VS056 IAD-LHR 16 Oct 08 (PE)
Posted: 25 Oct 2008, 11:07This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
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Seat 18G
My connection from Denver left on time, despite a number of us having to have carry on checked as the Airbus 319 clearly cannot hold enough bags in the cabin that US travelers expect to carry.
My Carry on is on the large side, and I was told it was too big, and the United staff expressed surprise that it got through security. It has done so around London and Denver/SFO/LAX for a few years now.
As I was connecting in IAD to come home, each door agent that asked me to check it, decided to move onto the next passenger, so by the time I said to the third agent I needed to collect it at IAD and not have it checked all the way through, they just told me to board with it.
The FA asked me to check it, and I referred her to the 3 others that did n't know what to do with my situation, so she told me to chance it and walk to the back of the plane. Well 5 mins later I was back at L1, and we were stuffing it into the First Class wardrobe.
The flight departed on time, and was uneventful, and we arrived on stand around 15 minutes early.
I deplaned, and re-checked in at the Virgin Check in area, however, I learned a new trick that a colleague used the other day, to re-check in at the gate / clubhouse. I'll try that should I head back to IAD in the future.
I had checked in, and got 18G. I was told that UC was oversold, probably due to the merging of flights that was happening every 2 days or so. It was expected that some UC pax would be downgraded.
I got to the Lounge in less than 20 minutes, to be welcomed by a few familiar faces, although my favourite waitress was not there.
I was disapointed with the menu. I've written about this before, they had good food, then it went to sandwiches, and brought the good food back, and now it's back to a 'basic' menu.
Service was slow, so I decided to have a shower, then order a sandwich and cheescake, both were good, but I missed the hot food. The lounge became very busy, and I had my usual seat directly above the concierge desk.
We were called on time, and I boarded without too much aggravation. Although the guy behind me took execption to the row 18 foot fests being stored above and managed to trip someone up with it, when he put it on the floor. He then moved it to a row 18 Seat, and I offerred to find a home for it, putting it exactly where it came from when he could n't find room for it !
I also noticed the CC were a bit giggly, and had to be told to get to their seats for take off quite firmly, as I think they were enjoying them selves at the bar, I was dreading being woken by giggly girl.
I went straight to sleep, after the captain announced a 6Hr 23 Min flight time, although I was tapped awake by the CC to ask if I wanted any food. I would have thought Bose Headphones, UC eyeshade and blanket on would have been a clue....
I slept really well, and again put it down to the Bose headphones, I wish I had purchased them years ago.
As it's a 600 series plane, the galley is in front of row 18, which means you get disturbed if they chat or start breakfast. The breakfast was started 2 hours before landing.
Fortunately, I did not hear giggly girl again, until the crew had finished their duties.
I was not offerred breakfast, despite being awake, and by the time they came round with thr fruit, I was last on their rounds, the banana's were gone. Looking round the PE cabin, it was clear I was one of the few AU members, I wish they had started at my side.[:(]
I do not eat the east coast breakfast, as it is an insult to my stomach.
We circled just the once, having great views of the countryside and over London, I saw the London Eye, Parliament and Buckingham Palace, and we landed a few minutes ahead of schedule.
Deplaning was quick, with a longish walk to the Immigration Hall, the left hand iris machine was still broken, this time with the doors opening and closing on their own.
Luggage was off on Belt 9, and my bag had made it, despite it being handled by United !
In fact, from stepping off the plane to being outside Customs, was only 20 minutes.
Highlights : Good sleep on a short flight
Lowlights : Food could be better in DC, Poor breakfast, limited fruit selection
All in all a good flight, with on time connections.
Mark
P.S Currently at LHR, in the Clubhouse, with a 2 Hour delay, meaning I will probably miss my connection, resulting in a 5 hour delay.