V-Flyer

Having enjoyed 6 fabulous nights in Dubai we used OLCI 23 hours before our flight to ensure we got the seats we wanted - this was quick and easy though no option to print a boarding card. This was no bother as I like to keep my boarding card stubs as a souvenir!

We had booked a hotel car (one&only Royal Mirage Arabian Court) for the transfer to the airport since no CDC was included in our Z class return fares (D outbound). We had the choice of the ubiquitous BMW 7-series or a Hummer so naturally chavved it up with the Hummer! We left the hotel 3 hours before our flight ensuring we arrived at the airport with plenty of time. On arrival we looked for a bag drop counter but couldn't see one, so used the UC check in desk which was queue free.

2 minutes later we were on our way to departures with lounge access vouchers, avoiding the travelators in order to get the blood flowing at the early hour.

I've never found Dubai duty free that good despite everyone else's high opinions, but nevertheless we wandered around the shops for 15 minutes. Duty Free was incredibly busy and seemed to be filled with holiday makers - I saw very few people which would be classed as business travelers - maybe explained by this being a Saturday.

We found the Gulf Air lounge near gate 23 having passed the BA and Emirates lounges. I hadn't got high hopes for the facilities available, but was pleasantly surprised. The PC facility was not working, but the selection of breakfast foods was good. I had coco pops (!) and Mrs NS had toast. We both had a cup of tea - this had to be made by ourselves, and the 2 staff seemed to be purely there to keep things tidy and clean rather than to service passengers.

The bathroom facilities were clean, and decent toiletries were available, but no showers?

The next hour passed quickly and soon the Gulf Air receptionist announced the VS401 departure. At this point most of the occupants of the lounge left hinting that Virgin are a significant user of the facility at this hour. When will Virgin offer their own dedicated lounge (or even Clubhouse)?

So we walked down to the remote departure gates where the VS flight was leaving from - queues were light and we passed through security with ease. Staff then directed UC customers to a dedicated bus which had around 7-8 passengers onboard. The ride to the aircraft took what seemed an age and we had to double back on ourselves. This wasn't a great problem as I got to see the many Emirates aircraft which all seemed to have air bridge gates. There were 5+ 777-300ER, several 777-300, 777-200ER and a couple of 340-500's. In addition there were 330-200's all over the place.

The bus parked at the stairs leading up to 1L leaving us a few meters to walk to reach the steps. These last few moments in the morning Dubai sunshine were very welcome! We were greeted at the door by the UC FSM who once again directed us to our seats 9G and 9K. A shame since there weren't many UC passengers and with the decent staffing levels they could have escorted everyone to their seats - 10/15 passengers already being on board.

The cabin was very cold (the vents were pumping out mist!) so before sitting I asked a passing crew member for a sleep suit - my shirt was not going to do on its own! Before this was handed to me drinks orders were being taken, and at this early hour I asked for juice, Mrs NS needed a cup of tea (which she said was horrible, and was accompanied by a yucky rubbery chocolate 'thing'). I received a medium sleep suit and pulled the top on relieving the chill from the air-con.

A mother and baby took 8G (bassinet seat - this should be marked on seat maps!!!) so I went to the front of the cabin to enquire if there were any seats free. Todays flight was 35/48 so we were in luck. We decided not to move immediately as the baby looked like it would sleep, and seemed well behaved. 10G to 14G were empty if we wanted a quiet place to sleep and this was pointed out by the crew.

Push back was on time and an advised 6hr50 flight was announced - this was greeted by a grinning Mrs NS who doesn't like flying. We took off in a NE direction and quickly were amidst the hazy sky meaning views from the windows were poor.

Passengers in 10K-13K had their seats converted straight after take off - it turned out they were the band Faithless and the mother and Baby in front of me were Sister Bliss and child. Maxi Jazz was in 14K and had fallen asleep sitting with his hat on. They didn't receive any additional attention which I found reassuring - after all, we were paying customers also!

The IFBT did the rounds, and I said I'd not had a treatment on the outbound flight and would like it if she could fit me in. Shortly after, meal orders were taken. I chose to have lunch 2 hours into the flight, Mrs NS just wanted a snack so had cheese and biscuits.

