VS022 IAD-LHR 17 Sep 07 (PE)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Aircraft : Maiden Tokyo
Seat : 18C

My trip started in Denver, with a change, they have moved all the checkin queues so I was not able to use the Star Alliance Silver and Gold quick checkin kiosks anymore. I also was sent to the other security line at Denver which snaked almost outside. I also was not given luggage receipts, but got the numbers at the gate.

We arrived on time at Washington, and I walked up to the UC checkin, only 1 other passenger was being served. I only waited around 5 minutes.

Changing seat to my usual 18C was a challenge, so was getting my Bag Tags loaded without an official sticker. I headed to the premium security line to find I was stuck behind an elderly couple who were not aware of the liquid / bag / security rules.

Got to the lounge at 15:45 to be welcomed by some friendly faces, and in particular the waitress who always serves me. She was genuinely welcoming and checked where I would be sitting. I was please to find the small upstairs area was empty, so I took up my usual spot over the concierge desk.

Wifi worked well, albeit slowly, and the waitress came up and took delight in showing me the new menu. Last time I was there they had removed the cottage pie and only had sandwiches, this time I had the Thai Steak Salad and the Chicken Tikka and rice, washed down with what appeared to be real champagne. The food was excellent. I was also presented with a new Australia red to try, which was very nice indeed.

I took a shower, did some email and was very well looked after in the lounge. I maid sure on the way to board the plane to speak to the Clubhouse Manager and feedback the improvement, and let her know I intended to write some positive feedback as well.

I took my seat, and once we were airborne tried to sleep. It was a bit of a challenge as my seat neighbour tripped over my legs on his way to the toilet, but I do believe I got some sleep.

I was awoken by the crew delivering their breakfast at 4:45am, and breakfast consists of a cereal bar and an OJ. Still Poor VA !
At 5am, the crew had not come round for further drinks so I dinged the call light, as I'm not one for going to the galley and getting stuck while they serve breakfast. The reason why is that it my experience they forget to serve the Fruit, and I was still hungry.

15 minutes later I still had not had anyone respond, and I did consider going forward to grab someone in the UC Galley, as on the Airbus 300 series, I believe the PE cabin is served from the back.

Eventually I did get a response and was presented with a Banana, no one else was asked. [V]

We circled for around 15 minutes, and landed a few minutes early. Our stand was free after a short wait and we disembarked.

The Immigration hall was so busy that we had to queue before the stairs down to the hall, fortunately IRIS was working and had no queue, and I got to the baggage hall before the belt had been announced.

My bags came off pretty quickly, although there were plenty of Economy bags mixed in, so I am not sure Priority baggage was in full effect. I did try an experiment this time. When I got to Denver I put my UC tags on, as it is my belief that they do not go in the right bin at IAD without them.

My taxi was not waiting for me, so I went to the Lounge to be told he was 5 mins away, so I turned back from the desk to stand outside for 20 mins, so that lost him his tip, cos it was pretty cold.....

Overall, a fantastic ClubHouse experience. I'm looking forward to going back. A very sub-standard crew experience, I would describe them as lazy. Positive feedback completed for the food at the ClubHouse.

[Decker]

Thinking the waitress is probably the same one we normally gets who REALLY looks after you. Thanks for a good TR - sorry to hear the return crew weren't stellar. Always a bind working out Window or Aisle for that very reason. I got lucky on my last return in PE - the young lady next to me never moved once so I was not disturbed during my doze...

The waitress was certainly the star in the lounge, nothing was too much trouble, she certainly made the effort if you were pleasant to her. She told me off for going downstairs and helping myself, she wanted to do it.

I tend to people watch, and I get a bit miffed when I see customers being rude and indifferent to the waiting staff. As a result I think if you are friendly you get better looked after.

Unfortunately I come to expect a below average service in PE on the way back from the East Coast now. It's been a long time since it was memorable for the right reasons.

[mitchja]

Thanks for the TR [y]

What is it with row 18 on the A343's [:?] Nobody seems able to access these seats at all. At ORD the VS agent tried whilst I was in the lounge and she was unable to move me to row 18 at all. It's doesnt even open up during OLCI.

At LHR, check-in could only access the middle seats DFG for row 18. There is no bassinet in the middle section of seats in PE. The bassinets are only located in window seats.

Regards

Originally posted by ukcobra
I did try an experiment this time. When I got to Denver I put my UC tags on, as it is my belief that they do not go in the right bin at IAD without them.

For most of the downline stations, you're probably right as without automatic baggage sorting, these tags do make a difference.

The onboard service in PE can be really bad if the crew is so laid back they are horizontal, and the poor second service makes it look even worse.

I think a run of hot drinks and warm croissants/danish (served 'service Anglaise' from a bread basket), and/or fresh fruit, would be more appropriate for PE, and it needn't be done so damned early. About 75 minutes before landing should be the maximum for such a light, abbreviated breakfast, in the small PE cabin.

Mike

[mitchja]

Mike

Breakfast was served the latest I've ever encountered on my VS040 flight, just under 60mins before landing and that was also when the fruit bowl was offered to PE pax.

The warm croissants/danish is a great idea and surley wouldn't be too difficult to do.

Regards

If I get such an indifferent service on my next BOS,IAD or JFK, I'll give some feedback. I was just too tired.
I like the breakfast suggestions.

Mark

[buns]

Thanks for the TR[y][y]

Not so good to hear of the sub standard approach by the crew though[n]

The service in the Clubhouse just shows how attention to detail and commitment works time and time again with customers

buns