V-Flyer

Booked this reward flight almost as soon as it was released to get me back home after a Transatlantic cruise and a short stay in NYC.

I'd chosen 8A as my seat which was the first one in the non-snooze zone. I didn't want to be in the quiet area. I had checked this assignment right up to when I left and it was still there. I was therefore somewhat annoyed to find out at online check in (done an hour after it opened) that I had been changed to seat assignment 7A which is in the sleep zone, right opposite the wardrobe. Nothing else being available in the non-snooze zone I changed to 4K which at least was in a better position and phoned Flying Club to see what had happened. They gave me the run around and told me that none of the seats on this flight were in the sleep zone. This I found out not to be the case when I checked in. I hate being misinformed like that. Just tell me the truth. I really did feel like going up to the guy in 8A and asking if he was Virgin staff [;)]

OK, so nothing else available after checking at the Clubhouse I decided that I would be able to try out the snooze zone and make the best of things. A new experience at least. I settled down in the Clubhouse for a burger and fries (two weeks on a cruise ship has you craving for the simple things in life) and a large piece of chocolate cake and a Classic Bombay Sapphire Martini. I should have said Grey Goose as I prefer the Vodka Martini, but it tasted fine and strong and had me worrying that I was still land side!

Security was a zoo at JFK. I knew it would be, but heard it was worse than usual. I had been blighted by poor traffic conditions in NYC for three days because of the UN meeting there and George Bush's attendance. Not sure if this had anything to do with it, but the queue in Business/First was at least shorter and I was on the plane in reasonable time.

I managed to catch that we were on Sweet Dreamer for the flight. The lady in 3K next to me looked alarmed at the sign on her V:Port screen which said 'Damaged, do not use'. One of the crew came over and said that indeed it was not working correctly, but she could have a portable DVD. I honestly don't watch much of the entertainment on a night flight and had my iPod fully loaded with songs and videos (including Michael Palin's 'Around the World in 80 Days'. Love watching that whilst on a trip) so offered to swap with her. She was very grateful and I was fine in 3K with my home imported entertainment.

Had the cold supper platter and a couple of glasses of wine brought to me at my seat as an apology for being in the snooze zone and I ate it quietly. Stood at the bar for a few minutes chatting to the Flight Manager and she then went off to make up my bed and I headed for a bit of sleep. Dozed for an hour or two and the flight went very quickly. We were over the coast of Wales in no time. One of the cabin crew in Upper then came over and gave me a bottle of very good wine to say thanks for swapping seats, which I thought was a nice touch. I can't say enough about how good the crew were on this flight. Very professional and empathic.

Heathrow was a zoo too and the queue at immigration was long. I was once again pleased that I was at least near the front. The baggage was delayed and took nearly an hour to arrive on the belt, but the priority system worked and mine was one of the first off. I have always been very lucky in this regard (read KISS OF DEATH!)

Overall, it was a very good flight. The seat assignment in the snooze zone was annoying at first, but having tried it I will do it again. I liked the lights going out quickly and eating in the Clubhouse beforehand was a pleasant experience. This is the third UC flight in a row where I have been aware of cabin equipment failure. My assigned seat was broken on a flight in March and I had to swap and last November there was a seat next to me with no IFE. I understand that a tray table was also not working on this latest flight. The suites are very nice, but they need to throw some money at making sure they work properly. Promising long and delivering short is not acceptable in my view. I was very happy with the service on this flight that made up for any possible disappointment.

As a side note, a few in our group on the cruise flew Maxjet and Silverjet and were very pleased with the experience. I think many were comparing to economy travel they have taken before. I'm not sure how it would stack up against Virgin UC, but the price is certainly right. I may try them out in the Spring and flying out of/into Luton would be a godsend for me.

Phil

Thanks for the TR, sounds like you had a good flight and good crew onboard to make up for the shifting seat assignment.

You've also reminded me of my need to grab more Michael Palin for my iPod as well [:)]

Thanks,
Sarah

Enjoyed the TR, nice one.

Did you enjoy the wine?[y] or [:$]

Thanks for the TR, sounds like a great flight and crew.......[y]

Dominic

Thanks for the TR - shows AGAIN that a good crew can make a flight Excellent that would otherwise be very mediocre.

Thanks for the TR[y][y][y]

Great to see the crew took the initiative and made up for the seat mix up and also rewarded your kind gesture of swapping seats[^][^]

buns

Originally posted by goanmad
Enjoyed the TR, nice one.

Did you enjoy the wine?[y] or [:$]

Tried the wine end of last week. It never seems to last long and burns a hole in my pocket[8D] It tasted good for a sparkling white wine. Not as nice as champagne to me, but it was very drinkable and I never really would have looked at the V:PORT so we were all happy[;)]

Phil

Great TR! Thanks for posting.

GJ