V-Flyer

Shuffling into Terminal 3,each pushing a heavy cart (and one of us pulling a reluctant golf bag), we made our way to UC check in where we were not surprised to discover that we needed to alter our carry on plans. The first agent we saw was very clear about our dilemma and its arbitrary dictates and asked us to step away from the desk whilst we sorted it out. Realizing that rational physic confronting BAA irrational logic, meant we were never going to be able to consolidate to security's satisfaction. I did feel it a bit mean that we were well within each of our load limits in terms of weight but, having been called over by another UC agent, we were commiserated with and after a little oohing and awing, charged just for one bag (60 quid, ouch). We resolved never to buy another book as that was what had led us into this sorry state, collected our purple passes and made our way to the clubhouse, heroically passing by all opportunity to make any last minute purchases of the written word.

Fast Pass was pretty fast--except for (is it me?) my finding myself, as I always do, so hardly a surprise, right behind a twin stroller, its accompanying carseats, its parents and their shoes and their tiny and recalcitrant offspring. I do always wonder what would happen if these parents PLANNED a bit ahead for security-say by folding the contraption after first releasing its occupants and allowing them to use their feet prior to sitting in an airplane for a very long time.

Was passed through promptly (after performing neat hat trick where I pulled out my laptop after extricating my purse from my backpack--a process that would have been far quicker had I been able to carry the two separately). Was sent to foot xray on secondary screening just outside single malts at duty free and passed with flying colors as machine determined I had no hidden secrets in my open toed sandals.

Bought some single malt just because its rude not to after that nice young man lets you taste three venerable samples. Ran into work acquaintances at the two- for- one Irish chocolate ballotins and collided near the Fortnum and Mason tea display with old friends on way back from wedding in wales.

Talk dispensed with and purchases well in hand, hot footed it for clubhouse and bumble and bumble appointment, which was delayed tem minutes, which was good because I was able to eat my way through some gravalox but bad because if I'd had a few more minutes I could have had a leisurely breakfast. I must say--that everything on offer in terms of food at the CH is excellent. I would have been happy eating my way through the deli if I didn't also know that I would regret it once confined to an airplane for 7 hours.

Toenails painted, a session on CH laptop, a wander up to the rooftop garden to admire all the VAA planes on stands, and a return to the bar, a Bellini and the morning papers until flight called.

gate 3, priority boarding called for , 'All our upper class and gold passengers, premium economy and those who require extra time in boarding' which meant everyone. Once off the jetway, we turned left, survived a seat challenge by a couple who insisted our were theirs until sorted and sent to their actual seats. Champagne in hand, captain announced flight time of 6 hours and 42 minutes due to strong headwinds, a wait and a wait and up.

As seems often to be the case Y and PE were full and UC about 2/3rds. Loads of FA's so lots of attention--drinks, dinner --Best of British--I had the prawn starter--excellent--and the salmon (dry and untasty) and went full sail into the Bakewell tart (what was I thinking?????) which sent me over the edge of indulgence into that modest misery which comes from saying yes when a VS FA asks would you like another.

Still, managed two Dr Who and a nap, passed on tea except for the actual tea part of it and started feeling very restless as winds pushed us side to side, which I for one, find very uncomfortable when I am already seated sideways. Took a walk to the back (PE seats looked like the new ones but still packed in tightly), read some of the magazines the VS CH insisted I take away with me, and finally saw the Elizabeth Isles on our port side, an easy landing over the heads and sails of summer time yachtsmen and we were at Terminal E. Well, not actually AT TE, but attached to it by jetway awaiting release.

As we were finally sent down to immigration we were amused to listen to a conversation between a beefy security officer and his walky talky. 'Should I stop all the passengers? Now?' we walked faster, passed through immigration and then waited at luggage carousel 4 where we were entertained by a repairperson climbing in and out of hatchways apparently wondering why the big silver wheel was not going round and round, before someone decided it might be a good idea to use one of the many other empty carousels.

Our bags came off last but the golf clubs,and a fragile hand delivered framed picture shot up the chute enthusiatically at the head of the scrum.

UC were by and large a young crowd--many preferring to listen to music rather than watching V Port offerings. The bar seemed to be empty but that is often the case on a daytime flight. Crew were excellent, all in all a fine flight if only Virgin could do something about the wind![ii]

cheers,

rr

Originally posted by roadrunner

Fast Pass was pretty fast--except for (is it me?) my finding myself, as I always do, so hardly a surprise, right behind a twin stroller, its accompanying carseats, its parents and their shoes and their tiny and recalcitrant offspring. I do always wonder what would happen if these parents PLANNED a bit ahead for security-say by folding the contraption after first releasing its occupants and allowing them to use their feet prior to sitting in an airplane for a very long time.

Ah, the blissful naivety of the uninitiated. Recalcitrant offspring - by their very nature - won't always use their feet as you may hope or intend, choosing instead to 'do a runner' or play with the X-ray machine. And as for strollers, don't get me started on strollers! You appear to be under the misapprehension that said device wanted to be folded; I can attest to the unruly behaviour of such contraptions, and can assure you that it ain't necessarily so... [;)]

Thanks for a great TR, by the way.