V-Flyer

Please note that this trip report is slightly different from the ones normally posted on here, as it was written for a.net

June 25th 2009

Introduction
The day started with a pretty uneventful early morning trip to LHR by train from Romford.
Deciding to pay extra to travel on the Heathrow express felt more sensible as I was going to be spending ten hours or so in a metal tube, and the less time spent on the cramped sweaty underground which is an even more cramped metal tube would be for the better.

(Me on the Heathrow express)

My last trip to Heathrow was back in 2007 and things have certainly changed since then. The train stations have been spruced up, new signage has been added and it looks like an airport fit for the modern age of travelling. Sadly, this impression wasnt too last.
On arriving at Heathrow central station, a short walk down a few tunnels brought me to the forecourt of a visibly aging Terminal 3.
Here I was instantly greeted by a rather large Virgin Atlantic sign, visibly indicating where I needed to head, being that today I would be travelling with them. This part of terminal 3 was a complete contrast to the other side, being clean, spacious and very modern.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/2.JPG[/img]
(Virgin Atlantic terminal 3 lobby)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/3.JPG[/img]
Entrance

Check in
Having checked in online the day before (wanted to secure row 64) we headed to the bag drop desk. However, as there was already someone at the counter, we were quickly pointed in the direction of the Premium Economy desk (Wishful thinking, but sadly not in my price range, yet).
Check in was the usual efficient passport, e-ticket and bag weigh affair the check in agent was polite and patient during the process, even when my disorganised mate was wading through his bag in search of his passport.
Having checked in, it was time to head in search of food.

The terminal 3 experience
Having been to terminal 3 in the past and remembering its dire eating arrangements, it was decided to take a quick trip over to terminal 2 where there was a Wetherspoons. Breakfast wasnt glamorous, but filled a whole and didnt cost a fortune either. I must add that Terminal 2 felt rather depressing. With its low ceilings and what seemed like a lack of passengers. (Believe its closing?)
We then headed back over to the wonderful terminal 3, to endure the wonders of a Heathrow security check.
Security took about 20 minutes to get through, which wasnt too bad, but not brilliant either. Still, there was plenty of time to kill, as our flight was due to start the boarding process in about 2 hours.
We were then dumped into the retail obsessed world that is Terminal 3.
For those of you not lucky enough to travel through terminal 3, let me fill you in on it.
Think of a cramped, windowless shopping mall with about five times the people it was designed for. Its truly a horrible terminal. Hot, overcrowded and it felt claustrophobic. I also did not enjoy being instantly chucked into the wonderful duty free shopping experience directly after security.
Still, we did stop to stare at the 5000 bottles of whiskey on sale.


(5000 Whiskey anyone?)

Thankfully, after a drink or two at the rather unreasonably priced bar, our gate was announced and we headed off towards gate 19.
Thankfully, as you leave the lounge you are finally allowed to see the outside world once again and a glimpse of how busy Heathrow is.


(Thai Airlines)


(Our plane today)

VS019
LHR SFO
S.Dep 11:30 A.Dep 11:42
S.Arr 14:20 A.Arr 14:45
Duration: 10hrs

Aircraft: G-VFAB (Lady Penelope)

Boarding Process
On arriving at the gate, a fairly fast moving queue had formed this led into the gate room.
Available for the take was a selection of newspapers and magazines. I was surprised by this (and Im not sure whether this is a BAA or a Virgin Atlantic thing), but it was nice to help myself to a free copy of The Times.
Boarding began at around 11ish, with both Upper Class and Premium passengers being called first, followed by passengers with seats in rows 55 onwards.
On entering the aircraft I was amazed to be greeted as hello Mr K-, considering I was only a mere economy passenger.
Being one of the first on the aircraft for economy there was no problem getting some space in an overhead locker before they would get too full.

