V-Flyer

Returning after a wonderfull Christmas break, rock up to check in, and stand waiting patiently at the front of the queue. Long delay for some reason at both UC desks. Nobody in the Prem queue but just as the prem desk finishes, somebody arrives, and they usher him straight through.

Me and the other 2 UC waiting look at each other aghast, one of them says 'So that's what we pay all that money for' - quite. [V]

Anyway, once sorted, upto the CH, Claire busy helping some flustered people who are struggling with lord knows what, take a seat and tuck into salad, curry and really good brownie and ice cream, with several Virgin Redheads.

Head to boarding and seperate queue is working fine. Aksed if I could take a photo of flight deck as door was open, but denied, no problem given the increase of security and the weather delays.

Into seat with glass of bubbly, nice smooth take off and we're away.

Now unfortunately the crew are 3 staff short becuase of the bad weather in the UK, and boy did it screw up my flight.

The poor girl who was doing my side of the plane really just couldnt cope. She took the orders, and the starter (a salad) was delivered no problem and very tasty. The main chicken course, however, never arrived, nor for the fella sat behind me, and our set up was cleared away without her even noticing, she did however manage to drop a plate and cutlery on my foot [:(!]

Of course we complained and the food miraculously appeared, somewhat grudgingly and without apology, just a grumble about being short staffed.

Once that fiasco was complete, headed to the bar to drown out the ill feeling with several glasses of bubbly, and had a good chat with several interesting passengers and one particularly soothing young lady who, ahem, made me feel considerably more at ease. [:w]

Tried to get some sleep on the ridiculous bed, but they're just not comfortable, and was woken for b'fast, thank god for those bacon sarnies.

Landed at Heathrow but then had to sit on the runway for 20 mins while a gate came open, saw Cosmic Girl roll past, that plane always makes me smile, had some great flights on her [:)]

Through immigration and bag was already there, so up to an empty revivals for eggs and salmon and one last bubbly before a taxi into town.

All in all a pretty ropey effort, some of the crew were handling things no problem, and were great at the bar, and others just got flustered and boy did it show. No chat from the FSM.

Also, when did the amenity baskets stop? Just another little touch that's hit the dust.

Sadly inconsistency has risen it's head again. I know the weather was bad and we were all struggling with staffing problems, but if VS can't produce an acceptable service in UC whatever the circumstance then pax will transfer their loyalty and cash to someone who can.

I'll leave the discussion on the service received from the lady at the bar to others!

Poor yes, but distinct circumstances. Not necessarily indicative of inconsistent service.

Does sound a bit ropey though.

Thank you for the return TR, sorry to hear it was up to the experience you had on the outbound flight.