V-Flyer

My trip over to see the parents in Florida started on Saturday morning as myself and the GF left our flat outside Guildford to head down to her parents for the weekend. Sunday saw us dodging the rain as we ran our final holiday errands around The Lanes in Brighton. About mid afternoon, as the Wimbledon final was delayed for rain, we headed up to LGW to make the most of the twilight check in facility.

Arrived at LGW to find Zone A an utter mess. The Easyjet check in area really was like those horrid pictures you see on the tv show Airline (which seems to always be on Sky Three!). Walked straight up to the check in desks for VS and ran through the usual security questions. Got to the check in desk to be informed that we should have used the self check in computers. So with bags and all we were redirected through the barriers and back to the self check in desks. Why the security guard and the VS Check In supervisor didnt tell us I dont know. Checked in to find that our seat requests (which were still fine some three hours earlier) had gone and we were now back down in row 40 something. O well, it is a seat request so all is not lost. Then went back through the barriers to the regular check in desks/bag drop. Waited some 15 minutes in line, only one desk was open but there were three staffers stood to the side just gossiping. Finally called forward and enquired about the three inches of extra legroom which we have discussed at length recently. Was informed there was only one plane currently in this configuration and it was operating to Kingston the next day. Then we decided to pay the 50 to sit in the exit row seats, 25B and C secured, this was much more appealing than the 850 VH wanted to upgrade to PE. Payment done straight away rather than having to come back tomorrow. Bags tagged we returned to the car and were out of the short stay in 45 minutes, not too bad but could have been quicker. Check in marked down as through the whole process the young man checking us in was talking to his colleague who was filling her nails at the desk and he was clearly not in the best of moods.

Next morning we left Brighton at about 7.30 to head up the M23. I was following Mdviponds operation car drop. I was driving my parents car up to LGW, as they returning back for a while on Thursday (with the dark side for the first time). Car dropped off at Park Plus and in the south terminal within 10 minutes of arriving at the car park. Top marks. Looked at the downstairs security line and decided to go through rather than go upstairs. Through within a matter of minutes, everyone at LGW are subjected to the shoe carnival which was handled very well. Cant believe I will write this but top marks BAA.

Straight upstairs and down the long corridor to find the oasis of calm amongst all those heading off on their stag dos...the Clubhouse. Arrived at 8.45 not bad considering we had sat in traffic on the M23 for 30 minutes Those of you who are regulars will know we paid for the access through VH some 5 months ago. We were quickly seen to be an agent, I stopped to have a quick look at the huge 787 model on display. Voucher taken, informed that the flight would be going from gate 21 with no delay.

Sat down by the large window and started with Bacon sandwich for me, warmed croissant and fruit for the GF with OJ and a pot of tea. GF went to check if she could have a treatment, came back 2 minutes later to say she was booked for a treatment at 9.30! Then did what all good V-Flyers do and started on the alcohol! I was very impressed with the CH, it really is as good as all on here say it is. The staff were good, had to catch their eye once or twice but on the whole fantastic.

At 10.45 we left and stopped quickly at duty free to pick up something then it was down to gate 17 for the flight. Was becoming clear we would be delayed due to the a/c change, the original a/c on 21 was now off to LAS, which pleased me as it was Hot Lips who I have flown 6 times to MCO! A/c was now English Rose. We were informed the incoming was late so plane had been changed hence the gate change. A massive queue for the gate, stretched down to gate 15. Stood for about 25 minutes waiting to get to the front. No priority boarding but J passengers were walking straight down to the front of the queue. Boarded after 20 minutes, last ones, with a long wait all the way down the air-bridge.

Onboard found that our seats were right by door 2L, which we knew already. Doors closed within five minutes and then the captain was on to inform we had missed our slot so would wait on gate for at least 35 minutes. We started chatting to the crew member sat at our door, she had been swapped from the 15 to the 27. We soon found out she commuted down from up north and that her daughter was also crew for VS, although they had not worked a flight together. With conservation flowing I told her about VF. As soon as I mentioned it I got that you geek look and decided that it was best not to continue chatting about it! I really did feel rather stupid. The FSM was also sat at our door and we chatted to them both. They both commented on how they preferred the LHR routes due to the type of passenger, LAS was their least favourite route and that getting a NRT run is extremely rare. ORD was their favourite destination.

At 12.30 we pushed back and were airborne just after 1pm. A massive long roll using all the runway. Route was straight out over the West Country, over Ireland waving to HL as we went and then straight over the pond. Seat belts kept on for longer than usual (which the CC informed us was because LGW had been experiencing bad turbulence that morning), we chatted to the CC member and the FSM. The FSM was out of his seat though within about 2 minutes of take off and into his office.

Drinks service started as soon as crew released. Super Nova was fired up very quickly, opted for 21 which was pretty slow and not that great.

