I checked in on line for the return, not really necessary I know but I always feel that if there is a last minute crisis (not unusual for me) then I give myself a little more time.
Dropped off the Dollar car and was told I had to go back to the desk as there may be extra to pay. I told him there wouldn't be but he insisted. Got to the desk and was given another 'nil' receipt and was told it's something they are doing randomly.
Couple of people in line at check in but very quiet and everything completed within 5 minutes and I made my way through security (no lines) and managed to spend a few more dollars in duty free on my favourite Clinique products. Off to the Delta Crown room, which was extremely busy but was served my usual G&T pretty quickly.
At 5pm, an announcement was made for anyone travelling on the VS28 to come to reception as a member of Virgin staff would accompany them to the gate. I've never had this happen before and spoke to the staff member about it, she said they were trialling it and found that some people were quite rude and said they could find there own way to the gate. I told her I appreciated the service and thought it was a nice touch. She checked my passport and boarding card personally and showed me through.
Flight pretty uneventful, an all male CC who were particularly entertaining. I appreciated their sense of humour but I suppose some may have not, they were a bit giggly at times but I still found them very attentive and nothing was too much trouble. FSM did the bread and wine service. There were 4 spare seats in the UC Cabin.
I marked the CC high as I though they had a lot of patience especially for the last hour of the flight. Some passengers obviously didn't want to wake until the very last minute and were still demanding a cooked breakfast when really I don't think there was time. I had seen them try to wake a couple of passengers earlier but there must be a fine line between asking them to wake and having to physically shake them to do so.
Definitely one of the best flights of the last year and having been disappointed with some of my UC flights and sometimes enjoying PE more, this one changed my mind and I will stick with UC, at least until the new seats are fitted on the LGW route.
Jilly
PS - One new thing I did find on this trip is that I actually like beer having always loved the smell but hated the taste. However, it had to be Peels Blueberry and Pomegranate flavour but at 8% proof you don't need to drink much of it so it's great value for money.
