V-Flyer

The eagerly anticipated trip to Boston with Nottingham Nick and Mrs Nick eventually arrived and given that it was only to be a weekend away, I opted for driving to Heathrow and leaving the car in the Terminal 3 Short Stay Car Park as it was only 15 more than the Long Stay[:0]

that said, the best laid plans etc. were cast aside as a combination of last minute chores at home and the M25 conspired to delay arrival by half an hour[:(!] To add to the 'misery' the lifts were not fully functioning resulting in a dash across the arrivals terminal before finally reaching the VS Check In area.

Check in was a breeze and the Check In Maitre'D ensured that an interloper was quickly put in her place before we called forward. The Check In Agent was very friendly, remarking 'My you are early for the Boston flight!'[:I][:I] before Boarding passes were issued and we were on our way to the Clubhouse via the private channel[y] As Nick has already posted, the shoe carnival has now been removed so we arrived at the Clubhouse in under 10 minutes from arriving in the Check in Hall.

No sooner had we met up with Mr & Mrs Nick, then we were asked by one of the servers what we would like[y][y] As has been previously written, portions are now smaller, but given we knew we would be taking lunch later, this was not an issue. An obligatory glass of champagne was forced upon us and we all celebrated the forthcoming weekend. Service remained excellent throughout and I have to admit that I did indulge a little with a couple of Vespers - which by the way were far better than I have been provided with elsewhere.

After we had all been pampered (the men opting for haircuts and the ladies going to the Cowshed) we made our way to the Brasserie for lunch. For the first time ever, I sat at a booth and as Nick has again already informed the wonderful world of V-Flyers, a new anniversary menu was on offer. Mrs Buns opted for the Steak & Guinness Pie and I the Burger[y][y] I have to own up and say i could have downed three servings of 'Eaton Mess' (as it came in a cocktail glass) but was summoned to the Concierge.

Shock upon shock, Mrs Buns and I had been op-upped[oo][oo] To my recollection, this is only the second time in the last ten years we have had the pleasure. However, gallant as I am, I quickly decided that Mrs Buns and Mrs Nick would make best use of the facilities so we swapped seats just before boarding.

Call for Boarding was slightly delayed and eventually (after stocking up on some boiled sweets - for ears popping you understand) we all made our way to Gate 19. By the time we arrived, the tail enders of pre boarding had just finished so we breezed on board and I took 20C in place of Mrs Nick. I have to say this was a result as i did not realise that Row 19 does not offer a window.

First time for me in the new PE seats and I have to say, top marks for comfort and leg room.[y][y]

I found the crew personable and efficient, and notwithstanding we pushed back a little late, service was quickly put into action. More than content with the food, but declined the wine accompaniment and the crew were happy to provide a top up of my pre-dinner scotch[y][y]

After lunch, Mrs Buns arrived for me and Mr Nick to make a short visit to the UC Bar and we all a quick chat - in marked contrast to the B2B Party bus[:w][:w] I might add - before returning to the PE Cabin. I then grazed the IFE, but nothing really took my fancy so I resorted to my I Pod[:D].

All too quickly the aircraft was made ready for landing and we arrived to a rain soaked Logan airport - Nick was quite disappointed as the normal approach over Boston was not used and whether this was a result of an incident earlier in the day when there was a near-miss between an aircraft and a road vehicle one can only speculate[:?]

We were soon off the aircraft and into an empty Immigration Hall and no sooner had we been processed than we arrived at the Carousel to collect our bags and then on to a waiting limo that I had organised as a treat for Mr & Mrs Nick

All in all, the entire experience was 'Just Right' and I am now looking forward to my next flight with VS

buns

Hey well what a great surprise for an Op-Up thanks for a great TR, I really like the new premium economy cabin, glad VS is still maintaining standards. Can't wait to experience the clubhouse!

Alex

Great TR, and what a gentlemen you are giving up your UCS for the girls [y]

Have a great weekend,

Dominic

A great TR and a lovely gesture - true gent.

Buns,What a lovely gesture towards Mrs Nick [:)].Sounds like a great experience all around.I'm hoping for the exact same on Tuesday [:)].
DL

Buns, I am certain Mrs. Buns is forever indebted to you for your generosity! Of course, it was a short trip ... well, let's just keep thinking how generous you are.

I am looking forward to trying the new PE seats.

Chuck-

Nice report, can you invite non UC passengers to the bar?

Nice TR Buns, love the fact the check in agent commented on your early arrival. Nice to see an Op-Up being given, and very generous of you to give your seat up for Mrs Nick, a true gent.

Hope you all had a great time in Boston.

quote:Nice report, can you invite non UC passengers to the bar?

Sometimes, yes. It is always at the discretion of the SCC member (or FSM) but if asked nicely and if only for a short period of time, then usually it is allowed, also it is more likely on a day flight then a night flight.

