V-Flyer

In my outbound TR, you may recall that judicious use of miles had enabled Mrs Buns and I to blag a brace of Upper Class reward seats to Orlando[y][y] Sadly, sourcing a return from Orlando, this side of the 2012 Olympics seemed nigh impossible, so our route would take us from Tampa up to JFK to make use of the Buns Household Miles Mountain[:D]

Just a brief mention of our flight up from TPA with American Airlines. We had managed to get some discounted First Class seats and the flight was most pleasurable, with seats remarkably similar to the PE Seats upstairs on the LGW fleet - with the same leg room to boot[:w]

Anyway, back to the TR[}:)] I think the phrase that comes to mind to describe this trip is Victor Meldrew's I'I don't believe it!'. We arrived at JFK's Terminal 4, absolutely dripping as whilst it was raining and only 56 Degrees F, there was 92% Humidity[:0][:0]

Check In could best be described like the scene from Casablanca where everyone is jostling to get an exit visa. The place was utter chaos[V][V] with no patrolling sentries on the PE and Upper lines and lots of passengers getting really anxious as no-one seemed to be taking control of the situation - there was lots of gesticulating coming from the PE lines as other passengers seemed to be pushing in (something that is bound to make the stiffest upper lip tense up[}:)]). To add insult to injury as it were, the staff that were standing around at the head of the various queues seemed absolutely clueless and incapable taking charge[:(!] In front of us was a lady checking in for Upper and once completed, the Check In agent tried to attract the attention of the porter who was deep in conversation with a colleague. I am afraid the Victor Meldrew instincts got the better of me and I turned and called his name rather loudly - which got his attention - and he ceased his conversation and became attentive to his duties thereafter[:w]

Anyway, the Check in process itself went relatively smoothly with the Porter ensuring he collected every bag once weighed and after being issued with tickets and Clubhouse Invitation, the check In agent turned to a supervisor who had arrived on the scene and asked whether those who were being upgraded should get a Lounge invitation. Now we all know the correct answer here, but you can guess what the reply was.... I bit my tongue and we made our way to the Clubhouse. After the initial welcome we made a beeline for the dinner tables and quickly ordered the Angus Burger and some fizz to wash it down[}:)]

The place soon filled up and we were lucky to nab a couple of seats at the far end, allowing an excellent vantage point of all the comings and goings. Replacement fizz was freely offered (albeit from a half bottle) - for the record Piper Heidsieck - although following the flight up from Tampa I had now resorted to Diet Coke[:I] Anyway, it was clear to us that not only were VS and VX passengers in the Clubhouse but also another airline too[:w] There was an announcement asking if anyone in UC on the VS 4 would be willing to forego the earlier flight for the 10:30 departure for 30,000 miles. Chose not to take the offer as we had been travelling all day. We decided to make our way to the Gate just before the announcement was made in the Clubhouse and through security pretty quickly to find already a massive queue waiting. Needless to say, the shambles at check In was repeated and priority boarding proved to be a free for all[V][V] It was here that I found out that an earlier flight had been cancelled and this had caused all the chaos at the Desks earlier and that VS had even resorted to sending some passengers to Newark!

From here on in, the satisfaction levels changed for the better[y] We were greeted on board and directed to our seats were we were welcomed by the Cabin Crew Member who would look after us for the flight. What can I say, the man was an absolute star[oo] addressed by name throughout the flight (see, I said 'I don't believe it!' was a true description of this TR[;)]) and no doubt his maturity, and perhaps worldly wise approach added to a sense that I was being looked after by a friend throughout the flight. A slight delay in pushing back was potentially compounded by the notorious delays in getting a take off slot, as advised by the Flight Deck - but nevertheless the Crew set about taking orders for drinks and meals to pass the time away. That said, the taxi was less than 20 minutes and certainly caught the crew by surprise as they had to stop midstream and take their seats for take off[:0] BTW the V Port system failed and the crew had to do a manual demonstration.

The Crew were an excellent example of team work, all seemed to work in unison and very professionally too[y] Those who had not had their orders taken prior to take off were quickly attended to and the Galley and Bar areas were a hive of activity as orders dispensed efficiently. During this time the FSM came round and personally greeted every passenger and offered the usual bowl of mints, pens etc.

Needless to say the call of another JD and diet could not be resisted by myself and Mrs B the Bombay[}:)] I opted for the Sole - which I found very filling and Mrs B the chicken which she described as OK. Throughout, the service could not be faulted and I have to say that the Sole was so filling that I resisted the desire to opt for a port as a night cap. I turned my bed down and attempted to sleep, but for some reason I could only cat nap . As soon as I stirred, our trusty Crew member was there asking if I wanted a drink - I asked for an orange juice whilst I retired to the toilet. Yet again a 'I don't believe it!' moment as the toilet had been cleaned! - YES cleaned! You can imagine this is a first for me[oo][oo]

The breakfast service was as equally as efficient as the dinner service and another Meldrew moment was to see that it was less than 40 minutes before scheduled landing that the cabin started to be closed down. As it was, the usual Heathrow holding pattern added another 15 minutes but a short taxi to the Gate and our bags coming off first meant we were in Revivals in 25 minutes from landing (the last 'I don't believe it' moment).

Well what can I say in conclusion, I do not think I will ever be able to repeat such an on board experience (short of another V Flyer Party Bus that is [:I]) and this was one of those times when VS was at its very best, making up for the less than impressive Check In performance.

buns

Great TR Buns!! [y]

Nice to hear JFK was its normal self!! [:w]

Lovely and informative TR, buns. Up there with the best of them [y]

quote: I do not think I will ever be able to repeat such an on board experience
I had thought that on a few recent flights but as each flight was taken it just got better and better. Hopefully it will be the same for you. It's good to know the VS magic is still there

Thank for a brilliant and informative TR. Glad to hear that the CC were on song.[y]

Top marks to all crew who showed a mature and professional approach to there duties onboard, so pleased it was excellent.

cheers

alex

This makes the grumpy Check in lady at LGW seem positively wonderful[:w][:D]

Thanks for the TR.

Sunshine[8D]

An excellent TR, thank you.[y]

Thanks for all your kind comments[oo]

For me, it just goes to show how a dedicated and committed crew can achieve continuing brand loyalty from customers[y][y]

buns