V-Flyer

Had a great trip over to JFK thanks to all at Heathrow and on board. Arrived early for the flight (0900) to enjoy the clubhouse with my partner who sadly was only in PE. Check in was standard, but both allowed to use the UC Security which was great.

Quickly into the lounge where we were warmly welcomed. Went over to the Concierge to see if I could get my partner upgraded, she was most helpful, and told me to leave her with it 'to see what see could do'[^]

Enjoyed a lovely breakfast and a few buck's fizz's with a very attentive scottish lady as our server who was very obliging, caring and friendly. As this was my partners first time in the CH things were going really well.

Went to shop in T3 for a bit - god its a cattle market and then back to the lounge for another glass of bubbly. Checked in with Concierge again et voila complimentary upgrade for my partner! Result!! [:D] They were so obliging they even changed our seats so we were behind one another! I have to say all of the CH staff were first rate!

Time for a treatment at Cowshed, and then back for lunch, I had burger and partner had Steak Pie (very haute cuisine and small portion!!) washed back with some bubbly.

Very soon called to board and arrived at gate with the masses, UC priority line was in place and processed very quickly, followed by being called onto plane first ahead of PE and EC pax. Settled in and had a really nice hostess who was very attentive and served us two glasses of bubbly before take off.

Like other trip reports, last minute arrivals of staff into empty UC cabin and again like other reports the demands followed... interestingly though the FSM was having none of it and he quickly put them in their place. FSM extremely visible in UC for take off, drinks, lunch service and afternoon tea. Sadly V:Port was not wanting to play so first 3 hours we were without anything - a lot of apologies and phoning back to London and the system was up. A good lunch was served - potato and fennel soup, steak and ale pie, and eton mess! Delish!

Kicked back and watched a movie, then a nap... then afternoon tea! Those mini victoria sponges are out of this world!!

Landed at JFK on time, despite 45 minutes of holding.

Immigration pretty quick, the staff are quick to move you to US Citizens if none are present so through immigration within about 20 mins... why oh why are we doing ESTA???

All in all fantastic trip, just a shame that the Virgin Staff who are travelling don't know how to behave bearing in mind they only pay 10% or are free - they really need to understand that without paying PAX they wouldn't get any of these priviledges!!!

Thanks for the TR. And Congrats on the upgrade for the other half. I also loved those Victoria Sponges!!

Thanks for the Tr, glad to hear that you had a good flight.

Also good to hear about a FSM who reminded the off-duty CC of their expected behaviour on the flight.[y]

Thanks and once again a good FSM makes all the difference.

Thanks for the TR, and well done on the op-up! Good to see that the FSM was visable and put the staff travellers in their place.

Dominic