V-Flyer

Hi, this is my first trip report.

Started planning our October trip to Las Vegas back in July. Wanted to fly to LAS in PE but without having to fly on one of the LGW 747s. The Virgin website only offered direct flights from LGW, after trawling various other websites managed to get a flight from LHR to LAX with a conection with United to LAS at what I considered a reasonable price and with Airbus 340-600.
Checked in online the previous day, so arrived at LHR about 0830 to drop bags. Being a Saturday morning the Check-in area was very busy, but it did not take too long to drop the bags and collect the Boarding Cards. As is usual at T3, seemed to take an age to get through security and passport checks. We had booked the Servisair Lounge which was very good compared to sitting in the crowded departure lounge at T3.
At about 1030 we headed to the departure gate. Very quick and efficient and after only a few minutes we were ready to board 'Lady Bird'.
Once on board it was not long before we were offered a drink of sparkling wine while we settled in to our seats. We found that the PE Seats on the Airbus 340-600 are very comfortable for a long flight and better than those on the LGW 747s.
Just as we were due to leave, the Captain announced that there were air traffic problems and we could expect a delay. Luckily the dealy was not too bad and we left the gate about 1140. We took off from the North runway at 1205. Due to the earlier air traffic problems, we were routed via Glasgow, Iceland and Canada before heading south to LAX. The flight time was given to us as 10 hours and 55 minutes.
Not too long after take off the first service of drinks came round and we were given the menu. There was a good choice of 3 different meals. When the food arrived there was a choice of red or white wine. Compared to other airlines that I've used I found the food on Virgin to be very good. After tea & coffee we were offered a choice of a Brandy or a Baileys.
It was then time to make full use of the V:Port inflight entertainment system. In my opinion, when it works it's the best inflight entertainment system.
Throughout the flight there was plentyful supply of water or orange juice from the cabin crew. We also had an ice cream and a choice of fruits. A couple of hours before we were due to land we were served a hot wrap and tea or coffee.
Soon after the cabin was prepared for landing and the approach to LAX. We touched down just under 11 hours after the take off from LHR.
Despite it being a long flight we arrived relaxed.
This was our first visit to LAX and it did not take very long to get through Imigration compred to what we normally put up with at JFK or LAS.
We collected the bags and then caught the airport bus to the United Terminal for our connection to LAS. This was fine and when we arrived at LAS we simply collected the bags and jumped into a taxi to our hotel.

In summary, PE was well worth the money. The Cabin Crew were superb and really looked after us well, nothing was too much trouble. The LHR aircraft are far better than the LGW aircraft.

Thanks for the TR - glad that you had a good experience on the route to LAS via LAX (we have done this route before to have the benefit of the LHR clubhouse and better inflight entertainment on the LHR fleet)

robinnelson

Welcome to V-Flyer!

Thanks for the TR - given that BA have just started their direct flights from LHR to LAS, your chosen route via LAX will attract those who remain steadfastly committed to VS[}:)]

I hope that Las Vegas met all your expectations[:w][:w][:w]

buns

Welcome to V-Flyer. Sounds like you had a very good flight at a sensible price - always good to hear!

Thanks for your TR.

Interesting to see what will happen to the VS route to LAS once BA fly direct there soon, and some with First fitted ! It may spur VS into upgrading the aircraft on this popular route.

Regards.

HG

Thanks for your first TR [y] we look forward to the return.

I was on the same flight the day before (sat in the wrong seat, which turned out to be Eddie Izzard's, to some amusement [:I]) but similarly it was a long flight with a superb crew.

Hope you enjoyed your time in LAS too.

I wonder if VS will move the LAS flights to LHR [:?].

quote:Originally posted by slinky09

I wonder if VS will move the LAS flights to LHR [:?].


I have a feeling they will [:w]

Welcome to V-Flyer and thanks for a great TR, glad you had a good flight and enjoyed the PE product

quote:Originally posted by slinky09
I wonder if VS will move the LAS flights to LHR [:?].


Maybe, or might they just use a LHR 747 on the route ex LGW. With the parking of 2 of the LGW fleet and the LHR fleet operating more of the LGW routes, it could make sense. Whilst LGW isn't LHR, it will soon have a very nice, newly updated CH, so the only real thing missing would be a revivals lounge compared to LHR.

Neil

Welcome to VF, and thanks for a good read. Glad PE lived up to expectations.

Hope you have a great time in Vegas.

Dominic

Welcome to V-Flyer. Thanks for the TR, I am glad you enjoyed the flight. Crew superb...Excellent,that does seem to be the major contributor to the passenger having an excellent flight.[y]

Thanks to everyone for the welcome to V-Flyer and your comments.
Vegas was superb and we really enjoyed our stay.
I'll post the return flight TR (which was via SFO) later.

Nice TR. Glad you enjoyed your flight and I hope Vegas was lucky for you!

Thank you for the TR. It has got my appetite wetted for my return to LAS in Feb.[y]