V-Flyer

So after leaving the very average United Arrivals lounge, we made our way to VS check in, we had decided not to interline bags to make sure we received priority handling throughout our trip, plus we had time to kill.

Check in was very quick with almost nobody to be seen in the entire VS area. We soon had boarding cards and took the HEX into London to see family.

On our return we made straight for the security wing and were through in no time and off to the club house.

We both decided to shower rather than eat, we'd had lunch and our flight was a 6pm departure, so it made more sense to eat onboard. The shower experience was a bit dodgy with hairdryers not working, shampoo dispensers not working, but we managed in the end by drying our hair in the salon.

I sat down on the couches just to the right of the bar and waited patiently for someone to take my order, and while several staff members wandered by, they somehow failed to see me, now I know my diet was successful and I dropped almost 30lbs, but I'm still 175 and 5'10' - not exactly Kate Moss. Eventually I gave up and went to the bar, the barman acknowledged me and said he had his hands full with a group at the bar (possibly staff, though without proof who knows - I definitely got the impression they were all friends). I said that was fine (with a not fine facial expression), gave him my order and said I'm sure one of the servers would be able to bring it over. He brought the drinks himself right away and apologized that no one had been for my order - a good recovery.

We took the route march down to the gate and arrived to face a small line to get on board. Once on board we noticed the IFBT area was gone, replaced with a closet and a handy area for stretching exercises (DW has a bad back).

The suite was in perfect working order and even more amazing so were the staff! And of course you know the reason why. Correct! The FSM was visible and working, introduced herself to the passengers and was present throughout the flight. I obtained permission to use her name, and she was delighted to hear about V-FLYER. FSM Jo Bloom, thank you very much for a wonderful flight, you lead a great team by example.

Food was pretty good - again sorry memory fails me. The wines were okay, I've had many better offerings over the years. I did manage to get a pretty goos sleep in, even though the turbulence over the Congo was pretty bad.

With about four hours to go, I took a quick turn through the cabins to estimate load and was amazed that the plane had 80 empty seats, this is normally a very popular route for VS. The UA flight from SFO-LHR was full in First and Business (upgrades galore I expect) and empty in Economy, with many passengers having the central aisle to themselves to sleep.

Then I watched Rocknrolla - thoroughly enjoyable, before tucking into the full breakfast. I've normally been a Back butty man, but this time opted for the full English which was excellent.

We landed a little early, but the immigration line soon made up for that with about a 40 minute line. I wish there was Fasttrak for immigration.

Thanks for your TR. Pleased you had a good flight after what only can be described as a lack lustre LHR clubhouse experience (which I too have had to endure a few off lately).

Regards,

Hackneyguy

Thanks for the great TR!

I too have noticed that if you sit effectively behind the bar, near the windows you appear to have less attention from the waiting staff.

Thanks for the TR.

Good to read that the FSM lead by example and the flight went well.

Enjoy SA,

Dominic

A good FSM makes a big difference.
Which aircraft were you on, a 747 or A340?

s1990 - it was the 747-400C, that was unusual to me, it's normally been the A340.

Cobra - I was actually in front of the bar, but in the couches between the bar and the salon, so I wasn't exactly invisible.

The 744 is regularly used on the JNB route during December/January due to it being summer in South Africa. [8D]

Top marks on the TR, too bad havin a poor show at the clubhouse - its a real show stopper when the staff are havin a good one!

cheers

alex