The Flight
Whilst people were boarding, I took the time to get comfortable in my seat. The legroom felt much greater in the final rows that it did in the seats further up the cabin perhaps this is because the seats go down to a 2-4-2 layout versus the 3-4-3 layout further up the aircraft. I also was pleased to see the garish seat colours were no more, replaced with a more subtle brown / grey and red combination.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/7.JPG[/img]
(Legroom)


(Cabin)


(V:Port IFE)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/10.JPG[/img]
(View Out the Window of G-VROC [Mustang Sally])

With boarding finished, and a now full cabin, the captain welcomed us aboard with what must be the most comprehensive announcement from the flight deck I have ever heard. We were told the exact routing, what sights we would most likely be seeing, the weather we would be experiencing and also some information about the aircraft.
This was followed by an announcement from the cabin crew about the meals offered on todays flight, which seemed a little muffled and I could not understand too clearly.
We took off and headed north towards Scotland. The seatbelt light was switched off about 20 minutes or so after takeoff and V:Port was activated about half an hour or so after this.
Whilst V:Port was being set up, a drinks service was started. Notably, being at the back, service took a long time to reach our seats, however I consider it a small trade off for the added comfort.
With a (rather strong) vodka lemonade, I fired up V:Port and decided to watch Yes Man. Not a bad film, not side splittingly funny, but it was an enjoyable film none the less. Note the pretzels in the picture. These are from my personal stash that I ordered online. Raised quite a few eyebrows and questions among cabin crew to where they were from, as they had disappeared from service long ago.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/11.JPG[/img]
(Vodka, Lemonade, Pretzels. The perfect flying combination)

During the movie, meal service number one was started, with my choice being Beef and Rice, or Vegetable Risotto.
On opening the meal I was instantly hit with the smell of pepper the dish being very peppery indeed.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/12.JPG[/img]
(Unopened Meal)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/13.JPG[/img]
(Opened Meal)

It wasnt too bad, defiantly not the best meal Ive had but theres been much worse. The GU pud was very nice, and the roll was pretty much as you would expect a roll. Not frozen solid mind you. Tray looks rather empty without the crackers I used to enjoy them.
With the meals cleared away quite promptly after they were finished, I briefly fell asleep. I was awakened by the news that they were handing out ice cream bars which I greatly appreciated, given the small size of the meals dessert.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/14.JPG[/img]
(Ice Cream)

After this, I decided to give up on the napping idea, and watched an episode of Family Guy, followed by a rather useless travel guide of San Francisco.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/15.JPG[/img]
(Greenland)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/16.JPG[/img]
(Wingtip against the sky)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/17.JPG[/img]
(Information screen)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/18.JPG[/img]
(Route)

Meal service number two was brought round a little later, and consisted of the choice of either a wrap featuring something with mayo, or a wrap featuring spinach and ricotta. Hating, mayo, I chose the second, however, found this to still be inedible perhaps Im picky, or maybe it just nasty.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/19.JPG[/img]
[i/](The wrap of doom)

After this had been cleared away, I decided to watch the movie Mall Cop. Im not sure what made me watch it, all I can say is Dont. Its awful still, it did pass a few hours.
Next meal service came around this time offering a sandwich and a granola bar. I was given a coleslaw and cheese sandwich. This was again, left untouched.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/20.JPG[/img]
(Sandwich of doom)

After this was cleared away, it was deemed a good idea to fill in the green card and customs form ready for landing, after which I watched an episode of the IT crowd, before it was announced that our decent was about to begin.
A landing at San Francisco defiantly is one of the most scenic landings Ive ever done, allowing you to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and all the hills.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/21.JPG[/img]
(Landing)

Post Flight
After waiting ages to disembark (another con to being at the back), I cleared customs and immigration, and claimed my bags. This process took a good 45 minutes, but on an upside we didnt have to wait for the bags.
After this it was a case of jumping on BART, and heading into the city.

Summary
The food was awful, however the entertainment, crew and check in process was all brilliant. This definably ranks as one of my better Virgin Atlantic flights. Heathrows not a nice airport, but its not really VS fault.

