V-Flyer

This is my first trip report, although we have travelled to the Caribbean with Virgin four times previously. It was 18 months since our last trip, so we will see if there have been any changes.

OLCI was done promptly as soon as it opened, as I was aware that UC and PE were full according to the VA site and I wanted to try to ensure that we werent bounced out of the bubble. This was the first time we had used OLCI, which was very smooth, though I decided to get the boarding cards at the bag drop.

Arriving in the Gatwick terminal around 7 am, PE bag-drop was completely empty, so a very brief stop there and our boarding cards had a fast-track security sticker attached. Once again there was no queue at fast-track and we were through in a very few seconds, with just the obligatory hold-up caused by my wifes artificial knee setting off the metal detector!

The biggest queue of the day was for breakfast, with pretty slow service in Garfunkels. Suitably fuelled for the long flight, we arrived at the gate with plenty of time to spare. Boarding didnt start until after 8.45 a.m. for a 9.25 push-back, which seemed optimistic, as was to prove. Priority boarding was being enforced by the gate agents, with announcements being made for passengers to only come up when they were called.

A warm welcome on board Barbarella and drinks were promptly brought around as we settled in our seats in 73H & K. The previous practice of having papers and magazines on board for collecting as you came up the stairs seemed to have been abandoned and when I enquired, I was told that they were at the gate (?) A good job I had brought some of my own. The seat back contained a bottle of water and the type of amenity pack that is usually used on the return journey we missed those useful Virgin beachbags, very welcome around the pool!

A quick check of the IFE confirmed that it was the Nova system bad news, with the controls in the armrest, especially if you are a little horizontally challenged as I am! Push back was delayed by some slow-boarding passengers, but can you really fill a 747 in 35 minutes? Amongst the last boarders upstairs were a baby and a toddler in the seat in front, in the event neither was a problem.

After the usual wait for take-off, the drinks were served quickly; hot towels brought around and by 11.30 we were eating an early lunch! This was the most disappointing main meal I have had on Virgin, a very mediocre barbecue chicken with bacon & cheese, followed by a pleasant, but tiny, Flirty blackcurrant dessert. Alternatives included Beef in mustard sauce and Tortellini.

Strong headwinds meant this really would be a long-haul flight, nine hours from take-off to landing, 90 minutes longer than the return. The St Trinians film helped to fill the time, as did the ice-cream round and then a snack with two finger sandwiches and a cookie.

To summarise we thought the crew were very good throughout what must have been a fairly busy flight. The seats are quite comfortable, although we were surprised that when the person in front reclined their seat it was impossible to stow the table in the armrest, as there was insufficient room. Surely when the LGW fleet gets the new seats, they must start with the Nova equipped planes, assuming they are changing the IFE at the same time.

Our delayed departure and extended flight meant that our arrival in St Lucia co-incided with two American planes, ensuring a long wait to get through immigration, although at least the officials welcome was warm, remarking on our previous St Lucia stamps in the passports. Not surprisingly our bags were already off the belt by the time we were there. (Dont be persuaded to use the baggage porters, its all of 20 yards from customs to the transfer agents or taxis outside the doors) Now just another 90 minute transfer to the hotel!

Graham

(Reposted after site problems)

A very warm welcome to our newest 'GJ' !!! The members can only hope you're not half the ponce that I am...

Very well done and good on you for fighting thru the site problems to share your report.

GJ