V-Flyer

My parents drove me to JFK and we arrived around 19:30.

There was a short wait at check-in, but they had three UC desks open so it was moving quickly. I did not go to the lounge as my parents were with me so we just kind of wandered around a bit. At the opposite end of the terminal from where I needed to be there was a massive queue for security. We were looking at the screen and trying to determine which flights were causing the queue, but we could not figure it out. Fortunately, at the end where I needed to be there was absolutely no line for security and I breezed right through.

Priority boarding was in place, so straight onto the plane taking my seat in 12A, which was looking a little beat-up. The captain announced a flight time of 6h11m. He also announced that there would be some pockets of turbulence during the flight. I like when pilots make this sort of announcement. Even though I know it is just a mental thing, it makes me feel calmer during the turbulence when I know about it ahead of time and know that it is expected by the flight deck.

While people were still boarding and some other things were being taken care of (more on that in a second) the IFE system came on. It played an IF health video and the Fly Without Fear video. I have not seen that before having these segments play while waiting to push back from the gate. The audio was being played out loud, for everyone to hear. At 9:30pm an announcement was made that we were being delayed as a result of needing to offload a passenger that did not board the flight. I am not sure if that was really the case, however, as I was witnessing a bit of drama in the suite next to me.

First CC, and then groundstaff came over to talk to the woman seated next to me, who was travelling with her partner. English was not their first language, which may have contributed to some confusion regarding the difference between boarding cards, e-tickets and paper tickets. This woman kept being asked for her ticket. She was very confused as she and her partner were travelling together under the same booking but for whatever reason, only her ticket was an issue. She showed them what she had and they kept asking for more and she was confused about what else she needed to show. People kept leaving and coming back over. Everyone was very nice when speaking with this couple, but the couple were obviously concerned. Eventually it was determined that a paper ticket had been issued and that someone at check-in had forgotten to take a piece from the paper ticket that they were supposed to collect. It was in no way the passengers fault, and they did explain it was not her fault and apologise to her. Shortly after, we pushed back from the gate.

The SRB video was played during take-off. The FSM, J made a special announcement just to the UC cabin where he went through the details of the service onboard the flight, discussed the Freedom concept of the Freedom Menu and indicated that he would call ahead to confirm limos for those passengers who had them booked. This was the most detailed announcement I have ever heard from a FSM.

We finally took off at 10:10pm, and the IFE was up by 10:15pm, when the SRB video ended. Unlike my flight to JFK, where the FSM brought around the amenity basket but there was no IFBT onboard, on this flight there was an IFBT, but no amenity basket. I have since read about the plight of the IFBT. I noticed the couple next to me were the first ones to have treatments, which I am sure was no coincidence after the chaos with their ticket that was not their fault. I also received a lovely Back in the Clouds treatment from a very nice IFBT, who I hope finds a new position she enjoys within VS.

Not too much else to report as I tried to sleep for the rest of the flight. An announcement was made when we were in our descent pattern where someone from the flight deck said that passengers seated on the right-hand side of the plane may noticed a Delta aircraft that appears to be very close to us, but please do not worry as it is actually X000 feet below us. I was slightly disappointed I could not see this from my seat!

The FSM also announced to the UC cabin that all limos had been confirmed for those passengers with limos booked. I thought it was a nice touch that showed he was really looking after everyone.

We landed roughly on time and I sailed through iris. My bag was about the 4th or 5th out which was nice after my debacle at JFK on the outbound trip. Then it was off for home.

I did not go to the lounge as my parents were with me

Bless you [:)] I'd have to remind myself of some time when my parents were mean to me during my childhood to satisfy myself with leaving them in the terminal while the calm of JFK Clubhouse called to me [:)]

Thanks,
Sarah

Originally posted by HighFlyer

I did not go to the lounge as my parents were with me

Bless you [:)] I'd have to remind myself of some time when my parents were mean to me during my childhood to satisfy myself with leaving them in the terminal while the calm of JFK Clubhouse called to me [:)]

Thanks,
Sarah

[:)]

They weren't actually flying with me, just hanging out until I went through security to board. I figure this is a price I pay for living across an ocean from them!