V-Flyer

Another report on the BGI route!
This was a quick R+R trip in order for Mr DL to recharge his batteries, and for me to use up the last of this year's outstanding leave.
We'd travelled up on Sunday evening and overnighted at the Crowne Plaza in Crawley (having bagged a good hotel/parking /meet and greet deal through holiday extras.
Monday dawned bright and early, but the taxi we had booked failed to arrive at the appointed time[V], so a terse phone call was made and a car arrived shortly afterwards.The driver then proceeded to drive like Lewis Hamilton (possibly to compensate for the non-arrival of his colleague) and we arrived at the South terminal shortly after 6am.I'd forgotten what a hellhole LGW is (not having travelled through there in 2 years).Check in was efficent and painless and purple passes in hand we headed off to security.Security was a nightmare, passengers not having removed belts, coats etc and my mood not being helped by the officer telling us we could have used Fasttrack. No we couldn't muppet, it doesn't open until 7.30!!!! Do you honestly think we'd have stood in a queue for 40+ minutes if we had another option. I did mutter that it didn't open until later and he muttered 'oh yeah'. Arrgh!!! Anyway security and shoe carnival completed we were through to the main area and immediately headed up to the CH. We were not the first arrivals (another couple had beaten us to it) and were soon ensconced in a table by the window. The service was as faultless as ever although my first (only[:0]) mojito was way too tart (not enough syrup) and neccessitated a move to the fizzy stuff. I had a nice plate of salmon and scrambled egg and Mr DL managed a couple of bacon sanwiches. A couple of parties managed to enter the CH mistaking it for the V-room and had managed to sit down before staff realised and they were politely re-directed elsewhere.
The VS29 was called at about 9.30 with clear instructions that priority boarding was in effect and to keep to the left at the gate.This we did (cue glares and tuts)and we were soon on board. The craft was a LHR config (V-HOT)and as we were in 6A and 6K we were to be seated upstairs.The FA at the door welcomed us on board and tried to usher me to the left. She was acutely embarressed when I pointed out that it was a LHR craft and 6A and 6K were actually upstairs[:I].
Once upstairs Ashley (permission to use name) came up and introduced herself advising us that she'd be looking after us today.A couple of glasses of fizz were offered and duly accepted. I asked for suits for us and a couple were promptly brought.Mine was a 'previously enjoyed' specimen which I declined (giving my rationale) and asked for one in a proper bag with a plastic seal. This was promply brought. Ashley explained that most of the crew including herself were 'working up' (as an LHR config) and said she hadn't realised that the suits were re-used ([:$]). Again my fellow v-flyers, I urge you to take them away and save your fellow passengers from this revolting practice.
We were airborne pretty quickly and orders for drinks and lunch taken.No limes on board again [V]but having wised up to this and spurred on by mdviponds previous footnotes, I had wisely procurred a couple in the CH (much to the surprise of Ashley when they were whipped out of my handbag).T10+TWL swiftly in hand and my lunch order taken I sat back to enjoy Slumdog.I won't repeat the full menu as others have already commented but would comment that the pear and blue cheese salad was overpowering, the cod looked revolting but was actually very thick and nice and tasty and the apple and amaretto tart soggy (and the custard stone cold)[V]. I passed on the wine but opted to have a glass of port with my cheese (all nice but diddy little portions).Mr DL opted for the gloop (pronounced OK) and the Coq au Vin (pronounced surprisingly nice).
The extras basket was also brought around with the usual offerings within it.
There were a large number of staffers on board (including a fair few in UC) and whilst most were inconspicious a couple were pretty intrusive.This included one whining loudly at the bar where I'd retreated for a drink ( I was now on the water) that some of her party hadn't been upgraded and how hard she worked for Virgin etc etc. She was also bleating that cheap upgrades had been offered from PE to UC and this was why some of her party were still in Y. I quickly corrected her on this (the cash upgrade price had actually been 814 one way). Unabashed, she continued to whine and asked if I too was a staffer. No dear, I'm just your regular paying passenger.The FSM (who I think had been a crew member on the Marie Celeste in a previous life) was holding court with a group of fellow staffers (who weren't in UC) in the jumpseats (close to the bar).This was particularly noticeable as the FSM hadn't been visible at all in the cabin ( and she wasn't for the rest of the flight either), but she spent about 40 mins with this group who were quaffing champagne from the bar [V][V]. I know it seems like a moan, but VS (and this means the FSM on board) really need to ensure that staff on travel remain unobtrusive and comply with the guidelines set out. Anyway,enough of my ranting.
I returned upstairs to watch Australia (Mr Jackman is soooooo lovely[:D][:D])and afternoon tea was brought out about and hour and a half from BGI. The only sandwich I could eat was the Chicken Caesar, which could have done with a bit of greenery (and was a bit of a doorstep), but was actually rather nice.Ashley (bless her) had offered to make me up a sandwich from the crew cart offerings if I didn't like it. The lemon ricotta cake which was nice and moist and complimented the Earl Grey rather nicely. Mr DL also had the Chicken Caesar and opted for the scone(which he said he enjoyed).The crew (who were in the main working up) were excellent and far better than some seniors I've encountered on previous trips in UC (a couple of mistakes were made like forgetting the tablecloth etc but nothing monumental). The lack of leadership from the FSM was glaring -this was an ideal time for her to be very visible, and she wasn't.Due to my ingestion of large ammounts of water during the flight I needed to use the loos fairly frequently.As per usual the floors were looking pretty wet by the end of the flight.I still can't belive people enter the loos without footwear on. Would you visit a public loo without shoes/barefoot?? [:$]I think not.
We approached BGI ahead of time and I did wave out of 6A in the hope ifores1 might see me, and we landed without incident.I love getting off at BGI as you have to climb down the steps (very nostalgic).The heat was immense and before I'd reached the terminal I'd acquire my first mossie bite [:(!].All the booths were open and we were literally 3rd and 4th in the queue.Duly stamped in and immigration forms handed over we headed to the baggage claim where the bags were coming out very quicky. Priority baggage worked for once and within 15 minutes of disembarking we were out through customs and in a taxi on the way to the hotel. 30 minutes after landing I was in the hotel, rum puch in hand [:D] (slathering on tropical strength Jungle Gel in my ongoing war with the mossies).
Overall a pleasant trip. The juniors worked hard in their extended role- the FSM could/should have done (much) better.Personal thanks to Ashley. VS please sort out the obtrusive staff on travel- your other passengers just get hacked off by them.
DL

