VS024 LAX-LHR 15 Oct 07 (Upper)
Posted: 27 Oct 2007, 14:46The CDC was early and waiting at The Beverly Hilton for us which was good for me the eternal worrier! The driver was from Music Express who had driven us several times during our stay and this is the firm that handle VS passengers in Los Angeles. We had rarely driven ourselves during our stay in LA having either been lucky enough to have been chauffered around by Music Express or having taken advantage of the hotels complimentary limo service, however I digress.
The drive seemed to take much longer to the airport than it had from it but once there the cases were checked kerbside and we were ushered to the front of the UC check in, issued with our lounge passes and shown to the fast track line. We were very quickly through that line but the escalator for fast track was broken so we had to use the regular escalator or the stairs - not normally an issue but with carry on luggage the escalator won. Once upstairs the scrum to get through security began again. This time there was no priority, we had to strip down to the basics, shoes off, belts off and anything else that they could think of without displaying too much flesh! We were in front of a lady who caused some sort of eruption but did not stay to see what was happening[:(]
We then made our way upstairs to the Air New Zealand lounge which is directly opposite the lift - so whichever way you exit the lift you have to go all the way round to get to it. We found it but later got into a discussion with a gentleman who confessed he had to find someone to show him where it was as it is not signposted very well.
This lounge was far superior to the one at Miami and of course it is airside - there was a selection of cold meats and fruit and cheese and salads - simple but sufficient, with breads, cakes etc. Lots of crisps and three big jars of sweeties! All the drinks both soft and hard were on offer as were all types of teas and coffees and hot chocolate. There were showers and washrooms but apart from the loo I did not investigate.
I have to say it was also comfortable both temperature wise and furntiture wise. Did a spot of last minute shopping in Duty Free - some ciggies for the people who look after my dogs and then it was time to board. We did not rush to board as we assumed that we would end up queuing again but this time there was priority boarding, as I seem to remember there was in Miami, but not in my experience at LHR or LGW.
Once through to the UC cabin I was for a moment surprised at how large it was after our Las Vegas flight. It is of course the normal sized cabin and it is the Las Vegas cabin that is different. We were visited by the FSD who welcomed us on board and offered to show us how the seat worked and was most insistent that if we had any requirements during the flight we let her or a member of the crew know. I asked if she knew if Virgin had any plans to start flying into SW Florida Internaional Airport as it is now possible to fly direct into this airport (RSW) from France and Germany but not the UK. She told me to contact Virgin and she would put in a customer comment on my behalf. Once in possession of my sleep suit, got changed and settled in for the flight. Is it really true that they are reused?
Before take off we were offered drinks, and another round of drinks and then immediately the seat belt signs were turned off more drinks and this time nibble were offered. Crips and olives, no nuts that I saw and these were replenished before being asked for.
The crew were very jovial and hospitable during the boarding process and the announcements were filled with little jokes. The IFBT came round and amazingly we had been on one of her Miami flights in the summer and she remembered us and I her. I had had a treatment from her on the Miami trip and this flight was fairly full so I did not hold out too much hope especially as I declined to be woken for a treatment but fortunately for me when I did wake up she came to get me for a neck and shoulder massage[:)]
The food was forgettable and I do not remember what it was, only that I had the cheese plate again - probably because its not something I generally have at home. Again there seemed to be consternation that I did not want more to eat - they actually seem to care that a passenger might be hungry. The lights were dimmed quite quickly but it was a night flight so no big deal. Watched a good film with Halle Berry which had a good twist and then settled down to sleep. I found the bed very hard this time which came as a surprise to me, also remember being a bit cold. Husband slept very well indeed - but then he can sleep on a washing line - nothing disturbs his sleep. He had asked to be woken for breakfast so I did too - this was good but simple for me, hot toast and cereal and tea. Just right. Mr Avalon had the mushroon omelette, bacon and sausage and anything/everything else going. He did however complain that he had been woken from his sleep! Sometimes you cant win.
The IFBT told me that there was some sort of dare going on among the crew to see what 'phrases' they could get into the flight announcements without passengers noticing so I was bemused to hear an announcement asking passengers to make sure that when they open the overhead lockers, they are careful not to let their possessions fall and to make sure they take everything including their sticky sausage fingers. I looked around the neighbouring passengers and not one seemed to have noticed. I guess I will just have to listen to all flight announcements in future to see what else slips in.
Then the lights came up fully and people started to move around and get dressed again. It was a smooth landing and once down the walk to immigration was not too bad. Queues were not too bad and we were at the front quite fast AND the immigration officer was very friendly!
The suitcases came through very quickly (unlike BA) and ours were among the first so we were through in record time. I had not realised that there would be no one with a board with our name on it at arrivals and that we had to present ourselves at the desk so it was a nervous moment before the penny dropped! However no complaints, we were soon into the car and on our way home.
All in all can honestly say that apart from the BA flights we are already commited to this year, I much prefer the service and standards offered by Virgin.