V-Flyer

After many months contemplating my first VS Economy flight in a long while the time came for us to venture down to Manchester and stay the night prior to catching the 075 to Orlando on Mon 11th June. We stayed at the Radisson MAN and had a room overlooking the airport which wasn't quite up to the view afforded by the LHR Renaissance but welcome nonetheless.

We left our room shortly after 0800 and headed for a very quiet check in at T3. After a very short wait we were checked in and I could NOT help myself asking if there was any availability in PE. When I was shown the screen of the agents computer and noted 78A, 78C & 79A free the will power went right out of the window and onto my credit card![B)]

Again, security was a breeze and we were milling around gate 210 before 0900. At 1000 an announcement was made that boarding would commence in 10 mins then at 1010 we were told it would be a further 25 mins (due to the late arrival of the inbound aircraft). We finally got to board around 1045 with priority boarding clearly marked and efficiently enforced.

Settled into said seats of G-VTOP 'Virginia Plain' and partook of a small glass of Champagne (my only alcoholic intake on this flight due to collecting a car at the other end). Total PAX today was 386 with 363 in Y and I counted 18 upstairs in W. Boarding was complete by about 1125 but the Captain then advised of further delay due to single runway ops due to a burst tire earlier. We finally took off at 1215 with an estimated flight time of 7h 37m.

Cabin crew were polite and efficient but not very chatty. I found out during a brief conversation that the (cabin) crew are MAN based. Drinks were offered then lunch was served about 60 mins in. Menu card was placed on the armrest and offered...

WINES - 2006 Marques de Caza Airen & 2006 Marques de Caza Tempranillo.

STARTER - Greek pasta salad with cucumber, tomato, black olives and feta cheese.

MAIN COURSE - Roast pork served with roasted potatoes, sage & onion stuffing, bab carrots, broccoli, apple sauce and gravy OR Mediterranean chicken served with orzo pasta, summer bean salad and marinara sauce OR Mushroom stroganoff served with Mississippi rice and red peppers.

WARM BREAD - Wholemeal mini loaf and soft plaited roll.

DESSERT - Fru flirty lemon shots.

CHEESE & BISCUITS - Butlers Secret mature cheddar served with crackers.

TEA AND COFFEE

SNACKS AND REFRESHMENTS - Available throughout your flight and prior to landing

I chose the pork and to be honest despite the lovely description on the menu, it was a bog standard economy airline meal served in crockery instead of tin and with metal cutlery. It was OK but nothing more.

No V-Port so pottered around with whatever system it was and had some chuckles with classic Only Fools and Phoenix Nights then even managed about half an hours kip.

Landing was estimated as 1455 local and about 90 mins out we were served two tiny finger sandwiches. Fortunately my 3 year old didn't fancy her jam and cheese variety - and I hate to see waste![:I]

Nice landing from the FO and we disembarked first - getting to immigration ahead of the crowd. Priority bags worked too so we were in posession of our Chrysler 300C within the hour and off to the hotel.

Return trip and holiday report to follow.

Regards

John

When I was shown the screen of the agents computer and noted 78A, 78C & 79A free the will power went right out of the window and onto my credit card!

I know! I know! Terrible isn't it? But so much better than Economy [:w]

I could feel Mrs T's eyes burning into the back of my head as I made the transaction. She thinks it's an outrageous waste of money. I suppose, she is actually right!

One little point to note - I've only been credited with 2000 odd miles and 1 TP as a discounted economy fare. Email has been sent!

Regards

John

Thanks for the TR John.
Will power my good man, but honestly I would have done the same.

From the gist of your report it seems to have been a no more no less type of flight which is not really a bad thing.
Chrysler 300C. Pimp daddy car[:D]

Hope you and the family had a good break.

all the best

Iain

hi john thanks for the great tr, dont feel guilty about the cost we did the same thing on our way back from las and it was worth it no doubt !