V-Flyer

After the coldest December trip to Naples, Fl I can ever remember it was time to return home to an even colder climate. We got a lot of flak from friends at home who laughed at our claims of a cold spell and I realise that our unseasonal weather was nowhere as bad as the UK suffered but it did impact on our trip. Mr Avalon is notoriously 'careful' when it comes to putting on the central heating in this country, so much so, that I have had a superduper, programmabe, electronic thermostat installed that he has not worked out yet and so the house is warm. However, it was cold enough that he actually put the heating on in our Florida home - the first time ever! One thing I could not get my head around was why ALL the restaurants still had their a/c on full - even when it was 55 degrees outside. At times it was warmer outside than in which you expect in the warmer weather but not when its cold outside. However, I digress.

Our driver came to take us back to Miami - he had just seen Avatar but had not thought it worth paying the extra to see it in 3D and said he could not see what the hype was all about. We had seen it and I must admit that I was dreading it, not my cup of tea at all, but it was incredible. The sfx were something that has to be seen to understand what the hype is all about. Sorry off topic again[:I]

Check in was painless, friendly and quick. We were wondering what to expect at Miami with the recent security events but were bemused to experience the shortest lines, fastest security ever. I think we were no more than about 5 minutes in the security area and then we were in the lounge at Miami. The only issue we had was a very loud DYKWIA who pushed in front of us at the scanner - they only saw Miss Avalon initially and they had decided they were older and more worthy than her, before they saw she was not alone. There is no point in causing any fuss at security so they got away with it and I fully expected to see them in the lounge throwing their weight around. Imagine my sheer delight when I saw them downstairs and overheard Mrs DYKWIA berating her downtrodden husband that he should have upgraded to PE. It was easily worth being queue jumped.

I know many people don't like this lounge, but it is a haven away from the general scrum and it is far superior to the previous landside lounge. There was some hot soup - some sort of vegetable and the sandwiches were replenished regularly. The lounge was very busy - I think the early BA flight had been severely delayed and the pax from later BA flight were also in the lounge.

We settled into a corner, helped ourselves to some drinks and sandwiches and were chatting when we were approached by a passenger from the BA flight that had been delayed. She wanted to know whether we thought Virgin was better than BA - and before we knew it, there were about four or five groups all chatting to one another as if we were life long friends.

We were called on time and said goodbye to our new found friends and made our way to the gate. I later discovered that the later BA flight ended up at Prestwick and I dont know where the earlier flight ended up but it was not Heathrow.

We settled into our seats and our CC was a very helpful gentleman who like our previous flight went over and above to ensure that we had everything we needed. It was a busy flight and I asked if it was possible for an extra pillow and almost at once one was produced.

We had pre flights drinks, I got changed into my own pjs and put my clothes in the wardrobe - I know where it is now[y]. Take off was smooth and there was no delay.

Almost immediately we were offered drinks and nibbles - crisps, no olives any more and our dinner order was taken. I have to apologise but I dont remember the menu and in any case just had the soup and some cheese. Mr Avalon again enjoyed his dinner, in spite of soup and sandwiches in the lounge. Miss A who was determined to party the following night settled down to sleep so that she would be allowed out. Sadly for her the snow put an end to her partying.

There seemed to be an issue with AVOD and it was started once or twice before it ran smoothly. I gave up on it but I was tired by this point and settled down to sleep - there was no sign of the basket of goodies and also the FSM was not too visible BUT the crew were fantastic in spite of him not being very visible. I do remember that it was a male FSM but dont think I saw him once.

I slept quite well and by the time I was properly awake breakfast had finished. No matter, I went to the bar to get a cup of tea - possibly the worst cup of tea I have ever suffered! Then it was time to get dressed and settle back into the seat to prepare for landing.

This flight was not too turbulent this time, but it was a very quick flight, something over 7 1/2 hours which is pretty quick.

Landing was quite amazing. We looked out of the window to see a completely white UK. I took a couple of pictures on my blackberry but have no idea how to post them on here.

Landing was smooth and we had to wait to get to our stand. Once we deplaned it was the usual trek to immigration where another surprise awaited us.

The immigration hall was totally empty. No-one at all apart from the Immigration Officials. We made our way to an officer who was joking and laughing with us saying how quiet it had been all morning!

We later discovered that our flight was one of only a few that landed at Heathrow that morning.

The cases came through quickly and we made our way to meet our driver this end.

The journey was interesting - the roads were very icy and it was not the usual quick ride we are used to. However, all was forgiven when our driver offered to take me to collect my beloved dogs from the kennel as he knew how neurotic I am about driving in the snow.

All in all we had two really good flights, especially due to the
crew.

Whilst the lack of the basket did not impact on our enjoyment of the flight, you do need to be aware that you will not receive the usual/expected Business class amenity kit - well I think you do.

Thank you for reading.

Avalon

Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable TR[y][y]

I too was in the so called 'sunshine' State at the turn of the year and found it the coldest I have ever experienced - in fact by the Saturday after you left it actually snowed in northern Tampa[:0]

It is so nice when a DYKWIA is put in their place and don't realise it [}:)][}:)]

Your TR bears out the recent trend of CC providing an excellent service and I have to say, from a personal standpoint, I have noticed more consistency.

Given all the dire weather that week, I am sure you were glad to get home after your flight

buns

Loved the TR and the KYKWIA put down. I love having a good gossip in the lounge with complete strangers - the time passes so much quicker.

Thanks for the TR, good to hear once again another positive TR on the crew front, fingers crossed (again!) that it is going to continue that way.

Thank you for the TR, loved the DYKWIA put down.[:D]

US restaurants and A/C.

1. Keep it cold - customers eat more.
2. Makes it comfortable for the staff.

In the land of usually great service this is one glaring issue.

quote:Originally posted by napamatt
US restaurants and A/C.

1. Keep it cold - customers eat more.
2. Makes it comfortable for the staff.

In the land of usually great service this is one glaring issue.


The US do it the other way around in their gyms, they keep them warm so they are comfortable for staff but those working out hard are dripping in sweat within minutes. [ii]

Thank you for your thorough and enjoyable report. I am glad to know your experiences with the VS crew were positive.

Now, as to the absence of a proper amenity kit -- well, that's a debate that may continue to eternity!

Thanks again for your report.

Chuck-