VS015 LGW-MCO 26 Feb 09 (PE)
Posted: 07 Mar 2009, 17:07This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
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Within half an hour we were at Gatwick South Terminal, Lower Level. Bidding farewell to our driver. I plucked the 1 coin from my pocket to release the nearest trolley and can only imagine that Gatwick must suffer a rash of thefts to make this ludicrous charge[n] Pushing the trolley up the step slopes was some much needed pre Bay to Breakers exercise for me[}:)] and by 8am we were at the Upper Class check in line, only to find the place crowded by those boarding the Barbados Flight[:0]
We were ushered across to the first available PE check in desk and I can only say that this was the worst check in experience I have ever encountered on any airline. No 'Good Morning', no eye contact, no engagement whatsoever[n][n][n] I wouldn't have minded if the encounter had been swift, but no, three couples checked in at the upper Desk in the same time with lots of banter.
The Priority Pass security was no problem and passing by the throng of happy holidaymakers supping the free tipples on offer, we quickly made our way to the Clubhouse to the friendly welcome that is always experienced. I recounted what had just happened at check In and the Manager overheard me and offered to 'go downstairs and break their legs'[:D][:D][:D] I said that would not be necessary as now we had received the rapturous welcome this was a thing of the past.
Even at this early hour, the Clubhouse was full to bursting point - it transpired that the Barbados flight was operating a LHR configuration aircraft which accounted for the higher than usual number of passengers in the Clubhouse. Notwithstanding the capacity crowd, service was to the its usual excellent standard and fizz was quickly on our table soon followed by the eagerly awaited breakfast[y][y][y]
Acquaintances with the staff there were quickly renewed and whilst I would not like to admit this to Mrs Buns, if there was a way of just staying there for our break rather than getting on a plane to foreign parts, I would jump at the chance[;)]
We had previously booked treatments, but as they were short of one beautician on the day and were inundated by the Barbados flight we agreed to defer our time slots until that flight had left. The place became its usual oasis of calm at that point and we then had time to catch up with the shoeshine man who is our favourite VS employee.
All too quickly our time came to be called to Gate 17 (at least not the satellite his time round) and wiping a tear from my eye as i had to leave, made our way to the Gate. The Priority Boarding sign was clearly visible, but then it would be as there was no-one around. I forgot to pick up newspapers before going down the air bridge[n] as they are not available in PE on outbound flights.
On boarding I saw how empty the flight was to be[:0] All the economy passengers were in the aft section as Upper was full and PE only 80% full upstairs with the lower PE section empty.
Ensconced in our favourite 79 A & C, the PE style fizz was proffered (and duly accepted[}:)]) and then we were told that there would be an hour's delay whilst they replaced a cabin heater[:(!] I could have had loads of proper fizz in that time.
True to their word, an hour after the official take off time we pushed back and without any delay we on the runway and climbing into the now blue skies. Clearly during the hour delay, the stoves had been put to good use and almost immediately after take off, dinner was served. Mrs Buns opted for the chicken and I the veggie option - both were good - I asked the white wine (and wished I hadn't) and Mrs Buns a G&T which was no problem.
An attentive, yet slightly aloof, crew who nevertheless did that was required of them throughout the flight. As we departed in February, the Nova film offerings, in my opinion, did not provide me with anything I could watch, so I-Pod and Bose headphones remained the order of the day as far as entertainment was concerned. If only our flight had been a few days later I would have been able to catch the latest James Bond film and Slumdog Millionaire. One thing that struck me was that it was like the service was in reverse in that following afternoon tea, the drinks service came round.
No time was made up during the flight and we touched down an hour late. The benefit of 79A & C on the outbound is being able to get off the flight first[y][}:)][y] This we duly did and were first at Immigration and quickly through having all ten digits fingerprinted this time.
As the flight was so empty (only 150 including crew) all the bags came out on the one carousel and so despite our good head start we were one of the last to leave the baggage hall[:(!] We were able to make up time by using the escalator direct up to the monorail taking our cases with us rather than leaving them to the double drop.
In the main terminal we were soon united with our driver to take up to our resort in Orlando to begin that well earned break
In summary, a miserable check in, more than made up for by the marvellous service in the Clubhouse, and the flight experience lived up to expectations but nothing to make it truly memorable.
buns