V-Flyer

So, after a weeks holiday in sunny, hot and relaxed Tobago it was time to go home.

Virgin have a thing called check and chill. We meet the rep at a hotel and we check in on the morning of the flight (the flight departs at 1935hrs local time). At 0930hrs we met our rep, airport security and staff. We were the only ones at this particular location. I cannot stress enough that this was brilliant. We filled out some passenger info forms, security asked us the usual questions then airport staff stamped our passports handed us our boarding card and took our luggage. Fantastic, we now had the full day without luggage to enjoy the last precious hours of our holiday.

I awaited near the airport at the time the plane was due to land. I think I am now a plane spotter. Took a short video of Ruby Tuesday (XLG) flying past us very low and into the airport (is there anywhere on here I can post a video of about 16mb in size?). I then followed it to the terminal. As the photos below show, Crown Point is not the most salubrious of airports. Nice use of rubbish.....





Priority boarding was used and again was excellent. We were up in the bubble this time seats 71A&C. These were not as good as we were nearer to the toilet. As it was an overnight flight it did cause some disturbance.

Take off was delayed, the little push off tractor had a flat battery and they were trying to repair it. Now if you have read my other TR, outbound, it will be of no surprise that there was no rush here to repair. I looked out the window and saw the staff scurrying around like sloths......

Eventually after about 30 mins we were up and away. Evening meal was served. This time I had, Salad, sweet and sour chicken with calypso rice, bread, apple lattice with creme anglaise, cheese and biscuits and coffee. My wine was two glasses of the 2007 Marques de Caza Temparnillo. All of which once again was very tasty and I was impressed.

Ruby Tuesday has Odessy entertainment. This is much better than Nova but short of V:port. This time I watched What Happens in Vegas, The Love Guru and Don't mess with Zohan. To be honest I don't sleep on planes so the choices of movie were excellent and passed the time well.

There was one round of drinks before lights out. Through the night, understandably, crew service was much reduced, but drinks were available on a tray in the galley and there was always one member of crew available.

About 1.5 hours before landing, lights up, daylight outside and breakfast served. I did not hold out much hope for anything hot, after reading previous topics on here...'Reject the muffin and cookie petition'..... anyhoo, SURPRISE it was a hot bacon or egg roll, fantastic, well, ok really as it still had a small muffin!!!. It was wrapped in tinfoil which was not great presentation. Once again coffee was served in a paper cup with wooden stirrer - aaarrrgh that is shocking, I am not at a petrol station here.

Due to the tail wind we made up the lost time, we even managed to make up 15 mins. Once more priority disembarked which is good. Fairly long walk from gate to security, then through to baggage reclaim. Ok, so I have slated Tobago people for their speed but I tell you they are organsied. The priority luggage thing had worked and my luggage was on the carousel spinning around waiting for me. Remember I waved good bye to my luggage at 0930hrs at a hotel. Brilliant.

Walked down to the bus stop, bus was there. Collected car then reality strikes, oh my god, I now had to face a 3(ish) hour drive back to Devon. How I wish I could sleep on planes. Still, got home safe hence this report [:)]

There will always be times when perhaps service etc from Virgin may fall below what is expected. My two flights VS051 & 52 have just gone to enforce why I fly virgin and why I will always continue to do so where possible.

Originally posted by TheHarps

There will always be times when perhaps service etc from Virgin may fall below what is expected. My two flights VS051 & 52 have just gone to enforce why I fly Virgin and why I will always continue to do so where possible.

Well said[y][y]

Since my first flight with Virgin 7 years ago i have never looked back even if i have to travel to London to catch my flight.

How was Tobago as a holiday destination? was it what you expected?

Jurgen and Sue

Without going off topic too much, Tobago is a great wee Island. One week was long enough to see and do everything. If you like beach holidays two weeks would be good. Temp always in 30's. There is an increase in violent crime (isn't there everywhere), but commonsense and extra care will allow you to have a great time in this relaxed and friendly Island.

Thanks for the brace of TRs from a not often reported route[y][y]

Your description of the drive and energy demonstrated by the staff in TAB had me in fits[:D][:D]

Did you find having to have a £1 coin for the trolley on your return to LGW a bit of a chore?

Thanks once again

buns

Good news on the bacon and egg roll!

Thanks for the TR
Glad you enjoyed your flight, what was Tobage like would it be better than st lucia i wonder[:?] often thought about going thats why.

cheers
alex[:)]

Buns - I was lucky to be traveling with only 1 case so I did not need £1 but there were a lot of annoyed passengers who did not have the cash.

Alex - Tobago is good, but don't be looking for swanky resorts or towns. It is a very basic island but with a friendly vibe, good beaches and great weather.