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VS012 BOS-LHR 11 Feb 08 (PE)

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 11:47
by Nottingham Nick
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
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This will be a short TR, by my recent standards, but it was another good VS experience, so I thought I would share it. [:D]

The trip back didnt start well, as I got an email on my blackberry mid-morning from Norwalk saying that the VS12 tonight is delayed until 9.30pm. (from 7.45pm). This is an excellent system and enabled us to re-plan the day.

We did our last minute bits and then got the T back to Logan. As usual when you are in no rush at all, the trains arrived almost immediately, as did the 33 shuttle to Terminal E. We were given quite a grilling by the security guy and then went to the deserted UC check in; where a very pleasant chap got us sorted and issued the lounge invitation unfortunately the brand new Clubhouse doesnt open for a couple of weeks, so we are back in the old Aer Lingus place. The new CH was all boarded up, so I couldnt have a nose round it is on the corner and the entrance will be the first thing you see as you come out of the lift from the gate area.

In the lounge, there were still quite a few Aer Lingus passengers in when we arrived, but they soon went. Take off is now scheduled to for after 10pm now. I bought a 24 hour internet pass for $7.95.

At 6.45pm the buffet was set up. I have to say it was very nice :

Light bites:

Butternut squash & apple soup garnished with smoky bacon
Salad of mesclun greens with Asian pears, apples, sweet potatoes, cranberries, raisins & tossed with a poppy seed dressing.
Seared sea scallops.

Mains:

Cajun roasted pork tenderloin
Baked roasted vegetables in a parmesan crusted tart
Japanese Bento box containing apricot chicken, brown rice salad and pineapple.

Sweets:

Pumpkin cheesecake
Fruit skewers.

Cheese and biscuits.


When the inbound arrived the UK papers were brought into the lounge. It was well after 9.30pm by the time we were called to board and we took the short walk to the gate. Priority boarding was working well. The Captain explained that the delay is due to the original plane going tech and being replaced hence the A360 instead of the A340. They also announced a flight time of 5 hours and 56 minutes. The FSM also told us that the aircraft is Emmeline Heaney.

There are only 106 people on board, so there is plenty of room to spread out in all cabins. Push back was 10.20pm and wheels up was finally at 10.40pm, we got great views of Boston as we climbed, and that is all I can really say. Before the drinks service we were both fast asleep and slept soundly until the lights came on and breakfast was served. [|)]I have no idea what was served for the meal, or how many drinks rounds there were. The irony is, of course, that V-Port is fitted to this plane, but we didnt take advantage of it [8D]

Breakfast, such that it is, consisted of a cup of coffee and a cereal bar or a muffin. Following on from the delay taking off, there was fog over Heathrow, so they increased the gap between planes, hence we were stacked for ages and then had to wait for a gate. The Captain also said that it had been a fully automatic landing. It was about 11am, by the time we got off the plane, but fortunately there was no one in the Immigration queue and the priority bags system worked well again. I didn't bother with Revivals, as we were so late, we just wanted to head home.

Apart from the delay, it was another faultless flight. I wouldnt have a problem if the Boston flight always took off this late it certainly makes sleeping a lot easier, and it meant we missed the rush hour on the M25 / M40. [:D][:D]


Nick

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 12:22
by jaguarpig
Thanks Nick you are putting in a few miles early in the year[:D].On the road front I have started using the M1 again they are quite advanced in the work and barring smashes its seems to be running smoothly north bound even at 8am in the morning south bound not had a problem after 10am.

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 12:29
by Nottingham Nick
No more flights 'till July now. (at the moment, at least. [:w])

I used the M1 south last week and hit the Luton road works about 6.30am - 7am and it was horrible, a complete snarl up; then M25 was very slow as well - hence the return to the M40.

I think I will keep going that way, it adds about 12 miles to the journey, but it is a more pleasant run IMHO. Also, when we are going down for an overnight stay at LHR, and will arrive too late to go to the Pheasant, we often call at the Green Man at Silverstone for a meal.