Lovely TR, buns and what a gentleman. [oo] I'm sure Mrs Nick enjoyed the gesture

quote:Originally posted by Neil


quote:Nice report, can you invite non UC passengers to the bar?

Sometimes, yes. It is always at the discretion of the SCC member (or FSM) but if asked nicely and if only for a short period of time, then usually it is allowed, also it is more likely on a day flight then a night flight.

It possibly also helped that buns and Nottingham Nick are Au members

Alex

Many thanks - I am a more frequent visitor to the Gatwick Clubhouse, which has a more intimate feel to it (but does need the re-furb though[;)]), I do hope you enjoy your time at the Clubhouse.

Dominic

You make me blush[:I]

Dragonlady

You are so kind - based on recent TRs here, the Clubhouse service ,in general, seems to have got it about right - If you wishing for the upgrade, I certainly have my fingers crossed for you[;)]

Chuck

I did know that Mrs Buns and Mrs Nick could continue their chatting if Nick and I stay together. Some might say that was a smart move[:w]

I know you have sat in the seat, but not whilst the aircraft was in operation. What i can say is the leg room was on par with what you experienced[y]

Sealink

As Neil points out, provided you clear it with the CSS or FSM and the visit is undertaken in a discrete manner, then it should not be a problem.

Neil

That little touch of humour by the check In agent does make you feel you are a real person, rather than just another 'pax' - and is worth its weight in gold. Thanks for your kind comment.

Jacki

So kind - but Mrs Buns would never have let me get away with not giving up my seat[;)]

HL

Thanks for your kind comments - Mrs Buns, Nick and I are all Golds, I really do think that the upgrade was a gesture rather than a necessity[oo] I suppose i will have to wait another 10 years to confirm my suspicion[:D][:D]

Lovely report Buns, and lovely to see you both get an op-up. Very gracious of you to offer it up. Hope you all enjoyed your time in Boston?

Thanks,
Sarah

Great TR always a pleasant suprise to have an op-up and my what a true gentleman, who sais romance is dead.

cheers

alex

quote:Originally posted by HighFlyer
Lovely report Buns, and lovely to see you both get an op-up. Very gracious of you to offer it up. Hope you all enjoyed your time in Boston?

Thanks,
Sarah


Sarah

I think I need to make it clear here - being gracious had nothing to do with it, incurring the wrath of Mrs Buns by not giving up the seat kicked in the survival instinct[:D][:D][:D][:D]

Fab time in Boston, the MO was simply out of this world and I think I may have picked up a convert or two along the way[;)]. Even though breakfast was included in the rate, we did go to The Pour House one morning[:I][}:)][}:)]

buns

Excellent TR. Hopefully the Boston trip made up for having to cut short the SFO/LAS trip. [y]

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Excellent TR. Hopefully the Boston trip made up for having to cut short the SFO/LAS trip. [y]


Thanks Darren[y]

Having a less hectic weekend (not to mention flight[:w][:w]) certainly did the trick in one respect. Of course, having such a good experience with VS has led to another thrashing of the Credit Card[:I][:w]

buns

Thanks for the TR Buns - sound slike you had a good flight and time spent there.

Thinking of heading over there myself in the Autumn for a weeknd (shopping and dining) so will be after some tips.

Thanks again,

Hackneyguy

quote:Originally posted by buns
Dragonlady

You are so kind - based on recent TRs here, the Clubhouse service ,in general, seems to have got it about right - If you wishing for the upgrade, I certainly have my fingers crossed for you[;)]

Our last trip to the LHR CH wasn't particularly good (wait staff too busy chatting amongst themselves).No need for an upgrade for Mr DL and myself (hopefully still ensconced in 4 and 5K [:D]). Dragonbaby and the Bestfiend will be hoping for a miracle as they're waaaay down the back [:0]

quote:Originally posted by hackneyguy


Thinking of heading over there myself in the Autumn for a weeknd (shopping and dining) so will be after some tips.

Thanks again,

Hackneyguy


Thanks for your comments - I have to say, Mrs Buns & I were in the hands of V-Flyer's resident (well he goes there often enough) guide to boston, Nottingham Nick[oo]

buns

So pleased for you and Mrs Buns and not at all surprised that you gave the op up away, as I know from experience that you are a true gent!!! I don't think I have any hope of hearing those magic words on Tuesday when I fly to MCO.

Hope you had a great weekend in Boston. I will be out there later this year but am flying with the opposition......

Sunshine

Thanks for the great TR! Good to see that chivalry is not dead. [y]

Thanks for the TR Buns [y]

Hope you enjoyed Boston.

Regards

Andy,

You are a true gent[oo], but I also think you had alernative motives for granting Mrs B and Mrs nick the op up[}:)] Glad it was an alround succesful trip[y]

Iain