San Francisco
Below are a few photos from my trip such as Alcatraz, The behind the scenes tour of AT&T park, and of course, The Golden Gate Bridge. I had a really good time in the city once again, and found it to be just as warm and hospitable as the last time I visited.
(The second half of my report follows)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/22.JPG[/img]
(Chocolate Shop)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/23.JPG[/img]
(Alcatraz)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/24.JPG[/img]
(Post game interview room at AT&T park)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/25.JPG[/img]
(On the field sort of)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/26.JPG[/img]
(A Foggy day)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/27.JPG[/img]
(Slow Shutter Night shot from the hotel)

July 2nd 2009

The Return Journey

Check in
Once again I used online check in, making sure that I reserved the same seats that we had on the flight out. Because I had no laptop with me, I checked in at the Apple Store in downtown guess it makes a change from the usual email and facebook sites most people seem to browse when at the store.
After taking BART to the airport, we proceeded to the bag drop desk where we were met by a very friendly check in agent, whom offered us a special offer upgrade to premium economy for $390ish. Had I been working full time for a bit longer this summer so far, Id have possibly taken it but it was in my best interests not to. I will travel in a class above economy one day I hope.

The SFO terminal experience
The light and airy terminal building makes for a pleasant change to the crowded building of terminal 3 at LHR.
Given that there was time to kill, and quick meal from Burger Joint (Brilliant turkey burger, worth every cent)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/28.JPG[/img]
(Decent airport food for a reasonable price)

This was then followed by a trip round the airport on the free airtrain. This provided me with the perfect chance to take a few photos of some of the aircraft parked at SFO.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/29.JPG[/img]
(Virgin America, JAL)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/30.JPG[/img]
(Frontier, Delta (NW))

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/31.JPG[/img]
(Air China, Emirates, Air NZ)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/32.JPG[/img]
(KLM, Virgin Atlantic)

After the airtrain ride, we visited the museum, which, whilst small, is still a rather unique touch to the airport. It was particularly interesting to see the old cabin crew uniforms on display.


(Old ticket jackets in museum)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/34.JPG[/img]
(Model planes 1)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/35.JPG[/img]
(Model planes 2)

After all this, boarding was set to commence in twenty or so minutes, so it was time to head through security and the gate (obviously, capturing a few more photos too).

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/36.JPG[/img]
(British Airways flight that would follow us home)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/37.JPG[/img]
(KLM)


(My plane home)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/39.JPG[/img]
(Boarding)

VS019
SFO - LHR
S.Dep 16:30 A.Dep 16:40
S.Arr 10:30 A.Arr 10:45
Duration: 10hrs

Aircraft: G-VBIG (Tinker Bell)

Boarding Process
Boarding was about twenty minutes late, however we got away only ten or so minutes late.
During boarding there was no communication from the flight deck to us, though the cabin crew did announce to us what our meals would be (chicken, beef or vegetarian risotto). This flight also for some reason had a very high number of infant travellers, who when crying make for the perfect travelling companions for a 10 hour flight Noise cancelling headphones helped greatly.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/40.JPG[/img]
(Leg room)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/41.JPG[/img]
(Going North)

We took off heading north, towards Canada.
Seatbelts went off shortly after and a drinks service was started. Service was quite slow but it reached me eventually and I was once again able to order vodka lemonade. Unfortunately, by the time Id received my drink they were almost instantly coming round with a trolley for litter.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/43.JPG[/img]
(Drinks)

Meal service quickly followed and I was given the choice of either beef with mash, or the vegetarian dish that no one ever seems to want. It was served with a small brownie, this was nice, sadly, the hot part of the meal wasnt very nice and in my opinion had a strange flavour to it. Thankfully, I had packed crisps.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/44.JPG[/img]
(Dinner wrapped)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/45.JPG[/img]
(Dinner unwrapped)

