V-Flyer

Plane - Diana

Arrived at 7.30am on Saturday with my colleague. I was heading to Denver and he was connecting to Austin. We deliberately got up early on Saturday to blag 18a and 18c.

We used the UC checkin line and waited only a few minutes before we were checked in by a very friendly and efficient agent, who assigned us my favourite Airbius seats, namely 18A and 18C.

A quick turn left into the lift and through the dedicated security line. There were 6 security screaners and just us 2 customers.

We bypassed the shoe check and headed onto the duty free shops. My colleague is on his way to Gold, and this was the first time he had used the UC checkin and the dedicated security channel. He was very impressed.

We got into the Clubhouse around 8am, whereby we went straight to see what appointments were available, as I had been unable to secure anything via email. I booked a massage, and my friend was unable to get his haircut as they were fuly booked.

We noticed the fog, and wondered if this would affect our departure.

We both ordered the full english, which was a bit short on Full in my book, as it was 1 sausage, rasher of bacon etc, but tasted good nonetheless. And at my alloted time, I was off to get my massage.

I have had a few massages in the CH and on board, but this one was much more intense, as the BT really got stuck in and got her knuckles into my back.

I returned refreshed to my colleague, to check with him that it was a well known 5 times Le Mans winner in the lounge I could see. We both agreed it was as he got up to board the New York flight.

I checked with the concierge about the flight, as it had not been called, and it was a bit foggy. As I was concerned out DC connections could get even tighter than they were.

We were called at around 10:45 to Gate 27 and were greeted with a full gangway and half full gate area.

We ended up pushing back around 30 minutes late, and during the drinks service I asked the FA if we could be allowed to depart pretty sharpish in order to maximise our chance of making our flights. I was told to ask later when the other FA was doing the meal service.

The same FA also managed to hand out the inbound PE menus, as it mentioned the breakfast, this was later confirmed when the dinner choises were completely different to the menu.

I did ask the next FA about being allowed to move forward when we got to DC, and she said it would be OK.

The flight passed uneventfully, and just before the approach, the FSM came up to let me know that there was no need to panic, and all would be OK to get off first. I did let her know that neither my colleague or I do Panic, and we were just avoiding any complexities.

We landed around 25 minutes late, and taxied to the usual Virgin stand at B32, and I was the first off, did the usual run to the mobile lounge and joined a half full immigration queue.

The bags were already off by the time I got there. Incidentally the Immigration station I went through now has a full finderprint scanner, i.e you put your 4 fingers on at once.

We re-checked our bags with United and went off to oour respective gates.

I was n't feeling too good by this time, feeling very hot and tired. I was clearly de-hydrated, so my colleague came back with me to sit by my gate as his flight was an hour later than mine.

I slept most of the way to Denver, and got to the baggage reclaim to find they now have machines instead og agents to check if your bag made the flight. Despite 2 hours between checking in and departing to Denver, UNITED again did not manage to get my bag on the plane. For my colleage who had 3 hours, they sent his bag to Chicago instead of Austin. A third Virgin customer, who was on his way to Austin also had his bags mislaid.

Eventually I got the bag around 18 hours later, this really must cost United a fortune.

Currently at a 75% rate of failure with United for getting my bags to Denver when I connect in DC.

A good Virgin Experience at checkin, and in the clubhouse, the crew were average, but I suspect they were in training, as one of them was being watched by a senior member of staff when serving etc.

Usual United farce.

Mark

N.B This TR has been written under the influence while sitting in the delightfull Virgin DC lounge. Sadly my favourite waitress does not appear to be working here tonight (or maybe she's left ?)

Thanks for the TR
Was it a united flight or ted? just interested because i find the seats on ted far nicer than on united, wondered what you thought? nice touch with starbucks cofee being served.

cheers
alex

Thanks for the TR, shame about UA stuffing up you and your colleagues bags! [V]

Dominic

I enjoyed this TR!

GJ

Will write Part 2 tonight. I can't get behind with these TRs.