V-Flyer

Having done my TR from my outbound trip I feel it is only right that I do one for the return.

After 4 days of parking in the most of the joys of San Francisco it was time to bid farewell to the City by the Bay and the cool charms of my hotel, Westin Market St (review to follow...) and head to SFO. The SuperShuttle arrive within the allocated window and soon we lurched and careened around the streets as if the driver had watch Bullitt a few too many times. Alton Towers has nothing on this ride. Finally pulling up outside the terminal, my insides caught up and heaved my suddenly increased luggage inside the building. Funny how you start off with 2 items and one little shopping trip turned to 3 bags.....

Following a passenger verification and check-in that took only took seconds I was soon striding through the terminal with Clubhouse on my mind along with food and drink. Arriving at the front desk, I found out that our favourite Friend of V-Flyer, Claire, was not in today. It was now 1pm and the CH was already getting busy. The reason being that all week there had been the Oracle Open World event in the city and it seems that the British contingent were determined to skip out early. A combination of UC and AUs meant the room was pretty crowded. Feeling peckish, I plumped for the Mediterranean shrimp fattoush salad and the exquisite Raspberry and Mango cheesecake, which were assisted down by a Vespa Martini. The Martini was very dry and a lot stronger than I expected, but delicious.

While sat allowing the alcohol to have its wicked way with my brain cells I spied VS019 (Lady Penelope) arriving and this meant I had to leave the CH for a while. Why I hear you ask? Simple I say. Fellow V-Flyers Matt and Dean were on-board and given the little media storm Deans cards had created (courtesy of the Daily Mail) I planned a little surprise welcome [}:)] After I quick walk downstairs I managed to get myself right in front of the exit from baggage reclaim, camera in had. After a short wait they walked through into the hall. With camera flashing I called out Mr Morris. United Press. What do you say to people who accuse you of bad taste?. For one horrified second I think Dean thought the story had crossed the Atlantic and was following him. The looks from those around were priceless. A combination of surprise, shock and questioning who was this man and why were the press interested. Suitably recovered I left them to search out the BART while I returned to the CH.

On my return, the CH was even busier so I decided to have a shower before boarding and very welcome it was too, despite the head being loose and a fountain of water going everywhere before I could tighten it back up. Back to the bar, the only seat left was at the counter where I indulged in some ice cream before the call.

Through the TSA circus complete with the smell of sweaty feet I shuffled and onward to gate A8. Much to my surprise, the 2 jetway system was in operation, UC to the left and everyone else to the right. What a difference it made too, swift and no scowls for your queue jumping. Seat 21A awaited me and after dropping my bags off, I did my Clark Kent impression and donned my $9 Wal-Mart cotton PJs instead of the personal Van-De Graff generators that pass for sleep suits. No snap, crackle and pop from me tonight.

All the CC mentioned have given their permissions to be named.
The FSM on the flight was Gordon, aware of V-Flyer but doesnt read or post.
The CSS was Nikki, a V-Flyer lurker I see you. [:)]
And last but by no means least, ably assisting was Symi. Never heard of V-Flyer.
All have been pointed in the direction of how to register for staff membership [;)]

After the usual setting in we pushed off and went straight from gate to runway with no queuing or waiting. Taking off with the city under clears skies to the left and me with my camera safely stowed overhead. Doh!!
It seemed that the fasten seat belt sign was turned off very quickly while still climbing. His resulted in me having to perform a potential Oscar winning performance of a mime walking up hill to the toilet and then to have to wedge myself into the cubical so I was at the right angle. The drinks order was taken and the statuary No.10 was ordered. Still no lime but plenty of ice did help it along. The menu for the return flight is as follows.

DINNER

Starters:

Seasonal leaf salad with seared duck, dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin and maple dressing
Soup of the day. With warm breads.

Main Course:

Flat iron beef fillet with red bliss mashed potatoes, green beans, parisienne carrots and Guinness & onion semi-glace.
Salmon fillet with dill mustard crust, green beans, sea salt, roasted baby new potatoes and beurre blanc
Roasted red pepper and goats cheese tartlet with roasted vegetables and red pepper sauce.

Cheese:

Cambozola Soft textured blue mould cheese, milky and mild to taste.
Gruyere a hard Swiss cheese with a distinctive sharp flavour.
Rofumo semi-soft hickory smoked, fontina type cheese from Wisconsin.
Served with assorted crackers, red grapes and fig mustard.

Dessert:

Mountain berry tart with cr_me anglaise
Baileys ice cream with mocha whipped cream

SMALLER BITES
Marinated flank steak ciabatta with tomato garlic chutney.
Grilled shrimp and scallop skewer with asian slaw and sweet chilli sauce
Vegetable stir-fry with ponzu sauce and lemon scented basmati rice.

Having eaten in the CH I selected the grilled shrimp and scallops, cheese selection and the mountain berry tart.

The shrimp and scallops were fantastic, fresh and slid down a treat.

