V-Flyer

Flight 2 of 4 in a rather hectic 10 days....

Flew in to JNB from ELS (East London) to connect with the 602 back to London for the day. Unfortunately when I tried to check in, SAA told me that Virgin had cancelled my internal flight booking[V]

To add insult to injury, the internal flight was full and despite holding a full fare business class ticket I ended up on standby for an economy seat - and I only got this after a mini temper tantrum! Fortunately I got on otherwise I would hve missed the 602!

I'm still waiting to hear what went wrong!!! I phoned the UK Premier Service Team from the airport but had to board before they could work out what had happened! It will be interesting to see what I am credited with in terms of tier points as I held a J ticket but ended up flying Y............

Check-in at JNB was fine (they wouldn't/couldn't check me through from ELS). The Clubhouse was packed - a combination of a totally full UC flight, plus Au's plus Swissair pax I think. Managed to find a seat though! No internet access from the lounge was a pain - their fixed conection was 'intermittant' (IE didn't work), and there was no wireless in the Clubhouse - definitely needs some attention please Virgin!

Boarded 'Sleeping Beauty' on time. Suite was in good condition, Shoe bags were already on seats. Departed bang-on time. IFE was turned on very quickly but my seat (4k) and next door (5k) always got the same film irrespective of what film or channel we chose...... FSM tried a reload of our seats (didn't work) followed by what she referred to as a 'C box reload' for our seats - this worked fine!

Unfortunately I didn't get a treatment again as I elected not to be woken (and I have used all my priority cards!)

The crew were OK - I couldn't complain about anything, but the Virgin 'sparkle' just didn't seem evident. Is this linked to the FSM who was very low profile again? (see my next trip report on this subject!). Food was good - went for the pea and mint soup (very small portions due to turbulence!) and then the beef. Flight was very bumpy with the seat belt sign on almost all the way home.

Arrived at LHR on-time and I tried the Limo-bike service into central London for the first time. This was amazing!!!!! If anyone wants a different way in - go for it. They can carry a medium sized suitcase and I arrived in Westminster 35 minutes after leaving Heathrow - in morning rush hour. The guy riding the bike was just great and just went straight past all the traffic[^]

Checked into a 'day room' at the hotel (felt a bit seedy!!) before heading off to my meetings. Being picked up by Limo-bike for trip back tonight!

Ian

Thanks for the TR, hope you find out what happened to you SAA flight!

The Limo bike sounds great fun would love to try it one day, means that I have to pack lightly!!! [:?]

Dominic