This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Made my way to ORD using the Blue Line which is by far the cheapest option and it's actually quicker than driving or getting a cab etc. It's only $2.00 for the 45 minute journey each way. It drops you off at terminal 2 at ORD but you simply jump on the free transit system to get to/from international terminal 5 which only takes a few minutes.
Most of the major hotel chains are located on Michigan Avenue/The Golden Mile so you just transfer to/from the red line which runs parellel to Michigan Avenue and is only a 2 block walk from all the red line stations.
VS check-in was just opening as I arrived so didn't have too long to wait. Had my passport checked and customary VS security sticker added to the sticker mountain that is on the outside of my passport case [:w] Only one couple in front of me at the Upper Class check-in desk which where checked in very quickly.
Last time I checked in for a VS flight at ORD, it was very hit and miss but I'm pleased to say everything worked very well and the agent was polite, friendly and very helpfull [y] I once again asked if I could sit in row 42 which is the bulk-head row. No problems at all in doing this and it was done for me. Although it was mentioned that there was the possibility that I might have to give up my seat in this row in case a family which children wanted seats on this row. Having already checked EF I knew todays flight would be faily quiet anyway.
It was mentioned that there where some special upgrade prices for todays flight. Economy to PE was $335 (~210) and I never asked about Upper. I didn't take this offer up as having already sat in row 42 in economy flying from LHR, I knew this row is probably the best economy row on the A343's offering more leg room than most if not all the PE seats anyway.
Lounge pass and boarding card where handed to me so it was off to security.
Unlike last time I flew from ORD, your checked bags are now taken from you at check-in. Last time I was there you had to cart them off to the TSA area at the far end of terminal 5.
The lines for security where also a lot shorter than last time as well. I was though in less than 5 minutes [y]
The JAL lounge use is a short walk from the security area and the VS staff member running the desk there actually remembered me from last time [y] There's now WiFi in that lounge and it looks like it's been renovated recently too. There's no hot food available in the lounge, only snacks and drinks but it's still a nice place to relax before your flight.
ORD is a bit like MIA with very little after security. The duty free goods are just sold from what looks like mobile carts dotted along the terminal. There's very little else other than waiting areas.
It's very easy to exit back to the landside area and make your way outside for those of us who require nicotine fixes [:I] [:w]
The VS40 flight was called just after 18:00 and it was a fair treck to gate M19. Boarding had just started asking for priority boarders first.
I was welcomed onboard by name and made my way to row 42 again. it didn't take long for all pax to board and there where quite a lot of empty seats in all cabins this time. I had seat 42A and nobody was sat next to me tonight so I would spread out (well as much as you can in an economy cabin)
The door was closed and we pushed back at 18:50, 5 minutes early. The safety demo started (it's sad I know but I almost know this word for word now [:I]) In no time at all we where in the air. Tonights flight would be 7 hours 30 mins.
The economy service was started with the usual bar service first. Dinner was served after about 30 minutes. Todays choices where beef with spinich or pasta with cheese sauce. I went for the pasta which was very tastey actually and looked good too. Again the food was good and there wasn't much left on my tray other than the cold custard which accompanied the crumble desert. I dont like custard hot, never mind cold [:$]
Watched a film on Odyssey during the meal. Once dinner was cleared the cabins lights where turned off. I must have managed at least 5 hours sleep which I was very surprised at having been woken by the breakfast service. Tea and coffee where served first followed by the hot snack breakfast. There where two options both egg muffin type things I think, although I didn't pay much attention to what they where exactly, as I dont like eggs so was offered a granola bar and a small fruit platter instead.
After breakfast I freshened up and before long the cabin was been secured for landing at LHR.
The FSM was very visible for a lot of this flight as she helped out with several of the economy/PE service runs.
We touched down at 08:30, 20 minutes early and by 09:00 I was in Revivals. I think that is the quickest I've ever got though LHR off an arriving flight. No queues at the one working IRIS machine and bags where coming off by the time I reached the baggage belt [y]
All in all, another great VS flight [y] [y]
I have to say every VS staff member I came into contact with during my whole trip where fantastic and where a credit to VS.
Already looking forward to my next VS economy trip to ORD in 8 weeks time [:D]
Regards
Regards
James Mitchell
James Mitchell