[img]http://darrenwheeler.co.uk/resources/P1000132.jpg[/img]

The Cambozola cheese was as promised, mild and milky. Not too fussed on the Gruyere but the star was the rofuma, creamy with a tang to it.

[img]http://darrenwheeler.co.uk/resources/cheese.jpg[/img]

The tart was another surprise, the sharp berries contrasting with the sweet of the tart.

[img]http://darrenwheeler.co.uk/resources/tart.jpg[/img]

Fed, watered and no interest in V-Port I converted the seat and settled down for some sleep somewhere over Canada and didnt really surface until just after Iceland when you could just make out the glow of sunrise approaching.

Without wishing to expand on the current breakfast debate, here are the options (PE and Eco look away now)

BREAKFAST

Selection of cereals: cornflakes, weetabix, fruit n fibre and special K

Butter croissant with a selection of preserves. Marmalade, honey, strawberry and blackcurrant jams

Bagel with cream cheese

Cranberry and walnut pound cake and cinnamon raisin breakfast bread.

Seasonal fresh fruit with natural yogurt

Bacon roll with either tomato ketchup or brown sauce

Cheddar omelet with sausage, baked beans, sautted button mushrooms and grilled tomatoes.

I stuck with cornflakes and the cheddar omelet. Not to sure about it though. The sausages seem to be the weak link of it. Still, a cup of tea too and it will see me through to Revivals. I had hoped to pick up the 2 Gemini jets but sadly both were out of stock so no duty-free. Must remember to pre-order next time.

Another quick-change and I was ready for landing.

Throughout the flight, Gordon was always about taking on tasks and leading from the front. Nikki helping out too, but Sym was the star of the show, taking an interest in the pax, being very attentive and efficient with any requests. I shall be passing my comments on to Crawley in the next few days. [y]

Same as the outbound trip, it shows what can happen with a FSM who is out doing the job and taking an active roll. Cannot fault all their performances. Gordon provided me with the loading number. Upper 54, PE 62 and Eco 228, so a completely full flight, mostly coming back from the Oracle event I suspect.

Very smooth landing into LHR, early too. No waiting around for a spare gate for a change either, although we did arrive at gate 33 so a long walk. Immigration was empty and priority baggage was in effect. So much so that all my bags were on the belt by the time I got there.

Off to Revivals and boy did it live up its name, although as has been mentioned before, they really need to sort out the ventilation in the shower. Eggs Benedict to eat along with a shot of carrot juice and tea. My lift was already waiting so off home.

Only a few little niggles. My V-Port was rather unwell and in VMap, it kept dying with Kernal Panic and then rebooted itself. The suite is really starting to show it's age now, but a good scrub wouldn't go amiss as it might get rid of the infamous red biro marks. I notice there are still no Mac magsafe power leads onboard, I leant mine to another pax who hadnt got one. As they are only 30, surely a few can be got? The only other thing was that in the SFO clubhouse, there is an issue with the certificate on the wi-fi authentication server. On Firefox, if your security is too high, you will not be able to use it. Ill flag this up.

Overall, yet another excellent flight in the pointy bit made extra special by the crew and by the fact it was a reward flight. Oh well, back to earning miles..

Darren

I know how you were looking forward to this trip and now it all over[:#]

for your report, it is clear that VS did not disapoint either in the Clubhouse (notwithstanding the absence of Claire) or in the air[:D]

soon we lurched and careened around the streets as if the driver had watch Bullitt a few too many times

That made me chuckle

I decided to have a shower before boarding and very welcome it was too, despite the head being loose and a fountain of water going everywhere before I could tighten it back up

I thought thse things only happened to me after having a drink in the Clubhouse[:I]

Best start taking those flights to save up those miles

Take care

buns

Nice TR! I meant to ask on your earlier thread, was it listed as Vespa Cocktail on the CH menu? I think this is the one they are referring to - the James Bond classic, no less:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesper_(cocktail)

Martinis with Lillet and a dash of angostura are a wonderful thing ...

No mention of Lillet on the menu though it is listed as a Vespa. Forgot to blag a copy of the menu this time.

Just added photos of the dinner I had.

A Vespa Martini is :

three parts Gordon's gin, one part Russian vodka,a half measure of Kina Lillet aperitif, shaken until ice-cold, served with a slice of lemon, so no, what you were served was not a Vespa Martini....

Funnily enough, at the SFO CH they do know how to make a Blue Mcuth, which no other bar in the world seems to know about...go figure
[ii]

Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Having done my TR from my outbound trip I feel it is only right that I do one for the return.

