V-Flyer

Checked in on line and managed to get a better seat on the top deck so set off with my friend to Gatwick in a happy mood......until I reached the check in desk. The person was so moody and unfriendly I found it embarrassing as my friend doesn't usually fly Virgin and I had pursuaded her to join me on my flight even though it cost more than the dark side. I was given a lounge pass for the V Room and when I asked if I could look at the NO 1 Lounge as I was a AU card holder she said no that option wasn't available. When I questioned this she said they had been told to actively discourage anyone going in there[:?]
We set off after a few other problems and protests re our luggage to Fast Track which wasn't open[n]

Eventually after many coridoors and steps we found the V Room and No 1 Lounge. Again I asked if I could choose which one to go in and again was actively discouraged from going in there in a not very friendly manner. So of course I now had to look at it out of curiosity[}:)] I must admit that it wasn't really worth the effort as it wasn't anything special and they were not serving any hot food before 11am and the cold buffet was very nondescript......so back I went to the V Room[:I]
Then my angel appeared[:X]the lovely Consierge from the old CH who gathered me up in a huge hug and a kiss and whisked me off to find a nice seat and a bottle of champagne[^] I must admit that I really liked the V Room (through the haze of champagne)and in the adult only area it was civilised as most of the kids are right down the other end in the play/games area. The food was fine and the atmosphere pleasant. Had a good chat with all the regular staff from the CH too.

Only problem was that due to a bubbles induced haze I managed to do quite a bit of duty free shopping on route to the plane so as usual I boarded looking like a bag lady[:w]

I arrived upstairs had a glass of bubbles placed in my hand and all was good with the world. I think the plane took off roughly on time and apart from a very loud bang from one of the engines the flight was uneventful. The CC's were wonderful. The vegetarian meal of paneer cheese curry was quite tasty. A good selection of films to keep me occupied and a good landing at MCO and even a friendly Passport Control. What more could a girl ask for[:w]

It was just a shame about the Check In....I have never had an experience like it before and was made to feel very unwelcome and awkward.

Sunshine[8D]

Glad to hear you had good flight once onboard the plane!

[8D]

Sunshine

Thanks for the TR[y][y]

I think i have had the same Check In Agent at Gatwick [n] I know things can be hectic in the morning with so many flights, but surely a little civility wouldn't go amiss[:(!]

Seems like you too can give a thumbs up to the temporary arrangements in the V Room[:w] Not long now before all will be revealed[;)]

Take Care

buns

Thank you for the champagne-hazed TR.[y]

quote:Originally posted by Sunshine
so as usual I boarded looking like a bag lady[:w]

Don't worry; Neil does this all the time and people barely give him a second glance...

Thanks for posting a great TR. Sounds like a mighty fine flight, all except for the surly check-in agent and the engine that went 'bang', both of which you seem to have taken in your stride.

The 'bang' was a little disconcerting[:0] and there were a few squeals from some passengers. The passenger next to me thought perhaps a bird had hit the engine[?] My calmness is always due to a happy haze that I enter the cabin in[:w]

Sunshine[8D]

Dear bag laydeee[:D]

We are so lucky that you remembered anything really, - but that is you remembering bubbles & big bangs[:w][}:)]

R-P

P.s what did you buy??????????????????????

quote:Originally posted by Sunshine
The 'bang' was a little disconcerting[:0] and there were a few squeals from some passengers. The passenger next to me thought perhaps a bird had hit the engine[?] My calmness is always due to a happy haze that I enter the cabin in[:w]

Sunshine[8D]


I love your vignettes - the more I read them the more I think you would be the perfect travelling companion for me ! [;)]

HG

Thanks for the trip report Sunshine. Regarding No1 Lounge and V-Room I though that AUs were to use the former when not flying UC (certainly I did few months ago). Has this policy changed then? If so will look forward to sampling the V-Room on Sunday :-)

Dave

Thanks for the TR, I hope your friend ignored the bad start and enjoyed the V Room and flight experience so much she jumps over from the dark side!

Hi Gliderpilot

As I said in my TR I was a AU travelling PE but actively discouraged from entering the No 1 Lounge. I enjoyed the V Room as I am sure you will too. Look forward to hearing what you thought about it in your TR[:w]

Jacki...if the pre board experience didn't put my friend off from changing airlines the return journey with the chavs from hell has put her off for life[n] I wish she would join and write a TR because she had me in stitches recounting her flight home. However even the CC's did say to her it was one of their worst experiences too[:0]

Sunshine[8D]

Thanks Sunshine, will be good to sample the V-Room on Sunday, but would much rather sample the clubhouse on it's opening day on Monday [:#].

Proimse to do a TR [:w]