V-Flyer

Hi guys, sorry for the delay in finishing this TR off, Christmas got in the way! Hopefully its a reasonable read.

Dave


Dropped the hire car off and got the shuttle to the terminal pretty easily and quickly. Checked in and asked whether there was any possibly of a miles upgrade to UC. Told there was which was good, but then had to go for the extended faff that is a miles upgrade at the airport with the associated phone calls, additional tax payments etc..

Once that was all done, my patiently waiting colleague and I (who didn't manage to get an upgrade as for some reason he had been booked K whilst I was on an S) made our way through security (painless) and onto the Lounge.

Once booked into the lounge we settled down with some drinks, checked emails etc. Given that the Flight was delayed an hour it meant plenty of time to do nothing and relax. The Vegas lounge doesn't have much in the way of amenities but has comfy chairs and a traditional environment with dark wood panelling. Was amazed that people were bringing in Burger King drinks and food though! Also, the lounge did get quite busy for the last hour before boarding.

Priority Boarding was announced, with a Virgin rep coming up to us personally. It is quite nice to be literally 15 metres from lounge to boarding gate! Was welcomed on-board (although again not by name or any Welcome Back) and got seated in 11K. Papers and magazines were laid out on the bar for passengers to pick up. The cabin crew seemed quite busy and it was a couple of minutes before I was asked what drink I would like.

We pushed back about an hour late and took-off on the Westerly run, affording some really nice views of Vegas as we turned right to head back North East. This was my first experience in the nose of the 747 and must admit the amount of noise, vibration, and buffet on take-off is surprising, and far greater than any other aircraft I have flown in.

Further nibbles and drinks were offered after take-off but as this was a night flight, many people had already got ready in their sleepsuits and re-arranging their seats. A card was also provided for choosing breakfast options, the selection is still pretty reasonable but as people have pointed out elsewhere, NO pen is provided to fill it in with. I asked the steward and he brought back the UC pen which I made sure I kept hold of! No tray of goodies was brought round either.

For food I chose the main course of Beef Medallion followed by a white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. The former was OK but nothing special and certainly not up to the standard of other J products out there, the dessert was good.

After the food I had a glass of Port at the bar and tucked into the nibbles placed there. Had a bit of a chat with the steward before changing into the sleepsuit and returning to my freshly made bed,

Managed to get some sleep but not as many hours as I would have liked, no problems regarding noise from the bar though I think I was the only person who used it.

Was woken up for breakfast, I chose the Standard cooked English which again was OK but nothing special and the bacon was definitely tough!

Must say that the service overall was good, with the CC being pretty attentive at asking if there was anything I needed and if everything was OK.

Landed about on time into a misty Gatwick after some holding patterns in the cold December sunshine. Once landed, had a fairly long walk, as we were at one of the further gates, to immigration where there was the usual building work (this has been going on for years and never seems to have progressed!) and a massive queue. Eventually got through and picked bags up ok.

Overall a good flight with decent CC, although didnt see the FSM at all, just a shame about the usual average food and the poor airport at Gatwick.

As this was my first flight in UC in a 747 Ill take the opportunity to comment on the differences between it and the A346.

- Greater feeling of space in the 747 and the layout of the cabin gives it a higher class feel. You also get a nice view out of the cabin windows on the other side when the aircraft banks.
- Much smaller bar than the A346 with only 2 seats, not really a place for congregating as you are so close to the other UC suites
- Older IFE on the Gatwick 747s compared with V-Port on all the A346s.
- Much more noise, vibration, and airflow buffeting on take-off in the 747
- Being so far ahead of the wings, the sensations are noticeably different during medium turns such as when manoeuvring prior to landing as you get the full effect of the nose swinging.

Thanks for the TR - upgrades at the airport are always irritating but worth the effort!

Thanks for the report Glider. Agree about airport upgrades!

Thank you for the great TR.[y]

Thanks, very interesting to see how the other half lives.[y]

The A-zone in the nose of the 744 is quite unique, as you're forward of the main gear.

The other thing mentioned was the feeling in the nose while manoeuvering in turns.

Aircraft lose lift slightly in turns, and the 747 is no exception.

The nose of the 747 goes quite heavy during turns, the pilot will need to increase thrust setting or add nose-up trim to maintain a constant altitude (or a given level of climb or sink).

This, along with being at the extreme front of the aircraft, gives rise to the sensations experienced.

This trait of the 747 can, of course, work in your favour if you are actually needing to lose altitude while positioning for approach, so you would factor that in. [:D]

Mike