V-Flyer

After a great week in Las Vegas, it was time to return home. Not being a big fan of the Gatwick Fleet and because the car was at Heathrow we flew from Las Vegas to Heathrow via San Francisco. We had checked in online for both flights the previous evening at the hotel. We arrived at the United Airlines check in and used the self service machines to print off the boarding passes. Then joined the line to drop the bags, no problems here they just confirmed that we were going through to Heathrow, re-issued boarding cards – proper card instead of the paper ones from the self service machine. We were also advised that at SFO we would need to go confirm with Virgin Atlantic and show the baggage receipts. We were also advised that there could be a delay due to bad weather at SFO. Vegas was hot & sunny but SFO had low cloud and drizzle.
Security was very busy and it took us about 20 minutes to get through. We then headed towards the Gate to find somewhere to sit down. The Terminal has plenty of places to get something to eat & drink and other shops to look at. Boarding was delayed by about 30 minutes due to the weather at SFO and we had been allocated a later take off time, but they said we would have no problem making connections. The aircraft was an Airbus 320 with seats 3-3. We had secured 2 seats together next to a window at the back of the plane but we in the middle of a large group of Japanese tourists. For a small aircraft it was surprisingly comfortable with sufficient leg room. We left the Gate approximately 30 minutes late, 20 minutes later we were airborne. Headphones were free for use with the IFE and there was a free service of soft drinks. During the flight the Captain advised that the weather at SFO had improved and we should be able to land nearly on time. The flight was just under an hour and once we landed it only took 5 minutes to reach the Gate.
Once we had got off the aircraft we followed the signs for the International Terminal. It’s about a 10 minute walk but clearly signed. We went to the VS check in, the PE desk only had one person in front of us and it did not take long for us to reach the desk. The Boarding passes were re-issued and confirmed that the baggage was checked through from LAS to LHR. There was plenty of time so we visited “Burger Joint” which was fairly close to the check in, for what turned out to be a very good meal.
We then headed to security and were just about to join a very long line, when we were directed to the Priority line it was very quick. At SFO they have one of the new style body scanners; you just stand with your hands above your head and then waved through.
We found some seats fairly near to the Gate and as we sat down “Cosmic Girl” was just arriving from LHR so at least the aircraft was here. We had time to visit the duty free and other shops to spend the last few dollars.
Boarding started about 1600 and it did not take us very long to board and take our seats (33H & 33K). Shortly after taking our seats we were offered a glass of bubbly which we gladly accepted.
Left the Gate at 1645 and we were airborne 20 minutes later, after takeoff flew over the City with good views of the Golden Gate Bridge before heading northeast. We were advised of a flight time of about 9 hours 40 minutes with Heathrow being very cold.
The hot towels appeared shortly followed by the menus and headphone for use with V-Port. Not long until the drink service and then the meal. The meal consisted of a smoked salmon salad, main course was a choice of roast beef with horseradish sauce, potato gratin & vegetables, chilli chicken with rice or a Mediterranean style bake tofu. Served with warm bread rolls, cream pastry and cheese & biscuits. We both had the beef which was great. The meal was followed with the choice of tea or coffee and then a glass of Baileys or Brandy.
Once everything had been cleared away the lights were dimmed for those who wanted to sleep. I watched a film on the V-Port before falling asleep. The PE seats are quite comfortable on a long flight and I was able to sleep ok for a few hours. Throughout the flight water/orange juice was available as the cabin crew made sure everyone was comfortable.
Breakfast was served as we flew over a very cold Scotland with snow visible on the mountains! For breakfast I had a ham & cheese bagel which was really good followed by some fruit. On previous flights the breakfast has been nothing special, so a definite improvement here! The captain advised that Heathrow as cold and clear at 4 degrees C – it was 30 degrees C when we left! The cabin was secured as we flew over Manchester. We flew over north London (Wembley stadium was clearly visible) before flying over London and landing at Heathrow 9 hours and 35 minutes after leaving SFO. It only took about 10 minutes to get to the Gate. After Passport Control and baggage collection we were outside a very cold Heathrow waiting for the bus to go and collect the car.
As with the outward flight, very good cabin crew made it a very enjoyable and relaxing flight. In my opinion, Virgin have a great product in PE. Already looking forward to planning the next trip!

Thanks for the TR, seems like a good flight. I'll be on VS20 in a few weeks, hope mine's as good.

Thanks for the TR

It does seem as though the PE experience was up to par and provided the price is right, then well worth the money against BA

buns

buns wrote:Thanks for the TR

It does seem as though the PE experience was up to par and provided the price is right, then well worth the money against BA

buns

Thanks. A friend of mine who recently travelled PE with BA said it was no different from Economy but with extra legroom.
So far, every PE flight we have done with Virgin has been an experience to remember. Provided the price remains sensible, we’ll travel Virgin PE whenever we can.

Thanks for the TR - looks like another flight where VS came up trumps!

Thank you for the TR, glad you had a good flight.