V-Flyer

Apologises for the delay in posting my TR, been a busy bee have to finish the return one then will post it!

I arrived at a very foggy Cork Airport and checked in, the Aer Lingus girl checked my bag right through to Sydney, or so she said[:w] No separate TR for this as it was pretty uneventful. Left virtually on time despite the fog and arrived safely at LHR around 12.30pm.

Made my way (hike, lost at least 3 pounds in my tights, jumper dress and winter coat) to T3 from T1 and arrived a short while later at the Virgin UC desk. There were 3 desks open, 2 of which were dealing with pax already and the other one was pretending to look busy. I had checked in online the previous evening, but had to tell check in about my bag just to make sure it went smoothly.

There were a number of people now queuing behind me and the two pax being dealt with were taking an age. Eventually after what seemed like eons, it was my turn. (My wait was 10 mins) I greeted the check in lady with a hello and just got a brief smile, looked more like wind. No hello, no welcome to Virgin UC, nothing, so I was a bit disappointed with that, not that I expected rose petals or trumpets when I walked up but, something more than a grimace would have been nice.[:(] Anyway, she warmed up slightly when I explained about my bag being booked through from Cork to Sydney and told me that good old Aer Lingus had booked by bag all the way to......LHR and hadnt put it on a plane to anywhere else, bless them and my bag was probably lumbering round the carousel in T1 looking for a home! Said ice maiden sorted out the issue and thawed significantly to wish me a pleasant flight.

Off I trotted to the lift and through security which was very quiet and into the throng of duty free. I wasnt expecting that as thought that the clubhouse was going to be nearer, anyhow, what harm. Resisted the urge to shop what it is about airports, its like pretend shopping isnt it? Arrived at the CH and was looking forward to a chilled glass of bubbles. CH was busy and lunchtime service was in full swing, so I plonked myself at the bar to cool down after my hike and indulged in a few champagnes.[:I]
I paced myself as I was in the CH for a good few hours flight wasnt till 9.30pm, had crab cakes and then a fab selection from the deli and later on the veg curry followed by toffee pud. Yum, oh and more champers. I had a manicure later by a lovely girl which was all very pleasant, she was very chatty.[:)]

Called to the gate around 8.45 so strolled off, I cant remember which one it was but it took a while to get there. When I arrived it was pretty hectic, there were no queues or lines of people just a mass and very few Virgin staff, I only saw one. I sidled up to the near the front and I think my purple boarding card was spotted as I was beckoned forward to board. It was totally chaos, very odd, so didnt get chance to note name of plane.

Boarded and was welcomed on board and pointed to my seat (2A) by a v friendly FA. I decided to change straight away in the old PJs my own and took my seat. The FA came back and explained everything to me and got me a glass of bubbly and said she would be looking after me. Not the case as it turned out.
We pushed back at 9.35 and where in the air by 9.45.
Bit later on another FA came along and introduced herself to me, she was a bit dizzy, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt, not nearly as friendly and helpful as FA1. There were a couple opposite me who clearly were VA staff, as my FA spent the first half an hour of the flight talking to them when she should have been sorting out her section. In fact she actual got told off as she was supposed to be taking drinks and menu orders.[n]

Briefly saw the FSM, who I will describe as fierce, she made announcements in what I can only describe as a cartoon voice, most peculiar. She never introduced herself to me personal and I only saw her a couple of times during the flight. Wasnt impressed with my FA, she continued to chat to the 2 staff sat opposite me and neglected the other pax in her section. When she brought my drink I asked her about the showers at HK just to let her know I wanted to get off quickly. She told me there were no showers there; female staff members sat opposite reminded her that there were of course! Not very professional really? [V]
Listened to some music for a bit then decided to go to sleep as the pair opposite me had started to eat each other....!![:0]

No food for me as wanted to sleep. Slept for most of the flight had a very light breakfast of cereal and fruit which was served to me without issue and we arrived ahead of schedule at HK. I was off quickly as they used the front doors and straight to the CH for a lovely shower. Staff at the HK CH and the politest I have ever come across. Top marks![y]

Time to re board and also time for a Crew change. No problems re- boarding with a separate channel for UC. FSM (male this time) greeted me and seemed very friendly, I was in the same seat so headed straight there to dump my bags and changed into my PJs again. Yay!! The would be porn stars had got off at HK!!! So new pax opposite who werent VA staff nor did they wish to explore each other...
New crew (mostly oriental) were no better than the 1st lot. Girl who was looking after my section didnt introduce herself at all but took my order for a pre flight drink. I asked for sparkling water, as I didnt really fancy anything alcoholic. I waited ages and ages for it to come and in the end we had started to push back so never got my drink. Pushed back on time and headed out into the night over the Hong Kong skyline (v impressive)

My FA came round again to take further drinks and dinner orders; I asked for a sparkling water again and got no acknowledgement that she had forgotten earlier. I ordered the mixed leaf salad with warm salmon followed by a roasted veg risotto. I assume the freedom menu is a thing of the past?

