V-Flyer

I've done this trip so often now it's hard to find anything different to say unless something unusually good/bad happens, so apologies if it's a bit boring. Having been away for nearly a month the jetlag has been difficult the last few days, my vocabulary has definitely changed and driving on the left side of the road seems alien to me - I've spent far too long in the company of our American cousins (no sorry scrub that, not long enough).

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.

Originally posted by jilly
I've done this trip so often now it's hard to find anything different to say unless something unusually good/bad happens, so apologies if it's a bit boring.

It is not boring in the least! [y]

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.

Why in god's name? Did they give you any reason at all? Good lord...shame on them.

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.

When I used to fly United F from LAX - LHR, the clubhouse attendant would take us to the gate on a cart. It was a delightful service, but I often felt like some kind of fat pasha being translated from palace to playground [:)] I'm curious to know if the people who refused the service hade rude tones in their voice or more kindly simply refused the service and took off on their own? If the former, I guess there's no limit to the depths people will sink.

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.

Was Jeremy Clarkson aboard, perhaps? (cf a certain Off Topic thread...) [}:)]

Thanks, jilly, for a great TR.

GJ

GJ - no reason given from Dollar other than random checking, I just couldn't be bothered to argue but gave 'the look' that's usually reserved solely for my husband.

The Virgin staff member who accompanied me to the gate definitely said they were rude and mentioned a previous incident when a passenger said 'I'm not stupid, I can find my own way and don't need a nanny'. I just let her know that I appreciated the service and hoped it would continue.

No Jeremy on board - but certainly could have made for an interesting flight.

Jilly

jilly

Thanks for posting the TR[y][y] The more we all learn of others' experiences, allows the mist to clear so I am one who welcomes each and every TR even if it covers a well trodden route.

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.

Some years back this was a regular occurence at MCO - I recall one time when mrs Buns & myself were the only people escorted through to the gate and you can imagine the number of heads that turned[:D][:D]

Let's hope that the practice continues (well at least until the next time I fly back[}:)]

Thanks once again

buns

A most enjoyable trip report, jilly. Thank you.

The Virgin staff member who accompanied me to the gate definitely said they were rude and mentioned a previous incident when a passenger said 'I'm not stupid, I can find my own way and don't need a nanny'.

I really cannot fathom how people can be so rude. [V]

It seems like a nice touch but I don't know how I'd feel if we were rounded up and escorted en masse like children on a school outing, but to be escorted personally must surely be - as buns said- a head-turner

Originally posted by honey lamb
but to be escorted personally must surely be - as buns said- a head-turner

Slightly O/T but a few friends and I once got a personal security escort (dark glasses, mic in the lapel, full works) through all the security and ticket checks to a concert at the MGM in Las Vegas. It was all down to a slight misunderstanding, but was great fun while it lasted.

Paul

again, i highly appreciated TR and hope to see many more[y]

I think the acompanyment is a good idea. Surely then priority boarding would be ensured?

Originally posted by G-VFAB
I think the acompanyment is a good idea. Surely then priority boarding would be ensured?

Very good point.

I know when I've flown UA International F out of IAD, if we're on one of the C-gates near the F lounge (which you usually are on an International flight) one of the Concierges will invite people to walk with him/her to the gate, and he/she will ensure that you're punted straight past any gate chaos and straight onboard. It's made very clear it's an invitation, and you're not required to go along!

For a long time, airlines have escorted customers from their F cabins. With the smaller size of the UC cabin on the B&S fleet, it seems to make it possible on the ex-MCO flights.

I personally think it's a nice touch.

Thanks for the report!
Mike