Fellow V-Flyers Matt and Dean were on-board and given the little media storm Dean's cards had created (courtesy of the Daily Mail) I planned a little surprise welcome [}:)]

Omg! I read about this as they posted about it on another forum I'm a member of.... now they know I post the same things in two places! [:I]

Great trip report Darren. I loved the paparazzi pap you gave Mat and Dean. Priceless! [:D]

Thanks,
Sarah

Great trip report, especially the Mat and Dean bit [:o)]

So now, where's Binky's TR? [:w]

Heya,

I have had the pleasure to work with Symi and have her serve me on a flight aswell. She is a star.
If you write a letter to customer relations with her name it goes really well towards her performance monitoring and promotion so I am sure she would appreciate it

Galley Guy

Originally posted by honey lamb
Great trip report, especially the Mat and Dean bit [:o)]

So now, where's Binky's TR? [:w]

Dunno, muttered something about overhead locker and headed into the woods. [:D]

Originally posted by Galley Guy

Heya,

I have had the pleasure to work with Symi and have her serve me on a flight aswell. She is a star.
If you write a letter to customer relations with her name it goes really well towards her performance monitoring and promotion so I am sure she would appreciate it

Galley Guy

Done this morning. [:)]

Originally posted by Darren Wheeler

Originally posted by honey lamb
Great trip report, especially the Mat and Dean bit [:o)]

So now, where's Binky's TR? [:w]

Dunno, muttered something about overhead locker and headed into the woods. [:D]

Poor Binky!

Not wanting to hammer this to death, but the ex SFO food looks so much better than the ex LHR food, which did you think was better ?

To be honset, not being a food conersewer, they both tasted pretty good to me.

Great TR! Thanks for posting that hilarious attack on Mat and Dean!

GJ

Originally posted by Scrooge
Not wanting to hammer this to death, but the ex SFO food looks so much better than the ex LHR food, which did you think was better ?

No contest Dave. The food LHR to LAX (at the end of August)was IMHO pretty poor (even Dragonbaby moaned, and she's not a fussy eater).The only thing I really enjoyed was the lavender pannacotta and the cheese. SFO-LHR (early this month) was hugely better. I too had the prawn and scallop kebabs (absolutely delicious like Darren has said)and the steak was pretty darn good too. Only bummer was there was no port to go with the cheese (every last drop had been consumed on the way out)[V](as has all but a couple of bottles of champagne[n])
Glad you had a good trip Darren.

Originally posted by Scrooge
Not wanting to hammer this to death, but the ex SFO food looks so much better than the ex LHR food, which did you think was better ?

In all the years of flying VS, I thought the ex-SFO food was always a bit better, even if some of the food is the same as ex-IAD/BOS/NYC.

Not sure why. Maybe it's because the veggies are fresher in CA because they are grown there, or more of the UC food is produced from fresh each day at the flight kitchen, ex-SFO?

The VS food ex-UK feels more like supermarket ready meals if you ask me. It's mostly 'wet' food, e.g. stews or casseroles, and it has this 'processed' boil-in-the-bag feel in it's taste and texture.

Mike

Marvellous TR Darren. Food sounded really good. Peckish now. What's for lunch?

Thanks for the TR Darren. Sounds like you had two pretty good flights, hope they are as good for us on Wed.

Love the 'attack' on Mat & Dean!

Neil

Bit late but great TR, Darren![y][y]

enjoyed very much your TR those prawns look soooo tasty

cheeers
alex

Originally posted by av_norw792
enjoyed very much your TR those prawns look soooo tasty

cheeers
alex

mmhh! Prawns! (said in a Homer Simpson style)

They were delicious, could have eaten it all again.

I have received a reply to my feedback today. It sounds positive but we'll see what happens.

Thank you for your email about your recent flight from San Francisco.

Thank you so much for your kind comments about the service you received on this flight. We do our best to make sure that all of our passengers have a really enjoyable experience and it's great to know that we're getting it right. It's always a real pleasure to get feedback like this and you can be sure that I've passed your comments onto Gordon, Nikki and Symi's manager.
I'm sure he'll be just as delighted as I was to read them.

It's a shame that there are still a few things that aren't quite right though. I can imagine how annoying it was to have a problem with the log in screen in the Clubhouse. I've passed this to our IT team, along with your comments about the laptop leads. I'm sure that they'll be able to look into this and hopefully find a way of resolving it.

I was disappointed to read about the condition of the cabin. There's no excuse for the seats (or any part of the plane) to be grubby. We do clean all the planes before you board but it looks as if our standards may have slipped here. I've passed this to our in flight services team so that they can take it up with our cleaning contractors.

Finally Ð I've also passed your feedback about the showers in the Revivals lounge to the manager there. I'm not sure whether this may have been a one-off but I'm sure that they'll be able to look at how to improve this.

Thanks again for taking the time to get in touch. We do value feedback like yours as it helps us to make sure we continue to offer the best service that we can.

I'm glad that overall, you've enjoyed your flights with us and that we'll be seeing you back on board again soon!

More feedback today

Just a quick note to let you know that I've heard back from our media team about the problems you had with the internet connection at the Clubhouse in San Francisco.

You'll be pleased to know that the WiFi problem has now been resolved Ð so you shouldn't have any more problems with this.

With regard to the leads Ð they've advised me that unfortunately we simply can't keep up with the different cables needed to support the continuous additions to the laptop market. But they're currently investigating the 'one size fits all' adaptors that are available. So we're hoping to provide a solution in the early part of next year