Service was prompt and personal - crew used our names, but no FSM introduction unlike the outbound.

It wasn't long until the IFBT asked me if I wanted my treatment, so I had a hand massage. This took around 20 minutes and was brilliantly relaxing. I returned to my seat and my table was laid for lunch.

I had carrot and coriander soup, fillet of beef, and chocolate and banana pudding with butterscotch sauce. I'd rate the food good, the soup being very good though not particularly hot. I had a glass of Cab Sav which again seemed flavorsome despite the cabin altitude.

I opted to have a hot chocolate at the bar (which was now clutter free) as I wanted to get up for a stretch. On the way back to my seat I asked for 11G to be converted so I could sleep. It turns out the crew member I asked was from PE and he seemed a little anxious to do so. Despite this it was quickly made and I decided to have a nap.

I awoke around 1hr45 later and felt quite hot. Mrs NS had been sleeping so I took a snap of her to embarrass her later. Being rather warm I went to the bar for a drink, and was offered ice cream - perfect! The passenger next to me at the bar was also offered ice cream, but declined and asked for a large whisky and double espresso - not my choice of drinks for flying...

I know that I'd only eaten a couple of hours earlier but I felt surprisingly hungry. I returned to my seat and Mrs NS had woken up, so we both had a snack. I chose the salad starter from the lunch menu, and she had a club sandwich. The salad was good, but the sandwich arrived full of tomato which is an allergy no-no. So this was replaced by a bowl of mini cheddars!!

The IFBT asked Mrs NS if she's like her treatment, at this point we had around 2 hours to go. I had a cup of tea which was much better than the one on boarding, so much so that I had a second.

Our arrival was scheduled to be on-time and we didn't need to stack so touched down at 1350. Great we thought, but T3 had no free gates so we sat on the tarmac waiting for the next available which was meant to be vacated by a BA 747-400. This wasn't freed up as we had been told, so after 20 minutes we went to the other side of the terminal where there was a space. This turned out to be a better solution since it was on the terminal itself and we were quick to get to the baggage claim.

The carousel started up as we got to it and the first item out was a suitcase handle (literally) - ominous we thought, but the first suitcases out were ours. I think the quick baggage claim probably helped to offset the delay getting onto a stand so we were happy.

Overall, the outbound and inbound VS flights were excellent and we will be flying UCS again for our holiday trips the flights being relaxing for a nervous flier, and actually complimenting the holiday itself!

VS successes:
Seat
CDC
Clubhouse

VS focus areas:
Bar areas being used for food prep
Crew directing passengers to seats
Seat maps need to show bassinet locations and the fact 2A-7A and 2D-7D arent actually next to each other on the A340-600

NS

Thanks for the return TR[y][y]

We left the hotel 3 hours before our flight ensuring we arrived at the airport with plenty of time.

That must have been a pretty early start[:0][:0] When Mrs Buns & I came back from Dubai, at least the departure time was in the afternoon, not first thing in the morning.

Nice to hear that service levels were not skewed in reaction to celebs being on board[y]

Thanks once again

buns

It was a 9.30am flight so not too bad - we were up at 5.45am. Having said that, DXB was really busy by 7am!

Also despite some previous posts, I found the food in the Gulf Air lounge quite acceptable!

Originally posted by NS
Maxi Jazz was in 14K and had fallen asleep sitting with his hat on.

I would have woken him up and callen him a fraud.




AHEM, taxi for one please.

I would have asked you 'Who?' [;)]

But then I'm an old man [:)]

Thanks for the excellent TR[^]

I've never found Dubai duty free that good despite everyone else's high opinions

In general, I agree with you; however, the pen stand is very good in my opinion.

I've never been escorted to my seat by an FA and on most flights this is generally not possible, although when pax appear just a few at a time by bus, this could be a more feasible option[:?]

Pudding sounds good[y] as does being addressed by name[:)]

45.

Originally posted by benamure

Originally posted by NS
Maxi Jazz was in 14K and had fallen asleep sitting with his hat on.

I would have woken him up and callen him a fraud.




AHEM, taxi for one please.

And said, so what happend with To All New Arrivals??????????