VS021 LHR-IAD 27 Apr 09 (PE)
Posted: 22 May 2009, 01:33This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
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(1.) decided to finally write a trip report and
(2.) join V-flyer.
I actually had been unsure whether to actually attain elite status with Virgin, but all the great deals especially for the 25th birthday I thought I would see how the premium economy cabin differed from economy and in process get some well needed tier points. Having flown virgin economy afew times and being very impressed with the product I wasn't really expecting much more with premium economy.
I always remember how I felt when I walked through the cabin and saw the premium economy seats and always felt they weren't anything special, little did I know how much looks can be deceiving. I was able to take advantage of a fantastic sale return fare to Washington in april and thought why not. This means I'm at 8 tier points for the year and well on my way to GOLD for the first time
Anyway having used v-flyer I found 19k seat to be very good and I made my way on the tube to Heathrow, I had already checked in online the queue for economy seemed quite large, but being able to use the premium economy desk was a relief, but to my surprise there was also a queue here. The customer services assistant very promptly allowed me to use the upper class desk. The assistant was very chatty and polite, I asked to see what it would cost to upgrade to upper and unfortunately was just too much.
So i made my way through security and made my way to the lounge for priority club members, unfortunately I enjoyed this too much and almost missed the flight. Thankfully I made it to the gate last one to board, the plane was almost empty and meant no one sitting next to me. Even had V-port, which i was very impressed by, unfortunately had Nova on the way back crashing many times. Even the air steward was hoping for a new system soon!
I was offered a glass of sparkling wine, the plane took off a few minutes late. I must admit if there have been reductions in cabin service due to saving money I don't think I experienced any. The food for airline food was actually edible (something I wasn't expecting) and the seat was so comfortable, I was able to get some work done on my laptop and thank you for all the information posted for laptop chargers. I bought my own just to be safe. I have to admit the only negative about the whole experience was now I don't think i could ever want to fly economy again!
The flight touched down on time and was very uneventful as i slept for most of the trip and woke up to be able to have enough time to watch Bolt, I was thankful for a quiet plane as i was in histerics with this film.
Having flown in to IAD before I was prepared this time for the unusual airport transport and thankfully customs was quick even on the american side. I always have to chuckle with all the propaganda adverts in the customs queue. Everyone seemed quite apprehensive with all the swine flu worries.
One thing i did learn from this trip do not book IAD then get domestic from BWI my god it might as well be Heathrow and Gatwick, but lesson learnt all to save a $150 on a flight that I spent on travel in the end to BWI. I then had to fly economy for 2 hours and i was itching for the comfort of a Virgin premium economy seat. Unfortunately being 20 I couldn't even drink to numb the pain!
Well i hope i have covered everything and everyone enjoyed my quite slim traffic report, but I thankfully have an Upper flight to Sydney in July and am really looking forward to all those new experiences. I will of course report back
Alex