V-Flyer

The day started with a slightly early and very efficient pickup from Airport Cars. Given that they cost less than half what Tristar quoted I can't recommend them highly enough!

We (Wolves, Fozzyo, LRoM and LSoM) decanted from the car and walked to the UC checkin desk managing to avoid catching the eye of the person who tries to direct you to the check in kiosks. Darren was already at checkin so we took our places in the minimal queue. Check in itself was quick and painless and our prebooked seats were confirmed and boarding passes issued promptly and efficiently - although the early start did see me walking away from the desk without actually collecting the BP and having to be called back.

Up in the lift to the security walkway, belts off, laptops out and liquids in separate baggies (well for most of us apart from the one 'seasoned traveller - like me' who seemed surprised to be asked to take his liquids out of the opaque travel case he was using and transfer them into a clear plastic sealable bag [:w]). Maybe it was just a coincidence that he was then subjected to a full taking apart of carry on and wanding of laptop etc....

We split up and went our separate ways for duty free shopping et al and then met up again in the Clubhouse where we'd been promised that the Sky Lounge would be reserved for our exclusive use. For once there were lots of seats there and we settled in and started placing drink and food orders. Initially this was tea for everyone but then the champagne arrived with plenty of flutes and typical VFlyer behaviour was embarked on. At this time there was no 'closed' sign on the Sky Lounge so we were joined by a non VFLyer related couple who sat at the edge of the lounge. Typical British restraint stopped us pointing out that the area was reserved so instead we took the time honoured way out - talking loudly about sexual practices some might consider extreme. Within minutes they left and shortly thereafter the staff erected a closed sign at the foot of the steps.

The next few hours were a blur and various VFlyers and guests arrived to be greeted, welcomed and fed and watered. At 08:40 I departed for a shower and then at 09:00 a haircut where - ignoring the habits of a lifetime - I had a haircut so short that it needed product to maintain. Oh well, it'll grow again. Both LRoM and LSoM had haircuts too from the same gentleman who'd been there for over 6 years. All cuts were beautifully delivered and provided aesthetically pleasing results.

Attempts to procure upgrades for some of our members using miles were not stunningly successful due to the heavy loads but this was not through want of trying by the friendly efficient clubhouse staff.

All in all our Clubhouse stay was an excellent start to our epic journey. The excitement amongst our members was palpable and this just increased anticipation for the flight ahead. The staff were superb, service was prompt and efficient and we were kept well provisioned throughout. When we left the area on the second boarding call it looked like a bomb had hit it - sorry peeps [:(].

Down to Gate 35 where there was no clearly posted Priority line but frankly there were so few people in the queue it seemed pointless to even look for one. The gate was busy with boarding in progress so we just walked straight onto the airbridge to join the queue of people that filled it back to the entrance. It progressed at a reasonable clip and so soon we were boarded and slowly but surely taking over the A zone. By the time we were all boarded every seat in the A zone bar 3 were filled with V-Flyers.

The usual pre flight drinks were offered by a CSS a number of us had flown with before and we settled in and prepared to take off. Shortly after take off seat belt signs went off and we were all up of our seats and mingling. The removal of the IFBT station has left the A zone with lots of space and was used as impromptu floor seating by a number of our members. An early attempt to use the bar was rendered pointless by the occupation of said oasis by another group of flyers who were off to a Pharma Conference in San Diego, so we regrouped in the A zone and launched occasional forays back to the PE Cabin to chat with Pete and the Coach cabin to say hello to others!

The FSM came and chatted to us en mass - she was part time having returned from maternity leave - but she ran a tight ship. All of the crew we dealt with were a credit to their profession - such that several VFlyers felt the need to fill in Heroes forms. Naturally there were cameras aplenty in evidence and I'm sure the gallery will shortly start to provide embarrassing shots taken on board.

The food was quite tasty but the PE menu actually had some better items on it! The drink flowed in copious quantities and one VFlyer actually managed to drink the entire stock of on board gin. Not to be deterred he manfully took the news on the chin and switched his preference to vodka...

Several times thoughout the flight 'the captain has found it necessary to turn on the seat belt signs'. This was generally down to the bar becoming overcrowded - it seems that more than 12 people at the bar is considered a safety hazard - although once it seemed to be related by too many people standing in coach, blocking the trolly service and once by a mother in UC complaining that the bar was too noisy for her sleeping child. You can probably guess how much sympathy this latter reason got from the VFlyer contingent.

However we somehow managed to alternate our bar presence with the other group and even occasionally commingled. Some amusement was provided by one passenger who became incredibly tired and emotional and attempted Ugandan discussions with another male pax, who not being as far gone as her had the good grace to seem slightly embarrassed by his new friend's antics, though not so embarrassed as to feel it necessary to stop her groping him back in the seat. The crew were good naturedly tolerant of their behaviour but did remove them from the bathroom at one point.

