VS016 MCO-LGW 7 JUN 10 (Premium Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

The first flight in Premium in a very long time and it started OK with a very quick checkin at Downtown Disney. I managed to secure up the stairs (at least) so it was probably the best it was going to be, unless the magical bleep came or the "report to the desk for a message" was heard. To be honest, having kept an eye on expertflyer, it looked like the flight was jammed full and so unlikely to happen.

The airport was pretty busy, but the car was soon deposited back to Dollar - a Ford Escape that entered service in April with only 4000 miles on the speedo, which interestingly pinged up a warning on the guys machine that it was to be taken off hire when it reached 6000 miles. I wonder if the days of the 40000 mile rental car are gone. Either that or its part of the deal with Ford. (Dollar seem to have a huge Ford fleet now compared to a Chrysler fleet a few years ago)

Anway, the lounge was pretty quiet and we soon made our way to the gate - as reported earlier, they seem to be getting their act together in the duty free as you can now get liquids sealed for onward flights - either that or the sales have fallen off a cliff.

After being directed to the wrong seats downstairs (and a mild panic attack) we made our way upstairs to find a cabin that would soon be full (with plenty of kids)

The food was OK with a choice of Salmon, Chicken, or Tortellini Pasta with the usual flowery descriptions. I had the salmon which was fine, if a little on the small size. The brandy/bailey round followed and then a reset of the IFE as many screens had frozen, lights were stuck on etc. The cabin remained pretty cold, so I dont know if this was another problem.

The FSM made a fleeting appearence, but no Gold acknowledgement other than when boarding, when I was asked by groundstaff if I was 009.

The only shut eye that I got was when the breakfast was brought round, so I can't comment on what was served. We arrived pretty early but waited an age for the bags. I think, as I said in another thread, that the problem with the bags is caused at the downtown disney check-in. They don't seem to be loaded as priority, even though they are tagged as such.

Overall the flight rated as OK. It was a little pricey which that was due to the lateness in booking, but the planes are really desperately needing their refit. The seats upstairs are still very comfy, but with footrests not staying up, small screens and only average IFE, they are probably getting to the end of their (interior) life cycle.

We all await the new fleet with its yet unknown enhancements with baited breath.

Both flights were full to bursting (although Orlando itself seemed pretty quiet). With the new passengers gained from BA adding to the already busy route (LGW-MCO) now receiving a "b" rated experience compared to a few years ago, linked to pretty premium prices of late (sale fares excluded), it will be interesting to see if Virgins customer base stays intact before the LGW fleet is refurbed / renewed.

thanks for reading

David

[buns]

David

Thanks for an interesting TR

Firstly, your comment about Dollar; now that they have lost an awful lot of VS business, they are most probably reflecting on their decison to hold on to the Dodge/Chrysler fleet for as long as they did and if they have moved to Fords (and keeping them new) tht cannot be a bad thing.

As regards to Virgin, whilst the PE product is , IMHO, far better to that in WT+, Virgin still has to work at meeting expectations on the LGW / MCO routes, and they cannot rely on BA going to the wall and not having any competition in the future

Fianlly, thanks for the Downtown Disney advice - it will save many a folk fretting at Gatwick or Manchester Just realise, the bags will come off last

buns

Thanks for the trip report.

One question. How many of you were flying? I ask becuase you mentioned the lounge (Delta Lounge I guess). When we came back in April (flew out J but back Y ) there were 3 of us and as an Au they said I could only take in one guest - I did contemplate leaving Miss S outside, but thought better of it !

I know 'rules are rules' but this still rankles with me.

[Decker]

It's an age old argument spiceke and the person who is refused the extra always dislikes it. But if one person is allowed an extra then all people should be allowed an extra. So three becomes standard. But then the person with two children wants to bring in just one extra and so it goes...

Thanks for the trip report.

One question. How many of you were flying? I ask becuase you mentioned the lounge (Delta Lounge I guess).

Just the two of us so no problems. In the past when travelling alone (in Upper and as Gold) the girls on the desk in the delta lounge have telephoned Virgin to check I was allowed to bring in a guest because the invite only had my name on it and not the "+1"

I do agree with Decker though, but think there should be some kind of mechanism to allow you to pay a small amount for admission when children are involved if there is space available.

It wouldn't cause them too many problems and it might make some of their frequent fliers feel a little more valued.

David

Firstly, your comment about Dollar; now that they have lost an awful lot of VS business, they are most probably reflecting on their decison to hold on to the Dodge/Chrysler fleet for as long as they did and if they have moved to Fords (and keeping them new) tht cannot be a bad thing.

buns

Hi Buns,

Should have added that the pick up process has changed in January for Dollar Express. The desk (for express customers) is now based across the road in the garage to the left of the entrance with express cars literally just a few feet away, all marked as "VIP Hold" and certainly since oct, they have been virtually new so a very handy enhancement to their services. (even without the miles now)

David

Thank you for the great TR.