VS012 BOS-LHR 25 Nov 07 (PE)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

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VS 12 BOS LHR 25th Nov (PE)

After 4 great nights in Boston it was time to return.

Did OLCI the night before in our hotel, The Sheraton, and made our way to the airport via the T line at just after 16:00 on the Sunday afternoon which was $2 each and fairly easy.

The pre-check-in security lady was very jobs worth, and gave us a pre-printed paper receipt (dont really know why!) The check-in was fairly quiet, with a couple at UC and a few more at the economy line, and nobody at the PE line. We joined the PE line as instructed but there was no agent there and had to wait for the economy desk to become available. The check-in guy was very friendly and with in a few moments we were on our way, in seats 19 H+K.

Security was the usual chaos it is in the US and we were finally through to the terminal, and headed for gate 8A. The departure lounge was fairly busy, we had a quick bite to eat, got a few last minute presents and at 18:45 we were called for boarding (10 minutes early, a nice change from the outward flight!)

Once we sat down champers was offered and we were on our way at about 19:40 and informed that the flight time was 5hrs 50mins, so fairly quick. A drink was served, and shortly after lunch was offered. I had the roast chicken which was OK. Brandy/Baileys were offered afterwards.

V-Port was finally started an hour after departure, why it takes so long is beyond me, and on such a short flight it is a huge amount of time! The crew were excellent; we had a few juice rounds and a fruit round. About an hour before landing we were offered breakfast, a coffee and a slice of cake (some breakfast that is!!). I think even the crew were embarrassed slightly by this and came around for a second time offering the ones of us that were awake a second helping!

About 50 mins before landing V-Port was switched off (again, why so early!!!!) and we made our descent into LHR. We landed at about 06:45, 30mins or so early and then had a long taxi to what I believe was Gate 1.

The usual chaos at immigration, but our bags were off quickly and we were soon on the road back to West Wales.

A very good flight overall, the crew were excellent, and the food was OK (apart from the so-called breakfast!). The only downside was the late start and early finish of the V-Port system

[Nottingham Nick]

Thanks papadoc. [y]

What did you think of the Sheraton? We were there last November for the V-Flyer haircut run, and thought it was looking a little tired and worn - ready for a refurb. Is that still the case?

Totally agree with you about V-Port BTW.

Nick

Thanks Nick.

I thought that the Sheraton was OK. We were in the south tower I believe and the room was clean and the beds were extremely comfy.

Didn't use the other facilities much, other than the bar (as you do[:)]) and the free internet access in the lobby, but I would stay there again and the price we paid through skooch.com (£135 in total for 4 nights) was a bargain.

I quite agree about the VPort timings - so on a 5 hr 50 mins VPort was available for 4 hrs and even then you have to suffer all that crap VS put on as the warm up ... hardly worth the effort really on a short night flight - and we know they can do so much better. I often think this is one of the things that defines a good FSM from a trainee.

Originally posted by slinky09
I quite agree about the VPort timings - so on a 5 hr 50 mins VPort was available for 4 hrs and even then you have to suffer all that crap VS put on as the warm up ... hardly worth the effort really on a short night flight - and we know they can do so much better. I often think this is one of the things that defines a good FSM from a trainee.

Yes, totally agree here... The slowness of starting the ife and the spamming of adverts to a captive audience really bugs me.

It's among the fsm's duties to start the ife, so I think we should be marking down on cabin crew performance when this sort of thing happens, as it's a crew responsibility.

Mike

Great TR! Thanks for posting!

GJ