V-Flyer

Heavy snow came down on the Thursday evening before we were due to leave. Being the panicker that I am, I had taken the Avalon dogs to their holiday home (kennels) earlier that day in case we were snowed in. Sure enough the snow came down thick and fast Thursday evening and night and our steep and long drive was covered. Our wonderful reliable handyman, turned up Friday morning and helped clear the drive so we were able to get in and out of the house. Our driver came on time, the following morning - in fact early, as Mrs Neurotic (me) was worried about a difficult journey to the airport but as it happened we had an easy run.

This was the first time this year we had used the regular UC check in. Previously we had checked in either upstairs via the lift or drive through, and I know where I prefer checking in. However, check in was quick, friendly and efficient. In no time at all we were safely in the Clubhouse and ready for breakfast.

It was busy but not heaving and we were quickly served with the full english. After a leisurley breakfast we wandered down to duty free to get a few odds and ends that Miss Avalon in particularly 'needed' and Mr Avalon's single malt selection.

After that it was back to the Clubhouse for coffee and chilling. The flight was slightly late in being called - cant quite remember now how long, but around an hour seems right.

Priority boarding was in place and we were soon settled into our seats. We had one of the friendliest crew ever and she went over and above the call of duty, always smiling and checking that there was nothing anyone needed. I quickly changed into my own pjs and our crew member seemed to be waiting with a hanger when I returned to my seat.

Drinks were served on boarding and then quite quickly again after take off with a choice of crisps or something else. The FSM came round with the basket of goodies and we took what we needed. She chatted with us and was also very visible and interactive. Lunch orders were taken, again as usual the menu did not appeal and I went for the soup and the appetizer salad which was enough. Mr A had the sausages which he declared very good. He eats well in most places so is not a good indicator of airline food.

Watched a film which was very silly, Four Christmases, but was funny.
I was a little tired after all the running of the last couple of days and turned my seat into the bed and settled down for a nap. I was obviously tired because I slept for at least two or three hours and was woken by severe turbulence which seemed to go on forever.

Eventually the seatbelts light was turned and there was a mad rush for the loos, yours truly heading there fit to burst
[:I]

The turbulence seemed to remain with us for quite some time, with the seat belt lights being illuminated for most of the remainder of the flight. However, afternoon tea was served and I was ready for my sandwiches which were very good.

Miss A was complaining that she could hear her father snoring two seats away and I felt sorry for the person on the other side of him. I sit on one side of him and Miss A sits next to me so some other poor passenger gets to listen to the racket and probably feel the vibration. At home he wears a special anti snoring watch which surprisingly enough does work. Apparently it gives him a little shock when he starts to get too noisy and it is enough to do the trick. Since he got it, I have slept much better and so has he as he doesn't get kicked or poked or shouted at to shut up. He has one in our Florida home and one here but does not take one on planes so everyone in his vicinity can enjoy his one man show.

Landing was smooth and all too soon we were in the scrum that is Miami Airport. We were very quickly through Homeland Security for once which was wonderful. I know other people coming in were held up for over an hour as we had been on our last trip coming into JFK.

Our driver was waiting for us and he couldnt wait to tell us that we had just missed a terrible storm and that the weather was not going to be too good! Let me tell you he was right. It was the coldest Christmas we have had in Florida for 16 years but in spite of the weather, it was a lovely holiday - made all the better by the wonderful cabin crew on the outbound journey. They were so good that I did a hero form, I felt it was truly deserved.

Our inbound flight was also excellent and I shall post a trip report later.

It is flights like this one that make the difference. OK the food was ok - no more in my opinion, but the crew, the seat and the general atmosphere on board make this a far more enjoyable journey than it can sometimes be.

Thank you for reading.

the sausages are in fact bloody good, everyone i spoke to agreed

Thanks for a very interesting read.

I have only ever used the drive thu at LHR (when using VS) and ofcourse desks at most other airports; like you I know which one I prefer !

Interesting to hear about that watch - being a heavy snorer etc I use a CPAP but can not longer take it on board; but often get keen up by CC for snoring too loudly !

I have to say while Florida was shivering, California was glowing in a heatwave (well relatively).

Looking forward to reading your next TR.

Great TR i am sure you had a great time despite the chilly weather, at least it was not snowing.
Do tell about this watch might get one for my hubby before he develops a hole in his ribs or i kill him!

Thank you for the great TR.[y]

I am in the same boat as HG, please tell me more about this watch as my birthday is coming and I am pretty sure Mrs Scrooge would have no issues in buying me a new watch.

quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
I am in the same boat as HG, please tell me more about this watch as my birthday is coming and I am pretty sure Mrs Scrooge would have no issues in buying me a new watch.

Perhaps those seen if you google 'snore stopper' [:)]

quote:Originally posted by Bill S
quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
I am in the same boat as HG, please tell me more about this watch as my birthday is coming and I am pretty sure Mrs Scrooge would have no issues in buying me a new watch.

Perhaps those seen if you google 'snore stopper' [:)]



Yes but we want one that actually WORKS - many don't. Hence the requests for a recommendation from a spouse of a user

Great TR and glad the flight was so good. My husband snores so much I send him to the other end of the plane!

The Snore Stopper can be found HERE

I can't get one till April, but if someone gets one before hand please give a little review in the travel tech forum.

Great trip report, thanks.
Scrooge if you want to send the snore stopper to my UK address PM me. I'm over in the uk 3rd week in Feb and will happily post it on to you on my return to NY!

quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
The Snore Stopper can be found HERE

I can't get one till April, but if someone gets one before hand please give a little review in the travel tech forum.


Thank you for the link, just bought one for the other arf, also some other gadgets off there.

Trip report was goos as usual.