This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
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A quick trip over to NYC for a bit of shopping, a few show meetings, and to see some friends was the plan, originally I was going to fly with EOS to give them a try after still fussing about the poor service I received last time I was flying Virgin UC. However after a friend wanted to join me we decided to fly Virgin, and after much deliberation I got somewhat conned into flying Y along with my travel partner so they could save money. It did mean I got to pick the hotel though more on that towards the end of the report (ohhh if ever there was a teaser and reason to keep reading, thatll be it right there.)
So with my fate resigned to an economy trip and the hope of a somewhat empty plane and quick flight I departed to Heathrow. Had checked in online and didnt get given the opportunity to change my seats, dashing my earlier hopes of an empty flight. Heathrow was very busy but check in and the bag drop was rather quick using the PE area, there was a bit of a line for the bag drop and I was called over to the UC check in area which meant a few moments later and we were in the short line for security. Frustratingly the flight was obviously full in economy so there was the slim hope of an op-up keeping my spirits high.
A quick run through security and avoiding the shoe malarkey, we headed towards the clubhouse thanks to the matterbox thing. The flight was 9.30am and we checked in at 6.45am so were among the first in the clubhouse. My travel partner had a quick bit of breakfast while I had a shower and steam, and we both went for haircuts at 7.30am. By 8 I was out with a nice trim but her being a girl meant she was there till 8.45, giving me enough time to get some stuff from the deli to eat, and to sit in front of the big tv after a quick email check in the Library of course. Clubhouse was splendid as usual and it wasnt too long before the flight was called. I quickly spoke to concierge in this time to see if there was any op-up availability or a miles upgrade but it wasnt looking too hopeful.
Took the short walk to the gate and had my fingers crossed for a beep, but didnt get it so reluctantly made my way into economy. Walking down the jet bridge, akin to that bit in dead man walking, as hes on his way to the chair.. or is that me being a bit over-dramatic.
Got into our seats which were around row 48 off the top of my head, and were two in the middle section, which I was not too pleased about, ah well. They did have the new seats which were nice and clean, and actually really rather comfy. No where near enough leg room, or enough places for me to put my bits and bobs, but it was ok. The new chairs when reclining have good lumbar support and kind of slide forward, which meant for a good nap (more on that in a second.)
Quickly took off and V Port was fired up with the welcome video as they offered the first drink service.. I was glad Id eaten in the Clubhouse as there was no food till lunchtime. Because I had an early start I decided to nap at what was early morning NY time and then wake up around 10am NY time to get my body clock right, so noice cancelling headphones on, the relaxation meditation thing on v-port, eye shades and recline and off to the land of nod. For about 45 minutes when I was woken by the cabin crew asking me to put my seat forward. If it was meal service time, then fine, but it wasnt. It was only drinks time. I was not please. Not only did they wake me up rather abruptly but it was that age old debate again in economy of the recline issue so I sat there cursing my luck for not being in UC or PE, but not wanting to argue put my seat up and fell back asleep waking a good few hours later in a lot of pain.
The pain was subsiding by the time there was food, but of course by the time they reached me they had ran out of vegi options for economy, so while I suggested they just give me the UC or PE option, the crew fed everyone else, and eventually found me a cold, stodgy economy vegi meal around the time they were cleaning up everyone elses food, a mouthful or two is all I could take, it was a cheesy pasta thing, and to be honest, tasted rather like sick. What a treat.
I caught a movie and just got to the end as we descended into JFK. Quickly disembarked and queued for about 20 mins at customs, meaning our bags were waiting for us the other side and we jumped into a cab to the city. Im so bored of people at the airport trying to get me on a bus or in a sedan, just leave me alone and let me catch a cab surely the port authority can do something about this?
So that was the end of the flight, which wasnt too bad, but certainly wasnt the best flight Ive ever had, and made me feel thankful for all the times Ive flown up the front of the bus.
A quick line about NYC and the flight back now to save me doing another TR. The flight back was VS10 on the 9th March, which was on time, the earlier flight was being delayed, had food in the clubhouse before, which was very busy so we had to sit at the bar, then I was asleep before we even took off on the return.. I was tired and hungover. I slept the whole flight and woke up just outside of Heathrow, so theres my tip to those at the back of the bus, have very little sleep the night before you fly, combine that with a few drinks, and then youll zonk out the whole flight back perfect.
NYC wise we stayed at The London on W54th and 7th which is a really lovely all suites hotel perfectly located for 5th, The Park and the theatre district. All the food is done by Gordon Ramsey so had a lovely meal in his restaurant and some good (but bloody expensive) room service. Highly recommend this hotel to anyone staying in mid-town it really was a delight. Did some good shopping and spent the difference between economy and UC on a really nice jacket and bag, so that was worth the pain of economy.
And thus we reach the end, I could go on saying what shows I saw I NYC and such delights, but youll be bored of reading this by now so go have that cup of tea youve been promising yourself off you go.