Fantastic TR, very informative and amusing. So sad VS are still not getting the basics right.

DL

Such a contrast in experience[:#]

We have said it here time and time again; consistency of service is crucial and effective leadership is the way to achieve that [:(!]

Top marks for the crew working up[y][y][y]

'Words of Advice' should be directed at disgruntled staff member for being so vocal about entitlements for upgrades.

Thanks for an interesting read, it is important to share flight experiences such as yours, so no need to apologise.

buns

Thanks for the TR DL and I hope the break gave you both the much needed R&R.

Good that you had personal service, I however would have been angered and irritated with Ms VS FC moaner at the bar. I think a sharp letter to VS Customer Services is in order here.

DL,

Great TR, and great to hear that most of the staff were excellent. I think we had the same crew going back on the 17th as they stayed over in UVF. Shame about the moaners though at the bar.

We were waiting for your flight and the whole family was on the balcont of the house waving like edjits as VHOT flew past.

Glad the rain you brought only lasted a couple of days[:p]

all the best
Iain

Thanks for the TR DL, shame it was slightly let down by a poor FSM.

quote:The only sandwich I could eat was the Chicken Caesar, which could have done with a bit of greenery (and was a bit of a doorstep), but was actually rather nice

I have to say I really think the UC afternoon tea sandwiches are really poor quality, and very specific for certain tastes, I would much rather have a plain sandwich with extras available if required.

Neil

Thanks for the TR![y]

I thought from previous TRs where there are 'off-duty staffers' in UC that they were to keep a discrete profile. This is where a strong FSM should step in and put the whining 'staffer' in their place and remind them of their obligations. She should be thankful that she actually had a seat in UC!

Thanks DL - I do enjoy your TR style

Oh I wish that had been my flight, that 'whining staff member' wouldn't have known what hit her. Unfortunatly it is usually the office staff who dont seem to know how to behave on board. Also really annoys me when I hear about lazy and incompetent FSMs!

I know it's not the same, but were I work, if any of us stay or dine it's under strict instructions that you do not talk about where you work. There's nothing worse for the paying public to overhear people on comps moaning about it.

Thanks for an informative TR, nice to have a LHR config. Shame about the staff in UC, I would write a letter as clearly the staff that were working up needed help and guidance.

Dominic

Thanks for an excellent read.Regarding staff travel,in my youth I traveled frequently on BA staff discount and hotline tickets thanks to a mate.It was always on the understanding of being well dressed, well behaved and no mention of work or ticket prices.He said there would be serious repercussions for him if anyone reported any indiscretions.

Thank you DL; I enjoyed that.

Shame, as ever, that VS staffers can't be happy with their perk, keep their heads down and leave the champagne to those who are entitled to it. And slapped wrists for the FSM who let them get away with it.

Thanks for the responses folks .As I'm not clever enough to quote several specific replies in one post I'll reply like this [:)]
slink - the R+R was much needed by Mr DL and enjoyed hugely by us both. I will be sending a letter to customer services (I'll also be saying how good the juniors working up were too).
Iain -the BGI route remains a 2 night stopover (and so much loved by the crew) and the crew were flying back on Wednesday.
Neil- I hate mustard, ketchup,pickle, egg mayo etc so plain sanwiches with extras to add to your own taste would be my ideal too.
VB747- she was cc (heaven help the poor souls on the VS07 tomorrow).
jp- the free travel in your youth on BA has been more than repaid by yourself in latter years[}:)]

Consistency, consistency, consistency. Got it in one buns.
DL

The custard for the dessert is supposed to be served cold with that dessert.

[8D]

Well the menu says custard and I suppose everyone assumes it should be hot.

And yes the moaning staff should be shot at dawn - it's not good for VS if paying pax hear them moaning.

The FSM should have set an example and told them to behave or he would report them.

VS need to crack down on staff who abuse their perks - having them withdrawn and disciplinary action taken.

It's not fair on the staff who follow the rules and behave.

Mrs DL looks like you will be doing two letters to VS - a nice one about the hard working staff and a not so nice one about the moaning staffers and the FSM neglecting his paying pax.

Thanks for the TR. It's just amazing to me that anyone would expect freebie upgrades to take wide precedence over paying customers. The remarkable thing seems to be that sometimes it just happens! I've tried to upgrade with cash or miles before and been told the cabin was full, and you clearly had a large contingent of staffers on - including some I knew. And to have 'em there, complaining, is just taking the piss.