V-Flyer

Well, after a short conference in Quebec City, my six colleagues and I wended our merry ways home via a number of different routes. A couple of our number had elected to fly Air Canada back to Heathrow via Toronto, which was interesting as their seats in economy cost nearly as much as my VS PE!
Two of us arrived at Quebec City airport in plenty of time for our planned 1.45 pm takeoff, to find only one check in desk open. Fortunately there were only a few people ahead of us so we didn't have to wait too long, although at this stage rumours of delays at EWR started to murmur up and down the queue. The delays were confirmed by the check in agent who ascribed them to weather problems at EWR, and that there was at least a ninety minute delay. I was unable to check my bags through to LHR, although my colleague (whose ticket was booked by the same AMEX agency as mine) had no problems with this and also got his EWR-LHR sector boarding card at the same time.
No great problems with security, although the girl waving the metal detector wand spoke little English and we couldn't help laughing at our joint attempts at communicating as she checked me over! So, into the main passenger lounge.....a completely underwhelming place that is. For those of you who may have to travel to QC at any time, I can heartily recommend spending as little time at the airport as you can! As we were feeling a little 'jaded' from the night prior, we sorted ourselves out with lunch and joined a couple of our US colleagues. Point to note: the 'restaurant' in QC airport will not sell you an alcoholic beverage without you buying food!
Anyway, after four hours of sheer bliss [|)], during which there were precisely zero announcements regarding the delay, the flight finally arrived and we were ushered on a quickly as possible. A fairly short, but bumpy ride later, we landed at a wet and wind-blown EWR. Now, I don't know if it is SOP for an Embraer 145 to exit the active runway at high speed, but we were doing a good 50 knots as we turned off onto the taxiway - luckily only though about 30 degrees rather than the more usual 90! Hmm, one for the scrapbook, that one....

Transit through EWR was relatively painless, and following baggage claim and check in (for me) we headed for the Clubhouse, which is indeed in Terminal B, ground side - prior to security. Following some the earlier advice and banter on this forum, I was expecting a CH somewhat similar to that at IAD - but no! The EWR CH is really nice, with excellent staff, ably led by a very nice lady by the name of Niven (use of name approved). The staff were polite, helpful and our glasses were rarely close to empty before being refilled. (The first JD & Coke nearly knocked my socks off, but it did serve me right for saying 'light on the coke'!!!) We didn't try out the Sony movie theatre, but enjoyed the banter in the main area of the CH, and the hors d'oeuvres and dinner were excellent. To cap it all, as we had requested, Niven managed to find seats in UCS for the both of us (using miles to upgrade). Niven was aware of this site, so if you're reading this - thank you!!!

We were called to the gate and after a surprisingly painless and quick security check, boarded without fuss. The aircraft was Cosmic Girl (G-VWOW) which looked in good fettle, although has yet to receive the new PE seats. I had been allocated an UC suite (2A) in the snooze zone (upper deck) which suited me particularly well as I wanted to get my head down from TOC. We pushed back on time, but probably due to the earlier delays there was a significant queue of aircraft waiting to get airborne. I don't remember any announcements from the flight deck, and we finally took off 45 minutes late.

In the light of recent reports, I have to say that the service was excellent thoughout - very attentive and helpful CC, and both the FSM and UC CSS were also good sports. My colleague and I spent half an hour at the bar prior to turning in, and all in all there was a nice atmosphere, created by the staff's approach to their job. Well done!
By the time I went back upstairs the snooze zone was quiet and dark, and as my bed had been made up while I was at the bar, I turned in for a good 4 hours sleep. A nice wake up (I love it when the CC are gentle [}:)]) followed by a light breakfast and we touched down about 30 minutes late. We taxied for what seemed to be an age - the flight deck welcomed us to LHR with a wry crack about a 'special bonus tour of the airport', then off without fuss. I specifically thanked to the FSM for providing an excellent service throughout, and overall I would be very happy to use the EWR route again.

The usual faff with LHR baggage did not occur on this occasion, as the bags were off in about 15 minutes and both mine and my colleague's bags appeared quite soon. As we were being picked up by car, I have to say that the current arrangements are a complete pain. Would it be so hard to provide a proper pick-up area at Arrivals?

Anyway, all in all, an excellent second leg, and I DID like the CH in EWR. Top job!

Cheers

Tony

P.S. One final bonus was that this was the trip that renewed by FC Au status....

Glad you had such a great flight, proving that when VS gets it right the whole experience is very pleasant.

Sounds like you had a great crew, again proving that the attitude and professionalism of the FSM and CSS make or break a flight.

The problem I have with the EWR Clubhouse is that sometimes it can get very over crowded and that they won't serve you champagne in the morning[:)]

Mrs D

Sounds like a great flight - looks like VS are improving as there have been more positive reports of late rather than negative.

Originally posted by Mrs Decker
The problem I have with the EWR Clubhouse is ......that they won't serve you champagne in the morning[:)]

Mrs D

What! [:0] That's sacrilege! Champagne is de riguer in any Clubhouse!

Thanks for the TR, Tony. Most enjoyable [y]

Thanks for the TR! As Mrs D said When VS get it right, it is a great experience.

DMB

Thanks for the TR - its always a wonderful flight when everything comes together and the crew are on top form!

[y]

Thanks for the TR

A number of US airports have 'high speed turn off's' rather than it being something GJ is bound to goof on..it is a runway exit that has a very shallow angle allowing the aircraft to exit at a higher speed.

Didn't know EWR had this though.

sbg

Thanks for an interesting TR[y][y]

Glad to hear you managed to get an upgrade at the airport using the miles and fro what you mntion of your colleagues who returned via Air Canada you got an excellent bargain to boot[:D]

Reading your TR, just confirms to me that VS can still do the magic


buns

Yes, I'd have to say that this was a good advert for the airline and really set the standards we all hope for. I'm heading out to DC at the end of the month - this route has not been so good in the past so we'll see how that one goes.

Cheers all for the positive feedback for the TR.

Regards

Tony

Nice to see a really positive UC report - lets (I) hope for a run of good service......

Very good TR, thanks, and I echo the comments about service seeming to improve. I've done six UC flights in the last 10 days and each of them have been notable for the crew's performance. I can't say the same about the food though, lobster something with rice from DXB to LHR on Sunday was excellent, hot bite from JFK to LHR last night was worse than a crapola meal I could have cooked when a student ... and for the price we pay on these route some wine better than BB's bog standard should be expected.

That said, in 2 out of six flights the FSM has said hello, which is up on the previous experience, and wihtout doubt the crews that I have experience recently have been top notch. Just this morning I had the pleasure of meeting, and being served by, a wonderful lady who was 59, (forced) retired from BA at 55 and joined Virgin. If you read this X you know who you are, sparkling !!!