This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
It was nice not having to drag our cases over to the TSA - I haven't travelled out of JFK in quite some time so wasn't aware of this twist. Once installed in the Clubhouse I searched all of my pockets but the card was not to be found. I resigned myself to ordering a new one upon return home. Service began immediately and was efficient and friendly. We both opted for the burger and after having eaten I made use of the internet terminals. As I did so I was paged - I reported to the Front Desk and was pleased to be informed of the fact that my card was at the Check In desk. Having established my physical presence a staff member returned to the desk to collect it for me. When he brought it back he engaged in conversation asking how long I'd been Au (really no clue so I guessed 6 years) - he informed me that at 10 years you get Gold for life. Don't think so somehow unless they've slipped that one in and not told anyone. I was torn between tipping him (for being so willing to run the errand) and not tipping him (as he was rectifying a staff oversight in not returning my card). I decided to be British and not tip but it was 50/50 - I had the notes palmed ready.
At the appointed time our flight was called and passing througfh security reasonably quickly we walked to the gate where boarding was pretty much complete. There was still overhead space so we settled in and prepared to take off. Regretfully the Captain's announcement squashed that hope. A rainstorm had started and it was wreaking havoc at the airport. We were warned to expect a 3 hour ground delay with 60+ planes before us and that at some stage we'd have to be moved off stand to make way for incoming planes. At this point the crew became lifesavers - they did multiple soft drink runs, they started taking duty free orders and they generally kept people occupied. Very early on in became apparent that the crew looking after our cabin were all going to be an absolute hoot. One particularly vivacious Scouser punctuated his deliveries with a sing song "why do we do it - because we can" whilst flouncing off exaggeratedly. We soon built up a rapport and exchanged jokes and banter as the flight progressed. One thing that did puzzle us - the plane was Madam Butterfly but the plane model in Retail Therapy was Madame Butttefly - so we queried if the plane was spelt wrong. Apparently this is oft asked so no marks for originality there.
The FSM announced - amongst other things - that it was a criminal offence to be drunk on board an aircraft so drink in moderation. I nearly hooted with derision but opted to opine later to crew that this would make the UC Bar staff accessories before the fact.
Once again the food was acceptable (though not as good as outbound) but the service more than made up for it. I chatted with some of the crew in the galley for a while before returning to my seat to sleep for a couple of hours. Whilst I was asleep we picked up a 150mph tail wind with little or no turbulence so made up some lost time. Can't say I'm a great fan of the footstools - they take too much overhead space - but the new seat is comfortable enough and the bendable head rests actually support - so that's something.
The only service aspect that was slightly annoying was the lack of enforcement of cabin toilets. PE pax were going forward to UC and Y were coming into PE.
Landing was uneventful and we deplaned around gate 21. Immigration was a zoo but Iris worked first time. Bags were off the belt quickly and we were out to face the morning traffic.
All in all two excellent flights made - as ever - by excellent crew.
