V-Flyer

After a fantastic weekend consisting of a brilliant wedding at Park Ave, several trips to my favourite sushi restaurant in NYC called Aji on 3rd and 34th (my gift to you all!), post-wedding brunch at the Bowery hotel and a long lunch with Jacqui's parents at the Second Avenue Kosher Deli where I ate myself silly!

Anyway time to leave 20c and sunny for the wind and rain of Buckinghamshire. Having spent all our money on food, we took the subway back from 53rd and Lex. This is a fantastic service as the 'E' has been upgraded with better trains . 30 minutes later we boarded the Airtrain (total cost $7.25!) and then headed to the red carpet laid out at the UC check-in. Very friendly check-in and much joking about the new security question they have to ask about snowglobes in hand luggage (liquid you see!). I don't know if this is new, but in UC you no longer have to take your luggages to the TSA for scanning and can just dump it on a cart - very nice.

Had a quick look at the overpriced crap in JFK duty-free (It's cheaper on the plane!) and then headed over to the Virgin lounge. My first visit here and its pretty good. I did enjoy having windows and space rather than the cramped little box that the EWR clubhouse is. Staff very friendly but the food isn't as good as EWR - not sure if its a Virgin cutback but the champagne is served in half bottles. I suppose it might eliminate wastage for some, but it just means opening more bottles as far as I can see!

Just as I was getting comfortable, boarding was called. Took advantage of the First/Business security line and was quickly caught up by people entering the Economy line as usual! Friendly security check and then to the gate. Premium pax boarding line in place and a quick saunter down the jetway to our Snooze zone seats upstairs. Very friendly flight crew tonight - they really couldn't do enough for anyone. Clean sleepsuits handed out and after a very long taxi we were ready to take off.

As soon as the seatbelt sign was off we headed downstairs for a nightcap. Surprised the crew that someone was at the bar so early. Good crowd started to gather at the bar, but I only stayed for one as I needed to drive, and Jacqui was off to the office straight from LHR.

We both managed to sleep like a babies and there was very little turbulance. Quick taxi to the gate, but nobody was ready to greet us, so we all stood around in an orderly queue until the door was opened - welcome to the UK! Through Iris (both machines working - yay), luggage already waiting and straight to Revivals.

I love being able to shower as soon as I get off the flight. I only live 25 minutes from Heathrow but even so its a real pleasure! As we entered a busy Revivals, I noticed the couple in front of us were paying for something by card; presumably entry - wonder when the credit card terminal was installed?!

I headed to the business car park to find the car, and Jacqui headed to the Heathrow Express which was just leaving as she got to the platform so a very unexpress 14 minutes and 50 seconds until the next train

In all, a wonderful flight with all the trimmings working and offered. Thanks Virgin!

Edited to update address of Aji (oops!)

Thanks for another great TR

The taking of your bags at JFK was in place back in July when I was last there, so it is good to know it is still in place

Thanks

buns

Great TR - I love weekend like that, packed full of luxury and excess!

The 'taking of your bags' for UC at JFK seems quite hit & miss. A couple of weeks ago, it was 'if you're checking-in when the cart is next to UC desks' then you're sorted. If you check-in when the cart is at the TSA screening point dropping off bags, then you take your own bags to the TSA (as we did).

Over at Orlando, I've never had to take my bags to the TSA screening point myself (when travelling in UC). The check-in agent has always moved my bags onto the old conveyor belt behind the desk, to await a porter who then takes them to the TSA.

Thank you for the great TR.[y]