V-Flyer

The end of a fantastic weekend in the company of Nottingham Nick and Mrs Nick had come all too soon and we found ourselves at Logan Airport after a short drive through Boston on a wet Sunday afternoon - some three hours before scheduled departure (can't imagine why [:w][:w])

Both UC and PE Lines were absolutely empty, save the people checking in ahead of us and once finished we were soon called forward to go through necessary procedures. Check in staff were friendly and efficient and there were no traits of what others have encountered in other US airports with surliness and the like. Whilst we were checking in, I did overhear someone nearby asking to be cost of an upgrade from Economy to PE and after being told $275, sought a $50 extra leg room seat.

Security was painless enough and a mere 5 minute diversion from our main objective of the afternoon - The Boston Clubhouse[:D][:D] As ever, Nottingham (or should it be Boston[}:)]) Nick was our guide to this subterranean gem located under the Gate.

Although small, the welcome we received ranks alongside the warmest I have encountered at Clubhouses in LGW and SFO (these IMHO are top notch). The Manager worked like a Trojan throughout our stay; making sure everyone in the Clubhouse had everything they needed and that supplies of drinks, food and papers remained stocked throughout. Just like a good FSM, this leading by example had a genuine impact on all the staff there who all similarly gave of their best[y][y]

Being Boston, I had to try out the Chowder and agree with Nick that it is jolly good. Nick was able to log in using the WiFi there and I did gain access on my I-Touch but it did want to re-log the password every time I went back, so gave up in the end. Once the flight was called, the Manager personally bade everyone farewell and have to say that in the se tough economic times, it is small things like that which retain custom[y]

A short elevator journey had us at the gate and boarding almost instantaneously[:0]

Settled into 21A & C on a very busy aircraft and given i would be driving at the other end, declined the 'Champagne' on offer. Mrs Buns (who some of you might recall had been lucky to get an Op-Up on the outbound journey[}:)]) was very impressed with the seat - this being the first time she had been in PE aboard a LHR configured aircraft. The Captain told us it would be a relatively short 5 hours 50 minutes which would more than make up for the delay on taking up; which was due to a medical emergency on the inbound flight.

Take off from a wet and windy Boston was soon replaced by cruising in the clear blue skies above and Mrs Buns and i settled back to make the most of the short flight. No pre-dinner drinks run, but then given the short time available and the need to get some rest, I am sure no-one bothered too much. Over dinner, I watch 'Airplane!' which i still find funny after all these years. For those who were not around in the early 80's, the irony is that some of the airport experiences was just as portrayed.

After dinner got some rest and woke about an hour and a half before arrival, meaning i could get to the washrooms before the rush. Picked up my Pre-Ordered Duty Free and had a cup of coffee and some fruit for breakfast.

The usual stack over London was encountered, but this did not prevent an early arrival and even having to wait for the Gate to be vacated by a preceding aircraft still had us on stand before scheduled arrival time.

The long trek through the never ending building site, known better as Terminal 3, brought us to an overflowing Immigration Hall, which quite frankly is a shameful welcome to the UK[:(!] Let us not forget that the huge fees / taxes we all pay are for the upkeep of the airport and yet we have a facility that leave visitors with the impression that we are a country just about to go into bankruptcy.

Unlike my previous visit the month before, by the time we reached the carousel, our bags were coming off and we quickly made our way through customs and onto Revivals for a quick breakfast stoke up before getting the courage to take on the M25[:D]

All in all, a more than pleasurable experience, no bases not covered and VS can be pleased that the encounter with the Boston Clubhouse Manager has certainly retained my custom [y][y]


buns

Thanks for the TR, Andy. And thanks to both of you for your excellent company over the weekend. [y][y]

I agree entirely with your sentiments about the Boston Clubhouse and its excellent staff.

I also agree about the shameful queues and the state of the arrivals hall at LHR. The queues were far worse than any I have seen in the US (and I have seen LONG queues there). Even the 'fast track' queue stretched around the corner and 3/4 of the way to the back of the hall. [n]

No complaints about the UK / EU queue though. Even with the more rigorous passport checks [:w] , we were few in just a few minutes.

