VS015 LGW-MCO 4 Sep 07 (PE)
Posted: 05 Sep 2007, 13:43Unfortunately, this last comment blunted this flight as I guess I was probably expecting a bit more and actually looking back, it was pretty OK - remembering that it only cost 530 - it just shows that expectations are maybe sometimes set too high - or not - it would be interesting to hear your comments.
It kinda started to go wrong at check-in. I started to take cold feet about flying PE. That sounds wrong but my trips to the sunshine state, whether with Fiona, friends or just myself keep me from going mad. Work has been very stressful lately and they really are a little escape so need to be right.[:I]
When lying in bed at the Hilton, I started to form a plan about an upgrade. Yes I know it was a cheapy ticket, and I know it was an extra trip but if you don't ask in this world, you don't get. So the budget was set at 600 to upgrade on the outbound - how wrong was that. Checked at the ticket desk to be told just over 1000 - oh well there's always the clubhouse and miles later on.(The flight was showing 6 empty seats)
Walked up to check in desk, which is now oppposite the huge economy/fast bag drop section and was directed to Premium - hold on, I though Golds checked in at Upper. Ok not to worry, there's only a few waiting. Check-in itself was quick and straight forward but after leaving, I realised no fastpass sticker for security. Asked the 2 ladies at the front of the ropes, who didn't know but went to enquire and did come back with one. Just a small issue but this how the day went on.
The clubhouse was its usual self, great service, great food and a delay [:D] which turned into an hourish. Emptied a bottle of champagne and headed down to the gate.
The priority sign was there, but facing out towards the planes, but no real need for it as it wasn't that full aload and there wasn't the usual charge.
Upstairs and it was actually pretty quiet - maybe around 70% full and I had a spare seat next to me. The seats upstairs are pretty good but beging to show their age slightly. It will be really nice when the new leather ones come, and it the purple blends together with new P/E.
A couple of annoying features where that the screens where showing an advert for V-Port with all its different languages and features - very nice - just taunt us and then remind us that you have Nova. (which didn't work throughout the flight on my seat - wonder if its worth a quick note. Couldn't even get the light to switch on or off)
*Disclaimer* I really truely do not intend to offend anyone with this next comment, but it really b**dy annoyed me.
This couple come on and sat opposite me. She was rather on the large side and I really wondered how she would fit in the seat. I would estimate a waist size of around 75+ inches.Thelady in front reclined her seat, and well, we can guess the outcome. The wasn't anything nasty said, but she asked if she could be moved. she was taken down the stairs, to the P/E cabin - I thought. 'Oh no she wasn't' - she and her husband were put in Upper. Now I obviously had clouded views about this and I seem to recall a discussion previously about this on american airlines, ........... but surely if you cannot fit in an economy seat or indeed a premium seat - you should be made to pay for a larger seat or 2 economy seats. She did actually request an extension for the seat belt to give you an idea.[:(!][:(!][:(!]
Rant off.
The flight itself was OK, food was good, indeed probably better than some of the Upper fare that has been served lately. Drink/water runs were frequent and ice cream was cream of Galloway - very nice. However not once was I addressed by name, or indeed was thanked for my continued support of Virgin Atlantic. Was I expecting too much. I don't know - maybe. [?]
I keep reminding myself of the price paid and think that it was good for what it was.
It just wasn't great [:?]
Thanks for reading
David
oh, it's mid to high 30's today [:D]