully reclined for the whole flight, I gave up watching anything, as it seems impossible to see anything on the screen if that happens. Has to be my biggest gripe with these seats.
Breakfast was a basket of muffins and breakfast bars passed round, and tea or coffee in paper cups. Is this really a service improvement over the old breakfast? I'm not convinced. While this was happening, bacon rolls were seen being taken through the curtain and china cups. [:$]
After the FA did an announcement about departing and fast track, the American in 74A asked what it was, to be told that it was for upper class pax, then she walked back and gave him a pink card. Still, Iris is quicker than fast track, they have to walk right down the end of the room!
Landed at about 07:40. Was first down the stairs to be told that I'd have to wait while upper class pax got off, then the FA was sent back to economy, so I escaped the plane while I could. We must have been at one of the furthest gates, possibly in another terminal [:?], seemed to walk for miles before getting to immigration. Used Iris, and spotted they now have someone sitting nearby at a desk, not sure that was there last time? [?]. It isn't as easy to use as Privium, lining up both eyes does take a little practice, but managed it on my second attempt. Had to wait a few mins for the carousel number to appear, then bags started arriving shortly after, with priority baggage working well by the look of it. Grabbed my bag, did the guilty look thing as I walked out the green channel (even though I had nothing to declare, just look more shifty by trying hard not to be).
My miles and 50% bonus appeared today, not bad turnaround time there.
So, not a bad flight I guess, made it home on time, so can't complain too much! [:D]