V-Flyer

After three months of Air New Zealand, Singapore Air, Virgin Blue and Silk (all terrific) it was wonderful to be back on Virgin metal.

Check in at Cape Town was fine--especially as the agent encouraged us to go ahead and check in even though she hadn't officially opened yet. Our bags disappeared up the chute and, with that wonderful feeling of lightness that only a new short haircut or getting rid of luggage can bring, we tripped up the stairs to security and went on through.

It is fortunate that CPT international has some good shops as the Priority Lounge is a bit thin. Great views, drinks--but little in the way of food, even for a 10:30 pm departure. Business desks were poor and wireless at a hot spot paid premium.

Flight was called and a short wander to gate. No signs delineating which line to stand in of the two and an agent had to bellow that line 1 was just for PE and UC customers. The Very British Woman behind me kept complaining (even though the African agent was clearly right in front of her and no mistake about his message), 'What does he say? What does he say?' before she was sent over to Y line.

What a wonderful flight--from plane walk on to walk off. All seats taken (this was just two days CPT post-marathon bike race) but crew were fantastic. Cheery, fun, able to talk grouchy old men (our neighbor who announced loudly as we left priority lounge that it was the worst he had ever been in) into having a good time and lightening up.

Ninja suits, amenities, handed out along with fizz (ahh... cowshed! and PENS!!!! but still no paper nor tissues) and much reassurance by FA's that meals were freedom menu so anytime was fine with them--and they meant it.

We elected (as did many in UC except for those who opted for immediate bed and coma) to eat as soon as cabin staff were ready to serve and I enjoyed salad, soup and cheese along with the same wines we had last sampled on VS in December--which tasted a bit sorry after a couple of months of drinking novel new world lovelies.

My partner stayed up (as he is wont to do) and caught up on movies after we both had a brief nightcap at the bar but I made up my bed and gratefully got in it--and slept very soundly for nearly eight exhausted hours. I don't recall any of the turbulence we experienced in our outward flight but then a nightcap glass of Remy is often an excellent antidote to that level of awareness.

Partner had excellent back massage after offering one of his many priority cards as IFBT schedule was quite full and he was delighted to have it honored. He returned with a sheet of lavender scented tissue for me to place under my pillow for an aromatherapeutic sleep (why not?).

A cheery good morning and a cup of tea and yogurt and fruit and we made the almost requisite loops over London as we awaited our berth until the smooth landing that released us to the long walk to immigration. Heartfelt thank you's to the terrific crew for making this long flight so pleasant despite the 12 hour shift.

Grins all around [8D]

RR

Thanks for the trip report.

I tis so good to hear that the service was everything you expected. This is what a service standard should be about ALL of the time[y][y][y]

Thank you for a really good trip report [y]

It is good to hear that the service was as it should be! [^]

Dominic

Good Trip report. Glad everything went OK.

Enjoyed your TR, thank you.[:D]

We are doing this trip in November - so this TR will be the blueprint!! Excellent TR.

I think we might have some dinner beofre setting off for the airport seeing as the Priority lounge has no meal service - 1030 is getting a bit late for dinner - might force down a few Bellinis though!!

[y]

Great TR, & Glad you both had a good flight. [y]

Mark,

Re meals: as the flight is late, we opted for a late and great meal, stopping at Boschendal Vineyards (on our way from Franschoek) for a long leisurely meal and wine tasting but would also rec Constantia Vineyards if you are coming from Capetown (they are only 30 mins away) as they have a lovely cafe and grounds as well.

Getting through airport security early is a good idea as it is a one horse operation but the terminal offers several good shops (including wine) after security, and there are no restrictions on bringing liquids on board. I think you can bring 2 litres each, which is roughly 3 bottles each. Do try to get to the terminal early (and tip the trolley boy as that is all he gets in income) enough to use the VAT refund counter pre-security on ground floor as they are very helpful and if you have spent any money at all (including lodging, meals, petrol, gifts) and have the receipts you will get VAT back--enough to purchase some very nice vino and gifts when you get upstairs or to convert to pounds to pay for the next round.

No bellinis at priority lounge ...but lots of choice once onboard.

Finally, I think we have had great luck recently with our Virgin crews but have in the past not always been as fortunate. This crew did not, for the most part, know each other but just meshed well and their FSA was smooth, professional and just plain good at her job--combo meant a great trip for all, but that could also easily not have jelled and we could all have been hurried into bed, the trip just a passage and not a voyage.

Have a wonderful time on your trip--it is an unforgettable experience.

cheers [;)] RR

A very good TR RR [:D]

A great UC flight can be one of lifes lovely pleasures [y] Glad you enjoyed it.

Originally posted by roadrunner
Mark,

Re meals: as the flight is late, we opted for a late and great meal, stopping at Boschendal Vineyards (on our way from Franschoek) for a long leisurely meal and wine tasting but would also rec Constantia Vineyards if you are coming from Capetown (they are only 30 mins away) as they have a lovely cafe and grounds as well.



cheers [;)] RR

Thank you for the tips - we've stayed at the Constantia Uitsig and I think you are spot on - their cafe would make a wonderful place for a last meal !!!!

Agreed about check in and facilities too - 'one horse with three legs ' more like!!![:#]