As this was cleared away, and people started settling in for a night of travelling, I decided to watch something on V:Port- choosing to watch a documentary about Sir Alan Michael Sugar (Not too bad, an interesting man). After this, I decided to see if anyone else was playing the in-flight trivia, however on loading it up the screen froze and spewed up a bunch of error messages.
Luckily the cabin crew responded quickly, restarting my system, taking about 20 minutes.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/46.JPG[/img]
(V:port goes wrong)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/47.JPG[/img]
(V:port gets rebooted)

When it returned, I decided to bypass the games (in case it decided to happen again), and watched Bronson. Strange movie I must say.
After which, I originally planned to watch Top Gear, however after pressing play, I pretty much just fell asleep.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/48.JPG[/img]
(Our route)

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/49.JPG[/img]
(Sunset)

I awoke 2 or 3 hours later, as the cabin lights were turned on.
Now I was awake, and that we had about two hours remaining I couldnt see the point in going back to sleep, so watched an episode of The Simpsons instead.
During this, breakfast was served. We were offered the choice of an Egg and Cheese bun, or a muffin. I chose the muffin thinking it would be a muffin such as chocolate chip, or blueberry oh how I was wrong. Instead, It contained egg, cheese and ham. Why they feel the need to include egg with both items I dont know.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/50.JPG[/img]
(Nasty breakfast)

One of the crew however noticed that I hadnt touched it, and offered me a fruit salad (I have no clue where from) which I gladly accepted, as even though it wasnt much I was pretty hungry by now.
The food was cleared up and we finally heard an announcement from the flight deck news that we would be landing hopefully soon, at half ten, but as its LHR possibly a little later as we could get put into a holding pattern.
Just after half ten, we lined up with the runway and began descending fast towards the ground ready to land, thus concluding my trip with Virgin Atlantic for another year.

[img]http://www.powerplaygoal.com/myflight/51.JPG[/img]
(Parked next to an A340-600)[/i]

Post Flight
After a long wait to get off the aircraft, I was then faced with an equally long walk to immigration and baggage reclaim. After dealing with the surly staff at immigration, I collected my bag which had seen better flights It was ripped in several places, and dented heavily on one side.
Thankfully, we were opposite a Virgin Atlantic baggage claim counter, and a quick form filled in resulted in me getting a shiny new suitcase. Not bad service.

Conclusion
This flight once again showed the food to be the weakest point, however a brilliant cabin crew really helped make the flight go smoothly, and at the end of the day, if found economy to be more than adequate for me.
I enjoyed both my flights, and I will hopefully travel with VS in the future, though its now questionable to how much more Id be willing pay to travel with them, than another airline.
Virgin Atlantic is my favourite airline overall, and I hope to fly them in future.

Additional
I pre ordered before traveling a 25th Anniversary 747-200 model in their first colour scheme. Delivered promptly onboard and it looks pretty snazzy on my shelf here.

Thank you for reading my long trip report, please do leave a comment.

Hey thanks for a wicked trip report - love all the photos - cant wait for the next one!

Great trip report kk, and as vb747 says, the photos are great too.

Fantastic trip report - thanks!

Really enjoyed reading your comprehensive trip report - the Sunset photo is great.

Great report, I hadn't spotted it over on A'Net.

I love the picture from your hotel room [y]

Loved it, thanks. The photos of San Francisco brought back happy memories...

Excellent TR, thanks for posting [y]

I really do wish economy crews would take it easy when serving spirits. They always go over-board with the measures. Think of all the money they would save if you used a measure and it's not going to take any longer to pour it [:w]

They did exactly the same thing on my NYC flights the other week.

Regards

The museum in the international terminal at SFO is a gem with changing exhibits. As are the various display cases dotted through the terminal with other exhibits - not just aviation related - all top quality.

On my few visits to SFO I have alwayes talen time toi visit the museum and look at the exhibits. I'm always dissapointed at the number of people who either iognore them or just think they are leaning posts.

Glad you enjoyed your trip !