This was followed shortly by the arrival of the GFs special meal. My meal arrived about 30 minutes later. I opted for chicken pie and am sorry to report it was the worse VS meal I have had in years. Really quite awful. The GF went for a dairy free meal which we had spoken to VS about. Imagine our shock to find her meal had cheese, butter, cream and milk with it. Luckily the main meal was just about OK for her although again she did not think it was up to much. The house salad was the only other thing she could eat. I did think about raising this with the CC but the GF didnt want to make a fuss or a scene. My meal was accompanied by the Berry Bros. House White, pasta salad, roll, cheese and crackers and a Fru pot for afters. The GF was not offered any wine with her meal. A very disappointing meal. Being at the front the meal was served fast but took a while to be cleared. So food will be getting a very low mark especially due to the joke of a special meal, btw to this day we are still unsure what the GF was given for her main meal, something with Chick Peas in we believe.

So now, having watched the F Word on my iPod, we are somewhere between Greenland and Halifax. Duty Free has just been finished, turns out we have a virgin crew member, today being her very first flight and first time to Orlando ever. The crew member who was sat at our door, has been first class. She is working the J cabin I believe and has twice offered myself and the GF drinks....fantastic service!

Will update later on, clearly is the first crew rest period. So far so good. Delay a bit annoying, couldnt be helped and goes to show (yet again) that often delays are unavoidable. We should touch down at around the same time as the 15 and the BA flight so think it will be a quick March to immigration.

So lets kick off again. Ice cream was served half way through the flight and a third movie run been started. We seemed to skirt the Eastern Seaboard, probably some 30minutes flying out to sea. Second period of crew rest clearly has been happening. The FSM has been very absent throughout the flight. Not sure if he is in the J cabin but it is clear he is not helping out in anyway in the galley at door 2 or indeed upstairs in W.

About an hour and a half out of MCO the afternoon tea service was started. Again we witnessed some poor thought processes by VS catering staff. We were both offered sandwiches which consisted of cheese and ham and a chicken Caesar salad filling. The GF was not offered any alternative and was informed there was no other option on questioning. Hot drinks also served, the GF asked if there was any chance of a hot chocolate due to her dairy problem but was told no.

**Rant on** Fine we are not J passengers but surely when you order a special meal you would expect the afternoon tea to be special as well, there is no way anyone who was veggie or with the problem the GF had could have eaten the afternoon tea, a piece of fruit would have been fine **rant off**.

Hot drinks are now served in a large take away style cup, which was half full. Was informed in no uncertain terms that refills are not offered as they now give more Tea to start with. This was debatable IMHO.

With about 50 minutes to go the First Officer was on to inform us that we would be straight down and into Orlando. The seat belt sign was placed on and then the mad rush on behalf of the crew to secure the cabin began. They just about got the galley secure by the time the double chim was heard to inform them to take their seats for landing. We came in over Kennedy Space Centre with some great views of the shuttle launch pads and landing strip. Then it was the usual routine of circling just above Altamonte Springs before descending down over the Beeline (or Beachline for those who dont remember the good old days!) for a very firm landing on a damp MCO runway.

The CSS did the welcome to Orlando blurb. Landed only an hour late so we had caught up a bit of time. Taxied onto stand to find the Manchester flight had arrived but no sign of the BA or 15 from LGW, although the 15 airbridge had agents stood on it waiting for the a/c to arrive. Doors opened within 3 minutes and we were the first off the aircraft. To his credit the FSM said we could leave ahead of J and W because we would only be in the way of those leaving. A brisk walk down to immigration with a non-reving crew member and into an empty immigration hall where we had our pick of the agents. Ended up being stamped by an agent who I have had before and is always very friendly. Bags were off the belt within about 10 minutes of clearing immigration and we sailed through Customs. The crew were already ahead of us.

The new system at MCO of being allowed to take your bags onto the monorail is fantastic. We then followed signs to the A Terminal arrivals (VS have moved from B terminal) and were inline at the VH/Dollar rental car desk within 15 minutes of arriving in immigration. Only 2 people in front of us (by the time we finished at the desk the queue was about 80 long!). The car took longer than expected as the computer systems were down but we were walked all the way to our waiting car in the special VH zone. I thought this was excellent and have never experienced this when booking direct with a hire company. The guy showed us the controls of the car etc. I was impressed by the VH hire car set up. Being under 25 it was the only way we could get a car at a reasonable rate for our trip. We were home at my parents by 6.45pm which was not too bad given that we landed at 4.50pm and had an hour and 15 minute drive!

So my thoughts:

Twilight check in works well and its a real perk for it to be free, question is how long will it be free for. CH was excellent, everything we expected and more. The staff in there were top notch and a credit to VS. The delay was unavoidable and goes to show that delays are not always as bad as the stats make out.

