V-Flyer

After an excellent weekend in New York with much drinking and shopping it was time to return home. Took a cab to JFK and basked in the glorious sunshine en route. Arrived at the airport really early at around 1730 and I asked at the ticket desk if there was availability in Upper which there was and if I could upgrade with miles which I couldn't as on a K ticket. Was quoted $995 each so decided to stick with PE and went to check-in. Seen quickly and asked by a staff member if we would like to go back earlier as VS4 and VS46 were still checking in. Said that would be great so he told the girl checking us in to get us on one of the earlier flights. The girl behind the desk checked our tickets and passports and ignored both of my questions about whether or not we would be able to go earlier and if we would be able to upgrade. After asking for my bags, she tagged them with our original flight VS10 and after me saying that we weren't able to go earlier she ignored me again, gave me my boarding passes and said next. Charming! Went for dinner and headed through to departures around 90 minutes before departure. At around 2030, an announcement was made that we would be delayed by approximately 60 minutes due to a technical fault with the aircraft and they would commence boarding at around 2140. At 2215 another announcement was made that the engineers were still on board the aircraft and were attempting to rectify the fault but there was no estimate for departure. The gate area was very full and an announcement was made for all standby passengers as they would be unable to travel as the plane was completely full. Information on the delay was very poor with very few announcements and no apologies made. Didn't help that the staff at the gate were laughing and joking amongst themselves which nobody really appreciated. Finally started boarding at around 2330. Aircraft was an A340-300 (Diana) so no V-Port on the return. Wasn't too bothered though as wanted to sleep anyway. Pushed back at 0010 around 2 and a half hours late and captain apologised for the delay saying there was a spurious fault in the computer which had to be checked by engineers and Airbus in Toulouse before we could depart and that flight time would be a fairly quick 5 hours 50 minutes. Thought it was nice that the honest reason was given, rather than just saying it was a technical fault. Take off was quick as no other traffic around and seat belt signs were turned off very quickly. Drinks and dinner served straight away and choices were Chicken, salmon or Vegetable Cannelloni. Again food was ok but nothing to write home about. Cabin lights were switched off after food service whilst people were still eating and managed to grab a few hours kip. Breakfast (?!) served about an hour out of LHR and we landed at around 1105 after making up a bit of time en route.

I was a little surprised that they would not let me upgrade with miles, despite the fact that the flight was full and it appeared that a few people were given op-ups. I know that you are not supposed to do this with K tickets but would have thought they would rather get something out of it than give upgrades away for nothing. Overall, both flights were distinctly average. Cabin Crew seemed quite disinterested and I am starting to wonder whether PE is worth the (sometimes quite considerable) extra money. Next trip is to Dubai in October and flying Upper for the first time so hope it lives up to my expectations as been fairly disappointed with my recent VS flights. Delay didn't help this time but feel it could have been dealt with much better.

Information on the delay was very poor with very few announcements and no apologies made

Don't I know that feeling, seems JFK ground staff are still not very good at handling a delay and keeping the pax informed, really wish VS would get the outsourced staff sorted.

I am starting to wonder whether PE is worth the (sometimes quite considerable) extra money

I still personally think PE is worth the extra over Y, for me, just the extra leg room and bigger seat are worth it alone and the other extras are just an added bonus.

Neil