Nick

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 12:38
by Neil
Thanks for the TR Nick. Interesting how light the load was, obviously why VS have got the A343 operating this route at the moment.

Just on the road subject, I always use the M1 until junction 15a and then use the A43 to cut across to junct 10 of the M40, works a treat usually, the A43 is a quick road that misses out the bottom of the M1 and a good chunk of the M25.

Neil

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 13:27
by jaguarpig
I used the M1 south last week and hit the Luton road works about 6.30am - 7am and it was horrible, a complete snarl up; then M25 was very slow as well - hence the return to the M40.

I wouldn't contemplate the M1 south bound at that time I have driven pass the miles of stationary traffic both M25 and M1 when going north bound on the way home.

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 19:17
by McCoy
Another V:Port TR, and no Inflight Trivia high score table photo for my collection. :(

*sigh* Sleeping??? That's no excuse..... ;)

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 20:30
by buns
Nicks

many thanks for yet another informative TR[y]

As you commented in your outbound TR, when VS get it right, they certainly can deliver an excellent service - the message to your Crackberry is an example here.

I suspect the desire to check out the new BOS Clubhouse will tempt you to sneak another weekend before your next planned trip[}:)] Going by the comments made by others about wanting to re-visit Boston, you would not be alone[:w]

buns

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 20:34
by mcmbenjamin
Originally posted by Nottingham Nick
The trip back didn't start well, as I got an email on my blackberry mid-morning from Norwalk saying that the VS12 tonight is delayed until 9.30pm. (from 7.45pm). This is an excellent system and enabled us to re-plan the day.


Did the e-mail note that you could check-in later?

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 20:41
by Nottingham Nick
Originally posted by mcmbenjamin
Did the e-mail note that you could check-in later?


We had already done OLCI, but the email gave the new time of departure as 2130 and then said 'check in is two hours prior to departure.'

As it was, we were at the airport in plenty of time - partly because it was so cold in Boston. [8D][:D]

Nick

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 22:31
by McCoy
Oddly, my VS12 on 6 April has just changed to a 744 !

PostPosted: 14 Feb 2008, 22:40
by RichardMannion
Even with the delay, sounds like you had a good trip!

And what's this about you having a BlackBerry? We need to have words, I can see an offer on Windows Mobiles needing to be done for V-Flyer members...[:w]

PostPosted: 15 Feb 2008, 02:24
by ChuckC
Hope you and Mrs. Nick had a great time in Boston, Nick. I know it is one of your favorites. And then another good flight home to Blighty. A happy man you must be.

Is the A/C you were on the one that was named after the daughter of a man (Mr. Heaney) who won a charity auction to name one of VS's aircraft? Suppose that I should know that. Someone smarter than I, come to the fact rescue, please!

Chuck-

PostPosted: 15 Feb 2008, 08:44
by Decker
Yes :)

PostPosted: 15 Feb 2008, 20:33
by n/a
Hey Nick, the food selection certainly sounds much less 'old folks' home' than the outbound TR. Glad you got home safe and sound.

GJ

PostPosted: 16 Feb 2008, 02:40
by mike-smashing
Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes
Hey Nick, the food selection certainly sounds much less 'old folks' home' than the outbound TR.


That's because it was the hot dinner buffet offered in the lounge! Nick slept through all the onboard food offerings! Maybe for the best? [;)]

Mike

PostPosted: 16 Feb 2008, 03:13
by n/a
Originally posted by mike-smashing
Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes
Hey Nick, the food selection certainly sounds much less 'old folks' home' than the outbound TR.


That's because it was the hot dinner buffet offered in the lounge! Nick slept through all the onboard food offerings! Maybe for the best? [;)]

Mike


Oh Christ, you're right. I missed that cuz I was scanning too fast. I think I'll retract my earlier post and just say:

Great TR! Thanks for posting! [:#]

GJ

PostPosted: 18 Feb 2008, 02:23
by JAT74L
Great TR! Thanks for posting! [:#]

GJ


I'm GLAD you're back!!!

Regards

John