VS012 BOS-LHR 11 Apr 08 (PE)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

I had some miles to use and a single-leg journey (as I had previously flown BA to Seattle, then Seattle to Boston on Alaska Airways earlier in the week...) so I upgraded my 'Y' ticket to PE. This was also my first time in the 'new' PE cabin (all other trips have been out of LGW recently) so I wasn't sure what to expect.

I arrived at Logan International very early for the 1945 VS012 flight and on enquring at the desk I was told I couldn't check drop my bags off until 1530 - fair enough. Fortunately there are some eateries in 'Terminal E' so after a bite to eat, a bit of wandering around landside and a sit in the very comfy seats (note: don't close eyes!) it was soon time to be inspected by security, have the obligatory sticker slapped to the back of my passport (never to be checked again??!) and to get checked in.

Security was speedy as expected (TSA were fine when I walked down the Business/First lane with nothing to say I was in PE other than my boarding pass showing the class). Rocking chairs were a cool addition to the departures lounge but I decided to stick with the leather seats and to listen to some music instead. Plenty of time to pick up a bottle of Bacardi Gold for the wife and as it was boiling in the lounge get a 'Frappucino' in Starbucks to cool down.

The flight was called at gate 7B and as usual those PE and FC silver members were offered the 'priority boarding' queue. However just as I got there, out of nowhere - all the Upper Class passengers descended from the Clubhouse, and I was pushed out of the way (literally). It seems that some people have forgotten how to queue! (rant: If I'm flying UC I don't expect to push in front of other people who are perfectly entitled to be in that queue... very rude!).

As I boarded and found my seat (33D) I was handed a bottle of water and elected to take a glass of sparkling wine. Expecting to be displaced by someone wanting to get into the seats next to me I was surprised when all of a sudden the doors were closed and we were soon pushing back. I notice a woman still settling into 33G across the plane who looks flustered - still on her mobile even though we are pushing back. I glare at her and she finishes her call. As we taxi to the runway, an FA approaches her and asks to see her boarding pass. '64F - MADAM YOUR SEAT IS THIS WAY' !! Looking around I see PE is half empty. Not what I expected for a Friday night flight back to the UK - but fine by me.

After take off things settled down quickly and service felt quite personal. Menus are handed out and I quickly read through - the menu has calorie information on it... strangely enough after seeing this I elected for the cheese ravioli (half the calories compared to the chicken). Very nicely prepared and quite light, despite the cheese. Personal tea and coffee service was offered (I decline both, and promptly have my tray removed).

I don't watch films so I decided to fiddle with the iMap which was fairly unresponsive and unintuitive to use. I got it to zoom in once, but once zoomed out again I couldn't go back into it. Don't remember it being like this on the last flight with v:port I went on (LHR-HKG-SYD). Not worth calling the FA over as I'm feeling pretty tired anyway. Elect to don noise-cancelling headphones (worth every penny) and before I know it I've dozed off.

I'd like to tell you about the breakfast service, however I woke up to find I've missed breakfast/tea/coffee, and we're starting the descent. Luckily I still had my bottle of water, which I gulped thirstily.

From the FA: 'Those on the right hand side of the plane will have a great view of Buckingham Palace, and on the left you'll find... Tesco.' (I'm cringing, but I'm sure some people found it funny).

Landing was 20 minutes ahead of schedule, not bad going. After a brisk (but long) walk through to Passport control, I remember I signed up for IRIS. Sharp left and straight into an IRIS machine which, despite my somewhat bleary eyes decide that I am a UK citizen and let me into the country. Arrive at the baggage hall just as my bags come through. 15 minutes from plane to wife (waiting landside) - a record!

All in all, a comfortable, hassle-free and fast flight.

Originally posted by StuartPreston
The flight was called at gate 7B and as usual those PE and FC silver members were offered the 'priority boarding' queue. However just as I got there, out of nowhere - all the Upper Class passengers descended from the Clubhouse, and I was pushed out of the way (literally). It seems that some people have forgotten how to queue! (rant: If I'm flying UC I don't expect to push in front of other people who are perfectly entitled to be in that queue... very rude!).

Despite being a universally UC pax for a dozen plus years, I am always wary of barging in in front of anyone, whether it be Y or anyone else, unless there is a clear filter. Sadly VS very frequently do not enforce any priority boarding at all and this unfortunately breeds exactly the sort of activity you're describing. As a UC pax I don't know if there's meant to be a pecking order UC/Au/PE/Ag/Y, but any priority order at all is rarely clearly marked and/or enforced at all at the gate in my experience. The experience you encountered is almost certainly due to regulars who are PO'd with VS's general lack of marking and/or enforcement of any priority.

Believe me, I stand in line with everyone if there is no clear priority line. I'm far more comfortable doing that than making a scene. It's an issue VS have needed to address for some time. Other carriers seem to manage this better. The bean counters won't like it, but IMHO on this occasion it is a staffing matter: a lack of them.

SQ for example have staff to comb the line deliberately for premium pax caught up in the genral melange.

H

[honey lamb]

Welcome to V-Flyer and thank you for a good, informative TR [y]

Re Howard's comment, recently at LHR boarding from the clubhouse after the usual 'go to the front of the line' I was having my Visa checked by security at the gate when a UC PAX appeared beside us at the head of the queue. He was given a public humilation by the security guy and told very loudly to get to the back of the queue. The UC PAX sheepeshly replied he was only doing what he was told and obeyed the instruction.

I had a dreadful experience back in 1998. I was being personally escorted from the Orlando lounge and arrived at the gate just as a family with a child in a wheelchair were in the middle of being checked and boarded. My over enthusiastic staff member to my utter amazement started to pull rank in order to get me boarded ahead of the family. I kept protesting and finally walked away from the by now very public heated discussion. Personally I appreciate priority boarding when it is clearly marked and easy to follow, but if I am in the slightest doubt I wait my turn - hoping they haven't run out of champagne by the time I get to my seat!