KK

Thanks for a brace of such comprehensive TRs[y][y]

For those who venture to this site to inform them about the upcoming flight (like I did to start with) your pictures and detailed report will be invaluable.

I suspect that as you had not raised your expectations too highly you did not end up, in the main, disappointed and your TR will help others realise the reality of flying economy over to SFO.

As far a terminal 2 goes, I do remember the days when the place was dreamily uncrowded and whilst it is part of Heathrow's history, I do think, sadly, that it has seen its day.

Thanks once again

buns

Regarding Terminal 2, the Star airlines that were there, LH, LX, OS have moved over to T1 a couple of weeks ago - this leaves most of the Skyteam and non-aligned airlines to move over to T4 to join CO, KL, KE and DL there, which should happen within a few months.

The 'wrap of doom' appears to be a relative of the 'warm sick wrap' I encountered on VS23 last year.

The meal ex-UK seems better than the offering ex-US, the latter looking like a load of unappetising slop, but neither look great.

I really don't like the VS' habit of using so much pre-packed branded food, especially when you find they are brands that you often can't actually buy yourself, so it's not even as though it's beneficial product placement.

That egg/ham/cheese muffin looks a bit nasty. I remember seeing that 'brand' in a coffee bar somewhere in the US, being unpacked out of a huge box they had just brought from the walk-in freezer. Those things contain over 30% of your daily RDA of salt too, so consider yourself thankful you didn't eat it.

Fresh food, prepared by the flight kitchen, largely appears to be a thing of the past, sadly.

Still, I guess it's a sign of the times - ridiculously cheap fares begats ridiculously cheap in-flight service items.

Thanks for the great report...

Mike

Great TR, loads of information and pictures. Sadly, negative comments about the food are common these days. Personally I would rather have one simple but edible meal that two inedible ones so not sure cost alone is the reason. Glad you enjoy SF and the flights generally.

Thanks for all the comments so far!.

Kev.

Just catching up on some TR's and must say, thank you for a great report. The detail and photos were excellent and it was a really enjoyable read.

Cheers
Neil

Great TR.
The building in the photo taken from your hotel looks rather like the one we have a photo of - any chance it is on the corner of Kearney and Columbus? Or just a co-incidence.

Fantastic TR, full of useful information and a great set of pictures.

Thanks

Great report and pictures. Shame about the food again!

Thanks Dominic

Thank you for taking the time to prepare such a detailed report, KK. I was glad to hear that the crew performed well for you.

The pictures of the food say it all. If no one is supervising preparation, or if the budget is reduced below what is reasonable, unpalatable 'glop' is the result sometimes.

Chuck-

Nice one KK brilliant TR.

cheers

alex

A great report, and shows how the changes at VAA with regard to food are being reported by their customers.

That Egg Muffin thing is nasty, I know, because I made the mistake of eating one once.

Mark

[oo]
Like everyone else has said great TR[y] The photos were brilliant and showed the success of the trip, its a pity you weren't able to take the premium upgrade, but well worth doing!

On the T3 front got to agree with its design but i always run away to an airport lounge, cant wait till its the clubhouse. On the luggage front I had the same problem and unfortunately for me i just went home too tired and didnt think to claim. I have learnt my lesson now
[:I]

Hope its not too long until we have another comprehensive TR and hope it will be VS your flying soon [|:)].

Cheers

Alex

Brilliant TR![y] Thanks for the photos! Brings back so many memories of SFO.

great reports and pictures,once again looks like the food has let Virgin down again,but glad you had a great time in San Fran

Catching up as have been away. Loved seeing the photos.

I always take edible food on board with me and that's in PE and UC. I had to eat the tuna wrap and crisps I had bought on my last trip in PE as the meal was so bad.

Happy for you that you got a new case. The wheel of my daughters case was lost on our way out to MCO and I reported it at the Virgin baggage claim to be told that it wasn't necessary to the suitcase's function and so wasn't covered!!!!

Sunshine