Shortly after ordering I was served with my starter, why do they give you proper cutlery on the first leg and only plastic on the second??? (no drink had arrived as yet) managed to flagdown a sparkling water from the FA going round with still or sparkling for everyone. FA bringing wine selection didnt have any red with her and said she would be back. Served my main course, which was like rice pudding and slug style vegetables and was really quite unpleasant; I could only eat a few mouth fulls.
Still waiting for my wine, I had to ask four times and eventually FA was sent to me, but didnt have any wine with her.[|)]I was asked what I would like, I wasnt going to bother but I thought Im having it now as I had to ask 4 times!! I went for a Brazilian Merlot and she told me like I was 15 that it was very full bodied and was I sure and would it be better to try a sample first? Hell I was sure.

Finally got my wine which was brought to me in a huff! Better late than never I guess, oh then my FA brought me a glass of water, Im assuming it was the one I asked for when I ordered my dinner, it was neither sparkling nor cold, tasted like warm tap water. I give up!

Saw very little of the FSM apart from when he brought round amenities and express passes for security, he seemed pleasant enough. Watched a couple of films as couldnt really sleep, then before I knew it was breakfast. I ordered fruit salad and a bacon roll which was reasonable. As we were getting ready for our approached I asked one of the FA what the name of the plane was, he went to find out but came back a while later and said no one knew? [:?]

Arrived in Sydney spot on time and whizzed through to baggage collection. As I guessed due to the cock up at Cork my bag was one of the last off, but still flew through customs with my purple pass and into the bright sunny Sydney morning.[8D]

To sum up CH was perfect, food was excellent and staff very good.
Flight was fine, staff must try harder. Maybe my expectations were high as it was my first UC experience, but I expected better service and attitude.
Will post return flight soon which was better!

Loved your TR and really enjoyed your messages from the CH bar when you were there!

Sorry you had a less than great wonderful experience during your first UC flight. It's a sad fact that nowadays the service can be variable and a good crew & FSM make all the difference, but hopefully from the sounds of it your return flight was much better. I agree the CH in HK makes a potentially difficult transit fun.

Looking forward to the next TR!

Thanks for a comprehensive TR [y]

Your plane was G-Veil 'Queen of the Skies'

Thanks for a great review. A shame that the staff didnt seem on the ball, I know its a long and tiring flight for crew since the timing changes but your stance as a first time UC flyer really illustrates how important it is to get it right for the customer. Glad to hear the return was better and look forward to reading it [y]

Thanks,
Sarah

Thanks for the TR Kittymins. Lacklustre service on board yet again. Our outbound trip tp SYD last year was saved by the fabulous (and now late lamented) IFBT who worked tirelessly on both legs (we stopped off at HKG so had the same crew).The rest of the crew were idle bu***** and couldn't have cared less. I nominated her for a heroes award but it seems these were shelved this/last year (boo, hiss).
Nothing wrong with having high expectations (that's why you buy an UC ticket). Shame VS didn't quite deliver.
Looking forward to the return report.
DL

quote:Originally posted by DragonLady
Our outbound trip tp SYD last year was saved by the fabulous (and now late lamented) IFBT who worked tirelessly on both legs
DL


Did the IFBT usually only do one leg then? which would you choose? Left or right? [:p]

Thanks for the TR kittymins, I always enjoy reading the ones that are about flights I hope to take one day, a bit more than the rest.

quote:Originally posted by locutus
Did the IFBT usually only do one leg then? which would you choose? Left or right? [:p]

[:D][:D].Right.[:D]

Terrible, terrible, terrible. Crew travel favouritism, poor boarding process, lack of FSM presence, poor attention to detail ...

quote:Originally posted by HighFlyer
I know its a long and tiring flight for crew since the timing changes but your stance


Sorry - not for LHR-HKG nor the HKG based crew who are the majority HKG-SYD.

You are remarkably sanguine Kittymins, I'd fire off a severe letter to VS.

Thanks for an excellent TR Kittymins.

Really sorry your first UC flight didn't live up to all your expectations. Basic things like getting drinks, wine with your meal and general friendliness should be 100% perfect in Y let alone J.

Neil

Thanks for the TR![y]

Thanks for the TR, and sorry to read about the rather poor UC flight had. Like others have said it is basic things, drinks, friendliness etc.

I would send a letter off to customer service especially on the first sector where the crew were talking to VS staff.

Plastic cutlery is used on SYD-HKG-SYD due to Australian aviation law!!!!

Look forward to reading the return,

Dominic

Thanks chaps, glad you enjoyed it, sorry if it was a bit long, I have a tendancy to go on a bit (I used to be a copper and old habits die hard!)

Do you know I think I might write a letter, if they don't know then they can't put it right I guess! Now back to the TR, sorry will post it as soon as. Glad to be home[:)]

It's ok, we know how coppers can be [:0]

I am sorry to see the crew/company people keeps coming up, really VS does need to get a handle on this.

Great TR, much better than the flight apparently.

Maybe we should start a thread that rates FSM's by name. Simply ask for their approval to use their name while onboard (that's if you see them of course!) then we could list flight details, FSM and a rating.

Then with a few months data, we could be real pain's in the ass and start trying to figure out crew rosters when booking tickets

[:D] Yes that would do it I should say!!!!

KM

What a shame your first UC experience didn't live up to expectations. We have always been really lucky with our crew thankfully.