This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
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This trip was my third visit to New York, this time I went with my mum (who has a special birthday next year) and it was her first trip.
We stayed the night before in the relatively new Heathrow Central Travelodge for a bargain price of 19. It was incredibly basic but we spent less than 12 hours in the room, more than half of which was asleep, so it wasnt a problem. We dropped off the car at QPark at 6.30am the next morning and arrived at a very quiet check-in a short while later.
We had checked in online the day before but hadnt printed boarding passes. There were four PE desks open, one of which was in use, so check-in was extremely quick.
We were through security within 5 or 10 minutes and then a quick breakfast and browse of the shops before gate 5 was displayed, although this was about 15 minutes after the boarding time given at check-in. The waiting plane (Sweet Dreamer) actually looked rather small, as it was parked between a Qantas A380 and a SIA A380. Priority boarding worked well and we were soon sat in 20H and K with sparkling wine or orange juice being offered, then hot towels, amenity kits and headphones also given out.
The captain apologised for the delay, saying that they were late in being allocated a stand. We also had to wait to be de-iced, but then it was a short taxi and take-off about an hour late.
A hot wrap (ham and egg or tomato and egg) and tea and coffee were served after half an hour or so, then lunch about halfway. The FSM brought round menus just as the trolleys appeared, only there was a bit of confusion as it turned out that he had given out menus meant, I think, for the inbound flight but the food was nice anyway yummy Gu chocolate and raspberry pot!!
The rest of the flight was uneventful, the fruit bowl and small tubs of vanilla Haagen Dazs came round at some point, but Im afraid I cant remember when, as I was enjoying watching V:port and looking at the snow over north-east Canada.
Despite the delay we landed pretty much on time, closely followed by Swiss Air who were obviously allocated a nearer gate, as the pilot informed us on landing to walk quickly to immigration! However it wasnt long before we were through and in our car en route to our hotel in Times Square.
It was my mums first experience outside economy, and she says that she felt thoroughly spoilt. The crew worked hard and were exceptionally friendly and helpful, we were both really impressed with everyone we spoke to. Fortunately we had the same on the return!