Nick

Thanks for a another great read Buns, glad you all had a great weekend and flight.

Dominic

quote:the long trek through the never ending building site, known better as Terminal 3...

Great but poignantly true observation. Once you've landed at Changi, or KLIA/HKIA you realise all the more how poor some of our facilities are.

I am glad you all had a great trip away, and that the Clubhouse was every bit as good as you were hoping. A lovely way to end the holiday.

Thanks,
Sarah

Thanks for the TR sounds like a fantastic weekend.

quote:Originally posted by buns

I watch 'Airplane!' which i still find funny after all these years.


It still cracks me up every time a true classic.

Really enjoyed reading the TR - I flew from Boston last year and the Y check in staff was really very nice, security a breeze, and arriving at T3 awful.

Thanks for the TR Buns, glad you all had a great time.

quote:Originally posted by buns
No pre-dinner drinks run, but then given the short time available and the need to get some rest, I am sure no-one bothered too much.


Neat TR buns, glad you enjoyed Boston, especially using Red Sox Nick as a guide [:D] We certainly enjoyed our recent trip there - such a friendly place.
Is the lack of a pre-dinner drinks run the norm now for PE or a one-off for this flight?

quote:Originally posted by Treelo
Is the lack of a pre-dinner drinks run the norm now for PE or a one-off for this flight?


One of the many recent cuts ...

quote:Originally posted by buns
Let us not forget that the huge fees / taxes we all pay are for the upkeep of the airport


Thanks for the TR - glad to see you were comfortable in PE but yes, just how long has the ceiling been down, the walkways half working etc. on the treck to gates 32+? One year - two years? It is shameful, and even worse are the 15-22 gates.

Another excellent TR, thanks Buns [y]

The gate 15-22 area of LHR should be flattened and started again. It's horrible and there's no sign of it ever improving either.

Yes I know exactly what you mean about arriving in the UK. It is a mess, although IRIS does make life much easier.

Regards

In defence of BAA it can't be easy to basically only have a few hours during the night to do work like this so no wonder it takes an age - rather like the underground has to do. What is their other option other than to close areas and gates down for long periods?

Yes its all very well comparing T3 to some of the new airports but most of these new aiports have been built on clear sites. T3 was initially designed and built in the 1950's when travel numbers were no where near what they are today - I bet if you said in 1960 that one day LHR would deal with 70+million pax they would have laughed at you then locked you away !

Parts of JFK are hardly much better !

Anyway it looks like the Boston invasion party had a good trip and thats what matters !

I'm still in shock: Nick going to Boston - who would have thought it? [;)]

The majority of VS flights now depart from gates 15-22 and they are slowly improving.

Thanks for all your kind comments guys[oo][oo]

I cannot wait for the next 'good' sale (i.e. right price / right time [}:)]
I do have to say that Boston will only be Boston id Nick is there[y][y] Thanks for showing us the way round Nick

buns

What a great read, Buns. As always you've captivated me with your eloquence. I haven't had the good fortune of being in the BOS CH nor of trying the new PE seats; both seem to have scored a big hit with you.

I was thinking that it's a very good thing that you took Mrs. Buns along on this excursion. No doubt she was crushed at not being able to join the fun on our last little foray!

My best to you, as always, and of course to Mrs. B. as well.

Chuck-

What no op-up on the return, you must be losing your touch! Great TR and I will definately have to book your tour guide next time I go to Boston!

Chuck

As always, your comments are applied with such consummate eloquence, leaving Mrs Buns & I humbled[:I] Thank you [oo]

Jacki

Thank you for your comments - I suspect my next Op-Up will be in about 10 years time[:D] But I am not complaining - to get an upgrade is always a bonus

Boston is a great place and I have to say that it has replaced the Big Apple for me in terms of accessibility and warmth of the people of the City.

buns

Thanks for the great TR![y]