VS022 IAD-LHR 29 Oct 07 (Upper)
Posted: 02 Nov 2007, 02:13The flight to IAD was uneventful apart from the usual American sitting beside me who, on hearing Im from Ireland then tells me that his mom/grandfather/uncle/aunt/second cousin twelve times removed is from/has just been/wants to go/has bought a burial plot there (Delete as appropriate). It is so hard to muster up enthusiasm to respond. Sorry, I digress.
On arrival in IAD I made my way to the VS desk, unsure as to what time it would open given that the US had not changed the clocks at the same time as us. I had been told, when booking that it would be at 3p.m. but given that the flight was not leaving till 8:15p.m. I was not entirely convinced. When I got there, there was a sizeable queue for Economy but no-one for PE or UC. A security guy was at the entrance to the check-in area but apart from the demarcation lines between the three classes there was no other evidence of activity. The security guy asked all the questions they are supposed to ask and put the sticker on my passport before directing me to the UC line. At this point another lady, who clearly had been waiting for some time came forward and went into the PE line. She complained vociferously that check-in wasnt open and thought that it was supposed to do so four hours before the flight. I opined that it wouldnt open till 4p.m. whereupon she got very indignant, insisting that the flight left at 6:15p.m. Oh dear! Who had confused her clocks going forwards with her clocks going back? She looked suitably abashed when she realised her mistake but I honestly couldnt blame her as later on when trying to reset my watch, I too got so confused that I texted Aer John to ask what was the time in Ireland. [:I] Ah well, it helped pass the time as we chunnered away, grumbling at the redcaps who, as they brought passengers luggage to check-in, were piling the bags up at the head of the queue and completely in our way or watching the VS staff wheel out the podium for the security guy, roll out the red carpet for the UC line and stock the desks with all the paraphernalia necessary to check in a plane-load of passengers. Incidentally the VS desks were decorated for Halloween and as far as I could see were the only airline to do so. Unfortunately my camera wasnt working, so no pics. Finally they were ready for the off and as each desk opened they called the UC (and Au) passengers forward first.
I was checked in by as pleasant a girl as you could wish and then directed towards the Clubhouse. Security was quick and far less hairy than when I had passed through the same area a week previously and I quickly made my way to the B gates and the Clubhouse where they were issuing a final call for the SAA flight and the last of the passengers were leaving. I had hoped the Clubhouse manager whom I had met on my previous visit would be there but alas, she was off duty that day. However the lady at the desk was as pleasant and efficient. I had decided at that stage to seek an upgrade, although I was aware I was on a K fare and realised it might not be possible. However if you dont ask, you dont get and I reckoned I had spent many miles on other people and precious few on myself, so it was my turn to treat myself, if possible. It was entirely possible and a few minutes after arriving she called me over to choose my seat. [^] She confirmed that the flight was very full that night and judging by the activity around the desk during my stay, I reckon a fair few sought upgrades and received them. My chances of being beeped at the gate I felt were nought to zero, so I was glad I had made the request when I did.
As I said earlier, the SAA passengers had just left the lounge and the staff were preparing the place for the onslaught of VS passengers. To be fair the public areas were pristine but in the back the dishwasher was going at full spate and no-one realised I was there. I helped myself to some snacks from the buffet while I waited but once they realised I was there they were suitably apologetic. Actually, the service in the IAD Clubhouse is superb. The staff are constantly circulating and making sure you have everything you want or need. I was hungry and had a very delicious club sandwich accompanied by a glass or three of champagne.
Eventually boarding was called and for some reason the people who had left the Clubhouse before me attached themselves to the back of the economy line instead of going straight ahead. As a result I was first on board in UC and the speed with which the crew jumped to attention when I arrived was very gratifying. I felt like royalty. [:D] I was ushered to my seat, my bag and jacket taken and stowed and my drink and sleep suit given. The cabin crew then came round to explain the GNF service and later to take orders before take-off. Everyone seemed to be getting the same level of service and I just thought they were great. The IFBT came round and although I requested a hands treatment I also requested not to be woken.
We pushed back on time in fact slightly early and were soon airborne. Because it was the end of the month it was the manual safety demonstration and not the video which I really miss. I had elected for the GNF service and as soon as the crew were able to move about the cabin I was served a drink, some cheese straws and a glass of port which was just what I wanted and was perfect. I converted the suite to a bed and settled down for the night. At some stage I got up to use the bathroom and the cabin was in darkness with everyone asleep. However, one of the cabin crew, on hearing someone moving about came out and asked if I needed anything. I didnt expect to sleep again but before I knew it, it was 6:15 and the cabin was fully lit and active. I quickly changed just as the captain announced he would be switching on the seat belt sign in 15 minutes and at the crews invitation, had breakfast at the bar where bacon butties and muffins were laid out. A bacon butty and a glass of orange juice hit the spot before I returned to my seat just before the seat belt sign came on and we landed on time at LHR. My coat and carry-on were headed back to me and for once there was a gate available for us and we headed for the long trek to Immigration.
The queues were short enough in Immigration for the EU lines but I got a little bit annoyed when just before my turn, a wheelchair passenger was brought up to the desk I was in line for, accompanied by a veritable tribe of family members. [:(!] There were at least six or seven and those of us the line were disgruntled to say the least. The Immigration officer told them that only one of them should have accompanied the wheelchair passenger but then proceeded to process the lot of them. Since I didnt have any bags to collect I quickly made my way to Revivals and it was on the way there that I first realised my stupidity in having had my bags tagged all the way through to ORK. All my toiletries were in there! [B)] Oh, I realised there would be shower gel and shampoo in Revivals but what about the other lotions and potions I use such as hair mousse, deodorant and various creams and moisturisers, as well as my hairbrush? No, they were all nestling somewhere in the bowels of LHR well away from me. I performed my toilette as well as I could without these necessities and then, following a tasty second breakfast and a read of the papers I headed off to T1 and my flight home.
But honey lamb, you said you had shot yourself in the foot twice? [?] I did but you will just have to read this trip report.[:w]