V-Flyer

First post, long time reader. I fly VS 7-10 times a year, always for pleasure, always paid for personally so nearly always in Economy! After a busy year at the back of the plane last year I made it to gold FC after several years of silver.

I decided to treat myself to PE for a regular trip to Johannesburg after seeing a pretty decent fare. Check in at LHR was smooth, fast tracking was great and I was in the Clubhouse bfore my shoes laces were retied...I had 3 hours to kill and was looking forward to relaxing before the flight. I have been to the CH a few times in the past but I found the service for the first hour very slow, I had to wait to be served quite a while but as the CH filled up after 6:30 the service was much better. Indulged in a curry, several beers and a haircut and was ready for Africa!

Short trek to the gate, past the scrum and to my immense joy my boarding pass was rejected, seat 33c was scribbled out and replaced with 20a, 'Yes' the woman smiled 'It's in Upper Class'. Oh happy days!! On the plane, turn left and I knew I had a comfortable 11 hours ahead of me. I stowed my kit, asked for a sleep suit, got changed and buckled myself in after a glass of champagne. I had been working all day and it caught up with me as I was soon asleep and woke up well into the flight. Chatting to a very pleasant stewardess I requested just the Beef main course (not bad but not great), made my bed (declined the offer to have it made for me as I could see they were busy), had 1 last drink at the bar and I was out for the count.

I woke up somewhere over Botswana, scoffed down a full breakfast (most acceptable) and a few mugs of earl grey (how civilized) before a quick change and clean before facing the challenges of Johannesburg airport.

Landed on time, off the plane very quickly and first at immigration. Despite my gold status and PE ticket my bag was 1 of the last off, over an hour wait at the carousel. Not sure whether this is VS or the airport as this seems to happen to me every time I land into JNB.

Overall the flight was great but a free upgrade is never going to make it unpleasant. The staff were, as always, exceptional. I find them to be very friendly in UC without being intrusive. I mainly read or used my own video player but the AV selection was excellent again My only complaint would be the seat points straight into the galley and if you has paid for it you might not like the busy nature. Thanks VS, top job yet again.

Excellent TR, thanks [y]

Welcome to V-Flyer, burridget [y]

Thanks for the trip report. An upgrade is always a welcome surprise, isnt it? And no, you are not alone with the bags. Its seems that priority baggage is the one thing that often goes awry.

Have a great flight back to Blighty!

Thanks,
Sarah

An op up? Gosh! I thought that was the holy grail!

Welcome Burridget and congratulations on getting maximum return on your investment in Gold!

Super TR, nice description especially waking up over Botswana sounds so far away, especially supping on a cup of earl grey over it.

Top Marks

Alex

Fantastic news on the op up and great TR, thanks.