The selection of films seemed good although with so many VFlyers to play with there seemed little point in actually availing oneself of V:Port.

The flight is now fondly recalled as one charming set of vignettes after another and I'll leave my fellow VFlyers to provide their own favourites. I seem to recall the photos of me asleep with my head on the ottoman and my legs on the back of the suite being less than flattering but hey ho...

Landing into SFO was painless and immigration was empty when we got there. We were quickly processed and my experiment to see if the new I94Ws were compulsory quickly showed that they were not - so that means I can continue using my old stock in the office! Down to the baggage collection and priority baggage handling was very much in evidence. Very soon after landing we split into our various groups and headed to our hotels, only to meet with various peeps for more drinks later that evening - plus a side trip to Sieglers (zootsuitstore.com) to purchase a zoot suit - thanks for the lift Ben!

So a BIG thank you to all the Virgin Staff and fellow VFlyers who made the start to this trip one of the best on record. Hopefully some fellow travellers can add in more details now I've created a framework.

Sounds like you all had fun! Wish I could have been there! Great TR!

Great report Decker. Not sure what else I can add other than to say that this was a fantastic flight in more ways than one, having the Sky Lounge was a fantastic start to the day. The crew onboard were fantastic, really very good to us considering how busy the flight was and how we'd pretty much commandeered A zone as our own private playpen. I did feel sorry for the three non-V-Flyers [:)]

Food and drink was okay on the flight, I believe we all got our first meal choice which was very positive. They did run out of glasses onboard though and drinks had to be served in plastic cups during the latter part of the flight.

This flight was an absolute blast, and I cannot wait to see the pictures ... [:)]

Thanks,
Sarah

Great TR - the CH was clearly the starting block for a fun flight, may the party continue!

'"Ugandan Discussions'

Sounds like a fun flight was had by all, well apart from the 3 non V-Flyers in the A Zone, bad planning by LRoM I think with that one!

Looking forward to seeing the photos.

Neil

Now that sounds fun my kind of flight, thanks for the TR and have a good time all.

The most VFlyers I've ever had on a flight was one, and that made for a good few hours at the bar. Can only imagine what it would have been like to be on this one! Thanks for the report, have fun with the race.

Great TR Decker. How dare non-v-flyers infiltrate the A zone and gatecrash the party [:D]

Wish I could have experienced it 'live', but am glad you found time to share the report, Decker. Sorry to be missing this weekend and I hope you all have a great time in SF.

Chuck-

quote:Originally posted by MarkedMan
Can only imagine what it would have been like to be on this one!


The normal rule of what happens onboard, stays onboard is followed pretty closely, at least until the first couple of leaks appear, then it becomes a free for all.

I did receive a call from one V-Flyer, this has been sent away to the CIA to be translated, so I am guessing that the inflight tradition (see the gin comment above) may well off be carried over, either that or their accent is getting heavier [:w]

My sympathies lie with the three non-V-Flyers in zone A [:w]

That would have been confirming I had your duty free Dave [;)]. We've just lunched at the Cheesecake Factory and one anecdote that surfaced was the unfortunate man and toddler story. Whilst stood in Zone A I noticed a toddler come down the aisle, through the galley and back down the other side. Some 20 seconds later a distraught looking man was walking rapidly towards Zone A. I commented to the people I was standing with 'I bet this guy asks if we've seen his baby 'cos he's lost him'. Sure enough that's exactly what he did do. Trouble is he hadn't heard my comment so seemed somewhat put out by my pointing at him with a loud exclamation of 'Ha!'. [:w]

Great TR - good luck for the run and have a fun trip!

Neil, the flight was absolutely full in every cabin - hence the 3 non-VF people in the A zone. Though to be honest they were noticeably absent for a good part of the flight given the sheer amount of lunacy and cameras present.

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
My sympathies lie with the three non-V-Flyers in zone A [:w]


Their TR would make interesting reading[:D]

Wish i'd been on the flight, sounds like an absolute hoot [y] might have to get the trainers out and maybe (i said maybe) do a few miles in them to prepare for next year [:D]

what a great TR, and sounded like you all had a hoot on the flight. Really glad that the staff etc were top drawer!

Have fun in SF

Dominic

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
My sympathies lie with the three non-V-Flyers in zone A [:w]


Mine too ! Glad to hear the flight was good.

Thanks Decker for producing an excellent resume of the flight. It just goes to show how you can sometimes miss the fun by spending time engrossed in the IFE

buns

Thanks Decker - I seem to think I remember being on that flight (well my liver does remind me every so often !)

Hackneyguy

I must be slacking, as I hadn't picked up on the fact that Decker had compiled this brilliant TR!! What can I say...other than BEST FLIGHT EVER [:D]

Here's to next May [y]