V-Flyer

This is my first ex-LHR flight on Virgin (normally fly from MAN) so I was interested to see how the full UC experience differs between the two bases.

Id checked in online at T-24hrs, so arrived at Heathrow via the Heathrow Express and just had to pick up my boarding card from the UC check-in area. It seemed that all the people being seen to at the 3 UC check-in desks had problems, as the queues moved nowhere for a good 5mins. In the end I got a boarding pass from the Ticketing / Assistance desk to the right of the 3 check-in desks. Due to the lack of movement at the check-in desks, people were trying to check-in with bags at this desk (it has no baggage belt / scales) and were being turned away. Given the big dedicated check-in facility that Virgin have at Heathrow, the check-in experience was pretty poor in my opinion. Of course, I was probably unlucky with timing (3 desks with people with problems) but over at MAN, Ive been sent over to a PE desk when the UC one is in use.

Took the lift up to the private security channel a very nice facility that Virgin have here. Would have been through the security channel fast, had the couple in front of me not been oblivious to most of the security regulations. You name it, they did it. Liquids & laptop left in the bag, mobiles in pockets through the metal detector etc, you get the picture! They seemed most put out when they were sent back through the metal detector / had their bags unpacked by security.

Anyway, once through security a quick trip to the duty free shop followed (given that you have to walk through it) then onto the Clubhouse. First impressions of the Clubhouse were WOW. I can see why everyone raves about it. Took a wander round the Clubhouse saw the v-flyer awards in the cabinet next to the concierge desk. Took a trip to the bar before sitting down near the windows by the Cowshed. Ordered the Clubhouse Burger which I thought was disappointing (given the good reviews Ive read about it on here). Still, the drinks were good and cold, so spent a nice hour and a half in the Clubhouse.

Boarding was called at about 13:10 and we took the long walk to gate 22 (by the control tower) where Madam Butterfly was waiting. When we boarded, there was a gentleman seated at the bar being offered 30K miles, the next VS flight or the chance to make his own arrangements. Can only assume he was a commercially important passenger (or Top 50) who could not get an UC seat and was being downgraded. Prior to departure, the FSM was doing the rounds in the UC cabin trying to get a volunteer to downgrade to Premium Economy for lots of air miles he got no takers. Another initial impression the UC suite is notably narrower on an Airbus than a 747, and the leather side on my suite can only be described as very tatty.

We pushed back a minute early and took off to the East on 09R. A few quick right turns followed to head us in the right direction. Flying time today will be 7h9m. Shortly after take-off, the hot towels were offered, followed by drinks orders + service. Its not fair to compare the speed of both to a MAN flight, given the huge difference in size of the UC cabin. I asked for the laptop power to be turned on only to be told we no longer offer power leads Sir. Hmm, held up my power lead [plugged into the seat] and the CC understood. It seems that the power supply is faulty, as its showing ON at the control, but none of the green LEDs in the seat supplies are lit up. Booger Id wanted to watch DVDs on the laptop as Im not over impressed with the v:port offerings.

Lunch orders have been taken am not over hungry so am going for the salad and then the cheese. The food was OK I guess, nothing to write home about, but equally nothing actually wrong with it. Given the lack of in-seat power, I made the most of v:port. I watched I love you Beth Cooper and spent quite a long time playing Who Wants to be a Millionaire. 2 odd things about this game the prizes are shown in dollars (Virgin is a UK airline) and the question bank, does anyone know how big it is on v:port, as we got quite a few repeated questions over the space of an hour or so.

Afternoon tea the service flow was different here to on my last MAN flight in May. We got asked which sandwiches you wanted (if you said ham salad, you got 3 ham salad sandwiches). Ex-MAN you were just given a plate with one of each of the 3 sandwiches on. The scones / cake then followed from MAN on a cake-stand. On todays flight, if you asked for sandwiches, you got sandwiches and nothing else you had to shout up if you wanted scones / cake too. They also ran out of chocolate truffles (in a little box) before they had got round the UC cabin.

About 90mins before landing just as I was about to go to the toilet to freshen up the seatbelt sign was turned on due to expected turbulence (and the bar was not overcrowded). A very smooth half hour of flight followed before it was turned off, then the pre-landing stampede to use the toilets started.

As the crew started to secure the cabin for landing, they made a PA announcement advising that they would be collecting headsets, DVD players and laptop leads. Hold on Im sure they dont supply laptop leads any more (see earlier in TR!)

An uneventful landing onto runway 22L followed. We then had the best part of a 15min wait for our turn to cross the other active runway between us and the terminal. A quick taxi to the gate followed. We were off the aircraft fairly quickly and hot-footed it to the immigration hall, which was empty. We were seen in less than a minute by a friendly officer who asked all the normal questions and sent us on our way wishing us a pleasant stay in NY. We moved onto the baggage carousel and waited, waited and waited for bags to start to appear. It must have been the best part of half an hour before the bags started to trickle through. The UC/PE bin was emptied first as all the bags coming through had UC/PE tags on, but Ive no idea why it took so long.

We then got an official yellow cab to Manhattan with a driver who had some interesting roadcraft skills to try and beat the rush hour traffic jams. Lets just say we heard more than a few horns being sounded mostly at our cab.

Arrived at the hotel in one piece, tired. Resisted the temptation to sleep so went out for a wander round the Central Park South / 5th Avenue / Madison Avenue / Park Avenue areas I like what we see. Back to the hotel where Im finishing this off feel wide awake now, but know that sleep will come soon (busy day sightseeing tomorrow).

So what did I make of the LHR Virgin experience? Clubhouse was amazing. Check-in verging on the poor side. Cant say I rate the UC suite on the Airbus that much as it is narrower than on a 747. (Did chuckle when the FSM was seeking downgrade volunteers, a child asked their Mum what is Premium Economy? Mum replied Not as nice as this). The service was good, ticked most of the boxes (we had a really good crew member serving the K side of UC), she used our names a few times too. That said, I do think the MAN crews do some things better. Only complaint about arrivals is the very slow baggage handling.

Thanks for reading, Im off to sleep now!

James

James

Thanks for a truly excellent read[y][y]

As a first timer through Heathrow it is interesting to learn of your perceptions and I have to say that the Check In situation is something that normally the UC 'Guardian' (the person whom hovers around as you approach) should have been there to sort[V]
quote:(Did chuckle when the FSM was seeking downgrade volunteers, a child asked their Mum what is Premium Economy? Mum replied Not as nice as this).
Classic[^][^]

I can only think that the flight was so busy because we are approaching Half term

Enjoy the big Apple

buns

Thanks for the TR, sorry it wasn't more impressive.

Thank you for an interesting and informative trip report. I love the child/mum PE quote.
Great stuff [y]

Thanks for the detailed TR. The LHR clubhouse still has the wow factor for me!

Thanks for the TR, some interesting points about the different experiences between the MAN & LHR offerings. I do prefer the cabin on the MAN fleet, I just think with only 14 suites, it gives a more exclusive feel to it, and I certainly think you get a better interaction with the CC serving UC as a whole.

We are takinig our first A346 UC flight next week, and a little worried about how noticable the difference in width is going to be. I am sure it will be better than sitting in Y, whatever it is.

Hope you enjoy NYC.
Neil

Thank you for the TR! Love the child quote and the mother's reply![y]

Thanks for the TR, shame it was more that just OK.

I do love it how the child didn't know what PE was [:o)]

Dominic