AS for the flight. The exit row seats were good and it was nice not to have anyone next to us. Worth the extra money if only for the chance to be first off the aircraft and not having to wait in immigration. Food was awful, my meal was shocking and VS idea of a special meal was a joke. I am not asking for J class food just something that is slightly edible. We were both hungry by the time we left the aircraft.

The crew were ok. A couple of good gems amongst them. Due to our position in the cabin we got to see the FSM at work first hand, which most Y passengers do not see. His time was spent locked up in his office or not around. He didnt really seem to help the crew out, at least not with the W or Y service. Not sure if its too harsh to say that the crew were only ok because of the lack of leadership from the FSM. It was quite clear there were two splits on the crew front. Some did not know each other at all, having to loudly ask the other their name. On the split side one crew member was very friendly with all the crew, calling them sweetheart and darling all the time and quite touchy.

I think the I need some valium to get me through this flight which was heard from one crew members mouth really sums up the fact that they were an ok flight crew. VH and the car worked a treat although we are looking forward to the day when we are over 25 and can start getting some real good bargains/use the FC miles.

All in all, the flight was fine. A few moans, nothing really to write home about and clear that cost cutting is on over drive across the cabins (one hot drink service all flight, no blankets or pillows!).

I agree on the bizarre special meal aproach - it should apply to the afternoon tea and breakfast too. I always have a gluten free option and am nearly always offered a regular muffin for breakfast !?

Thanks Will for the TR, sounds like a pretty dire flight, the food sounds awful. I have read a few times when people have requested a vegan meal and the FA offered them a bread roll, with butter and cheese? [:?] Also to hear a FA saying they need a valium to get through the flight is a bit off. OK it can't be easy on the MCO with heaps of kids etc, but be a little more discreet eh!

Hope you had a great time in Florida.

Dominic

Great TR thanks Will. Sounds like you got both the good and bad side of VS on this flight, and I would certainly be writing a letter about the lack of any afternoon tea/snack for your GF.

With conservation flowing I told her about VF. As soon as I mentioned it I got that Òyou geekÓ look and decided that it was best not to continue chatting about it! I really did feel rather stupid.

I am ashamed at you Will. Yes we are geeks but we are proud of it and you should have continued to spread the VF word, not become ashamed. I think you need to go back to VF training school.

Neil

Originally posted by Neil

With conservation flowing I told her about VF. As soon as I mentioned it I got that Òyou geekÓ look and decided that it was best not to continue chatting about it! I really did feel rather stupid.

I am ashamed at you Will. Yes we are geeks but we are proud of it and you should have continued to spread the VF word, not become ashamed. I think you need to go back to VF training school.

[:D] Maybe its about time I showed myself on a social so you can educate me!

Sorry you had such a rubbish flight. I was chuckling to myself when the crew said they hated LGW flights, especially Vegas. I dread Vegas and get one every roster. Hehe. Chicago is probably one of the most sought after trips in the company. People love it!

I think Orlando and Vegas are my two least favorite runs. Passengers are great on Orlando's but the planes are so old and the entertainment so dodgy and just soooo many economy seats.

I am glad you had a nice time in the Clubhouse

Originally posted by willd
All in all, the flight was fine. A few moans, nothing really to write home about and clear that cost cutting is on over drive across the cabins (one hot drink service all flight, no blankets or pillows!).

There should have been 3 hot drinks services (2 with the main meal and 1 with afternoon tea) and we still provide blankets and pillows although as you were sitting at an exit row they may have been stowed by the crew before boarding commenced.

There are several things I would have spoken to the CSS about including the Valium comment and the mix up with your girlfriends dairy free meal (there should have been something loaded for her for the second service).

So much depends upon the FSM.
Just got off VS001 - completely different from your flight.
The FSM, Pete, worked none stop. It clearly had an effect upon the rest of the crew - a full flight, but pax could not have got better service.

Had a long chat with both Pete & Nicki. I got the impression that much of the service that we receive is decided the moment that crew see that white board with the crew list on...They all know immediately how good a flight it will be - with some senior crew it is always a good trip.

What also came over was that we, as pax, simply do not thank CC enough!
If we get good service we MUST say so. We must say 'Thank you'. That gives the incentive to continue.
Pete & Nicki (permission given to use names) - a great flight - a pleasure to fly with you and the rest of a great crew!

Originally posted by Bill S

What also came over was that we, as pax, simply do not thank CC enough!
If we get good service we MUST say so. We must say 'Thank you'. That gives the incentive to continue.

and.....

please let your FSM/CSS know when things go wrong so we can do our best to fix it for you. [y]

The dietry menus really are poorly thought out, as i had a wheat free meal which consisted of main meal, which i couldnt eat and a banana, then the second service was another banana! I reckon eat well in the terminal before you leave.